Chapter 1

Waves crashed across the shore as the surf lazily washed upon the beach before retreating back into the sea as quickly as it came. A nearby stream could be heard trickling, punctuated by the occasional thump of thawing snow falling from an icy limb. Rime still covered the forest but was gently receding under the watchful eye of the rising sun. In its place was the first new grass sprouting into the dawn. And there, peeking out from beneath the sheltering boughs of an old spruce, a lone blossom had managed to push its way up through the snow to be the first bloom to welcome the distant sun. Its pale lavender petals still had flakes clinging to it but it opened wide to the beckoning rays that shone down through its protector's needles. A rare splash of color in a forest that was gradually waking up after a long slumber.

All at once the serene stillness was interrupted by the most minute of creatures, a tiny skylark fluttering down from amongst the trees. She hopped across the ground before pausing, glancing about and giving a warbling little melody. When nothing responded she continued to prance through the snow to a newly revealed patch of grass. Grasping the fresh blades in her beak and plucking away with a few diminutive tugs, she heastiated now and then to listen until she nearly had a mouthful. With another call the skylark leapt into the sky once more.

A strong morning breeze was blowing in from the sea as she wheeled into the sky, fluttering back and forth before gliding down the beach. Frosted boughs sped by beneath her, trembling in the breeze, before giving way to an old road and gate as the skylark crested over the city of Arendelle. From this height she could see all of the city and unlike the tranquil woods it was in quite the commotion.

In spite of the fact that it was still early in the morning people were bustling all around with all manner of preparations. Banners were being hung, streamers strung from the trees and ornate lanterns placed at each street corner. All the while there was a pleasant buzz, murmurs of excited chatter drifting along the wind. It had been so long since the people had had such a momentous day to celebrate but a new one had finally arrived and the excitement in the air was quite palpable.

Swooping low over the main courtyard, she circled for a moment to ponder at the hubbub below. A blond man directing those around him before giving the impatient reindeer that had been nosing at his elbow a soft pat. A young woman with flaming red hair waving to him with a radiant smile. The two embracing one another before looking out at the commotion around them with eager anticipation.

And then just like that they were behind her as the starling soared over the water before catching a gale and rising above the castle beyond. Towering over the neighbouring city, its tallest parapet seemed to scrape against the sky itself, its stout stone walls standing against the ever present flow of the sea. From every tower a gold, violet and emerald flag flew although everywhere else a softer lavender could be seen in the form of decorations across the grounds, particularly around an ancient stave church that stood alone off to one side. A purple carpet had been rolled out from its door and a graceful white archway placed over its entrance. Even here there were countless people roaming around, mirroring the frantic commotion filling the city as a whole.

Wheeling around the towers and gliding low, the starling watched it all before gracefully fluttering her wings and alighting upon an open window sill, prancing about before giving a cheerful trill. Only this time she got a response.

"Well hello there."

Startling at the voice, the starling hopped around to see a woman standing by the open window. She'd been so still the bird hadn't even noticed her upon approach but now she drifted forward with a graceful step. Brushing aside her platinum hair and leaning forward slowly so as not to frighten the little bird, she gave a gentle smile. "And what are you doing up here so early?"

With a cock of the head and another hop, the starling tweeted a response to which she laughed lightly. "Of course I'm happy to see you. I just wasn't expecting to see you for another week or so." Her cerulean eyes glancing at the grass clutched in the bird's mouth, the woman added, "I see you're expecting something momentous soon. So are we."

Gesturing to the sill between them, she asked, "May I?" After receiving a small flutter in return she gingerly sat in the window, looking out over the fjord beyond and her eyes growing distant. "So much is going to change over the next few days. So many coming from so far. I admit I'm excited but at the same time it's all a little overwhelming." The starling twitterd in response but she was too lost in thought to notice. "To be honest I wasn't sure if he was ever going to ask but when he did the answer was obvious. Still, I'm glad he did, really. I just hope that things don't change too much is all..."

Silence fell for a moment as she tapered off, her eyes fixed on the horizon. After a few seconds ticked past she stirred with a blink, glancing around before returning her attention to the starling beside her. "Listen to me, confessing my anxieties to a bird," she murmured as she watched the fluffy critter take a hop closer. "My, you're a brave little thing. Would you like to come in?" With that she offered a lone finger for her feathered companion to perch upon. For a moment it looked as though the little bird would take the proffered finger before thinking better of it and diving back into the azure sky with a parting melody.

Straightening up to watch the starling go, Elsa's smile broadened as she waved a small goodbye. "Alright then. Don't be a stranger."

As the bird left, though, she felt a drop of envy as she watched it wing through the sky towards the horizon.

Anyone in Arendelle knew the first starling could only mean one thing. After a long, dark winter spring had finally sprung. For months everything had come to a halt, locked in a frosty cocoon of ice and snow as even time itself seemed to stand still. All there was to do was to wait for the clocks to resume ticking and the snows to be driven back north where they belonged.

But now that would all be over. The flowers would bloom and the rivers would flow as the world would reawaken. And they could finally set in motion all the plans they'd been growing for so long.

Rising with a stretch and a slight yawn, Elsa paused to look out at the clamor below. They'd been at it for weeks now and yet she still wasn't sure they'd be ready for the wedding tomorrow. More importantly, it had to be ready before the emissaries began to arrive. After all, this would be the first time individuals from other royal families would be in Arendelle since her second coronation. Everything would have to look the part in order to impress.

Speaking of which, it was time for her to get ready to face the day. Gliding across her room to the small table situated beside her bed, she sat and gave a sigh upon looking into the large mirror sitting upon it. If only my powers could do something about these, Elsa thought as she glared at the faintest hints of dark circles beneath her eyes. The last few nights had been long and tiresome as sleep proved to be elusive for her, which was more than frustrating considering what was coming. She'd spoken to the court physician about it but she dismissed anything he could offer, resigning herself to another long night of staring at the ceiling.

Still, it couldn't be helped so she conceded with another sigh, giving her hand a flick and letting her powers do the rest. At the behest of the slight motion a small flurry of snow materialized into existence above her palm, swirling and glinting in the morning's glow. Responding to her every thought and emotion, the flakes fluttered around her hand before coming together and hardening into an utterly pristine brush made from nothing but translucent ice. She then took a hold of its frigid handle and began to run it through her hair, humming tunelessly as she did so.

The time when she'd been afraid to use her powers at all seemed like such a distant memory. Now there wasn't a day that went by where Elsa didn't rely on them in one form or another, whether for something as pedestrian as making a hairbrush to more grand displays such as sweeping snow away from the castle grounds. As a result her control and confidence seemed to grow daily as she pushed herself to embrace them and everything that they could do.

That being said, something was changing. Elsa couldn't say for sure what it was but there was no question that her powers were growing. They'd always been frighteningly powerful before but now that she explored them daily they only seemed to redouble in strength. As they grew, though, it felt like more and more of them were drifting beyond her understanding. Like she was gazing at an enormous iceberg floating out in the bay. So much rose above the surface but she knew that for all that she could see there was so much more hidden below the surface. Who knew what was lurking down there in the frigid depths of her mind. There was one thing that she was certain of beyond any doubt, however. That even when she had frozen all of Arendelle in one mighty wave, even then as she had exhibited unearthly powers, she hadn't even begun to tap into her true potential.

Needless to say, the true magnitude of her abilities always lurked in the back of her mind as she paused her brushing to regard herself again in the mirror. While she looked like any other woman within her lay the strength to blanket the entire world in a never ending age of snow and frost. It was an intimidating part of herself that Elsa was still trying to come to terms with. Her powers reacted so strongly to her emotions, who knew what they could do if she allowed herself a single outburst. It would have been keeping her up at night if she wasn't already being harassed by something far more annoying.

"Anything to be rid of that dream," she muttered to herself as she looked into the mirror before realizing her quiet morning had been interrupted by a knocking at the door. Still, Elsa didn't turn around as she resumed brushing her hair, instead simply asking, "Who is it?"

"Lord Kai, your majesty."

Giving a nod, she replied, "Enter."

The door swung open to reveal a portly gentleman somewhere in his mid forties and while age seemed to be just barely graying the edges of his hair Elsa found that she relied on him more than almost anyone in Arendelle. Lord Kai had been the maitre d of the castle since before she was born, serving her father before her, and she hoped that would continue to do so for as long as possible. His seasoned wisdom and experience had proved to be invaluable on more than one occasion.

Today, though, he looked as though he'd been awake since well before dawn, which was probably true as he was in charge of seeing the castle through its transformation. And while he'd been doing an exemplary job thus far Elsa felt as though he could use a prolonged vacation sometime soon. Not that he would ever agree to such a thing of course.

Stepping into the room and giving a short bow, he said, "Good morning, your majesty."

"Good morning, Lord Kai," she replied, giving him a cordial smile through the mirror. "I trust you slept well."

The answer was obviously no but he didn't even hesitate to give a sharp nod. "Of course, your majesty. Although, if I may, you usually rise earlier than this."

With a sigh, she snuck a quick glance at the bags under her eyes. "Apologies. I still haven't been sleeping well."

"I'm sorry to hear that, your majesty. I can send the court physician again if you like." When she waved the suggestion away he continued. "I just came to inform you that the last of the stock arrived before dawn and has been stored in the cellars. Also, the staff have made all accommodations ready for the coming days. I'm sure everyone will..."

As he continued to speak, though, Elsa found her attention was no longer on him. The tedium of constant chaos had long since made the day to day preparations blur together into a vague clump of memories in her mind. It was only after a moment that she realized that Kai was waiting for her to respond so she just gave a nod. "And the other preparations?"

"Progressing apace. All will be ready in time, I swear it."

Nodding approvingly, Elsa set her brush aside and rose to her feet before turning to face him. "Any signs yet of our impending guests?"

"Not yet, your majesty," Lord Kai replied with a slight frown. "Though I've instructed the guard to inform me the moment a ship breaks the horizon."

"Very well. Thank you, Lord Kai," she said. He always seemed to know what she was going to ask of him before she said it. Lord Kai truly was exemplary at his job. Even so, as comfortable as her nightgown might be it was time to get dressed. "If that is all then I shall be out shortly."

"Of course, your majesty." He gave another short bow and was about to turn to leave before hesitating and turning back to her. "Oh. One other thing. I believe Lord Aaron is looking to speak with you."

That caused Elsa to pause. She'd turned back to the mirror but cast a bemused look over her shoulder at him. "Is that so? Do you know what it would pertain to?"

"I'm afraid not. No doubt another request to ramp up security for the foreseeable future."

It was all she could do to resist the urge to roll her eyes. While she was more than a little exasperated by his constant requests it wouldn't do to give such an unqueenly response. So, instead, Elsa simply replied, "He has been rather paranoid of late. But I'm sure he means well. Where is he?"

Lord Kai gestured to the door behind him. "Waiting out in your foyer I believe."

"Oh. Then if you would please send him in on your way out. And if one of my handmaidens is there, send her in as well."

"Yes, your majesty." With a final bow he turned to leave, stepping into the foyer and out of sight but she could still hear him as he spoke. "Her majesty wishes to speak with you. You as well, ma'am."

A younger man's voice answered, followed by footsteps. "Thank you, Lord Kai."

As she pretended to regard her appearance in the mirror once more she secretly watched as a very different man strode through the open door. Whereas Lord Kai was always humble and soft spoken, this man stood tall with pride. There was a sterling shield clasp attached to his chest, helping to hold aloft the long cloak that hung from his broad shoulders as he stopped with one hand clutched to the small of his back, the other resting on the hilt of the sword hung by his side. A subtle smirk held firm beneath his shimmering amber eyes as he offered a much deeper bow than Lord Kai had, straightening back up before speaking in a supple voice. "Good morning, my queen."

Rather than acknowledging his greeting, though, Elsa instead chose to ignore him and focus on the maid who had followed him into the room. Giving her a warm smile, Elsa said, "Good morning, Shmi. After you turn down my bed would you mind finding my sister? I wish to speak with her about the coming days."

"Of course, your majesty," the maid replied with a small curtsey before hustling to work on the bed.

It was only once she had started that Elsa turned to cooly regard the other person in the room. Giving him a haughty look, she simply asked, "What's this about, Lord Aaron?"

However, he didn't seem even the least bit perturbed by her icy demeanor, instead letting his smirk grow into a grin as he said, "Your majesty, I've come to plead my case for heightened security measures."

This time she allowed herself to indulge in an eye roll as she rubbed her fingers against her brow. "Not this again."

Once again her response did nothing to temper his enthusiasm as he gave a confident nod. "I just believe we should take the appropriate measures to protect this city. Who knows who could be-"

Rather than letting him continue with an argument that she'd heard several times before, though, she held up a hand for him to stop. Once he'd fallen silent she gave him a frank look. "I have the utmost confidence that you and your men will be able to bring any situation under control. Unless you believe you're not up to the task."

That seemed to puncture the veil of confidence around him as his expression turned shrewd. "Of course I am. But, Queen Elsa, when you appointed me Lord Protector of Arendelle we agreed that you would defer to my judgement on all things pertaining to security."

"And so I have, Lord Aaron," she replied, growing impatient. "I have agreed with every measure you have put forth regarding the sanctity and security of this nation with complete faith in your abilities, but enough is enough." Out of the corner of her eye Elsa noticed her maid had finished with the bed and was making to leave. To her she said, "Would you please shut the door on your way out?"

Nodding obediently, the maid quickly moved for the foyer, casting a furtive glance at the man as she went before disappearing behind the closing door. Neither of them said anything as they listened to her soft footsteps retreat to the hall until there was nothing but silence in the room. What the maid had failed to notice in her hurry to leave was the rising tension in the room. It had been quietly building since he had entered and was now reaching a fevered pitch as they waited until it was absolutely certain they were alone. Then it was only a matter of time until one of them relented.

Breaking the stillness, Aaron suddenly strode towards her with obvious intention, his amber gaze filled with anticipation. But Elsa didn't refuse him, flowing gratefully into his arms and allowing herself a meek smile as she felt his warm fingers caress her chin. Her heart began to flutter when she saw the gleam entering his eyes as he growled, "Finally," before pressing his lips against hers.