A/N: Warning: depictions of physical violence

Chapter Thirty-Five

Flashes of the nightmare ravaged Elsa's mind for days, playing over and over in her head. It showcased its physical toll by creating shadows under her eyes and torn lips from her nervous chewing. Floating through the halls, she kept her head down, hiding from her sister. Thankfully, baby Cyrus consumed most of Anna and Kristoff's attention, that they didn't notice her behavior like the staff did. Elsa had learned to become invisible at a young age. When her room became too suffocating, she had snuck out to wander the empty halls in the middle of the night. It came in handy recently. None of the servants realized her presence when they made their hushed comments.

I'm worried about her, Kai. What happened?

Her eyes look so dim. No life.

The castle feels like before the gates opened.

Not even a new baby can break this sad spell.

Perhaps spending a moment outside would make them less anxious about her state of mind. She tried to make an appearance around the castle the following days, forcing a smile. Once she felt like her performance put them at ease, she retreated to the refuge of her study. It seemed to work for the concerned whispers lessened. She knew they wanted to help, but Elsa wasn't sure how to explain her problem to anyone.

One afternoon, she attempted to subdue the power of these dark thoughts by painfully writing down every horrific detail. Pages of ink and tear stains started to calm her anxiety as she described her reaction to each moment. Only when her hand started to cramp did she finally put the quill down on the stack of paper. Reading over her entry, Elsa realized what really had shaken her to her core. Something or someone could be trying to send her a message with this violent vision. She continued to write and decipher the possible meanings of the dream.

The first thing to consider: it warned her of a future that would come very soon. Would the attack happen the moment Alexis set foot in Arendelle? If fate was so cruel as to take other loved ones from her life, what would stop it from ripping Alexis away? The threat of the resistance's desperation to grow in numbers weighed on her shoulders. They could be a threat inside her nightmare. Elsa knew Alexis would do everything to protect her, especially now that she may have the ability to do so.

Although she couldn't stomach the thought, Elsa forced her hand to scrawl down a nauseating possibility. With this vision and the one that made her faint at the military base, she may have already lost Alexis. Neither had any clue what it took to become a Traveler. If something went wrong or if she had made a mistake—Elsa inhaled sharply. No. She would not cry over a hypothetical. In her heart, she had faith that Alexis was still alive, no matter what the traumatizing dreams whispered.

The writing session drained most of her energy. Too exhausted to make it back to her room, Elsa opted to curl up on the small sitting bench in the study. She had never been so grateful to fall into a blank slumber. If only it lasted longer before the sound of voices pulled her out of her sleep. Elsa saw that the sun had left behind an orange haze through her fuzzy vision as the day changed into the evening. The entire afternoon had passed. She pushed herself upright, trying to listen to the conversation outside her door.

"…very important."

"At least, let Her Majesty eat first."

"If she allows it, I'll dine with her. This needs to be discussed."

Lifting herself off the couch, Elsa made her way to the door. She rubbed her face, trying to get rid of the grogginess from her eyes. Not bothering to check the state of her hair, Elsa attempted to smooth it back with a delicate layer of ice. The intruding audience jumped when she swung the door open. Kai turned to face her, looking apologetic. Elsa ignored him and tilted her head at the other guest. "General Bennet?"

"Your Majesty," Bennet bowed quickly, "I apologize for disturbing your evening. I have urgent intel to share with you."

Elsa stepped to the side to let him into her study. "Understood. Kai, you may bring a meal to us if dinner is ready."

Kai looked hesitant, eyes darted between the two authorial figures, but nodded. Closing the door, she led Bennet to the seats at her desk. He reached inside his coat to pull out a neatly folded paper square. Elsa took it from him, surprised by its thickness until she unfolded it to find multiple transcripts. One by one, the messages detailed the journey of the espionages that had infiltrated the resistance ranks. Spies had discovered information that the guards couldn't pry from the traitors they found within the kingdom. Bennet had promised her that he would do anything to ensure the resistance did not grow again. His effort impressed her.

"When did you organize this?" Elsa questioned.

"About a month after we began training the new army. During their personal time, a group of our men overheard a vagabond in a tavern raving about the New God being the only salvation for the kingdom. Since forceful tactics haven't gotten us any further in this investigation, I decided to send trusted soldiers to stake him out. They gained his trust enough to get more information about becoming a member of the Ulfhedinn.

"Hm." Elsa tapped her lips as she pondered over the name. "Why does that sound familiar?"

"They're based on mythological tales. A term for fierce warriors able to achieve impossible feats by taking on the spirit of an animal."

"Yes. Wolves, if I'm not mistaken. I've read about them but only skimmed through the text."

Bennet nodded, shifting through the paper transcripts. "They are treasured by Odin. Apparently, this tactic is working. With their numbers growing again, their leader—this god, chosen by Odin—is rallying them up."

"Have they identified the leader?"

"Not yet. They only communicate through written messages or their recruiters, but they never say his name. However, the next meeting will be close to Arendelle. I have a team ready for an ambush, and we may expose him soon enough."

"I pray for success in this mission." Elsa frowned. "I wish you would have told me about this earlier, General."

Bennet hung his head. "I meant no betrayal with my actions, my Queen. To be completely honest, I had little faith that the espionage would work. I insisted we only bring reliable information to you instead of worrying you."

Elsa sighed. "I'm always worried, General. It's my family at stake."

"I promise to keep you updated immediately from now on." He looked up, the expression on his face breaking away its stiff seriousness into a soft concern. "If I'm not overstepping, are you well, Your Majesty?"

She released the tension in her body. Shoulders slumped. Posture relaxed. Even her etiquette training couldn't hide the exhaustion on her face. Elsa gave him a small smile.

"I'm adjusting to our little prince. I can hear his cries through the halls, so I haven't rested that well."

Bennet believed her lie, nodding earnestly. He didn't need to know that Cyrus helped her. Listening throughout the night, Cyrus's tiny wail quieted her thoughts, lulling her back to sleep.

"I hope you get the rest you deserve, so I shall take my leave."

Someone knocked on the door.

"Well, not without a warm meal, General."

Elsa folded the message into tiny squares over and over. Yesterday morning, Bennet sent this last correspondence that the ambush would happen last night. She ran her fingers across the permanent creases, trying not to imagine the men risking their lives. Gruesome thoughts occupied her mind when all she had were unanswered questions. What did they find in that rally? Did they arrest the man who started this horrifying resistance? Had they been captured, killed, or both? They should've had those ice golems to support them in the raid. These men had taken a significant risk when Elsa couldn't control her emotions long enough to protect them like she promised.

No, she couldn't sit in a room consumed in guilt. That didn't help the soldiers either. Forcing herself to continue her daily routine, she organized the documents on her desk. Going over the list in her head, she knew she had to review citizen proposals, especially with all the projects they started in town. Go over treaties and alliances, check on the private army's progress, or work on the ice soldiers. Even with all that sitting on her shoulders, she felt the urge to flee. Elsa pushed it down. There were important matters for a queen to focus on rather than running away on a whim. Hadn't she outgrown that impulse? Besides, the General could send an update to the castle at any time.

Biting her lip, Elsa stepped away from her desk to the window. The bright blue sky and emerald greenery of summer invited her to take a morning horse ride. How could she even focus on essential tasks with a wandering mind? Her feet guided her out the door, almost gliding away. Anyone would have encouraged her to take a breath of fresh air after these stressful weeks.

In fact, the military wasn't that far from the castle. Why not accomplish two things at once? Her skills could be better suited by Bennet's side rather than pacing in her study.

She tied her braid back into a bun to keep hair out of her face. No time to change, Elsa created her own riding clothes on the way to the stables. In the last stall, Midnight chewed on oats from a new feed bag. He huffed at the sight of her, pawing at the ground with his right hoof. Elsa approached him and petted his muzzle, pleased to see a shiny coat. She made a mental note to reward the stable hands for their excellent care. Swiftly, she dressed him in his saddle and bit.

"It's nice to see you, too. I owe you another outing, don't I?" Elsa cooed. Midnight responded with a warm breath against her hands. She led him out of the stables into the summer heat. "It's too nice of a day to be cooped up. Believe me."

Midnight shivered, mane flying in the air. As she planned out her questions for the General, a soft coo distracted her. Searching the courtyard for the noise, Elsa found a sparkling dove flying to her. Instinctively, she held out a hand. The dove accepted her invitation, perching on her knuckles.

"I thought I lost you," Elsa said. She petted its head with her other hand. "What trouble have you gotten into?"

She gasped. Flashes of the dove's memories invaded her mind, answering her question. All this time, the little bird never gave up on its mission, and to her disbelief, it fulfilled its duty. The moment the visions ended, the little dove fluttered away, predicting her next move. Elsa scrambled to climb onto Midnight's back. The mustang listened, taking off instantly. Past the gates, almost hitting a few people on the way, Elsa headed into the forest. Almost as if he knew who awaited them, Midnight pushed forward without any encouragement. They created a dirt cloud as they raced down the path with the bird soaring ahead, leading the way. She couldn't believe the memories it shared. She needed to know, to see. Her heart thundered in her ears like the hooves hitting the earth. Midnight had barely stopped running when Elsa jumped off. She ignored the guards at the gates, calling out to her, as she made her way into the fort.

Curled up in the corner of my cell, I heard the heavy steel door groan as it opened. Multiple boots stomped inside, but I kept my face toward the stone walls. Had I not strained my throat from yelling this morning, I might have said something snippy. Probably about the cuffs that chafed my wrists raw. My arms ached from being bound against my back all night, making sleep impossible. They throbbed, crying for proper circulation.

"Time to answer some questions," one of the guards said.

I glared at the wall.

"We're speaking to you!" Another man barked.

I snorted. "Now, you want to listen?" My voice sounded raspy.

A hand grabbed my arm, yanking me away from my little corner. I kicked and flailed my body as the guard dragged me to the center of the cell. The first man pulled me onto my feet, and one of the lackeys shoved his face into mine. This close, I studied his red skin, bulging veins in his neck, and foul breath huffing into my nose. I matched his anger, sneering back into his ridiculous attempt to intimidate me.

"What do you know about the Ulfhedinn?" he questioned.

"Nothing," I answered.

"Stop lying!"

"I was brought to that place by force, not by choice."

"Then, why are you so interested in the Queen?"

I growled. "Because I know her. Let me talk to her, and she'll explain."

He rolled his eyes at me. "What makes you so special that you can request the Queen's presence?"

"This." I spit in his face.

In a split second, he punched me in the chest. Probably would've hit my face had he not had my saliva in his eyes. His little posse pulled him away so he didn't beat the shit out of me. It hurt to breathe. I would have dropped to the floor without the support of the soldier holding me in an iron grip

Through my panting breath and sore throat, I commanded once more, "Tell her my name. I will not speak until I see Queen Elsa."

"Where is she?" Elsa's voice boomed against the stone walls. "Where is Alexis?"

The guards, who stood in her way, stared at her in confusion. Grunting at their lack of help, Elsa stomped in the direction of Bennet's office. The men attempted to reach out to her but jumped back, afraid of the ice cracking beneath her feet. Spiked snowflakes patterned the stone floor, spreading up the walls, snuffing out torch flames. With the door in sight, Elsa lifted her arm to enter his office. An icy wind swirled from her hand, slamming into the door and forcing it open. It sliced through the air, filling the room with its presence. Sparkling snowflakes blew out candles and pilfered through the paper on a desk. Elsa stood in the entryway, staring at the dark, empty room, hoping she hadn't hurt Bennet. Over her shoulder, she could see soldiers crowded together, a distance away, watching.

"Your Majesty?"

Elsa turned to her left to see General Bennet walking towards her. Curling her hands against her chest, she met him halfway. She felt the buzzing of her magic on her skin, desperate to escape. Each of her footsteps hit the floor a little harder to expel some of the overcharged power. Bennet practically slid on solid ice by the time he reached her.

"My Queen, what is wrong?" he asked.

"I apologize. I didn't mean to cause a scene or damage your office. I just need to see a- a- a prisoner." Elsa gritted her teeth at the word. She felt the energy build in her hands again. "She shouldn't be here. Tell me where Alexis is."

Bennet's eyebrows raised as the color in his face drained away. Even a few of the soldiers behind him diverted their wide-eyed gaze from her. Bennet cleared his throat. "Alexis?"

"Yes."

"That prisoner has been requesting your audience since she arrived. We couldn't risk your safety—"

"Take me to her. Now."

Without further argument, Bennet led the way to the deeper parts of the fort. Underground, they kept the prisoners of war, leaving them to rot, only gaining freedom through execution. Elsa tried to ignore her heartbeat, striking like lightning in her eardrums in the still dungeon tunnels. A part of her doubted that Alexis would indeed be behind one of these steel doors. What are the chances they found a girl with a similar name or if the resistance had enough information to lead Elsa into a trap? Even the dove's evidence couldn't silence the second-guessing.

They slowed down at a cell that had been left open. Inside, four soldiers stood, blocking her sight from the whole room. One of them turned and jumped at the view of her and Bennet. He stepped out, saluting. "We've started the interrogation!"

"The what?" Elsa cried. She pushed past the scrawny man so she could peek over the shoulders of the other three men. A rather burly soldier hovered over a body on the floor.

"Who do you think you are making demands like that!" the soldier screeched.

With one hand, he lifted the body in the air. Time slowed when torch lights illuminated the person's face. Despite Alexis wiggling to escape his grasp, shaking her head side to side, Elsa knew those narrowed eyes filled with rage. Who knew the sight of such anger would make her well up in tears? In the next moment, the soldier slammed her into the wall. Alexis gasped out in pain, not noticing his other raised to strike her.

"STOP!" Elsa screamed. She shoved the guard blockade aside before throwing a heavy blast of snow at the burly soldier's back.

Caught by surprise, he let Alexis go to find the person that attacked him. Alexis plopped to the ground, flinching on impact, but no further movement. She sat there like a limp forgotten doll in the corner of a bedroom. The guard's bared teeth disappeared at the sight of Elsa standing two inches away from him. Her glare burned into his face like frostbite. Without another word, he scurried behind the protection of his fellow men. Elsa dropped to her knees, gathering the poor girl into her arms. Pushing aside the tangled black hair, Elsa's tears spilled at the sight of Alexis's face. She ran a thumb over cuts and bruises on her cheeks, choking back sobs.

Alexis gazed at her with weary eyes, unable to hold them open. She spoke hoarsely, "Saved me again… What are the odds?"

"You're home!" Elsa smiled through her tears. "You're really here."

"I promised." Her head dipped forward, resting on Elsa's shoulder. "I promised…"