A/N: Hey folks, I'm back with another story. If you'd like to hear me talk about what this is all about/why I'm writing this, read on. Otherwise feel free to skip to the story, I won't judge.
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For those of you who have been following me, you know I've been meaning to upload a few stories. One called "Dying Lanterns" and another as yet unnamed story related to a pandemic. Both of them are in various stages of editing, and I'm currently not really in a position to finish them, yet. But, I have been writing, and I wanted to actually write and upload a full multi-chapter story here...more to prove to myself that I am capable of ending stories and not just starting them.
So here it is: What Shines Within.
I challenged myself to write this in a few weeks, and though I'm not quite done yet, I intend to be, very soon.
As you guys wait patiently for my other fics, please check this one out as well. Real life commitments will keep me busy for the next month or so, so other than uploading this, and maybe one of the other one-shot stories, I'll be rather out of it.
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Last note, this story isn't tied to any future or past fics, but is sent in same AU. Enough said.
Prologue
The guard stifled a yawn as he kept watch right outside the castle gates. It was a thankless chore, the night shift.
No action and no glory.
He stretched his arms over his head and rose to begin his patrol around the gates, not that it mattered if he was a few minutes late. After all, Arendelle was a quiet, peaceful little kingdom, and though the rise of the Snow Queen had brought some excitement with it, it sadly hadn't lasted.
He rubbed his weary eyes. What I wouldn't do for a tumbler of ale and a soft bed…or at least some entertainment.
The guard creaked the gate open to begin his rounds, but before he could close it -
BAM!
He crumpled to the floor, a shadowy cape flowing over his fallen form as the intruder slipped between the gate and shut it behind them.
Their feet passed soundlessly over tiled floors as the hooded figure stole towards the residential chambers of the castle, their eyes peeled for any more guards. Thankfully, security was scarce.
Probably not the best move on her part…but a blessing for me.
Any other person unfamiliar with the castle grounds would easily have lost their way, but this figure walked with purpose, their goal very much clear before them.
They turned the corner, their cape just barely brushing against the walls as they padded down the hallway that led to the royal family's chambers…only to pause as they approached the princess' room.
Perhaps she could be of some use…
The man considered it for a second before shaking his head.
No sense wasting time, and in any case, the plan didn't involve the princess. The target, and the prize were much greater than that.
He slinked down the hallway, stopping in front of the queen's unguarded chambers.
They really might want to strengthen security next time… That is, if there is a next time.
He stepped into the dark room, but it wasn't too hard to find the queen's bed, illuminated as it was by the moonlight from a nearby window.
Snoring pleasantly underneath the many covers lay the queen of Arendelle, her snow-white skin almost glowing in the silvery light. The sight of the vulnerable monarch almost brought with it a hint of pity.
She truly had no idea what lay before her.
Once again, temptation lay before him. His hands inched towards the dagger that lay just beside his belt buckle.
It would be so easy to end her life right here…
But then he sighed and let go of the weapon.
Unfortunately, his master had other plans, plans he had no choice but to implement.
He dug into a purse and pulled from it a shiny medallion that gleamed as it met the moonlight.
Emblazoned on it in gold was a swirling ancient rune, one that invoked the spirits of fire.
He'd seen it before, back when the item was first crafted for this very purpose, but even so, the sight sent a shiver down his spine. There was dark magic in its depths, magic that he, as a non-user, could feel through the many layers of warm metal.
The runic script drew him in, its ornate design compelling him to look so carefully that it wasn't until he felt the metal burn his skin that the man quickly remembered the warning given to him.
Right, no bare hands.
He quickly wrapped his cloak around it and was immediately repossessed of his strength. The sorcerer had warned him of the medallion's parasitic tendencies, but it wasn't until he'd felt his energy leave him that he'd realized just how powerful the medallion really was.
And it'll do a lot more damage to the ice witch.
With one hand, he nudged the queen's pillow just enough to place the medallion directly under her head. It wouldn't be long before she felt the full effects of the magic, but she would never discover the source of her misery, not until it was too late.
The task done, he stole out of her room and softly closed the door behind him, a wicked grin on his lips.
Good night, Queen Elsa… it'll be one of your last.