CHAPTER TEN: ANGEL OF DEATH
As Elsa, Kristoff, Joseph and Ayla left in Kristoff's wagon. Anna, Aesir and Kai waved goodbye. Anna turned to Kai with immense enthusiasm, "Okay, Kai. What work needs to be done today? Just say the word and it's as good as done. I was born ready!"
"Calm down," Aesir said, holding her shoulders still from behind.
"Although I admire your devotion to the royal matters and the wellbeing of this Kingdom, Princess Anna, Queen Elsa already completed today's work. I'll make sure to bring any documents to her desk in the office. Check there every morning. Citizens only come before the Queen on Tuesdays, so she'll be back beforehand. Other than the paper work, there's nothing to do."
Anna seemed hurt. "There's nothing? Kai, think. There has to be something Elsa needs done. Anything!"
"I'm afraid not. If anything at all pops up, I'll report it to you immediately, Princess Anna," Kai answered. It bothered him to crush Princess Anna's desire to help her sister. As long as he has known her, Princess Anna was always by her sister's right hand, ready to pounce on anything that came her elder sister's way. Nothing gave her greater pleasure than being useful to Queen Elsa and the kingdom. Kai left to continue his duties as the palace steward.
"You hear that, Anna? You get to relax today," Aesir commented before looking down at Anna who had disappointment across her face and her arms folded. He drew closer to her when he noticed her eyes swelling with tears. "Hey, there. Why are crying for? Did you hear Kai? You get to take it easy this weekend."
Anna looked up at him with teary eyes, "Don't you see, Aesir? That's all I ever do. Before the Coronation, Elsa shut me out of her life, afraid to hurt me again. When she and Kristoff began spending more time together, for the first time in forever, I was able to help Elsa. Helping her with anything gave me purpose and helped us reconnect. I NEVER felt more closer to her than when I was helping her bear the weight of the throne. However, since Kristoff is now King, Elsa has no use for me anymore. I'm nothing more than just the spare!" Anna began walking off, but Aesir pulled her back into his arms and planted a tender kiss on her lips, holding her gently in his arms. She returned his kisses as tears rolled down her cheeks. He pulled away and wiped her face with his hands.
"You listen to me and you listen good. You are more than just the spare. Arendelle is peaceful and prosperous because it has you, Elsa and Kristoff all looking out for it. You are already doing your duty. Since there's nothing that requires your attention, take this time to relax," Aesir said, cupping her sad face.
Anna heard him, but she was too full of passion and energy to just relax. She wanted to be productive and useful. "I can't relax. I want to do something, Aesir. I'm too hyper and wound up."
Aesir knew exactly what she meant. He could literally feel the boundless energy pouring out of her tense muscles. She wanted to work and accomplish something but there wasn't anything he could think of. A thought came to her and she blushed and bit her lower lip as she looked up at Aesir with a longing look. "Aesir, I-"
Aesir knew exactly where this was going and pulled away. "We shouldn't, Anna. Elsa is trusting us to keep this kingdom running, not fool around. Let's go around the kingdom and try to find a need."
"I do that every day. Elsa has this kingdom running so smoothly, there's not a want in all of Arendelle," Anna said. It was amazing how much Elsa was able to do for this kingdom. She was doing so well without her that it depressed Anna all the more. "Please, Aesir. I need a distraction."
Aesir opened his mouth to turn her down and suggest something else, but Anna took the opportunity and pulled him by the collar of his Royal Guard uniform and kissed him with such desperate passion. The energy Anna needed to expel through helping Elsa was eating her up and this was the only way she knew how to keep it in check.
Aesir gave up. He pulled away and smiled, "Okay, Feisty Pants. Where this time?"
Anna desperately began looking around the courtyard, recalling all the times and places they hid during one of their secret meetings. Stables? No. Royal Garden? No. Ice Palace? No, Elsa, almost caught us. Secret passages in the palace? No. The library? No, Kai and Gerda almost caught us. My bedroom? Elsa would kill me if she knew I brought Aesir into my room. So what?! Why does she care?! She has Kristoff! It's my turn!
"Come with me," Anna commanded boldly, leading him by the hand, careful no one catches them.
Aesir stops firmly when he saw she was guiding him into her room. They made out plenty of times, but indulging in one's lustful desire's in a woman's bedroom seemed far more serious to Aesir. A woman's bedroom was her sacred, private place. "I don't think this is a good idea, Anna. Are you REALLY sure about this? This is your private space."
Anna looked around her room, while still holding his hand with both of her's. She had almost everything a princess could need, except…
Anna nodded at Aesir and Aesir felt the nagging weight on his shoulders lift. Okay, Princess Anna, he smiled before entering lifting her into his arms and her legs wrapping around his waist. He kicked the door close behind him.
As Aesir carried her over to her bed, Anna prepared for what they were about to do. They only kissed before, but something inside was wanting more. Did Aesir feel the same way as she did in that moment? Anna's eyes widened from surprise when he tossed her onto the bed. She looked up at him as he removed his boots, his belt that held his sword at his waist and his top, exposing his lean, ripped physique. Her eyes were drawn to the scar on his abs where his wound healed nicely. Her fingers grazed it after he climbed on top of her and stroke her face. "I was so scared that day. The thought of losing you-"
"I came back to you. I'll always come back to you. A thousand armies couldn't keep me away from you, Anna. I love you," Aesir spoke softly as he drew near her lips. Anna let go of whatever was bothering her, forcing herself to only focus on Aesir in that intimate moment they were sharing. His taste. His scent. The feeling of his lean, ripped body as he hands traveled all over him. The rest of the world and everyone in it seemed to melt away as she lost herself in Aesir and the trembling sensation caused by his lips as it met her skin. As far as she was concerned, nothing else mattered. Just Aesir.
(YMIR'S LODGE)
Kristoff carried a bag into their room, followed by Henrik and Ella who were helping by carrying the other stuff. Since Kristoff and Elsa gave advance notice this time, they got a bigger room meant for couples. It was nicer and had a larger mattress than the one Kristoff and Elsa shared years ago. Kristoff whistled at how nice it looked. He noticed the wallpaper. Snowflakes? He glanced back at Henrik and Ella who were smiling.
"We made this room yours and Elsa's. We were so embarrassed that the Queen of Arendelle had to sleep in such a terrible room, that we fixed this one up for when you two ever returned, but-" Ella explained.
"The Great King and Queen ghosted us for the next few years," Henrik interrupted, taking another jab at their absence.
Kristoff gave him a smile, "Henrik, how long are you going to hold that against me and Elsa?"
"Until the day I die. After that, I'm going to haunt the palace to your grave," Henrik laughed.
"I just became King and Elsa was pregnant. Surely you can be lenient with us. There's a lot that goes into running the kingdom," Kristoff explained, because Henrik's jabs were getting old and Henrik knew it. Why else would he keep saying it?
"Yeah. Yeah. Yeah," Henrik chuckled as he walked out.
Ella looked back at Kristoff, "Don't mind him, Kristoff. He likes upsetting you. Just ignore him and the jokes will cease."
Kristoff smiled at her, "I better help with Ayla's things."
"You don't have to. It looks like Erik and Joseph are on the job," Ella giggled and Kristoff went to the door way to watch. All the adults watched as the young prince dragged Ayla's bag of clothes slowly to her room, groaning from the strain. Elsa and Ayla were forced to walk slow behind.
Erik was behind them all, getting impatient, "Hey, kid! You need a hand?"
"Touch the bag and you die," Joseph yelled back. Erik sighed and Elsa and Ayla both giggled. When Elsa got close enough to Kristoff, he whispered, "Did he carry that up the stairs?"
Elsa smiled and nodded, "Hmm-mm. He wanted to be big and strong like his Daddy." This made Kristoff smile
Finally, Joseph got Ayla's bag to her room, which was right next to Elsa's and Kristoff's but was a single's room. He fell onto the carpet exhausted and panting heavily. Elsa giggled as she came over to him, "My poor little soldier."
"Did you see that, Mama? I carried it all myself," Joseph bragged with a proud smile.
"I see that," Elsa smiled motherly, picking him up into her arms.
"Thanks, Your Majesty. That bag was SO heavy for me to lift. Here's a token of my gratitude," Ayla handed him a royal coin, which made his little face light up like the sun.
"Look, Mama," Joseph grabbed it and showed it to his mother.
"Who's on it?"
"Mama!"
"Who's on the other side?"
"Papa!"
"What do you tell Ayla?"
"Thank you, Paint lady!" Joseph said and the two women giggled at her nickname.
Erik cleared his throat, "Where do you want these canvases?" Elsa put Joseph down so he could show the coin to his father.
Ayla, once happy now was instantly annoyed. You're still here? "I'll take them," she replied, rudely and taking them.
"Okay…Your hyenine," Erik muttered as he left and Ayla scowled him. I hate him! She immediately lost the scowl when she noticed Elsa looking at her.
"He's something," Elsa commented.
Ayla replied, "Oh, he's something alright. He's a jerk. A big stinky jerk."
"Oh, Ayla. He was just trying to help you," Elsa giggled.
"No thanks to you," Ayla muttered and Elsa heard. She was still upset that Elsa and who knows who else was trying to fix her up with another man. She didn't need help and didn't like being pushed to like another man after she just confessed her feelings for Aesir. She didn't want to put herself through that again.
"What was that?" Elsa asked.
Ayla turned red from embarrassment, "Nothing, Your Majesty."
Elsa took her hand, "I'm glad you came. Kristoff and I had fun coming here years ago. I believe you'll have fun too. I know you aren't used to these people, but I assure you they are very good friends. Give them a chance. They might surprise you."
Ayla nodded. Elsa smiled and left to rejoin the others. It has been so long she got to hang out with Ella and the other wives. She wanted to enjoy every moment she could. When she reached the bottom of the stairs, someone yelled, "Queen Elsa, look out!" Before she could react, one of the young harvesters carrying a mug of meade bumped her hard and spilled his drink all over her.
"WHAT THE HELL?!" an angry voice yelled. She looked up. It was Daniel, the young harvester who Kristoff said was loud and rude. When he noticed her, the color left his face and his eyes widened with horror. The entire room was silent. Kristoff was about to come over and help her, but he stopped when she held up her hand to halt him. This was the same harvester who caused a fight that morning, so Elsa had a cruel idea. She took a deep breath with closed eyes as if suppressing great anger. That just made Daniel shake even more. Elsa began scowling him very harshly. The air around her moved as she began to glow a bright blue with her icy magic. Her eyes glowed bright before everyone. She suddenly went to normal when she heard and smelled something hitting the floor. At his feet a puddle of urine gathered. "Please don't be scared. I was just joking."
Everyone began laughing, realizing she was just messing with him. "Good one, Your Majesty."
Daniel left, embarrassed he just pissed himself. Kristoff smiled, coming over with Henrik and Ella and helping her to a stool so they could help wipe the crude beverage off her. "Oh, Your Majesty. You should change. I'll clean your dress before that stain sets it."
"Don't worry. I got," Elsa replied, using her magic to remove the liquid from her dress and face and turned it into a ball of frozen mead midair and catching it in her hand.
Everyone there was impressed which made Elsa surprised. Kristoff already saw her do that before, but it was always fun to watch.
"Is there no end to power of Queen Elsa?!" Henrik yelled and everyone cheered.
"That's nothing," Kristoff said, "You should see her other tricks."
Elsa gave him a look and the room immediately erupted in interest.
"Show us, Queen Elsa."
"Your magic is beautiful."
Elsa halted them, "Why don't we save it for after supper when it dark out? I promise it'll look much better."
Ayla who heard the commotion and watched from upstairs, but she didn't feel comfortable being around a bunch of strangers. She was becoming more anxious. I need to paint. Maybe I can sneak past them. She grabbed her things and snuck her way to the front door. Erik was in her way. He noticed the look she gave him as she passed and followed. She set up on the docks and began painting the beautiful landscape. She noticed that the few guards were already set up up. Their tents were ready and were on patrol. Others patrolled around the building and Captain Halden went inside to keep an eye on the family. Erik cautiously approached her and watched her effortlessly create realistic detail on her canvas. "Wow, you're very talented."
Ayla jumped. "What do YOU want?" she demanded angrily.
Erik sighed, "Listen, I wanted to apologize. About earlier with the brushes. I didn't mean to make you cry-"
"I wasn't crying," Ayla corrected, going back to her painting to pretend he wasn't there but it seemed very pointless and distracting since he kept talking.
"Yeah, I think you were. What I'm trying to say is…I'm sorry. I'd really like to start over and be friends," Erik said, holding out a hand of truce for her to shake. She stared at it before looking away, feeling suddenly shy and warm inside.
Erik sighed again. He wasn't going to give up on making nice with her. He hated having bad relations with anyone so he always acted friendly with people…until this one. She definitely had an attitude, but he was to blame for that. He grabbed his fishing gear and purposely sat in the line of sight of her composition and began fishing.
This angered Ayla. "Excuse me? You're in my composition."
Erik ignored her, which upset her even more. She walked over with clenched fists. She stopped by his side and yelled, "Go away!"
Erik looked up at her and asked casually, "I'm sorry. You say something?"
"Leave. I don't want to paint you. Only a landscape," she insisted.
"So just pretend I'm not here. You need the practice," Erik argued back.
"No. You leave. I was here first," Ayla demanded.
"Wrong. I was here before you and the Royal family arrived," Erik corrected.
"It's not what I meant."
"It's what you said."
Ayla took his hat and began slapping him with it, "I said go away. Go away."
"Hey. If you don't stop that, I'll throw you in the lake," Erik threatened, shielding himself with his arms.
"You don't have the balls, you stinky Harvester!" she yelled and Erik immediately grabbed her and threw her in the water. He immediately regretted his actions and shock covered his face. She sat in water and looked at him with shock he actually did it. She suddenly exploded with fury and tried to get up but kept falling over in the wet sandy shore she sat on. Feeling guilty, he rushed over to help her up but fell on her, getting her more wet. Between her screaming and him apologizing over and over, Elsa heard the ruckus and went out to help. "Ayla? Erik? What are you two doing in the water?"
Erik got better footing and helped Ayla to her feet. Erik blushed seeing how her dress hugged her body since it was wet and Ayla blushed looking up at him and noticed she was touching him and pushed away from him to get to Elsa.
"What happened?" Elsa asked.
"I-" Eric was about to confess to throwing her in the water, but Ayla interrupted, "I fell. Erik was being a gentleman and trying to help me out."
Elsa looked at Erik and smiled, "Thank you, Eric. You should go inside and clean up. I'll tend to Ayla."
Elsa got in Ayla's way, seeing how indecent the wet dress made her look. When Erik was gone, she turned back to Ayla who looked like she was crying. "This dress was a gift from Grandmother before she passed away. It doesn't agree with water. It was the last thing I had to remember her and now its ruined."
Elsa focused on the moisture in Ayla's dress and used her magic to draw out every bit of liquid, hoping to save her dress before the moisture could ruin the material of the dress, which shrinks when wet. Luckily, she worked quickly enough. "There," Elsa said with a smile.
Overjoyed, Ayla hugged Elsa, "Thank you, Elsa. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." Elsa was startled by Ayla's firm embrace but was happy when Ayla was able to say her name, abandoning her usual formality. "You're welcome. Just don't aggravate Erik again so he won't throw you in again."
Ayla pulled away red, "What? He didn't- I don't know what you-"
Elsa giggled, keeping it a secret she saw her leave and watched the whole thing from the window. It was strange seeing the timid, shy Ayla get all fiery and feisty like that. Maybe it was a good thing that Erik could bring that out of her. There may be hope for them yet. "What are you painting?"
Ayla returned to normal and quickly guided her to her work and Elsa was impressed. "That's beautiful, Ayla."
"The calm lake needs something though to make it less…boring," Ayla thought out loud.
Being a sculptor of ice, Elsa could understand what Ayla meant on a creative level, "I see what you mean, but what would help the composition?"
Ayla thought hard and a light bulb went on over her head when she saw Elsa. "You!"
"Me?"
Ayla smiled, "Yeah. Add some ice to your dress. The sunlight bouncing off it will make you sparkle. Can you stand on the water using your magic? I heard stories."
Elsa smiled and stepped onto the water, freezing the liquid right below her feet and went to the spot Ayla chose and created ice on her dress. "What kind of pose should I do?" Elsa asked.
"No sure. Just think 'Beautiful Ice Goddess'," Ayla vaguely instructed, but it made Elsa laugh lightly.
"How's this?" Elsa asked, striking a pose she remembered from a painting of a Greek goddess. The pose could be described as different things, all of which traveled through Ayla's thoughts. Breathtaking. Beautiful. Majestic. Powerful. Confident. Divine.
"Perfect! Don't move," Ayla said, quickly capturing the scene of Elsa standing on the water, her dress sparkling in the sun.
Elsa snuck a glance of Ayla painting on the docks with the same passion as yesterday morning. She wasn't angry or flustered because of Erik, but was consumed with pure joy. This made Elsa smile, knowing Ayla was happy. Elsa let her eyes examine the scenery, taking all the beauty nature had to offer. Before she knew it, Ayla finished. "Wow." Ayla's shocked face was Elsa's cue that she finished and went up to the docks.
"It's perfect, Ayla," Elsa commented, put her hand on her shoulder. "You have an incredible gift to capture the beauty of this world. That's something I could never do. You're one of a kind."
"Thanks, but…what if you can? I can teach you," Ayla offered.
"Oh, I don't think I could ever learn," Elsa replied. Her a painter?
"If I can learn, so can you," Ayla encouraged.
"Okay. Where do I start?" Elsa smiled. Ayla rushed inside and got her second canvas before rushing back outside and setting up on the easel and preparing her pallet of paint. She spoke to Elsa, her friend, everything she learned about painting. How to mix colors. Toning the canvas. Using the brush to measure your subject. Warm colors and cold colors. Ayla had so much to teach and Elsa had the patience to take in all the knowledge Ayla was sharing. Elsa was enjoying this time with Ayla. When they first met, she was afraid Ayla was only being friendly out of obligation, that Ayla wasn't real friend. However, this time spent with her made that fear fade away and her friendship with the commoner Ayla more real and true.
A few hours later, they took a break from painting and just sat on the docks with their bare feet dangling in the water. Elsa was wondering about something and asked, "Was the tour of the palace everything you thought it would be?"
"No. It was better and bigger that what I could've imagined," Ayla replied. "Why did you do it though? Why would the Queen of Arendelle care about the dreams of a mere commoner girl like me?"
"I did it because it was your dream," Elsa requested, "My motivation as Queen is to ensure my people are happy."
"It was the happiest day of my life and you know who else is happy because of you? My Grandfather, Ugar and his family. Our neighbor rushed over after you left the party. For us commoners, nobody has ever heard of a king or queen just coming over to a commoner home and giving so much, and then hanging out. Let alone the Ice Queen herself. Everyone and the neighbors still talk about it. To all of us, you're like a goddess visiting mortals for the first time."
The comparison made Elsa laugh. She had no idea people idolized her that much. "A goddess? Really? Sorry to disappoint, but I'm flesh and bone, just like the rest of you. I've always strived to be the perfect queen since the people of Arendelle adored my parents yet were hesitant to receive me after they learned I had magic. Sometimes I kept wondering if they still felt that way. Thank you, Ayla, for sharing what they really think of me." Elsa gave a friendly peck on Ayla's cheek, which shocked Ayla at first but she smiled. "Thank you for being my friend."
Kristoff came out, "Ella wanted me to let you two know that lunch is about served. I think the wives inside are eager to speak with you again." Elsa stood and helped Ayla up as well.
"Come, I'll introduce you, Ayla. You'll really like them." Elsa promised and guided Ayla by the hand inside. As they entered, Ayla was starting to feel anxious again. Kristoff picked up Joseph as Elsa introduced, "Everyone? I would like to introduce to you, my friend, Ayla."
Ayla smiled nervously and awkwardly waved, "Hi, everyone."
The room filled with warm greetings from harvesters and their wives. Her eyes met Erik's who smiled and waved at her. She smiled and waved back. For lunch, there were sandwiches, which made Elsa think of Anna. No because Anna loved sandwiches but because it triggered her big sister senses. Something was happening. She could feel it.
Back at the palace in Anna's room, Anna was sweaty and panting as she looked up at Aesir who was panting with a smile. Her look of longing and her hands grazing his pant's button caused him to pull away from her reach. "What's wrong?"
"I need some air. Why don't we go for a walk?" Aesir suggested, intervening to put a stop to what they were doing before he went to far, which was hard to do because of the love they felt for one another. If he didn't stop, he could ruin her reputation with the people.
Anna smiled, pulling him back, "You do know my window is already open to let in fresh air. I don't want to stop. I like this."
He took her hands and kissed them, "And I like this too, but you know we need to stop before we go too far. Don't make this harder for me than it already is." His worry for her image wasn't the only reason he resisted. He could also feel Elsa's scowl like she was right there giving him the death stare. It made him very nervous.
Anna saw his point and nodded with agreement and Aesir pulled away. She got up to fix her dress before hugging him from behind and kissing him right between his shoulder blades, which sent perfect shivers down his spine and down to his toes. It heavily tempted him to fiercely take her in her arms, throw her back in bed and have his way with every inch of her perfect freckled body, but he had to be strong for her. "Stop that," he chided with a slight smile, removing her arms from him. Anna giggled. As they freshened up and left the palace walls, their enemies in the shadows secretly plotted against them.
In the lair of the group targeting the Royal Family, one of the Master's advisors questioned, "Why did you send HIM to the lodge? You know how bloodthirsty he is. He won't be able to stop. He's unstable. You should have killed that little monster when he was little."
The Master grinned at the advisor's ignorance. "If you only knew who he really is." He walked over to the other wall. An etching of their story was carved into it. His hand gently grazed the etching of their founder, Runegar the Merciless. This made the other man's eyes widen with shock, "You mean he's- He's-"
The Master smiled, "Yes. After years of searching, I found him. He won't be able to stop because it is in his nature. His blood demands the bloodshed of the descendants of Aren. In the beginning, Arendelle was the home of Vikings who conquered lands, but it was Aren who rose up against Runegar and slayed him. He's the last son of Runegar. The last surviving descendant of the greatest Viking conqueror to ever walk the earth." He shivered with sinister delight as he was reminded what this meant. "The line of Aren will be purged. The monarchy destroyed and Arendelle will return to the murderous glory it once was and that 'little monster' will rule it. Death he will wield in one hand and Glory in the other."
"You speak very highly of him, but I heard he has been distracted lately. Rumor has it he has been stalking a young woman who serves Queen Elsa as a painter," the advisor brought up.
"Oh, that. He is a murderer merely stalking his next victim, like a mighty lion stalking a small harmless gazelle. There's no need to worry. Let him have his fun," the Master shrugged it off.
The assassin could feel his murderous urges increasing as he neared the lodge. He stopped when he noticed the guards and their camp. He needed to wait for the right time to strike.
Inside the women talked on one side of the room and the men talked on the other side. Kristoff was holding Joseph while his three-year-old talked about his sandwich.
"There's no way you ate that much," a harvester laughed.
"He gave a valiant attempt," Kristoff defended, "We'll try again once you grow a bit. Okay?"
"Okay, Papa," Joseph smiled before Kristoff kiss his head.
In the women's group, Ayla shared how she met Elsa and the wives were speechless. "What a horrible man, but God rest his soul."
Elsa spoke up, "Yes, but the investigation is still ongoing." She hated lying, but the truth was she and Captain Halden had good reason to believe the same attacker Aesir killed in defense of Joseph was the killer since the blade of his knives fit the wound of the gallery owner perfectly. This worried her more. Was he apart of the Triad like the killer? Did they kill him to keep him from talking like when Peter was killed by his father before the rebellion? How did were her enemies rooted in Arendelle?
Elsa looked up to see the wives looking at her with concern. "I'm fine. Just deep in thought."
"None of us blame you, Elsa," Ella said, "Who knows how many of them are out there. I find this worrying."
The wives began to murmur which concerned Elsa. She didn't want them to feel unsafe and panic, but Ayla spoke up for her. "We don't have to worry. The King and Queen will find whoever was responsible for the attack." Elsa smiled.
"She's right. If there's anyone who can handle these cowardly criminals, it's Kristoff and Elsa," Ella said, which seemed to change the mood of the others.
"Let's switch topics to something more important," a wife said, "Like how someone's teenage son has a crush on Elsa!"
Elsa looked at another wife with the other wives. "A crush you say? I hope he realizes I'm a happily married woman."
"Pay no attention. It's just teenage hormones. It'll pass," the woman promised.
"If not, then the King may have a rival for Elsa's affections," another teased, causing giggles.
"I bet he would crumble if you visited him, Elsa," one suggested and the others agreed.
Elsa smiled, "That does sound like fun."
"His name is Levi and he works as an apprentice for the blacksmith in Arendelle," another told Elsa.
"I'll pay a visit after I return home," Elsa said.
"Go easy on him, Elsa," they laughed.
That night, Elsa gave them the show she promised. They all gathered outside and watched as Elsa filled the stary sky with firework explosions of icy magic and ice sculptures she was able to make glow, manipulating the magic within her creations. With it being a humid day, Elsa was able to pull the moisture out of the air. The assassin studied the use of her magic, thinking of the best way to take her life. When he gathered enough, he noticed Joseph wander off. A perfect opportunity. He crept from his watching spot and drew close to Joseph as he was chasing a firefly. When he towered over the boy from behind and raised his knife, he froze when he heard Ayla call for the Prince, "Joseph?!"
When Joseph turned, there was no one except Ayla who was coming over. "You shouldn't run off on your father like that. Let's go back."
"But the fire fly," Joseph wined and Ayla saw the fireflies flying around.
"We'll capture some tomorrow night. Okay?" Ayla compromised. She suddenly felt as though someone was watching her. It was the same feeling she had been feeling since long before she met Elsa. Had her judgment not been clouded, she would have immediately reported it to the Royal Guards there, but curiosity had her in a tight grip. She pretended she felt nothing and casually rejoined the others and handed the Prince back to Kristoff who was relieved.
Ayla let her mind drift back to that terrifying feeling that she was being watched. She remembered her painting and what her Grandfather thought it meant. Could he be true? His silly superstitions were starting to get to her, making her feel cold and alone.
The lieutenant who served under Captain Halden snuck away to the wilderness. Another assassin came out of the woods, "The Master demands a report."
"The woman is here. It was just supposed to be the Royal Family, but she tagged along by invitation of the Queen. Tell him the mission is compromised and ask what his orders are," the lieutenant instructed and the assassin disappeared in the shadows.
Later on that night, Ayla dug deep to find courage and silently snuck out of her room and left the lodge. She walked back out to the spot where she felt someone watching her. She swallowed her fear and but on a brave face as she spoke, "I know you are there. I know you've been watching me. Come out. I'm not afraid of you." There was silence. Despite the brave mask she wore, she trembled inside with intense fear. "Have you come to kill me?" Her voice trembled as fear slipped past her attempt to be brave.
"No," a male voice whispered back softly.
One would think a soothing soft voice would calm them, but it made her frighten all the more, hearing a voice answer back from the dark shadows of night.
"Then why are you here? Why are you following me?" she demanded. The feeling of the unseen stranger's presence faded away as if he left her. She waited a few seconds before quickly walking back inside. Her eyes widened with shock when she saw Elsa standing there in the entrance with a lantern. The lantern's small light provided a soft glow to make Elsa's facial expressions readable. "Elsa? What are you doing up?"
Elsa arched an eyebrow and replied, "I could ask you the same thing. What are you doing outside this late at night?"
"I- I had a nightmare and needed some fresh air," Ayla lied, but it wasn't entirely a lie.
Elsa could still sense she was hiding something and softened her expression as she continued to look at Ayla. Eventually, Ayla broke into tears and Elsa hugged her to comfort her. "Ayla? Why are you crying? Talk to me."
"I'm terrified, Elsa," Ayla cried in Elsa's arms. Kristoff woke up same time as Elsa when she followed Ayla. He opened the door to find Elsa with a scared Ayla. "Can Ayla stay in our room tonight?"
"Sure, of course," Kristoff replied, not sure what was going on but the look in Elsa's eyes told him she would explain. Joseph who woke up cuddled with Ayla to comfort her and they fell asleep on the floor next to the bed. Kristoff joined Elsa and Captain Halden down below in the main room. "What's going on?"
"Ayla refused to tell me anything. She was so spooked. Something happened during my magic show earlier. I'm sure of it," Elsa said, "We can't question her now. She's finally calmed down and asleep with Joseph."
"With all due respect, Queen Elsa. If there's a security issue. You, King Kristoff and Prince Joseph could be at risk," Captain Halden pressed.
"I believe Ayla is being followed," Elsa confessed. Being a woman, she was sensitive to what Ayla kept to herself and could read her. She also remembered Ayla's painting, the one that Ayla didn't want her to see. Elsa may have had only a few seconds to glimpse it before Ayla shrouded it with a blanket, but a few seconds was all she needed. Those few seconds and the strange request from Ayla's grandfather. It was the only conclusion Elsa could arrive at after putting it all together. Kristoff and Captain Halden both looked at her with shock and confusion. "My instincts have never been wrong. Trust me on this."
"My men and I will search the woods, Your Majesties. I'll leave a couple behind to guard your room," Captain Halden said and Elsa gave him the go ahead. Elsa and Kristoff returned to the room. Elsa was too concerned to go to sleep so Kristoff stayed up with her. She stood and looked at the woods. "The assassin who attacked Aesir. I believe it's the tip of the iceberg."
"Another rebellion?" Kristoff stood.
"I WON'T let it come to that," Elsa replied regally, turning to look at him. "The attacker from before targeted Joseph and Aesir since he defended him. I believe they are targeting us. Our family."
"We'll face them like we did the Triad," Kristoff assured her.
"No. I will draw them out and deal with them permanently," Elsa replied seriously. "An attack against royalty in Arendelle is punishable by death. I'll finish what I should've long ago. I almost lost everything before because I held back out of fear that my people would turn against me."
"Then not only will they face the wrath of the Queen but that of the King as well," Kristoff smiled, supporting Elsa. The next morning came.
"What do you mean you couldn't find anything?" Elsa demanded. She, Kristoff and the Royal Guards were all outside, away from the ears of their friends.
Several of them were gathered by the window, guessing what happened and why Elsa seemed so upset.
"We search all night and early this morning, there were no traces of anyone," Captain Halden reported.
"So, are you insinuating my friend imagined the whole thing?!" Elsa asked coldly. She became furious and summoned ice magic when the captain just stared at her in silence. Kristoff held her back.
"I'm saying that perhaps your friend mistook an animal instead. The woods at night time can play tricks on a person's mind, especially one as creative as Ayla. It's very likely she let her imagination run wild," the lieutenant spoke up, hoping to discredit the Queen's conclusion and hide that an assassin was there. Elsa shot him a fiercer scowl which made him turn pale from fear immediately.
Kristoff pulled her back slightly, "I want to believe you, Elsa, but they raise good points. I can personally agree to the lieutenant's conclusion from experience as a young boy lost in the woods when the trolls raised me. Without hard proof, we shouldn't make any impulsive decisions. This requires further investigation. We should return home and move Ayla and her grandfather into the palace until we get to the bottom of this."
Elsa, at first, was furious that Kristoff wasn't siding with her, but Kristoff showed great wisdom as a King, with his suggestion. He was right and Elsa knew it, but couldn't admit it to Kristoff. "Okay," she agreed. They turned to go back in but saw Ayla standing right there overhearing everything. "Ayla?"
"I imagined it?" Ayla was receptive of that, desperately hoping none of it was real, that indeed her imagination was just acting up. "Yes. That has to be it. I feel so foolish." Ayla laughed lightly with relief.
Elsa stepped closer to say something, but Ayla continued speaking, "Please, forgive me for being a burden. I don't want to ruin this weekend for anyone." She looked at Captain Halden, "Can one of your men take me back home? I don't belong here."
Elsa instantly spoke up, "You don't have to apologize or leave, Ayla. Please, don't-"
"It's okay, Queen Elsa. It's better this way. Please stay and enjoy yourselves this weekend. You and King Kristoff work hard to lead this kingdom. You deserve a break," Ayla smiled warmly, perfectly content with her decision, but Elsa was still saddened.
"Very well," Elsa forced a smile before turning to the Royal guards, "Do I have a volunteer to take Ayla back home safely?"
The lieutenant, secretly a spy for the Master, saw an opportunity t remove the problem and stepped forward, "Allow me, Your Majesty. I'll return her to Arendelle."
Elsa gave a nod and the guards loaded the guard's ride with Ayla's stuff. The painting she made of Elsa yesterday, she left with Elsa, "Thanks for inviting me." Ayla headed for the wagon to leave, but Joseph, who had grew close with Ayla since he met her, ran out and hugged her leg. "Please don't leave, Paint Lady. It won't be fun without you."
Ayla smiled down at the young, teary Prince and stroked his blonde hair. She knelt and asked, "I have to go home. Can you take care of you parents for me?"
"Okay," he sniffled, wiping his eyes. Kristoff picked him up and Ayla left with the lieutenant on the guard's wagon. Elsa teared up watching Ayla left and had to keep reminding herself that this was the right choice, but it still pained her to see her friend go home too soon. She walked back inside to see everyone else watching her with concern, seeing the pain in her eyes. Kristoff came in behind her. "I would like to be alone for now," Elsa said, her voice starting to crack with emotion before going to her room. Kristoff followed and sent Joseph in first to hug his mom who sat on the bed with tears. Joseph's hug helped relieve her pain. She smiled when Joseph said, "Please don't cry Mama."
Half way back to Arendelle, the lieutenant stopped the wagon abruptly when cloaked assassins with bird masks blocked their path. Ayla was paralyzed with fear, seeing they were dressed just like the assassin that almost killed Aesir. The lieutenant smiled and stood, "It's about time. I was going to do your job for you, but since you're here."
Ayla looked up at the lieutenant as he smiled evilly at her. "What are you talking about? What are you saying?"
The lieutenant grabbed her by the hair and threw her down at the assassins' feet. "Hurry and be done with it. She's too much of a distraction."
Ayla looked in fear up at the attackers. The way they dressed reminded her of her painting and the realization she was about to die a horrible death came upon her. Her fear and desperation built up to where she could no longer contain it, "HELP!"
The lieutenant grew impatient and annoyed and drew his sword to do it for them, but a figure instantly snapped his neck from behind. Ayla saw the figure was dressed like them, but the others backed away slightly as if intimidated immensely. One spoke up, "The Master is displeased you have not eliminated the Royal Family yet. However, the Master offers you redemption. Kill this woman and you will be pardoned of your failure."
The single figure stood above Ayla, protectively, not breaking eye contact with the other assassins. He held a knife in each hand.
"Your angel of death awaits, Son of Runegar," the other assassin said before rushing to execute them both. The assassin standing over Ayla, with lightning reflexes blocked his arm and repeatedly slashed at the attacker's throat. Ayla watched in horror as the body landed a couple of feet from her face and blood gushed out of his throat and he choked on his own blood. Without warning, the others instantly rushed the assassin protecting her and he used his two knives to block their strikes from every angle, but occasionally suffered a slash on his limbs or body. If any of them went for Ayla, he instantly killed them by piercing their head with his blades.
Finally, in was over and Ayla quickly crawled away for safety but the surviving assassin wrapped an arm around her throat until she passed out. She struggled in vain to escape his strong hold on her. As she drifted into sleep, he whispered soothingly, "Shhh. Don't resist. Just let go. I won't let harm come to you."
(A/N: Dang! What a large chapter. Sorry. I had WAY TOO MUCH to cover in this chapter. Please review and let me know what you think. What do you think is going to happen to Ayla and the Royal Family?)