Katherine arose from the bliss of sleep to a dark morning. The first visible rays of the sun struggled to pierce through the thick gray clouds. Her mood wasn't usually affected by the weather, but this morning, she felt as drab and morose as the gloomy day.

Still, she pushed the covers aside and got ready for work. Once she put on her uniform, she picked up the standard-issue gloves that she had left on top of her dresser. They were beside her calendar, as she glanced at it and when she realized what the date was, a knot formed in her stomach as it dawned on her. Now she knew why she was feeling so off today. It marked the tenth anniversary of the last time Katherine had seen her mother alive. It had been the following day — they believed — that she had been murdered.

Usually she started dreading this day weeks in advance. This was the first year it had blindsided her. She wondered if it had anything to do with the fact that the date drifted farther and farther away. Or maybe it was because what occupied her mind and her heart these days carried enough light to overpower the darkness that the memories of that night brought with them. It was probably a combination of the two. But now that the date brought all the feelings to the forefront of her consciousness, she felt them with the same intensity as she had for months after the incident.

The ache in her heart from the hole left there when her mother was ripped away from her made it difficult for her to breathe. The weight of that emptiness pressed hard against her chest. She had to move. She had to occupy herself so the images of her countless nightmares that flared up around this time of year left her mind.

She had to hurt something, the reckless part of herself — which was usually kept in check by discipline and her general optimism — offered. Today, her warmer side was chilled by a misguided need for revenge. The pent-up rage made her tightly grasp the hilt of her sheathed sword at her hip with such strength that the engravings dented her skin.

Visions of her taking out her anger on the furniture of her room provided little relief, and she sighed as she relaxed her grip. Actually doing it wouldn't give her much more satisfaction. After all, it wasn't the things in this room that were responsible for her mother's death. Besides, it would just get her into trouble. And damage her sword.

Katherine threw a sideways glance at the double doors of her room and her resolve shifted. Her darker side was closer to the surface this morning, but her sense of duty still held strong, so she was going to go out there and do her job. And maybe getting to see Elsa's smile might just take the edge off.

Katherine was soon joining the queen to get breakfast.

"Good morning, Katherine," Elsa's eyes lit up as soon as she saw her, as they often did.

The soldier, who still felt like she carried a dark cloud over her head, found herself being glad to see that shine in the queen's eyes. She was usually very happy to see Elsa. It cheered up her days without fail. Katherine wasn't sure if she would get anywhere resembling that feeling today. It did help, though. The emptiness felt a little less empty than it had just a moment before. There was a little less darkness. There was a little more warmth.

"Good morning, Your Majesty," Katherine nodded in greeting, trying to seem more cheerful than she felt.

They made their way to the dining room, where they shared a quiet breakfast, since Anna was still asleep and Kristoff usually waited to eat with her.

Elsa threw furtive glances at her companion throughout the meal. It wasn't uncommon for them to share moments of silence — both being naturally reserved. But she did notice Katherine was uncharacteristically recoiled, as if she wanted to disappear into herself. She usually stood tall, shoulders back, head held high. Today, that usual confidence was nowhere to be found. As was her customary appetite. She barely touched the food in her plate.

But before Elsa could work up the courage to break the silence and ask if something was wrong, Kai entered the dining room.

"Sorry to interrupt, Your Majesty," he said as he walked in. "The delegates that are being sent to Hodgevike are about to leave. You wished to see them before they do?"

"Yes, Kai. Thank you. I'll meet them at the Entrance Hall."

The advisor nodded and left the room.

Katherine stood up as Elsa did, and when the queen looked at her mostly full plate, she was quick to reassure her. "I was done. I'm not really hungry."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, don't worry about it," Katherine shrugged, motioning toward the hall. "After you."

As Elsa passed Katherine, she did worry about her. She couldn't help it.

Elsa stopped while they were still in the hallway. The men in the military jackets were standing near the staircase, so they came into view for Elsa and Katherine, but they couldn't see the women, who were coming from a corridor to the side of the Entrance Hall.

Elsa recognized the delegates. They were often part of the full council meetings. It was the Lieutenants Oliver Rask and Victor Thorn. Rask had short dark hair and sported a moustache. Thorn had longer light brown hair and sideburns.

They were tall and athletically built, and while she hadn't personally witnessed their ability to carry themselves in battle, she had been assured they could hold their own. In council meetings, both were very discreet, but when they had something to say, they did it assertively, their way of carrying themselves commanding attention and respect.

Katherine stopped just behind Elsa, wondering why they weren't going into the room.

"Do you know, the Lieutenants?" Elsa asked her quietly.

"Yeah. Great fighters and strategists. Worked with them a lot during training."

Elsa nodded and Katherine watched her steel herself, straightening her back and lifting her shoulders before they finally walked into the hall.

"Good morning, gentlemen."

"Your Majesty," the soldiers said and bowed in unison.

"I trust you know your assignment?"

"Yes. And it's an honor to serve our kingdom so," Rask said solemnly.

"Arendelle thanks you for your service. Please be careful. Don't take any unnecessary risks," Elsa pleaded.

"We will be careful. It's not our first negotiation. No need to worry, Your Majesty," Thorn said, trying to reassure her.

Elsa had to stop herself from sighing. Instead, she nodded. "Have a safe journey, gentlemen."

They bowed solemnly before turning to leave.

People kept telling Elsa not to worry, but that was all she felt she could do. As she watched them go, dread settled in her gut. She trusted her people to take care of themselves and to safeguard the kingdom, but she couldn't help the uneasy feeling hanging over her.

Katherine watched as Elsa seemed to unwind as the soldiers disappeared behind the door, but it wasn't in relaxation. She seemed to deflate, almost as if this interaction had drained her of her energy. Before she could ask her if she was okay, Elsa spoke.

"I will spend the morning working at my study. You could go train and then meet me for lunch?"

Usually, the soldier preferred staying close to Elsa, especially when she seemed off, as she did now. But today, she greatly favored going outside to use up her energy taking some of her comrades on. The thought of standing in silence in the corridors of the castle alone with her memories made her stomach turn.

"I will meet you at lunch, then," Katherine said with a small smile.

Some time later, Katherine was grateful for the opportunity to stretch her muscles. Having found other soldiers training in the courtyard, she had proposed to do some swordfighting practice. She was more aggressive than usual, but the other soldiers rose to the occasion.

The sound of metal hitting metal reverberated within the stone walls when a group of people entered through the open gates.

"Stop, stop," Katherine commanded, jumping away from her colleagues and sheathing her sword before sprinting toward the newcomers.

Around a dozen villagers were led by Wael. He was the self-appointed reporter for Arendelle. He was in his early twenties and always carried himself with an overconfidence that only young people who knew little about life but thought they had it all figured out could have. His slick black hair matched his ink-stained hands, that were balled into fists at his sides.

Katherine quickly placed herself in their path, making them stop. "Good morning," she gave them a polite smile, speaking mostly at Wael. "May we help you with something?"

"We request an audience with the queen," the journalist declared solemnly.

Katherine glanced at the people in front of her, trying to get a sense of why they could be there. They didn't seem overtly angry, but there was a definite determination in their faces.

"Is she expecting you?"

"No. But we would like to see her as soon as possible to discuss a matter of utmost importance."

Katherine narrowed her eyes slightly at him. For Wael, matters of utmost importance were often things that weren't actually that important. Still, she didn't have the power to decide much around here, so she nodded. "Alright. I'll see what I can do. Meanwhile, you guys can wait inside so you don't have to stay in the cold."

After leading the villagers into the castle, Katherine made her way to Elsa's study. As the door was open, she saw Anna seating on the queen's desk, animatedly talking about her latest outing.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, Your Majesty, Princess Anna," Katherine bowed her head as she stood in the doorway.

"No problem. What's up?" Anna asked.

"Some villagers just came into the castle asking to speak to the queen. Wael seems to be leading them."

"What for?" Anna wondered as she got to her feet.

"I don't know. What should I tell them?" Katherine directed her question at Elsa.

"I'll be right there."

Anna cleared her throat, turning to look at her sister, who was rising from her seat.

"We will be right there," Elsa corrected herself.

"Where do you wish to see them?"

"Take them to the Audience Chamber, please."

Katherine nodded and turned to be on her way.

Once the soldier was out of earshot, Elsa shifted uncomfortably, the dread already present in her mind only getting stronger.

"What do you think this is about?" Elsa wasn't sure, but it couldn't be anything good. It was not uncommon for Wael to ask to see her, but he usually scheduled his visits in advance. And while the reporter could be nosy, it was odd for him to just show up and request to be seen immediately.

"I have no idea," Anna shrugged. Recently, she had started spending a good part of her days in the village, either at the plaza or at the local library, where she helped kids with their reading or their schoolwork. Therefore, she was usually up to speed with what happened in Arendelle. "I haven't heard anything that would require an immediate meeting with you."

Elsa nodded, trying to steel herself. As she walked to the door, Anna took her hand.

"But whatever it is, we can handle it."

Elsa tightened her grasp on her sister's hand and gave her a small smile. She hoped she was right.

Soon, Katherine entered the Audience Chamber followed by the sisters. As they approached the group that was waiting for them, Katherine felt herself stiffen. She knew the people of Arendelle. They would never hurt their queen. Still, she couldn't help feeling ambushed, which had her on full alert, ready to react in case anyone got too close.

Once they approached the group, Katherine moved to the side for the sisters to address their people.

"Good morning," Elsa greeted them. "How may we be of help?"

"Your Majesty," Wael took a step forward. "We were made aware that we seem to be on the brink of a war. Is that true?"

Katherine threw Elsa a sideways glance. If the queen was surprised by the fact that the information had leaked, she didn't show it, her exterior as cool as ice. Anna's shock was more evident.

"Wait, who told you that?"

"Anna—" But Elsa was too late to stop her sister.

"So, you're not denying it," Wael said accusingly.

"Let me handle it?" Elsa said softly as she turned to her sister. Now facing the villagers, she continued more firmly. "No, we're not denying it. We have been experiencing some diplomatic tensions with a neighboring kingdom."

"Diplomatic tensions?" Wael repeated in an incredulous tone. "Is that why there is strengthened military presence at the border? And why weren't we informed before? That has been going on for a while. Delegates have even been sent."

Katherine's teeth gritted as she felt her jaw tighten. She was quickly getting tired of his grating know-it-all tone.

"Wael, we're handling it. That's all we felt you need to know," Elsa said, trying to remain patient.

"But we have a right to know when we might be in danger! If you're handling it, as you say, we should know that too. Unless that's not actually the case? You're not really experienced after all…"

That was going too far for Anna. "Now, Wael, that's unfair." She stepped forward, unable to stand back as her sister's choices were being questioned.

Katherine was better able to control herself, but her impulse was the same. She wondered if there might be smoke billowing out of her ears she was fuming so much. Though, with the glare she was throwing at Wael, it was easy enough to guess that she was daydreaming of physically removing him from the room. If there was ever a day it could actually happen, this was it. She wondered if her ability to keep her own temper in check would last much longer.

"We will try to keep you updated with relevant information from now on," Elsa conceded.

"I look forward to it," Wael said, with a sharp nod.

"Anything else we can help you with?"

Wael looked back at the other villagers and shook his head. "That's all. Thank you, Your Majesty."

"I'll see you guys out," Katherine went to open the door and waited for them to trickle out of the room before she followed them.

As soon as the sisters were left alone, Anna heard Elsa sigh and saw her shoulders sag ever so slightly as the tension relented.

"He was out of line," Anna said, quick to want to reassure her sister.

"No, he was right. They do have a right to know. I should have been more forthcoming," she said as she wrapped her arms around herself.

"You had a lot to take care of. That wasn't your priority."

"My priority should always be the people of Arendelle. And that includes keeping them informed."

"That's not what I meant. They clearly are your priority. Everything you're doing is for them!"

"I know, I know…" Elsa said without much conviction.

Anna knew that there was not much she could say to take the hurt from Elsa's eyes. Her sister had an enormous amount of pressure on her shoulders, and most of it was self-inflicted. But she could at least try to distract her for a moment.

"Want to go take a walk or something?"

"I have a lot of work to do. Maybe later." Elsa walked to the door and paused at the opening. "Can you tell Katherine to take the day off, please? I'll be spending the rest of the day in my study."

"Yeah, of course," Anna said as she watched her sister disappear into the hallway.

She didn't like the thought of Elsa being alone at a time like this, but Anna had come to understand that, unlike herself, her sister sometimes did need some time on her own to deal with things. And whenever she was ready to lean on someone else, she was sure Elsa knew she could count on her.

AN: Thank you for reading, for your lovely reviews and following along with this story that means so much for me!