A/N: I made a promise to my readers that I would warn ahead of time if the story took a dive into the darkness. This story is rated M for a reason. This is not intended for kids. You have been warned.
"I love you too." Elsa whispered out as she closed her eyes again. Maren sat in shock at her words. I promised to get Anna. She leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Sleep love, I'll be back soon." She whispered as she stood to leave the room Elsa's hand grabbed hers. "Please don't leave me." Maren smiled. "I'm just going to get Anna. I'll be back in just a moment." Maren leaned down to kiss the winter spirit softly before turning out of the room.
Maren knocked on Anna's room waiting for a reply. "I'm busy at the moment doing paperwork." Anna said through the door. "Anna, Elsa is awake." Maren smiled as the fiery queen burst through the door and ran down the hall. Well I guess she can rest later. Maren lightly chuckled and walked towards Elsa's room. Anna stood at the door looking in and looked back at Maren in question. "What's wrong Anna?" Anna cocked her head and pointed. "Where's she at?" Anna asked with concern. Maren walked in the room and her heart sank. "She was here less than five minutes ago." Maren walked in to check the balcony with Anna following close behind her. "What are you looking for?" Elsa asked, causing the two women to jump. "What are you doing out of bed?" Maren glared. Anna wrapped her arms around her sister and breathed in a sigh of relief. "I thought I lost you. Again." Elsa flinched lightly enough that Anna didn't notice but Honeymaren did. "I'm fine. The wounds I received have mostly healed because that elixir they used drained out of my system." Elsa tried to calm her little sister. "See." Elsa continued as she lifted the loose fitting shirt she had on. What was a large stitched gash was now just an angry red scar. "That is fantastic Elsa, but Maren is right. You still need to rest." Anna said as she walked towards the door. "I'll check on you later this afternoon. I have a ton of paperwork to catch up on from the last few days."
Maren closed the door behind Anna before turning around. "What's wrong?" She asked as Elsa turned towards her. "I am relieved to put the last few days behind me, but I am still really upset with her for being so callus." Elsa walked over to sit on the bed. "I want to go home." She quietly said looking down. Maren smiled and walked over to sit next to her girlfriend. "I do too, but you and I both know that if we leave now it will cause more harm than good." She said as she slid her arm behind Elsa to pull her closer. Elsa shivered slightly at the contact. "I'm sorry I said I agreed to marry Iver. I know it must have pained you to see that." Elsa said as a tear fell. "You did what was needed to save Anna. Even if you're upset with her; she is still your sister, and you love her." Maren said as she rubbed the winter spirits back lightly. "How about I go get some hot water for a bath for you. I know it's not as good as the hot springs back at home but..." Maren shrugged as she went to get the tub ready in the washroom.
Elsa walked into the washroom and smiled at the tub. It feels like it's been forever since I had a proper bath. She mused as she fidgeted in anticipation. Maren took notice of the look on the winter spirit's face, "I can wait outside if you'd rather." Maren looked down as she bit her lip. Elsa's eyes softened, "I'm not afraid to have you in here. If anything it would make me feel more safe." She smiled as she pulled off the top she had had. Maren couldn't help but see the dainty queen even more so as she gave her hand to Elsa to steady her step into the washtub. I can see her ribs and her hips are protruding even more than normal. Maren's thoughts were stopped when she heard Elsa speak. "I'm really glad you are here." Elsa quietly said as she lowered into the water to cleanse herself of everything. Maren smiled and held her hand over the washtub holding the queen's hand. "I've missed you. It feels like years since we were last home." Maren softly laughed as she looked over to see Elsa had only her eyes poking out of the water. After a few minutes, Elsa popped her head out of the water with her cheeks puffed out. "What are you doing?" Maren asked as she took note of the mischievous look that ran across the queens face and let go of Elsa's hand. Water streamed from the queen's mouth hitting Maren right between the eyes. She laughed as the Northuldran's mouth opened in shock. "That's not very ladylike of you." Maren grumbled with a smile as she wiped her face with her sleeve as the queen let out a hearty laugh. "It was well worth it." She said with a smile as she started to lather soap her hands, reaching up to wash her white blonde hair. Maren was captivated as the queen let out a moan of content.
Maren yawned as she helped the winter spirit out of her bath and into some fresh night clothing. Elsa's forehead furrowed, "You're exhausted." She said as she cupped the Northuldran's face. Maren leaned into the touch and smiled. "I haven't slept really since the night you were taken." She yawned again. Elsa pulled Maren's hand and led her to the bed. "Then you need to rest too. It's not fair that only you worry about me." She frowned. Maren smiled and crawled into the soft bed and held her hand out for Elsa to join her. Elsa laid in the bed and scooted to feel the warmth of her Northuldran, sighing as the woodsy earthy smell invaded her nose. "You smell good." Elsa groggily said as Maren lightly chuckled. Maren protectively wrapped her arm around the winter spirit, kissing the top of her head. "Sleep well, my love." Elsa smiled, "I don't deserve you." She whispered as her world fell away. Maren pulled her closer letting the lull of sleep pull her away without noticing the shadowy figure quietly move from behind the changing screen.
A/N: I know this chapter took a little long to get out, but this is a crazy week for me. My nephew is turning 11 and work is kicking my butt. I will try to get another chapter out by tomorrow. I absolutely loved the feedback from the last chapter, and you guys are very astute in your musings. I'll let you figure out why I say that. Many questions still to be answered. How will Anna handle herself going forward? What will happen between her and Elsa? Where did Jakob go? What's Iver's fate? See you guys soon!