The day went by slowly, for both the merchant and the prince. His daughter had sat inside the carriage for the rest of day and soon they were packing away the goods.
Heidi stayed motionless staring into the darkening sky, her hazel eyes stuck onto the first star that began to show. Slowly she closed her eyes.
James chuckled silently and elbowed hans in the stomach, making the prince grunt and clutch on to the box of berries he was carrying. "See that lad?"
The redhead grumbled a yes and continued layering the goods. "Shes makin a wish boy..."
The big bellied man approched his youngest daughter a smile smothered on his face.
"What ye wishin for darling?"
The girl opened her eyes abruptly and looked away from her father.
"If i tell you, it won't come true."
Her loud father laughed right at her ear, something she was used to, and somewhat fond of. Heidi couldnt help but smile, she loved her father dearly, but as soon as the smile came it left her beautiful lips.
"I wished for you to accept the love Amos and i share."
James' face suddenly went stone hard.
Heidi settled further in the carriage, and the redhead got on. Everything was packed and ready for the coming day.
"We're ready Sir,"
The big man got ahold of the reigns to his horse and without one word lead his horses home.
Xoxoxo
Elsa brushed her long locks of blonde hair. The moon was shining brightly through her window, casting a gohstly light. The last cup of medical tea from Dr. Stone was set up for her to drink atop of her table.
She turned around picking up her tea, and drank it gracefully. Slowly one sip at a time. True be it that since she had drank the herbs, the haunting scent of wild berries had subsided.
She sat on her bed after dressing for sleep, her thoughts roaming everything that she had been through.
The incident with Anna, the trolls, her powers, and lastly the siren. The most mysterious of all her adventures.
How could she ask anyone now that Prince Hans was dead, the only ones maybe were the trolls. She had, since the beginning of all of this been intending to visit her brother-in-laws family, but time... Time was against her.
It seemed like tragedies would follow her.
In just the short time of her reign she had already frozen her country. She had almost killed her sister, the siren wanting her body to become the Original snow queen, the death of Hans.
Her head was going in circles and before she knew it, her room had been covered in a thin layer of ice.
She quickly defrosted the walls, reassuring herself that life happened.
A knock on her door suddenly shook her from her thoughts.
Quickly covering her modesty she walked to the door.
Her bright blue eyes landed on that of brown. "Gerda,"
The servant woman lowered her gaze, "I'm sorry my queen, to bother you so late, but my dear husband sent me to fetch you. He says it's very important, but the royal family being here its been hard to get ahold of you."
The queen quickly sprung her blue dress and locked the door to her room.
Gerda began walking with Elsa behind.
They walked into her office, and closed the door quietly behind. Kai was standing to the right of her desk, and smiled warmly when he saw his queen.
"Im sorry your majesty, you must've been sleeping, but really this information I'm about to give you is important."
Elsa sat behind her desk, staring at the only two people she fully trusted, aside from her sister.
"My queen, the man that is laying in that casket, is not the Prince. He is no royal, in fact he's probably an arendellian."
The blondes eyebrows went high, "what are you saying Kai?"
The loyal servant sat down his wife taking his left hand. "For the eyes of someone who hasn't been in the dark it may seem like this man is legitimately Royal. But my queen trust me, ive been around royalty, I've been around the clans and faces. He is not."
Elsa shook her head and lowered it, she trusted Kai, but why was it so hard to believe him?
"If what you say is true, then what are we to do with that information?" Anxiety ran up the queens spine, "what will we tell the royal family?"
"For now queen Elsa I say you let them believe that their son is dead. Things have gone too far," he stayed silent for a few minutes, "I've let things go too far."
Elsa felt the urge to stand up and run away just like the day of her coronation, but knew that it would be inappropriate, much more now that the princes family was here.
She had to keep it together and find a solution to everything that was happening.
"Seek a scout, someone trusted. I need to know if..."
Kai smiled and nodded his head, "if what i say is true..."
The queen gulped loudly, he could read her like an open book. "Kai, it's... It's not that, ok?"
"I know things are difficult right now my queen, but i know that once we find the Prince everything will get sorted out."
Elsa closed her eyes and sighed deeply. "I hope so."
Gerda smiled softly, gripping her husbands hand slightly before letting go. "My queen. I too have an inquiry..."
Elsa nodded towards the woman. "I have not seen Jet Rhyus in a weeks time..."
"His father asked for him, his permission to rest for three weeks. I granted this, maybe he will finally take the idea off his head of courting me."
Kai stood, " Jet Rhyus... Right."
Elsa nodded and stood too. The three left from her office, the upcoming week with trading matters and formalities was going to be long. She needed her rest.
Xoxoxo
A steed reared heavily as owls screeched loudly and flew past him and his rider. Jet hiyad loudly, trying to calm the horse and get it back on all fours.
His blue eyes reflected the moons beams. He knew this rout, it was the forbidden road. These forests were haunted by the souls of thousands of kings and queens, commoners alike, and even some who were children. They would say they were tied to each and every tree in the forest. Each one a different story to tell.
His trusted steed finally settled, the swordsman pulling the reigns towards the road. Slowly he was getting closer. Even though he was near, it was said he would travel one week, and it would feel as if it was an hour.
The beast began jumping from one end of the track to the other. Making Jet impatient and getting off the beast. He tied it to the closest tree, and began his walk down the lonely moonlit road.
As he walked in further, he could hear the sound of music, and further down, the screaming of men. Chains clashed against each other. Instinctively making him grab at his sword. He wasn't a man who was afraid of many things. That included death on the list. He was a man who knew what he wanted and stopped at nothing to get it.
Unlike his father, he had gained his spot, though, through presistance. By being the best. His grandfather was surely tied to one of the millions of trees in the forest. Thats how they'd gotten their spot with the royals.
It was something not to be proud of, but it got them where they needed to be.
He suddenly fell into a pit, and hands began clawing at him. He could feel the fire of hell on his legs.
Pulling at his sword he slashed until he could hear the screams of pain, and the retreat of the hands.
Quickly and heavily breathing he crawled out of the pit, his legs burning as if burning coal was being pressed against them.
He grunted and panted in pain. His dark hair was covered in cold sweat. The pain was almost unbearable.
He looked around and noticed it, the cottage to the Madame. With pain raging he began towards her home, but before he knew it he lay on his back with his legs twitching. Darkness took his mind, and slowly he closed his eyes.
Xoxoxo
James slowly wrapped his knuckles on the little shed he had given to Berrie, a sad look was on his face.
"Lad, you up still?"
The prince quickly put on a shirt and opened the door, a candle lighting his way.
"Is everything ok Sir?"
James nodded and turned around motioning with his hand for the redhead to follow him.
Hans did as was told, he was following the man out towards the stables. Maybe they were going to start early.
James began piling the boxes of vegetation for the day. His greying hair caught the princes attention.
Without hesitation he lit the lamp and turned his candle off, helping the man pack.
"Berrie, i want an honest opinion. You're like the son i never had. And i feel like i can trust you. There's this bond I've developed with ye..."
The other day when my daughter Heidi, she wished for me to accept her love for this lad..."
Hans simply continued his work, but intently held his ear out for James.
"Do you think that i should let them be together? Or should i keep my word and send her away to Corona?"
Hans could see the kindness of this fathers heart. He knew that James only wanted what was best for his daughter. Just like every father out there he assumed.
"Sir, I think personally, that you should let her be. I know for a fact that if you send her away, you will not only make it difficult for her, but for yourself as well. She will be gone and years will go by," his heart clenched, "and she won't be able to remember your face correctly, nor the warmth of your hugs. She will become a stranger to you."
He placed another rack and finished off covering the Vegetation with a thick cloak, getting ready for takeoff.
"It's a fate worse than death if you ask me."
She climbed atop the carriage and handed the older man the reigns.
"Even if she marries Amos, you will be able to see her, hold her. She will be your daughter. And who knows, maybe soon you will enjoy grandchildren."
To this James loudly chuckled, making the redhead smile. Had the family not been used to the man, he would be sure he would've woken them up, even if they were far up in the house.
"Yer right lad... I want my daughter to be happy."
He jumped skillfully on the carriage and clicked his heels, making the horses walk their coarse.
Xoxoxo
Jet Rhyus woke to the feeling of his legs being touched by cold fingers.
He sat up quickly, suddenly remembering everything that had happened. He reached to his sword but found it missing.
A giggle rang in his ear making his head turn towards the noise.
A pale woman with silver long hair bright yellow eyes and lips as dark as mud greeted his eyes.
She was angelically beautiful, yet an aura of danger surrounded her.
"Are you Madame?"
The girl chuckled lightly, "yes Rhyus, and here is the potion you came here for."
He tried to stand but couldn't it was as if his legs were tied down to something.
His dark locks were once again coated in sweat, why couldn't he move?
The woman closed in on him and ran her fingers through his hair, blowing cool air on his face.
"Oh Rhyus, you look just like your grandfather, would you like to know for what hes tied down here for?"
The swordsman shook his head and stayed still, her fingers were tangled in his hair.
She leaned in and placed a cold kiss on his lips, making the mans insides want to come up.
"Oh, silly willy me, i forgot that you're interested in the queen!"
"Let me go to make a proper deal with you Madame."
"But Rhyus, you are free."
He despised real magic and witches. They always displayed mystery and spoke with riddles.
"I came here for the potion of love, i need it for the queen. I am willing to sell my soul to you in exchange for it. After i die, you can claim whats yours."
The witch laughed softly, letting the man go. She strode away, her child bearing hips swaying sensually.
"Remember then my Jet, that you brought this upon yourself." She turned back to him, a large bottle of fine wine in her hands then handed it to him.
"Here is what you need," she held up a tiny glass container. "It will only work once, oh, and it's not love, but it's closest relative. You decide if you take it or not."
Jet suddenly took in his surroundings. He was in a small cottage with flowers and herbs. It looked nothing like a death row place.
"I don't care, as long as she's crazy for me."
The witch laughed, "then make sure you're the first man she sees after drinking from the bottle."
She handed him his properties and without warning pulled out a thin sword, slashing his legs right off.
Jet Rhyus cried out in pain, as his blood scattered around the small place.
"What have you done!?"
As his yelling continued the witch calmly picked up a small growing tree from a pot and chained his legs to it.
"I completed my part of the deal, and now you've done so too."
She went crazy suddenly and with a million voices at once screamed out to him. "GET OUT!"
His blue eyes suddenly became red and closed off. When he opened them, he was sitting atop of his steed, his hands holding onto the bottle of fine wine, and the small glass.
He quickly looked down to his legs, and to his relief his body was complete.
Now that he had the potion, he was going to return, now the crown was as sure as his. Nothing could ruin his monarchy.
Xoxoxo
Elsa sat in her bed, her insides being spilled out. She felt sick again thanks to the return of the wild berries scent. Its as if once she didn't drink her medicine she could smell it again.
Maybe now would be a good time to visit the trolls, they could answer so many questions. She mentally noted to arrange a meeting with them, but for now she had to accompany the royal family to bid them formal farewells.
The only good thing out of everything that had happened with Hans, was that they were now on the best of terms with the country. The King and Queen had arranged an ambassador to come live in Arendelle and Elsa was going to send one too.
Trading gold, and silver was also on the list making both countries richer. Iron, wood, ice, not to mention vegetation and meats. Everything was perfect. They had all settled on the goods.
The heiress quietly waited for the royals to board the ship, she was dressed in all black, for their going was a dark matter, with the supposed prince and all.
They bid their farewells and soon the boat began its way towards the Southern Isles.
As soon though as the queen walked inside her office, was Kai, her most trusted man awaiting her, with a charming blond man on his side.
"Queen Elsa. This is Matthew, he has been working for the service all his life. He is extremely trusted, and loyal to the crown."
I've gone ahead and told him about our suspicion, he will begin looking today, and start looking around town. If he finds nothing, then he will seek in other places."
Matthew smiled gently and bowed, "your highness."
The blonde nodded, "see to it Matthew, report at the end of the day."
The man walked off without hesitation, and closed the door behind him.
Elsa held at her head and sat down behind her desk, that terrible scent was making her sick to her stomach. She needed some rest and more of that tea.
"Kai, can you please bring me some of that tea Dr. Stone gave me."
"Are you feeling ill my queen?"
Elsa smiled hiding her nausea, "i just miss drinking it."
Without thought Kai ran off to fetch her the tea.
Xoxoxo
Hans sat on a stool and bit into an apple calmly. He felt good about the talk he'd had with James. After all Heidi was a good girl, and she deserved her happiness. He smiled and bit into the apple again when suddenly he was knocked over by a stick hitting his back.
He landed face first with a grunt to the ground. He had bit his tongue and now there was blood covering his mouth.
"Hey!?" James turned to yell when he noticed his lad on the ground, and a tall dark haired boy, a sailor he assumed.
"So... Wise guy, I heard you came to town lookin for trouble. You beat the batshit out of the town wuss, huh?"
Hans spit out blood, and a small piece of apple that had stayed in his mouth.
"I'm not looking for trouble."
The man laughed loudly. "I'm the toughest guy around here, and i come to control any who causes trouble."
James went on to try and help the redhead stand. Jim, the sailor, smacked the man with his stick making the older man look his way.
"Between the redhead and I. Stay out of it father-in-law." The big man didn't take that and swung a fist towards the boy which was easily dodged. When the older man missed the sailor elbowed him. Suffocating him and made him fall to the ground.
Hans quickly stood, running to James.
"Pfff, pathetic, I thought you really were going to be a-"
Without letting him finish, Hans punched him upside the chin, quickly taking the stick away, and threateningly placing it on his neck.
"I'm not looking for trouble. And you hurt a man for no reason! I should kill you here."
His eyebrows were so tight that his veins were popped out and his forehead red. "Apologize to the man!"
The sailor lifted his hands, "you can't be serious..."
Hans slapped him across the face leaving the man a giant red mark.
"Im sorry Mr. James..." As soon as the thug had arrived he had left, but with his tail between his legs.
The redhead quickly helped the older man up, "are you ok?"
Amos suddenly popped up out of nowhere, "Sir, I saw everything from my flower shop, are you alright?"
Hans stared at the young man, Wondering if maybe he had sent them the thug, but dismissed the idea when he saw a pair of hazel eyes back at the flower shop.
If her father was to find out, he would dismiss the idea of letting Heidi be with Amos.
"Thank you Amos,"
"Are you alright Berrie?"
Hans turned back to James, and nodded.
"I am..." It seemed this whole curse thing wasn't just superficial, it ran in his blood. Now he knew. Suddenly feeling gloomy, he went again to sit in the stool, this time lost in thought.
He needed to write a letter