A/N: Hey folks, we're down to the last chapters here. The next one will wrap this up in a nice pretty bow and may or may not foreshadow some future stories of mine *wink wink*. But in the meantime, enjoy this surprising long chapter I've written for you all. Much sister fluff awaits!

Elsa felt the ground give way beneath her feet. "Missing?!"

"Yeah," Kristoff was huffing something awful, but he continued, "I – huff – I went to check on her, you know, because things have been pretty crazy this morning – huff - and I didn't want her to be alone at a time like this-"

Elsa winced.

"But – huff- when I checked all her usual spots, the gallery, her room, the kitchens, I didn't find her - huff- so I asked Gerda where she could be – huff- and she looked too, but no one's seen her since this morning – huff - and she's probably in a bad place right now cause of – huff - everything that happened and I know you're really busy but-"

Her patience was beginning to wear thin. "Kristoff, the point, please."

He took a deep breath, "I think everything that happened this weekend just hit her and she definitely shouldn't be alone right now and I'm kinda worried and we really, really gotta find her!"

Silence echoed in the room.

"Your Majesty, you don't think-" Spymaster Gregers caught himself. "No, it can't be…"

The look on his face sent a shiver down her spine. "Can't be what?"

He looked to her, "You-you don't think perhaps this is yet another attack on the throne?"

A sudden swell of panic overtook her. The traitor…

Captain Vilhelm appeared to have come to the same conclusion as well. He jumped up, "Ma'am. I will comb every nook and cranny of this castle until the princess is found."

She could feel her heart in her throat, "Alert Commander Njord as well. Tell him to search the village."

The men hurried off.

"And me?"

Elsa looked to Kristoff, her sister's boyfriend, perhaps the only person who'd taken care of Anna during this crisis.

Herself included.

Shame coursed through her. She should have run to Anna's side after learning about Sorenson's betrayal and helped her through her struggle. Any other sibling would have done just that.

But as always, she had gotten caught up in the wave of her work and left her sister alone to deal with her pain, again.

God, when will I stop being such a horrible sister?

She got to her feet and headed out the door, Kai and Kristoff on her heels. "Go into town, Kristoff. Find her friends, maybe…maybe she just went to see them and forgot to tell someone."

He didn't appear convinced by her logic, but he nodded anyway. "Okay, I'll check the stables too. Maybe she took Anja out."

She didn't push him for his reasons. He seemed to know Anna's state of mind better than she did right now.

He hurried off, leaving Kai her sole companion. "We'll find her, ma'am."

She didn't doubt that. What she did doubt was her ability to ever be the kind of big sister Anna so rightly deserved. One who offered her comfort rather than leaving her to wallow in suffering and grief over and over again.

How many times had Anna had to hide herself to deal with her loneliness and pain and the ever-encompassing silence that accompanied her in childhood? And how many more times would she be subject to it even now, during this so-called 'happily ever after' of theirs?

And what if this wasn't just Anna running off to be alone? What if she was in danger?

No. Fate cannot be that unkind to us. It just can't.

She picked up her skirts and hurried faster down the hallway, her mind racing with a million thoughts. Gerda and the other servants were doing a sweep of the castle, but she could always start by checking all of Anna's usual hideouts again, just in case.

She mentally ran through the veritable laundry list of hiding spots her sister had adopted over the years. Of course, there was the gallery, but Gerda hadn't found her there.

Maybe she was in the kitchens, or her room, or perhaps in the corner of the library, behind the fiction books, losing herself in the magic of literature to forget her worries for a while.

God, far too many places to check, and who knows what else lays in store?

Elsa picked up her skirt and hurried past an open window, briefly catching the tall silhouette of the town clocktower in her gaze.

Clocktower… She ground to a halt, her eyes wide with realization.

"Kai, tell everyone to stop the search. I know where Anna is."

Elsa was pretty confident in her instincts when she stopped the search for her sister, and yet, immense relief flooded through her when she did find Anna seated on the stairs inside the clocktower, her feet dangling over the edges, her eyes staring off into the distance, clearly thinking, clearly in sorrow.

"I thought you might be here."

Anna startled at the unexpected voice, her head shooting up to look at her sister. "How'd you find me?"

The queen chuckled, leaning against the door with a smirk. "You've moped about this old clocktower since you could crawl up the stairs on your own, love. Change your hiding place, then we'll talk."

To her surprise, Anna didn't join in the laughter. Instead, she turned away with a deep frown.

"Nothing's changed, has it? I'm still that naïve little kid bumbling around and making a mess of things."

The smile fell off Elsa' face, "I didn't mean it like that, love."

"You didn't, but others do."

Elsa sighed with understanding, walking up the steps and sitting beside her sister. "The council?"

Anna didn't look at her. "Are you going to say they're wrong?"

Elsa scoffed aloud at that.

"The council is hardly a fair arbiter of who is or isn't qualified for their position, love."

"But am I?"

"Huh?"

Stormy teal eyes finally rose to meet her. "Am I qualified to be crown princess?"

Elsa furrowed her brows, "Anna, if you're not qualified enough to be crown princess, then I'm not sure there should be such a title at all."

"You're right. There shouldn't be." Anna's gaze fell to the ground, "And even if there is, then it shouldn't be me."

It took a stunned Elsa a moment to respond, "What are you saying, love? You, not be heir to the throne?"

Anna just laughed a mirthless laugh, "I thought hearing about the past three days would have convinced you of just what a disaster I am…but then again, you always did give me credit I never deserved."

"Stop." Elsa reached for Anna's face, cradling it in her hands, forcing her to make eye contact. "Just stop, Anna, please. Hearing you think so lowly of yourself breaks my heart. It's-it's not right."

"No, Elsa!" Anna brushed her off and stood up, "What's not right is you insisting that I'm doing my job well when the entire kingdom knows just how incompetent I really am."

"It's my job to help you run the kingdom, but even on the best of days, I suck at it! I can't run a council meeting to save my life, I can't write reports that don't look like something a toddler scribbled on a wall with a crayon, I can't speak in public without rambling or stumbling over every other word…heck, the only thing I'm good at is not doing my royal duties!"

"And then, overnight, the entire weight of the kingdom fell on my shoulders, and I had no idea what to do. I just handed it all off to Sorenson and spent my time running around the mountains for the cure because the thought of sitting behind a desk and dealing with everything made me want to gag. But even that, I screwed up because I never told the council what had happened to you, but they found out somehow and called me in to yell at me and the only thing I could think about the whole time was how right they were, because a freaking traitor was on the loose but turns out, not only did I trust him with the kingdom, but I also let him get close to you like a thousand times and he could have killed you any single one of those times but he didn't and – oh God, Elsa, you almost DIED, and all because I trusted that conniving, twisted snake!"

Anna swiveled sharply to face her sister, her eyes alight with fresh grief, "Now tell me, what about that screams 'competent, worthy heir to the throne' to you, Elsa?! Because I, for one, don't see it!"

Elsa sucked in a harsh breath. So this was the extent of the damage the council had wrought. She suppressed the sudden urge to march back into the castle and freeze them all in a block of ice.

With a sigh, she reached for Anna's hand and intertwined their fingers together instead. The gesture softened Anna's upset a smidgen, but her eyes continued to glint with a harshness that tore Elsa's heart to shreds.

"Anna…how long have you felt this way?"

The princess' absent shrug made her heart ache. "I don't know…but everyone always said I wouldn't amount to anything. It was always, 'Princess, why can't you write more fluidly,' or 'Princess, your sister knows five languages, try and keep up,' or, 'Watch your manners, you're the crown princess, act like it!'"

Elsa hadn't known. She hadn't realized-

"I don't blame them, really, I don't." Anna added immediately, "I mean, making me presentable in any capacity is a big accomplishment. And presenting me as the heir to the throne? Well, I think that's just about impossible."

A lump settled in her throat. "Darling, that's not true-"

"I know you think it isn't, Elsa." She gave a small, melancholic smile, "But you've always had faith in me, even when I never deserved it…and right now, I don't. This weekend just proves something I already knew. I'm not cut out for this." She hung her head and whispered, "I never was."

Elsa sat beside her sister, her heart aching for Anna's pain. Words escaped her, but emotions, they lingered. Anger, pain, grief, confusion.

How had things gone so wrong? And how come she had never noticed her sister's pain until now?

Yet another result of your deeds, Elsa. You weren't there for her when she needed you. That's why you never knew.

She shook her head. Now was not the time to wallow in her own guilt. Now was the time to show Anna just how much she needed her. To remind her of the person she was. To show her the light that shone within…

Elsa reached to clasp her face. "Anna, do you know what I see when I look at you?"

The girl sniffled, "A failure?"

"No, I see a star that doesn't know how bright it can shine. A gem that doesn't know its own worth. Anna, when I look at you, I see a princess, who, even as a child, radiated with such compassion and understanding that I know Arendelle could truly do no better than her."

Anna looked up, "What are you talking about?"

"When you were four, you accidentally knocked over one of Papa's priceless vases." Elsa offered a soft smile at the memory, "It was a gift from one of the Eastern kingdoms, I think. We were trying to improve relations with them, and they had sent it to us as a token of good faith."

She looked up, "I don't remember exactly how it all happened, but I remember coming out of my daily lessons and Mama running up to me frantically because she couldn't find you. The whole castle was practically turned upside down that day…"

Anna scrunched her eyebrows, "So where did you find me?"

Elsa smiled, "When I found you that day, it was in this clocktower. You were sitting just like this, sniffling and upset-"

"So nothing has changed…"

"No, it hasn't. Because when I found you, I figured you'd be upset or scared of what Mama or Papa might say to you…or how they might punish you for breaking the vase. But do you know what you said to me when I asked you why you were hiding?"

"What?"

Elsa's eyes gleamed a bright blue. "You said you were hiding because you'd disappointed them."

"Huh?"

"You knew the vase was important and that it was a gift, and you were sad that you had ruined such a precious gift. You were sad that Papa would be upset by what you had done." Elsa pulled their entwined hands close, "Anna, at four years old, you were more concerned with how much you'd hurt others with your actions than you were with any punishment they might give you."

Their joined hands came up to her heart. "And it was that day I realized just how lucky I am to have you by my side, then and now. Your empathy, your compassion, your concern for others and the kingdom at large…even then, Anna, I knew you had the heart and the soul of a true princess."

"And when I made you crown princess, I did so, not out of obligation or lack of choice but with pride. Because there is no doubt in my mind that only you can be the crown princess this kingdom needs. Only you can be the crown princess I need by my side, Anna…it could never be anyone else."

A somber expression overtook Anna's features, "The council doesn't seem to care about that. And they're right. I don't have what it takes to be responsible for the whole kingdom, Elsa." She shook her head, "I didn't even realize Sorenson was a traitor until now. I mean, what kind of leadership is that? I let the man run around freely for three days…I put the kingdom in HIS HANDS and just ran off!"

Elsa placed a hand on her sister's tense shoulder.

"You're saying you don't have what it takes to be the heir to the throne, Anna, but how could you forget that without you, there wouldn't even be a throne to inherit?"

Anna swallowed sharply. "That's not comforting, Elsa. Because that whole thing was my fault too."

"Anna-"

"Face it. There's nothing left to say, Elsa. I can't be your heir anymore. I can't do it…I just can't."

Elsa's heart fell at those words, but as much as it hurt, it seemed her sister had made her choice.

She swallowed the lump in her throat and reached for Anna's hands, "Alright, if that's truly what you wish, I won't force you. I'll relieve you of your position as crown princess, effective immediately."

The princess nodded grimly, but she couldn't help feeling disappointed by her response. It was all she felt she deserved, so why did it hurt so bad?

Maybe because, deep down, she'd hoped her sister would continue to reassure her, trying to soothe her worries by reminding her of all the good she'd done.

But Elsa had just given up on her. Just like that.

Maybe I really am that hopeless.

Elsa's soft chuckle broke through her gloomy thoughts. "You know…now that I think about it, it might not be such a bad idea…living like that, I mean. No royal headaches to deal with, or diplomatic nightmares to sort out…" Elsa shrugged, "I think it really wouldn't be a bad idea after all."

Anna furrowed her brows. What was Elsa talking about?

"Of course, we'll have to make a living. I'm afraid I'm rather inept at any activities not pertaining to government, so it'll probably be up to you to make sure we have a roof over our head and food on the table." She scratched her chin thoughtfully, "Maybe we could open our own little bakery."

A bakery?

"Sure, it would be in competition with your friend Ingrid, but I'm sure we wouldn't cut into her business all that much. Then again, your baking skills are rather delightful, so perhaps we'd actually give her a good fight." She looked to Anna, "What do you say, does a bakery sound like something you'd be interested in?"

Anna found herself thoroughly lost. "Elsa, what are you talking about? Why in the world would we be setting up a bakery?"

Elsa looked surprised, "Anna, after I abdicate, we can't possibly continue living in the castle."

"Abdicate?!" Anna jumped up. "Whatdya mean abdicate?"

Elsa raised an eyebrow, "I'd give up the throne. You know, resign, leave the job, fire myself."

"Hold up, why are you going to abdicate? I'm the one who's not good enough to sit on the throne."

The fond smile Elsa gave her in return made no sense to the panic-stricken princess. But then -

"Oh Anna…did you really think I'd continue ruling Arendelle without you?"

Realization dawned on Anna. Her throat closed up.

"I have spent years learning how to rule a kingdom, Anna. I know how this nation functions, both inside and out. Every industry, every alliance, every nook and cranny town in our kingdom, I'm aware of it all. And I could easily run this kingdom without the council if I ever needed to, Anna – God knows it's crossed my mind a thousand times already…" She shook her head, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, "But the one thing I cannot do is rule without you, love."

"You are my north star, my guardian angel, my lantern in the dark. You give me life when I find myself drained of all hope, you support me just when I feel as though I might collapse. You remind me that there is more to this world than my duties…and if I have accomplished anything in these last two years, Anna, it's only because of you."

Elsa clasped her sister's hand, "I can't possibly hope to do this without you, but I will not force you to do something you don't want to. So if you are serious about giving up your claim to the throne…then so am I."

A wide-eyed, incredulous Anna fumbled for words, but other than opening her mouth and then shutting it like a befuddled pufferfish, she could do nothing else.

Because Elsa wasn't supposed to be giving up the throne for her. She wasn't supposed to be leaving it all behind because of her. It was her birthright, her destiny, the culmination of decades' of study and work and preparation that Elsa was meant for.

But Elsa would leave it all behind for her. She was willing to, immediately and without hesitation.

She was ready to give it all up just for her.

Because she couldn't rule Arendelle without her.

The realization had the princess launching herself into her sister's arms, sobbing with the proof of Elsa's love and faith that she didn't really have in herself just yet, but she would someday.

Because Elsa needed her by her side. And if Elsa needed her, how could Anna possibly refuse her?

"Okay," She mumbled into Elsa's shoulder with a sniffle. She pulled back to wipe at her eyes before offering a teary smile, "I'll stay. I'll do it."

Elsa's smile was one of relief, "Good, because in hindsight, I'm not sure how well our bakery idea would have turned out."

Anna giggled, "It could always be a back-up, you know, if you ever decide you've had enough of it all." She leaned against her sister with a light-hearted sigh, taking comfort in an embrace she had thought she would never feel again.

I almost lost her…

The unbidden reminder of her weekend from hell had her pulling away from Elsa's warm arms with a frown.

"No, this doesn't change things. I still screwed everything up. I let Sorenson run loose around the kingdom, I didn't even know he was a traitor until it was almost too late! He nearly killed you, Elsa!"

Anna broke into a strangled sob.

But Elsa shushed her gently, pulling back into a hug, rubbing her back gently, "Oh Anna…" She bent down to kiss her hair, "I spent every day of the last two years with Sorenson, and I had no idea he wanted to kill me…did you really think I'd blame you for not figuring it out?"

"Not really." Anna admitted between sniffles, because Elsa never would have blamed her for something like that, but that didn't mean she hadn't made a terrifying mistake. "But I almost didn't save you..."

"But you did." Elsa drew back to meet her sister's teary gaze, "You did save me, and all I've heard since I woke up is how much you went through to do it." She smiled, "I'm proud of you, Anna. I could never have asked for a better sister, or a more dedicated heir."

Anna blushed and ducked her head at the compliment. She didn't really have the words to reply with, what with her being tired from crying all day …and her sister made for a very warm and comfy pillow.

She snuggled deeper into her embrace, ensconcing herself in Elsa's arms, finally allowing herself to enjoy the quiet of the moment. Sitting there in the old clocktower, wrapped up in a warm hug from her sister, Anna felt her fears, her worries, her fatigue – all built up over three terrifying days and nights – passing through her vulnerable form and out into the universe.

Then again, she always felt secure and safe in Elsa's arms.

She mumbled sleepily. "I'm glad you're okay."

Elsa felt a pang of guilt at her words. She could only imagine what kind of nightmare her sister had dealt with for three days, but she could hear the tremble in Anna's voice, feel the way her sister was practically molding herself to Elsa's form, sense Anna's unwillingness to fall asleep, despite her exhaustion, because she couldn't be entirely sure that this wasn't just another dream.

Elsa pulled Anna closer and planted a kiss on her head. "So am I. But you saved me, love, remember?"

"Yeah…" Anna yawned. "Ya know, I fought off a bear…"

Elsa smiled softly. She'd heard the tale of her sister's heroics from an appropriately proud Kristoff quite a few times already. But honestly, she didn't blame him for blabbing it to anyone within listening range. It did sound pretty cool. "So I heard, my brave little princess."

Anna returned a droopy smile, "And I found a sorcerer. A real one."

Elsa drew back in mock offense, "I'm sorry, are you implying I'm not real?"

"Nope…" Anna mumbled, "But you're the Snow Queen…he's just a sorcerer."

The queen was sufficiently amused, "And there's a difference?"

Anna nodded sleepily as she nuzzled Elsa's neck. "Hm hmm…your magic is much prettier."

Elsa chuckled, "Thank you, love. You were always my biggest fan, among other things, of course."

She suddenly remembered her reason for seeking Anna's counsel in the first place, "That reminds me…what do you think about Alvar?"

But Anna was already fast asleep.

Elsa smiled fondly at her sibling. "Later then. We'll pick this up later."