(A/N: We're back! Before we get into this, I thought doing a jump forward was the way to go, otherwise this story could've easily turned into a hundred-chapter story. This is several years later. Everyone is older by 12 years.)
CHAPTER THIRTEEN: HERE AND NOW
(12 years later)
Arendelle, the crown jewel of Norway that sat on the fjord carved by Aren with the magical Resolute Sword, or so the legend goes, once a small kingdom is now even bigger and more prosperous under the reign of the magic wielding Queen Elsa and King Kristoff. Those who traveled to Arendelle from the south through the fjord were given the greatest view, more buildings decorated the land to make more room for the people living there and the more business that were created. They say a lot can happen in a year. Even more could be said for a decade. Good and bad.
King Kristoff woke up early that morning, hoping his wife would still be in bed, but wasn't surprised to see her side of the bed not disturbed. He rose and quietly walked down the hall, checking each of the two bedrooms. His eldest, Joseph, was now 15 and taken after his mother more as he grew, becoming more and more like a regal and stoic Prince, which made Kristoff proud to see his son taking his title more seriously. However, occasionally, his old ways would slip through. Some things never change. He glanced in his room to see his bed already made. No doubt he was out training.
Kristoff went to quietly glance into his daughter's room. Eden was 12. He walked in and sat on the edge of her bed as she slept deeply. Everyone is fascinated by how much Eden resembles her mother. Kristoff may not have known Elsa at that time but did manage to see her once one night many years ago for just a split second, astride a horse leaving behind a trail of ice. He reached over to stroke the beautiful blonde hair from her young face. Eden groaned quietly from his touch and hugged his large arm in her sleep like he was a teddy bear. Kristoff chuckled lightly and gently rubbed her cheek, waking her up and causing her to sit up. "Papa? What are you doing up so early?"
"I'd sleep in but the bed is missing your mom," he replied, "So I couldn't sleep." Early mornings were so not for him.
"You should sleep more. You want to sleep here until Mama comes back?" Eden asked. Kristoff smiled. Eden was always his cuddle bunny, falling asleep with him if they laid on a couch reading one of her grandfather's old fairy tale books.
"Maybe later, sweetie, but right now I need to find your mom," Kristoff smiled, stroking her face again, making his daughter smile.
"Papa? Can I ask you something?" Eden asked.
"Anything, Eden," Kristoff answered.
"Eden is the name of the Garden God created. Why did you and Mama name me Eden?" she asked curiously.
Kristoff smiled and rustled her bed hair, "Ask your mother. It was her choice."
"Really?" Eden asked, somewhat surprised.
"Yeah. Just ask her," Kristoff encouraged, "For now? Go back to sleep. Okay?" He left after giving her a peck on the head.
He knew exactly where she was. Even after all these years, she was still worried. Some would call her dedicated to the safety and security of Arendelle, but Kristoff had another word for it.
He entered the office, which Elsa made all her own by putting up maps everywhere, marked with notes. She was still searching, never satisfied with finding noting. She stood in front of a board where she had different papers with text all connected with a red string, much like the string she used for Anna's birthday that one summer years ago. A timeline of this cult's existence in Arendelle. Their actions went back several decades. The struggle for power kept tilting back and forth, not one side claiming total victory. Then they learned from Elias that the Triad who led the rebellion during Elsa's yearly years as Queen, were once a part of this cult that idolized the ancient Viking code, but broke away and followed King Runeard's opposition to magic. Now that the Triad was purged, the original group was stepping out of the shadows to challenge the Crown of Arendelle once again. "Elsa."
Elsa turned to look at Kristoff. The years of worry have definitely affected her. There was a little grey appearing in her blonde hair and a very few wrinkles by her eyes, but looked more beautiful than ever. She smiled, "You should be sleeping."
"I know," Kristoff replied, turning her around and tossing her over her shoulder and walking back out.
"Kristoff! What are you doing?!" Elsa yelled.
"Going back to bed…and taking you down with me," Kristoff replied.
"I don't have time for this. I have to meet with the officers to review reports and-" Elsa spoke back.
"If they have anything to report, they'll come to you. Until then," Kristoff spoke, instantly giving his wife a spank and making her shriek startled. He laid her down on the bed and positioned himself over her so she couldn't leave, "Until then, you're MINE." Elsa gave him a smile before kissing his lips. She spoke up, "I have to keep my guard up. It's not over. I can't show any sign of weakness or else-"
"Did it ever occur to you that the leader you killed only said that to make you paranoid? To strip you of any peace and joy and cripple you with fear?" Kristoff asked. "You have dealt with them. The cult is dead. Bury it. Move on and focus on the here and now. Focus on your family."
Elsa stared into his eyes before confessing, "I don't know how."
"I do. YOU will not stay up late anymore. You will come to bed for hugs, kisses and cuddles. Got it?" Kristoff instructed with a smile.
"Of course, Troll Boy," Elsa said with a smile before cuddling close into his arms and closing her eyes, comforted by his embrace and warmth. For the first time in years, she could feel her worries and fears melt away.
A few hours later, Ayla woke up in her bed and looked at the spot on the left side of the bed, smiling as the mass under the blanket moved. "Time to wake up, Raven." The young groan of a female replied. Ayla giggled and slowly pulled back the blanket and the messy black mop of hair quickly retreated under the blanket and groaning angrily.
"Don't growl at your mother, missy," Ayla laughed, going under the covers for her daughter. The room quickly filled with loud squeals of laughter and Raven begging, "Stop! Stop! That tickles!" The blanket flew off as Raven tried to escape but Ayla pulled her teen daughter back into bed and blew raspberries into her neck, making her thrash from the tickles. Finally, Ayla pulled away and smiled down at her beautiful daughter. Her raven black hair and stormy grey eyes made her the spitting image of her father, who Ayla missed terribly. She forced a smile and asked, "Let's go eat some breakfast. Go wash up."
"Okay," Raven replied running for the bathroom in the home Ayla and her grandfather always lived. She looked at the painting hanging on the nearby wall, the one she made for her grandfather years ago. "I wish you were here."
(FLASHBACK)
Ayla sat in Elsa's office across from her with a shocked expression, "What?"
Anna stood by Elsa's side. Elsa repeated, "I've been looking into your union with Elias as you requested. I'm sorry it took so long but I finally received the record of your marriage. It's legitimate." Ayla began to shake. How-?
"There's still hope though. I have spoken with the bishop here and there is a way to dissolve the union. If you and Elias wish to. Both of you will need to sign this form and I'll give it to the bishop." Elsa explained as she placed the form in front of Ayla and offered her the pen. Ayla's hand shook as she slowly reached for it and was about to grab it but pulled away. "All my life, I've been only focused on making money and taking care of Grandfather. Being married…let alone being courted by a man. Nothing could be further on my mind than that. Now that I have it…I don't think I can…"
Elsa and Anna looked at each other. Elsa spoke up, "You don't have to remain with him, Ayla. Don't do this out of obligation."
"She's right, Ayla. If you are going to commit yourself to someone, it should be for love," Anna agreed.
"That's the problem…I think I- I think I do…and I believe he feels the same way. Even his master knew when he came for us. Elias turned against those he was associated with for me. Everything he's done was for me."
"Elias is one of them, Ayla. You are an innocent young woman and he is using your emotions to manipulate you. He's conditioning you to be loyal to him. That what men like Hans- men like HIM do. You have to be careful," Anna said before Elsa could say anything.
"You don't know what you are talking about," Ayla quickly stood and shouted back at Anna. Elsa immediately intervened.
"Ayla…come with me," Elsa said and Ayla and Anna followed her to the dungeons where Elias remained in his cell for the past several months after the attack. Outside the door, Elsa handed Ayla the key. "If you believe we can trust him, go ahead."
One month later, Ayla stood in front of her grandfather's tomb. The day came when his health problems couldn't be helped anymore and he died peacefully in his sleep. Elsa paid for everything and made sure his burial was perfect. It was raining and she was getting soaked, but she didn't care. Something suddenly covered her. A cloak? She looked up and saw Elias shielding her from the rain with his cloak. The others came but Ayla preferred to be alone after the funeral. They all left, except Elias who was pardoned by Elsa for mysterious reasons. The Council didn't approve but Elsa wouldn't hear any of it. Ayla assumed it was for her, since she and Elias were married. Elsa said that was why but her eyes told Ayla there was more to it than that and she didn't press.
Ayla felt so alone after her grandfather died, even though Elsa and the others were there. They weren't family though, but Elias was. Having him there, shielding her with his old cloak, helped comfort her a little. She scooted closer subtly and she could feel his protective arm pull her closer. "Let's go home," she said and he looked down at her before guiding her away.
She entered her home, which now felt cold, lifeless and lonely without having anyone to share it with. She turned to Elias who remained outside. "You can come in."
"I can't," Elias answered. He clearly looked uncomfortable.
"You said we were married," she smiled slightly. "I think that makes it okay in civilized places."
He was silent as he looked down at the threshold at his feet.
Ayla took his hand, "Please. I don't want to be alone."
Elias entered as she gently pulled him in. Her eyes were fixed on him as he observed his surroundings. She started the fireplace and handed him a towel from the other room. "You should dry off and get into dry clothes. You'll get sick." She took the towel and began to wipe his face.
His grey lifeless eyes immediately locked onto her's and he smirked.
"What?" she demanded. She could tell from his smirk that he was making fun of her.
"Nothing. It's just- It's nice having someone care for me again," Elias said. Ayla blushed at his words as he stared at her with intent. He leaned in and kissed her again, causing the same sensation she felt that night in the dungeons to flood her again. This kiss was softer and tender.
She was afraid at first and was about to pull away but forced herself to kiss him back more fiercely which made his eyes widen slightly. She guided him to the nearby couch and pulled him on top of her, not letting her lips be separated from his for more than a second. After removing the clothes from one another, she looked at his scars and stab wounds. It still amazed her that he survived all that. Her fingers gently grazed the scars on his chest, abs, shoulders and arms. His muscles tensed up as if not used to her touch or his body could remember the pain each slash caused it. "You're not human," she thought out loud with a whisper.
Her eyes stared into his briefly before he whispered, "I promised you I'd always protect you." He began to feel her gently, arousing her with the slightest touch of his hands and lips. The sensation was coursing everywhere in her body, following wherever his hands and lips touched. She kissed his lips softly but her hunger for him only grew with each passing moment and he was forced to match that passion with greater intensity. For Ayla, that night was bliss. Even though her grandfather was gone, she knew she wasn't going to be alone.
(END OF FLASHBACK)
Ayla forced herself to tear her eyes from the painting and make breakfast for her and her daughter. "It's a beautiful day out there. You should go have some fun."
Raven tensed up at this. Her mother didn't know and couldn't know. How could she tell her mother how – "I- Okay, Mom." She was grateful her long dark hair covered her face. She could never lie to her mother.
As her mom tended to dishes, Raven cautiously stepped outside. She saw some kids playing with a ball and went over nervously, but as soon as they saw her coming, they looked at her with disapproving glances and walked away from her. She blinked back her tears and went somewhere else, the only other place she could go. She peaked through the bushes of the Royal Garden and saw Prince Joseph, who was a few years older than her, training with the soldiers. The soldiers would meet every other day to maintain their skills and physical fitness as guards. Prince Joseph was not required to train with them, but the King and Queen allowed him to when he took interest.
It looked like they were doing combat training and the Royal Guard was messing with the young prince by tapping his head when he dodged. The prince yelled at him angrily. Seeing the prince so lively made her smile with admiration. She wished she could be like that.
"STOP DANCING AND FIGHT ME, AESIR!" Prince Joseph yelled. The other soldiers laughed as Aesir kept messing with him.
"Then fight me like a man, not a rabid animal," Aesir said back at him.
"Be nice, Aesir," Anna got on to him. King Kristoff was next to her.
"Whatever you wish, wifey," Aesir said, "Hey, Joseph. Why don't I make it easy for you?" He turned away from Joseph and bent over. "Try now. If can't hit this target, Arendelle is doomed." Soldiers laughed.
"Aesir," Anna said again and Aesir took his eyes off the Prince to look at his wife, "Yeah? What? Our Biyn is five years younger than him yet can throw a punch better. Is he hanging out with Olaf again today?"
"Yeah, he and Olaf went up to Elsa's Ice Palace. Elsa was insistent that Captain Halden and another escort him," Anna replied.
Prince Joseph took the opportunity while Aesir was distracted to kick him between the legs making him fall to the ground and all the soldiers and Kristoff groan loudly. Anna noticed someone watching through the bushes and snuck over.
"Okay, now this is personal," Aesir said before tackling Prince Joseph and the two rolled together in the grass, trying to pin each other but neither was going to have it. "You deserve it!" Prince Joseph yelled back.
Raven was practicing the moves she saw them doing. Punching and kicking the air. Prince Anna's face lit up when she recognized it was Ayla's girl, Raven and went over to greet her. Raven jumped when Princess Anna, "Hey, there. You're Raven, Ayla's daughter. You've grown so much. Would you like to come watch training with us?"
Raven felt so embarrassed she got caught and took off.
"Raven, wait! Come back! It's okay!" Anna called but it was useless. She sighed. Everyone wanted to see Raven around more often but Ayla wasn't kidding that she was skittish. She went back to sit by Kristoff.
"Who was that?" Kristoff asked.
"It was Raven, Ayla's daughter. She likes watching the soldiers train and practice moves behind those bushes," Anna replied.
"Hmm. Maybe she wants to be a soldier when she gets older. That would be something. Most of the guards are men," Kristoff commented.
Anna smiled, or maybe she likes Prince Joseph since she never watches when he's not training. "I tried to invite her over so she could see better but she took off."
"Maybe she should meet Eden. My daughter also is kind of shy and timid. It's getting difficult to get her to socialize with some other children. Elsa tried talking to her but isn't getting anywhere. Was Elsa that anti-social when she was little?" Kristoff asked.
"Actually, the opposite. She was quite outgoing and very extroverted," Anna answered. "At least she was before the accident and we were separated."
"That should be it for today," Kristoff called to Joseph, "Don't forget, you're supposed to meet Heidi in the Market Square."
Joseph immediately made himself presentable, spitting on his hand and wiping his hair back into place.
"Uh…maybe a shower and fresh pair of clothes would be great," Anna suggested.
"You think so, Auntie A?" Joseph asked before smelling his armpit, "Nah, I'm good."
"That's my boy," Kristoff laughed and gave him a high five, earning a look from Anna.
Raven was still running home and accidently ran into some older kids.
"Hey, what's your problem?"
"I know her. My parents say her father is a psychopath."
"Maybe we should teach her a lesson."
"Leave me alone," she muttered, shaking with fear.
Heidi sat by a bronze statue of King Kristoff, Queen Elsa and Prince Joseph. What's taking him so long? He promised he'd come today. She lit up with excitement when she saw finally coming, escorted by his personal bodyguard, 2nd Lieutenant Aesir of the Royal Guard. Great. Why is he here again? We don't need a baby sister. Why can't I be alone with him? Don't his parents trust me? They are friends with my parents.
"Sorry I'm late, Heidi. Lost track of time during training," Joseph apologized in an upright stance out of habit. His mother made sure he knew royal etiquette. Heidi could tell and she thought it was adorable that Mr. Wild Boy was really trying to act like a big time Prince.
She stood, "That's fine. I get it. You're a Prince after all. You have important things to do than hangout with your childhood friend who's just a lowly commoner."
Aesir's face broke out in a grin, Watch it, bud. She's testing you.
Joseph was shocked by her statement, "It's not-"
"Relax. I was just messing with you, Joseph. Why are you so defensive?" Heidi teased before punching him in the shoulder. "THAT'S for making me wait." She walked off so they could run their errand today. Joseph was rubbing his shoulder and looked at Aesir, confused, but Aesir just shrugged and gestured to follow the young lady.
"So how was training?" Heidi asked when Joseph caught up.
"Great. I took down Aesir. It wasn't even that hard," Joseph bragged.
"Ha!" Aesir laughed mockingly, "You kicked me in the jewels, kid. That's not something for a man to brag about. You'll get your right to brag when you can finally make my nose bleed."
Joseph tensed up, deeply embarrassed now since Heidi was there.
"Like this?" Heidi asked, quickly punching Aesir in the nose and making him fall to the ground. Joseph was shocked. Aesir just stared up at her with pride, "Perfect, Heidi. You're a REAL man." He got back up and Heidi smiled at Joseph with a smug smile.
Joseph got egocentric and walked away with a scowl. "Let's get that errand done and over with."
Heidi caught up with him, "Hey. Try to punch my hand." She held up her hand for him to practice on.
"I don't have time for this, Heidi. I have to meet my tutors for my studies, " Joseph tried to walk away, but Heidi got in his way.
"Hey, Joseph. You don't have to feel any less of a man just because of what he said. We're friends…right?" Heidi spoke gently to ease his frustration. Joseph nodded.
"Then drop the tough guy act and let me help you. Maybe I can give you a few tips. That is…if you're man enough to learn something from a little girl like me," Heidi teased Joseph, taking another jab at his masculinity.
Joseph smiled at her and stepped closer, "I'm not that fragile. If you think I can learn something, then why don't you put up or shut up?"
Heidi smiled, finally seeing Joseph taking some jabs at her. "Follow me." She walked pass him.
Aesir caught up with him, but Joseph stopped him. "Go back to the palace and get tended to. I won't tell Anna you got your nose broke by a girl."
Aesir smirked. "Gee, thanks, but I have my orders from your mother."
"You answer to me. I am ordering you to leave us be. Okay?" Joseph spoke more regally.
Aesir nodded and Joseph walked away. Aesir turned to head back to the palace, but just laughed, "Whatever." He turned and followed, but kept his distance.
Elsa walked through the royal garden near the palace and sat on the bench under a tree. She was focused on what Kristoff asked her earlier. Did it ever occur to you that the leader you killed only said that to make you paranoid? To strip you of any peace and joy and cripple you with fear?" Kristoff asked. "You have dealt with them. The cult is dead. Bury it. Move on and focus on the here and now. Focus on your family.
Her face cringed with anger as she clenched her dress in her lap. I'm sorry, Kristoff, but I can't lose my family. She looked up when a figure approached her and stop in front of her. "Hello, Elias."
(FLASHBACK)
Ayla giggled when she saw Elias not following her out of her home. "What's wrong? You secretly a vampire and can't be out in the sun?"
He looked at her with confusion.
"I'll read to you and catch you up, but today is beautiful. Let's take a walk," Ayla begged with a joyful grin. He couldn't say no and forced himself to step into the light of day, feeling the warm sunlight kiss his skin for the first time in years.
Ayla wrapped her arms around his one good arm, grinning happily as they walked down the streets. It felt nice. Ayla was always known as the weird girl who's all work and no dating. Now she was showing everyone that she had someone who loved her. Now everyone could see she wasn't alone.
She looked up at Elias. He looked very uncomfortable, not because of her. He was acting paranoid, keeping a diligent eye on everyone in the crowded Market Square. She could tell he wasn't relaxed feeling his muscles tensed up in his toned arm. She gave his arm a gentle squeeze. "Hey. It's okay, Elias."
Looking into her eyes calmed him and he smiled, which made her smile as well. Ayla looked and saw the Royal Family out, visiting with people. "Elsa!"
Elsa smiled when she saw Ayla through the crowd and came over.
"Let's go see Elsa and the others," Ayla said happily pulling Elias's arm. Someone turned around and bumped her hard, causing her arms to tear from Elias's arm as she fell to the ground.
It was Erik. He freaked when he saw it was Ayla, "Ayla? I didn't- Are you okay?" Out of instinct to protect Ayla, Elias rushed Erik, knocking him to the ground with a powerful punch to his face. Erik was bigger than Elias, but that didn't stop Elias from instantly destroying him with savage punches to the face.
"Elias! Stop! It's Erik!" Ayla screamed. Nearby guards instantly rushed Elias and he turned on them too but was pinned to the ground when more guards came. "Please! Don't! You're hurting him!" She tried to stop what was going on, but was halted by a guard who had to use force to keep her away. This triggered Elias and he mercilessly attacked the guards trying to subdue him. The crowd around them were shocked and terrified as Elias fought everyone off like a raging demon. Elsa stopped everything by unleashing a pacifying cloud of her magic. Elias instantly recognized Elsa and bowed to her, which confused Ayla and the Royal Family.
"Kristoff, tend to Erik. Guards, take him to the throne room immediately," Elsa ordered angrily.
Kristoff rushed to Erik. Erik was still conscious and watched as guards took the attacker away. He looked at Ayla and all she could say was, "I'm sorry, Erik. He was just- I'm sorry." She went after Elsa and the guards taking Elias away.
"You all right?" Kristoff asked Erik.
Erik wiped the blood from his nose, "Yeah, King Kristoff. Who the heck was that?"
"That, kid…was Ayla's husband," Kristoff said hesitantly. He knew something was sparking between Erik and Ayla that day at Ymir's Lodge. Erik looked at Kristoff with surprise. "It's complicated. I'm- I'm sorry, Erik."
(END OF FLASHBACK)
"Do you have anything to report, Elias?" Elsa asked, sitting up and calming herself.
"My Queen. I do," Elias replied after kneeling.
Why did you kneel to me? Do you think you can attack Erik and be spared my wrath just by bowing to me?
Elsa is Master, now. That is why I kneel.
"What do you have to report?" Elsa asked.
Joseph and Heidi were walking back into town after exploring a cave she discovered. Since he was too busy to go exploring every day like they used to, she would find new places, just so they can have an excuse to hang out again. "How did you get so good at punching?"
"I deal with bullies a lot. It's my favorite pastime," Heidi shared.
"You're kind of scary at times, Heidi. I'm glad we're friends. I can't imagine bullying you," Joseph said.
"Oh, I would kick your butt," Heidi replied back.
"I don't doubt that. Maybe you can come to training the day after tomorrow. The guys will love to meet you," Joseph shared. She was surprised by his invite and smiled.
"You sure you want me embarrassing you in front of the guards?" she laughed.
"I'm thinking maybe you'll be able to teach them a thing or two. What you taught me was valuable," Joseph complimented, which made her smile again.
"Okay, Romeo, I'll come since you want me to so badly. No need to bend my arm or anything," Heidi laughed. Her face became angry and Joseph saw her looking at bullies picking on a younger girl, hitting and kicking her while she laid helpless on the ground. They both rushed over. Joseph used what Heidi taught him and the bullies were driven away effortlessly.
"Well that wasn't hard," Joseph said, kind of disappointed.
"The bullies are just a bunch of WIMPS!" Heidi yelled at the bullies running away.
Raven was shaking and struggling to contain her sobs. She looked up when she saw him, Prince Joseph, kneeling by her and offering his hand. His eyes were hazel and blonde hair, like the King. His expression was soft and compassionate. "Hey, are you okay?"
Raven teared up more, "I didn't mean to-"
"Shh, it's okay," the Prince spoke softly, "You didn't do a thing. They shouldn't have done what they did. You're hurt. Let me take you to the palace. Get you some help."
Raven crawled away from him, "Please, don't touch me!"
Prince Joseph, stepped forward but Aesir's hand grabbed his shoulder. "Let me, Your Majesty." Joseph listened and backed away towards Heidi. Aesir didn't address him by his title unless he was serious. It was a gentle reminder that he should listen.
Aesir cautiously approached her, holding his hands out to convince her he wasn't a threat. "Hi, sweetie. No one's going to hurt you. I know your mother, Ayla. She's a very good friend of mine. You want to go home?"
Raven nodded. He helped her up, but she winced when she tried stepped on one of her sore legs. Aesir caught her before she could fall and picked her up. "Prince Joseph, I'm going to take Raven home and help her. Since I can't escort you, you need to return to the palace immediately. Heidi, thanks for the educational day. I'll make sure to tell the boys all about you. Make sure you're not late for training."
Heidi smiled and gave him a nod. She had his respect.
"No, I want to help. She was-" Joseph argued, feeling a fire burning inside him.
"Just do as you are told! You want to help her?! Act like a prince and start fixing Arendelle!" Aesir yelled, "You act like a prince, but you don't do anything with your authority and power!"
Joseph was slightly startled by Aesir's tone and remained quiet. Aesir sighed, "Talk to your parents. Ask them for their advice, Prince Joseph. That's why they are here." Joseph nodded and started walking back home. Heidi followed him home. As Aesir carried Raven home, she glanced over his shoulder at the Prince. Ayla was at home that day since it was her day off, she gasped when she stood in the front door and saw Aesir carrying her home. "What happened?!"
Ayla ripped Raven from Aesir's arms and held her close. "Older children were attacking her. Prince Joseph and Heidi rushed in and got rid of them, but…she's really shaken up. Ayla, what can I do? I'll stop by the herbalist and get something for her."
"Who did it?" Ayla asked before looking at Aesir with fierce eyes. "Who hurt my baby?!"
Aesir chose to remain silent. There was no way he was going to tell Ayla when she was this angry. That's how people get hurt. "Thank you for bringing her home. I think you should leave now. I'll handle it from here."
"As you wish, Ayla. Feel better, Raven, and don't be a stranger if you see the Prince and I out walking," Aesir encouraged with a warm smile that comforted Raven a little. Aesir left and Ayla looked into Raven's eyes and asked, "This is how you get those bruises. Why didn't you say anything to me, Raven? What could you have possibly have done to get hurt like this?"
Raven began to tear up and choked back her sobs, "Because I'm my father's daughter."
Ayla hugged her. Raven cried in her mother's arms, "Where is my Papa? I want to see- Does Papa not love us? Is that why he left us?" Ayla began to tear up, because those were similar questions to what she used to ask her grandfather about her parents when she was little.
Prince Joseph was walking back to the Royal Palace gates. Heidi walked him home, feeling he needed company after Aesir lashed out at him. "Joseph? Don't take what he said personally."
"No, he was right. I've always lived in my parents' shadows, letting them handle things. I SHOULD be doing my part. I'm a prince," Joseph replied with his back to Heidi before turning to look at her, "If I don't do anything to change Arendelle for the better, who will?"
Neither could speak against Aesir's words, because both knew he was right and justified in how he yelled at the young Prince. It was time to wake up.
(A/N: I realize 12 years is a HUGE time jump. That's why I chose to include flashbacks to help explain what's happening. For anyone confused by all the new children. Ranked oldest to youngest, there's Prince Joseph (15) Kristoff and Elsa's eldest son, Princess Eden (12) Kristoff and Elsa's daughter, Raven (12) Ayla and Elias's daughter, and Biyn (9) Anna and Aesir's son.)