September 16, 1840
Sweat dampened the fresh bandage encircling Anna's forehead. Sitting on the edge of the bed, her eyes closed against a wave of nausea. Dull pain throbbed through the wound in her thigh with each heartbeat.
The soft, warm bed beneath her beckoned with a tempting siren call. No, not till I've seen Elsa. Her back stiffened with resolve, sending a jolt of pain through bruised ribs, stealing her breath away.
"Anna, are you okay?" Wooden fingers gently touched her arm.
"I'm fine, Olaf." She managed a weak smile.
"Oh, that's good." The snowman chuckled. "because you look really bad."
"Olaf!" Alma turned from the dresser to glare at him.
"What?" A hand flew to his mouth. "Oh, I'm sorry." He leaned in close with a loud whisper. "I thought you knew."
Anna chuckled, it ended in a sharp gasp. Pressing a hand against the muscle twitching along her ribs, she managed a weak smile. "It's okay, Olaf. I know I look a little rough."
"It's more than a little." He happily informed her.
She flinched, there were times when the little snowman's charming honesty could be brutal. Tough love aside, she'd been relieved to find him at her bedside when she woke. If he's here that means Elsa's still alive. Startled by the thought, she pushed it away with a shudder. Of course, Elsa's alive. But for how long? Whispered the dark voice that had plagued her nightmares.
Shut up! Muscles tightened along her jaw, straining to hold against a threat of tears.
Haunting dreams of a bloody and bruised Elsa standing at her bedside had taken a toll. Sometimes she vanished when Anna reached a shaking hand towards her, other times, she collapsed across the bed, succumbing to her wounds. Always there was that haunting fatigue in her eyes, just as there had been the night of the battle. I should have made her stay with me.
"Let's get your slippers on, Princess." Not waiting for a reply, Alma knelt before her.
Pulled from dark thoughts, Anna didn't argue. Watching the handmaiden work the slipper onto her bare foot, was another reminder of how weak she'd become. Her usual morning routine had turned into a series of embarrassing moments.
Alma had to help her with the most basic tasks. Even with help, they had taken far longer than normal to complete. Alma's insistence on changing her bandages before helping her into a fresh nightgown, had dragged the process out even further.
No amount of protest or pleading would sway the handmaiden from her task. Bandages and fresh nightgowns could wait, she just wanted to see her sister, and Kristoff.
Kristoff, she could almost feel the warmth of his strong arms curling around her. After all of this, I wouldn't blame him if he ran back to the mountains and never returned. Icy fear tickled her spine.
"Anna?" Olaf said. "Are you cold?"
"What?"
"You shivered."
"No, I…I'm just worried about Elsa,"
"Yeah, me too. I wish she'd wake up." His shoulders slumped with the confession.
"Hey, she's going to be alright." It was a gentle lie, as much for her own sake as his. Slipping an arm around him, she'd meant to pull him into a hug. Cold bit into her hand and through the thin fabric of the nightgown. Jerking away, she rubbed at the palm, half expecting to see snowflakes forming beneath the skin. She tried to shake off the thought. Elsa's magic won't hurt me. Still a faint voice whispered, again. Enough!
"Where's Kai?" There was a bit more bite in the question than she had intended. "He should have been here by now."
Alma didn't look up as she finished with the first slipper. "I'm sure he'll be here shortly, ma'am. He knows how eager you are to see Her Majesty." She reached for Anna's uncovered foot.
"If he's not here soon I'm going to…" White hot pain shot through her leg, tearing a strangled cry from her throat. She clutched at the bedsheets with one hand, the other came to rest on Alma's shoulder, twisting the fabric of her jacket.
"Anna!" Olaf caught her arm, trying to steady her.
"I'm sorry!" Alma lowered the half-covered foot. "I'm so sorry, dear."
"It…it's alright." Panting through the pain, Anna closed her eyes against a wave of nausea. Muscles quivered along her ribs. Pressing a hand against them, she flinched at the pain. None of the fairy tales, from her childhood, ever spoke of the hero having to recover from battle wounds. You'd think at least one of them would have mentioned how painful stab wounds are, or how sore you'd be after a battle. Her shoulders dropped with a weary sigh. They lied about handsome princes, why should I trust the rest?
Gloved fingers touched her cheek.
"Are you alright, dear?"
"Stop asking me that!" Even as the handmaiden, shrank back, Anna couldn't stop herself. "No! I'm not alright! I ache all over, and it hurts to breathe!" Sucking in a breath, tears filled her eyes. The outburst drained and embarrassed her. Unable to meet Alma's gaze, she stared at the floor. "I…I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell."
Olaf touched her arm, she drew away.
"Anna," The gloved hand cupped her cheek.
Not trusting her emotions, Anna closed her eyes.
"It's alright, dear. I know you're tired and hurting. It's been a trying time for all of us. We're all a bit on edge. Let's finish getting you dressed, so you'll be ready when Kai gets here." Not waiting for a reply, she knelt and began gently working the slipper on Anna's foot.
Biting at a trembling lip, Anna watched her work. She didn't deserve that.
With the slippers securely in place, Alma rose, brushing her hands against her skirt. "Why don't we get your robe on? It's a bit chilly in the hallway this morning."
"Okay." Came the soft reply.
Alma hurried across the room to retrieve the garment. A moment later she was at Anna's side holding the robe open for her.
Gritting her teeth, Anna raised an arm.
Alma slipped the sleeve over it.
Anna swiped at the other sleeve, missing on the first try. Mumbling under her breath, she tried to ignore the bead of sweat trickling down her cheek.
"Let me help." Olaf guided her arm into the opening.
She eased her arm through the sleeve, biting her lip against the pain. Once her hand snaked through the end, she let out a heavy sigh. "Thanks, Olaf."
Alma pulled the robe up onto her shoulders, adjusting it. "There we go. You're all set."
Overcome with a need to hold someone, Anna grabbed Alma's jacket, pulling the startled woman into an embrace. "I'm sorry, Alma. I didn't mean to yell at you."
Arms wrapped around her, in a light, but loving embrace. "It's alright, dear." Gentle pats tapped against her back. "It's alright."
Both startled at a sharp knock upon the door.
"See, there's Kai now. You stay put." Not waiting for a response, Alma hurried to the door, wiping at her eyes.
Closing her eyes, Anna's shoulders slumped with a heavy sigh.
"It's okay, Anna, we'll see, Elsa soon."
A sad smile tugged at her lips. "Thanks, Olaf."
"Hi Kristoff!" Olaf called.
"Kristoff?" Anna's head snapped toward the door. Her breath caught at the sight of the large man, pushing a wheeled chair toward her.
"Anna." Relief washed over his face in a broad smile. Pushing the chair out of the way, he stepped toward her, reaching out with his unslung arm.
"Kristoff!" He came back! She dove off the bed, managing two steps before her leg buckled.
Solid arm muscles tightened around her waist, pulling her up and forward.
"Easy, I've got you."
She found herself pressed hard against his large frame. He smelled of fresh soap. Beneath there was a whiff of musk, closing her eyes she leaned in drawing a deep breath. There was something comforting and safe about the smell. Lured in by the warmth radiating off him, she rested her head against his chest.
The cloth of his robe and night clothes were soft beneath her palm. Steady heart thumps assured her he was real.
"I missed you." She whispered.
"I missed you too."
Soft lips pressed against the top of her head.
Sighing she snuggled into him, sliding a hand over his chest. It passed over a lump of bandage beneath his shirt. She leaned back to look up at him. Bruises marked his face. Black and blue was turning yellowish under one eye. "You're hurt."
"It's not serious." He flinched as fingertips brushed over a bruised cheek. "Mom said, I'll be good as new in a few days." His eyes swept over her taking in every bruise and bandage. "Kai told me, you were hurt, but he didn't tell me it was this bad."
Emotions danced in his eyes. Anna noted there was a hint of a shine to them. Days of fear and uncertainty bubbled to the surface threatening to overwhelm her. Grabbing the lapels of his robe, her fingers curled tight into the fabric, pulling him down. Ignoring the pain, she rose to her toes, trembling with the effort.
He leaned down to meet her.
She'd meant to give him a quick kiss on the lips.
His arm tightened around her.
I almost lost him. Emotions swept over her in a crashing wave. She wanted, no needed to feel the reassurance his touch offered. Her hand snaked up, cupping the back of his neck, holding him in place. Not that it was needed, he made no effort to pull away.
His lips pressed hard against her own, refusing to release her.
Pain wormed it's way into her consciousness. Unable to hold on, she pulled away with a sharp gasp. Tears slipped down her cheeks. Eyes squeezed closed, she was too frightened by the raw emotions swirling through her to meet his gaze.
He peppered her lips and cheeks with soft kisses.
Their foreheads came to rest against each other.
"Anna, I…" He shuddered. "I thought I'd lost you."
She could hear the unspoken, again. Taking his face in both hands, she forced him to meet her gaze. Unshed tears shone bright in his eyes. "I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere." She pulled him into another kiss.
His hand slid up between her shoulder blades, holding her as close as possible.
Ignoring the pain throbbing through her body, she clung to him. Desperate to pull him closer.
Both were winded when they finally parted.
"Come on, you should sit down."
She wanted to protest as his grip shifted.
His arm circled her waist, pulling her against his side. It was reassurance enough he wasn't going anywhere.
"Okay." Wiping her cheeks clean with the robe sleeve, she allowed him to guide her to the wicker chair.
Alma took her arm, helping her up the small step. "Careful now, don't tear your stitches."
"Where did you find this?" Settling onto the seat, Anna relaxed, grateful to be off her feet.
"Kai gave it to me." Kristoff tapped the hand tiller. "You'll have to steer."
Wrapping her hands around the polished wooden handle, Anna twisted it back and forth, moving the front wheel in response. "I wonder where he's been hiding this?"
"Here, Your Highness." Alma tossed a blanket over her lap. "That should keep you warm enough."
"Thank you, Alma." She smiled, adjusting the blanket. "Where's Kai?"
"I don't know." Kristoff shrugged. "He asked me, to bring you the chair, said he didn't want you trying to walk to Elsa's room." His lips curled into a smirk.
Anna gave a short giggle. "He knows me so well."
"I'll push." Olaf bounced to the rear of the chair.
Alma reached the push handlebar a moment before him. "Why don't I push? You and Master Kristoff can walk alongside the Princess, and keep her company."
"Okay." Olaf shuffled to Kristoff's side.
"Are you ready, dear?" Alma asked.
"Yes, let's go." She turned the tiller so Alma could push her toward the door.
Kristoff and Olaf, followed after them.
Once in the hallway, they moved to opposite sides of the chair, keeping pace with it.
"When you're feeling a little stronger, I'll get you a crutch." Kristoff said.
"I'd like that." She caught his hand. It was warm and strong.
He startled at the touch.
Feeling him jerk back, Anna's heart sank. She started to pull away.
Calloused fingers curled gently around her hand. Their eyes met.
His soft smile, sent her heart soaring. She was tempted to pull him onto the seat beside her. I'd have to sit on his lap for that to work. The thought sent a pleasant tingle to the pit of her stomach. Pulling his hand to her, she placed a kiss against hardened knuckles. I can't lose him and Elsa. Her breath caught. Stop it!
"Anna? Are you alright?"
There was so much warmth in the brown eyes staring down at her, she wanted to wrap herself in it and never leave. It drove back some of the cold fear seizing her heart. "I'm fine." The crease in his brow hinted he didn't believe the lie. She was thankful he didn't press her.
Everything will be fine once I see Elsa. Clinging to the thought, her grip tightened on Kristoff's hand.
0000
Gerda jerked awake with a weak cry, images of blood and death fresh in her mind. Out of reflex her hand tightened around the sock she'd been darning. Pain stung her fingertip as a sharp needle pierced skin. Biting back a curse, she tossed the sewing onto the nightstand, pressing her thumb against a small bead of blood. How long was I asleep? "Elsa."
Her heart raced as she jumped forward placing a hand on a slender arm. Heat radiated through the thin fabric of the nightgown beneath her hand.
"Queen Elsa?" Giving the arm a gentle squeeze, Gerda watched for any reaction.
There was none.
Elsa lay as still as the night Kai placed her there. The blanket covering her rose and fell with each breath. It was the only assurance she was still among the living.
Closing her eyes, Gerda willed her heart to slow down. It took several deep breaths to ease the thumping in her chest.
Opening her eyes, she rose from the chair with a grunt. Stiff muscles ached in protest. I'm getting too old for this. She tried to rub away a tight knot in her lower back. It refused to yield.
The wound on her arm began to itch. Resisting the urge to scratch it, she eased onto the edge of the bed.
Placing the back of a hand against Elsa's flushed cheek, her lips drew into a tight line. The fevered heat was neither better nor worse than when she'd checked an hour ago.
Taking a wash cloth from the night stand, she dipped it into a basin of cool water. Several quick twists wrung the excess water away. She pressed it against Elsa's forehead, wiping away a thin layer of sweat. "There now, doesn't that feel better?" Elsa's natural paleness was darkened by the flush of fever and several large, ugly bruises. Deep blackish blue covered one side of her neck, down to her shoulder, disappearing under the nightgown. Gerda wasn't sure she wanted to know what blow had caused it.
Her blood boiled at the bruises outlining finger-marks along Elsa's throat. The thought of that Southern Isles bastard manhandling her girls, brought her to the brink of rage. Squeezing her eyes shut, she drew a deep breath, releasing it slowly. Thoughts of him suffering a painful death, cooled her anger. Her attention returned to Elsa.
"My Lady?" There was no answer. She leaned in closer, her voice soft, with only a hint of pleading. "Elsa, dear, it's time to wake up."
Her eyes narrowed, searching for any signs Elsa was listening. "Come now," She spoke with a softness she used to comfort the girls when they were upset. Over the years she'd used it far too often. "you've lazed about long enough, it's time to get up."
The blanket rose and fell, in a slow, steady rhythm.
Pushing back a rush of emotions, Gerda stroked the washcloth over a pale cheek. Was it a bit narrower than before? "Cook's going to be very upset if you start losing weight, after she worked so hard the last few months to fatten you up." There was no response to the jest. She hadn't expected one. Settling into her task, the wash cloth stroked over Elsa's face and neck. "You keep losing weight, and that ice dress you're so fond of is going to slip right off."
How long can someone go without food? Refusing to dwell on the thought, she forced a chipper tone. "Anna's coming to see you this morning. She's so eager to see you, it was all Olaf and I could do to keep her in bed last night."
Anna's scream had shattered the quiet night, rousing Gerda from a light sleep at Elsa's bedside. Stumbling from the chair, she had managed to reach Anna's room before a crowd could gather. Olaf and Alma were already at Anna's side, trying in vain to calm her.
Gerda had seen the girl through enough nightmares to know it would take more than words to quiet her. Ordering the guards to keep everyone away, she had sent Alma to sit with Elsa, before settling on the bed, drawing a weeping Anna into her arms. It had been a long night of assurances, hugs and lullabies, before Anna finally succumbed to sleep.
One can't sleep, and the other won't wake up. You've a cruel sense of humor, All Father. There was little worth in cursing long dead Gods. Her attention turned to the living.
"She's worried about you." Fingertips traced over Elsa's cheek. My sweet Elsa. "We're all worried about you."Her hand brushed over soft, blond tassels."Perhaps later, I can brush out your hair and fix your braid. Would you like that?"
The blanket rose and fell.
"Of course, you would." So would I.
She startled as the chamber door eased open. The weight of her fears lightened as Kai stepped in, closing the door behind him. Her relief was brief. Specks of blood covered his shirt and vest. Setting the rag aside, she hurried to meet him, wiping her hands dry against her skirt. "Husband, you're hurt."
"No." He caught the hand reaching for his face. "It's not my blood."
"Who's is it?"
"Tollak's."
"I see." Gerda sighed, pulling a handkerchief from her sleeve. "I take it, he didn't tell you anything about the disk."
"He claims not to know anything about it, and even if he did, I doubt he would share it with us."
She dabbed the handkerchief on her tongue before wiping at the dried flakes of dark red peppering Kai's cheek. Careful of the bruise below his eye. Another reminder of that murderous prince's attempt to take her family. "How did his blood end up on your face?"
Kai's eyes cut to Elsa's still form. "He made some rather, disgusting, remarks about Anna's possible heritage."
"Anna?" Gerda's back stiffened, an eyebrow arching high. "Why would he question Anna's heritage?"
Kai pulled at his jacket with a sharp snap.
Oh, he's furious. She bit back a chuckle, not wishing to ruffle him further.
"He suggested, Anna and I, favored, each other."
"Favored? You mean, he thinks you and Iduna…?"
"Yes!" He jerked the jacket lapels, straining the seams. "that was the gist of his slander."
Gerda snorted, covering her mouth with a hand to hide a smirk. "I hope you broke his jaw."
"Actually, it was his nose." Flexing his hand, a hint of a smile played over his lips. "It was rather satisfying."
"Good." She placed a quick kiss on his cheek, rubbing a thumb over the spot.
The door latch clicked open. They stepped apart at the sound.
How the scurry maid's tongues would wag if we were caught in an embrace, in the Queen's chambers no less. Gerda brushed at imagined wrinkles in her skirt.
"Gerda?"
"Yes, Alma?"
"Queen Elsa, has visitors." She stepped in holding the door open, allowing Kristoff to push in the chair.
Olaf followed them. Alma closed the door behind him.
"Anna!" My little Anna. Relieved to see the girl out of bed, Gerda crossed the room in several quick strides, wrapping her in a gentle hug. "How are you feeling, dear?"
"I'm okay." Anna leaned into the embrace, lingering a moment. "Has she woken yet?"
Gerda held her a little tighter. "No. Not yet."
Anna pulled back, her attention shifted to the bed.
Unwilling to completely break away, Gerda held to Anna's shoulder. She felt muscles tense beneath her hand as Anna reached for the chair's wheels.
"I want to get closer." Unable to reach the wheels, Anna settled on the tiller, knuckles whitened as she squeezed it.
Kristoff eased her to the side of the bed.
Olaf circled to the far side of the bed. Remaining silent as his gaze shifted between the sisters.
"Elsa?" Not waiting for a response, Anna began climbing off the chair.
"Anna! Wait!" Kristoff caught one arm.
Gerda caught the other. "Careful, you're going to hurt yourself."
Kai pulled the chair out of the way, so they could support her.
"Let us help you, dear." Gerda slipped an arm around her back, taking most of her weight. With each step, Anna trembled in her grasp. Weak as a kitten. Gerda's grip tightened as she lowered her to the edge of the bed. "Careful now. She has stitches along her right side.
"Okay." Anna shifted, pulling herself across the bed, till she was hovering over Elsa.
Unable to do more, Gerda drew back a step, giving her some space.
Kristoff stepped back with her.
She stole a glance at the young man. The hard set of his jaw offset the concern in his eyes. His gaze followed Anna's every move. The boy does have a strong fondness for her. She could do worse. She had done worse, he was rotting in the castle dungeon.
"Elsa? Hey, sleepy head, time to wake up." There was a hint of fear beneath the jest. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Anna managed a shaky smile. "Come on, Elsie," She reached for Elsa's shoulder giving it a gentle shake. "only one royal gets to sleep till noon, and that's my job." She sucked in a sharp breath, unable to keep the smile in place.
Gerda flinched at the sound.
Frown lines furrowed Anna's brow. They deepened as she traced the bruises covering Elsa's skin. She laid a hand along Elsa's throat, fitting her fingers into the marks left by Hans's attempt to strangle her. The hand lifted, trembling, it clutched into a fist. Eyes closed Anna's head bowed.
Gerda knew the girl well enough to know, she was plotting the Prince's painful demise. He was going to regret touching her sister.
Releasing a sigh, Anna stroked a hand over Elsa's hair. "Is she sweating?" Looking from her damp palm, she turned to Gerda. "Elsa doesn't sweat."
"I know, dear." There was no need to hide the truth from her, the time for keeping secrets had long passed. "She's been running a fever."
"A fever?" Anna whispered. "For how long?"
"It started the night of the battle."
"Is it from her wound?" Her hand hovered over Elsa's side. Fingers curled without touching her.
"No." The answer slipped Gerda's lips before she could deny her own concerns. "Dr. Engen believes her wound is healing properly."
The assurance did nothing to ease the creases in Anna's brow. "Elsa?" Leaning in closer, her voice dropped to a gentle whisper. "Come on, Elsie." Her lower lip began to tremble. "Wake up. Please."
There was no reply. Only the steady rise and fall of the blanket.
Tears burned Gerda's eyes as Anna touched her forehead to Elsa's.
Hands folded tight against the front of her skirt, she resisted to urge to gather Anna into her arms. When Anna was ready for comfort, she would be there to offer it.
Drawing a deep breath, Anna sat up. "What does Doctor Engen say about her condition?"
"The fever hasn't risen to dangerous levels." Gerda said. "Overall, he believes she has not suffered any premeditate damage from her wounds."
"Why wouldn't she wake up?" Pushing herself up with trembling arms, Anna managed to sat up.
"He thinks it has something to do with the disk." Gerda answered.
Anna's hands twisted into the blanket. "Do we know where Hans got it?"
Gerda caught a flicker of something dark cross her face.
"No, ma'am," Kai drew a step closer. "His wounds are rather severe. The last few days, he's been in and out of consciousness. The Admiral tried to question him this morning without any success. We were able to interrogate Tollak."
Gerda noted the way his hands flexed as he spoke Tollak's name. He's still angry.
"But he offered no useful information."
"Tell the Admiral, to do what he must to get answers out of Hans." Anna's lips curled into a snarl. "He will tell us what he knows."
"Yes, ma'am." Kai bowed, stealing a glance at Gerda.
Gerda's eyes narrowed, she'd seen Anna upset before, but there was something different about her anger, no, not anger. Rage. It vibrated off of her. A chill ran down Gerda's spine.
"Kristoff," Anna spun toward him, tittering a moment before catching her balance. "We should take her to your family. They may have answers."
Silence filled the room.
"What?" Anna's gaze hardened as she looked to each of them. "What aren't you telling me?" No one would meet her gaze. "Answer me!" Her hands fisted into the bedding.
Kristoff eased to her side. "Grand Pabbie's already seen the disk." He held her gaze. "He said, there was nothing he could do."
Anna faltered but a moment, her shoulders squared, a hardness settled on her features. "Nothing he could do, or nothing he would do?" Her fists twisted deeper into the bedding.
Kristoff's back stiffened. "You know he would help, if he could."
Grunting she turned back to Elsa. The weight of his hand came to rest on her back. She refused to meet his gaze.
"Grand Pabbie thinks the disk may have damaged her magic."
"Damaged her magic?" Her gaze shifted from Elsa to Olaf, who stood silently by the opposite side of the bed. Muscles tensed along her jaw, a faint shine filled her eyes as she turned to the mountain man. "What does that mean?"
Kristoff took her hand, it disappeared within his. "He said, Elsa's magic needs time to heal." Rubbing a thumb over the back of her hand, the usually soothing gesture had little effect.
"But she's going to be alright, isn't she?"
The plea stabbed at Gerda's heart.
"I don't know, Anna." He didn't look away from her pleading eyes. "Grand Pabbie said, the disk has powerful magic. We have to hope Elsa's magic is strong enough to fight the effects of it."
"Fight the effects?" Her lower lip began to quiver, she reached for Elsa's arm with her free hand.
"Anna, there's more." Kristoff gave her hand a gentle squeeze, drawing her attention back to him. "He said, if her magic can't heal itself." His eyes began to glisten, there was a hitch in his voice. "She could die."
"…no…" Her breath caught. Color slipped from her cheeks.
Gerda knew the look all too well. She'd seen it the night she told Anna her parents would not be returning.
"No." Tears yielded to defiance. "Elsa's not going to die." Her fingers tightened around Elsa's arm.
"Hey," Kristoff leaned in, catching her gaze. "We'll do everything we can to help her. For now, the best thing you can do is sit with her, talk to her, let her know you're here."
"Okay." Anna nodded, her shoulders slumped lower.
One so young, shouldn't have to shoulder such burdens, Gerda longed to ease her fears.
"Good." He stood, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "I'll be close by, if you need me."
"Wait, what?" She caught his hand in both of hers. "Where are you going?"
"I was going to let you have some time with Elsa."
"Stay." Her grip tightened. "Please."
"Okay." He pulled up her hands, placing a kiss upon them. "I'll stay."
"Thank you." Anna struggled to change her position.
"Easy, don't hurt yourself." Kristoff flinched as she pulled on his arm for leverage.
Gerda caught the flash of pain cross his face. "Let me help you, dear." Gerda lifted Anna's legs, gently placing them on the bed.
"Here, Master Kristoff, sit." Kai moved a chair to the side of the bed.
"Thanks." Kristoff settled into the chair, fatigue drew him deeper into it.
"Thank you, Gerda." Anna stretched out, facing Elsa. She stroked a knuckle down a pale cheek.
"Try to get some rest." Taking a blanket from the foot of the bed, Gerda covered her with it.
Humming a reply, Anna reached out to drape an arm over Elsa's stomach. Before Gerda could warn against it, Anna paused, reaching for an arm instead.
Years of longing for touch and now she's the one holding back. Gerda's chest tightened.
Anna pressed her forehead against Elsa's shoulder.
Tucking the blanket in around her, Gerda stroked a hand over soft, copper hair. Oh, my sweet girls. She turned away, giving Kristoff's shoulder a reassuring pat as she passed him.
"Anna?" Olaf peeked over the edge of the bed at her. "Would it hurt, Elsa, if I climbed on the bed?"
"No, of course not. Come on." She worked a hand free from the blanket, motioning to him.
He climbed up, careful not to bounce around. After a moment, he settled opposite Anna, placing a hand on Elsa's arm.
Both settled into comfortable positions.
Gerda returned to her chair.
"I'll go change the Princess's bedding." Alma headed for the door without waiting for an answer.
The weight of a gentle hand settled on Gerda's shoulder, she looked up into Kai's concerned face. Her brow creased with a slight tilt of her head.
"Why don't you go get some rest. Princess Anna and Master Kristoff will keep watch."
"No." Shaking her head, Gerda reached for the sewing. "I'm fine."
"You've been up half the night. You need to rest."
"I need to be here. I'll rest later."
"Gerda…"
"Enough!" The sharp word coupled with a hard look, caused Kia to draw back the hand, folding both behind his back.
She hated when he took that stance with her, it was the same one he used when dealing with people who refused to take no for an answer. They never won such battles.
"Wife…" There was just a hint of annoyance in the word.
She bit back a snipping remark.
"Gerda."
The couple looked to Anna, who had raised to one elbow. "Go get some sleep. We'll be fine."
Looking between the young woman and Kai, Gerda's stone facade began to crumble. "Your Highness, Anna, I…" Her voice cracked, she ignored the tear tittering in one eye. "I want to stay. Please."
Anna's gaze softened. "Elsa would never forgive me if I let you make yourself sick. Go, get some rest. I promise, the moment she wakes I'll send for you."
"I…I can't leave you alone with Master Kristoff, ma'am. What would people say?"
"We're not alone, Elsa's here." Anna declared matter-of-factly.
"Your Highness, I don't think…" The door opened cutting Gerda off.
Margit balanced a tray with a teapot, cups and snacks piled hight. "Cook set up some tea and snacks for the Princess."
"Here, let me help you with that." Kai took the teetering tray from her. He placed it on the chaise.
"Thank you. Do you need anything else?" Margit looked to Gerda.
"No." Gerda said. "You may leave."
"Wait." Anna tried to sit up. Grunting she eased be to her elbow. "Margit can sit with us."
Panic began to gnaw at Gerda. "Your Highness, I don't…"
"That's an excellent idea." Kai clapped his hands together. "Margit can stay here, and if anyone needs anything they can ask Alma."
Gerda had a strong urge to slap the smile from his face.
Kai held out a hand to her.
Every fiber of her being screamed to stay. Accepting the offered hand, she rose, ignoring the protest of tired muscles.
"We'll be in our quarters if you need us." Kai place a hand at the small of Gerda's back.
"Thank you, Kai. I want both of you to take the rest of the day off. Get some rest. Consider it a royal command." She leveled her best regal Elsa glare at the couple.
Hiding a grin, Kai dipped his head. "Yes, ma'am. As you command." He guided Gerda to the door.
"Wait." Gerda tried to pull away. "I just need to…"
"Gerda! Go!" Anna pointed to the door. "Now. Please."
"Fine, but, you'll call me if anything changes?"
"I promise, you'll be the first to know." Anna placed a hand over her heart with the pledge.
"Very well." She allowed Kai to lead her into the hallway. Once the door latched, she glared at him. "You should have fought to stay."
"My love," If he was bothered by her anger it didn't show. "you have been running almost non-stop for days. You need to rest. They will need you healthy and strong for the days ahead."
She started to protest, it died on her lips. He was right. She did need to be ready for the coming days. With a heavy sigh, she leaned into him.
His arm slipped around her pulling her closer.
She wrapped an arm around his waist, allowing her head to rest against a welcoming shoulder. "I'll lay down, but I doubt I'll sleep."
"Well, it's worth a try." He began rubbing little circles along the small of her back.
The muscles in her back began to relax. "It's a waste…of time…" She covered a yawn with her free hand, missing Kai's lopsided grin.
"No doubt, but it'll make Anna happy."
"Hum." She caught the faint teasing in his tone, but chose to ignore it.
They huddled close, making their way down the hall.