~Chapter 2~

Marcus

My life had been a regular monotony of routine ever since I was a kid. Yes, I learned the truth about what happened to my biological parents, but Pieter and Rebekka were the best adoptive parents I could have ever hoped to have. Never once did they make me feel like an outsider of their family. I was second in command under my father, so it was safe to say I had it pretty good in Arendelle. Losing the king and queen seemed to shake the community, but regardless we persevered. When Elsa turned twenty-one, she officially was of legal age to take her place on the throne. Everyone in the palace seemed excited about the change in events. For the first time in years, Arendelle would be open to the public for people to come and celebrate the grand coronation.

It was a week before the big day and I found myself where I always hung out before I started my daily duties, at the Grizzly Bear Pub in the heart of Arendelle village. I met up with a few comrades and we played a few rounds of cards before we had our work to do. It wasn't too much time, but I think we all revelled in the leisurely activities. Only after we had done our duties, we would come back here and share a flagon or two together. It was no secret that I was fond of sharing some ale with my brothers at arms. Though more often than not, I would spend some of these moments alone because I outranked the others and they felt like they couldn't kick back when I was around. I didn't blame them for feeling that way.

As I got a quick breakfast of steak and eggs, I returned to the palace to begin my daily duties. With my family sword on my belt, it was yet again another day to begin the same as many others. The handmaiden was already in the upstairs hall going into Anna's room with a bowl of water and a hot towel. I usually didn't present myself formally to their highnesses until they came downstairs to the dining hall for breakfast each day. I did stand at the ready in the hallway until they emerged from their bedrooms. Their bedrooms were neighbors and yet the two sisters only really saw each other at meals or for formal occasions, but there hadn't been an occasion like that since the funeral for the late king and queen. Elsa and Anna were sisters, but lived like strangers. There were rumors spread through the palace about why the two had been so isolated from each other. Some servants whispered it was because Anna was jealous and others wondered if Elsa was too high and mighty now to spend time with her sister. All these rumors were ridiculous and I squashed them whenever I heard them. I knew the truth. I think Elsa's isolation was in preparation for her new role as queen. I remember growing up and our time as kids. We had fun and laughter echoed throughout the halls. Though that night the three of us were playing and Anna and I got hurt, the palace became silent and devoid of joy. I don't remember much from that night, but Anna and I had intriguingly received a small touch of white to our hair. Bizarre, but over the years, Anna and I often joked about that night we got blessed by some snowmen and that's why a piece of our hair turned white. After the coronation, I was hoping the walls would come down and Arendelle wouldn't be cut off from the world anymore.

The three of us once friends, but now isolated strangers. Anna and I usually had conversations as we walked to and from rooms of the palace. I tried to maintain that with Elsa, but she wouldn't talk much beyond a simple nod or a curt reply. I didn't understand it, in fact, I hated it, but what was I to do about it? I was a loyal servant of the family. I had no say in the matter. If dad ever caught me talking to either of them in a casual manner, he would shut it down right away.

"Those sisters are your sovereigns…" Dad would remind me, "Not your friends. It's not your place."

"Maybe it's time for a change. Besides, why can't they be both?" I complained.

My thoughts fell on deaf ears and I really began to dislike my place in the world. Surely after the coronation, I could meet with Elsa in a casual manner and make my request. As queen, she could do whatever she pleased now.

The night before the coronation everyone in the palace were running around finishing up every last detail for the big day tomorrow afternoon. Foreign dignitaries from all nearby kingdoms were already filling up the Arendelle inn for the celebration. My father went over the itinerary for the day several times to make sure I had it memorized. Arendelle's big trade partner showed up in our harbor who my father and I made formal greetings to. The Duke of Weselton. A short, and slim stature of a man came off his ship with some tough looking bodyguards.

"Welcome to Arendelle." Dad greeted as we both bowed our heads out of respect.

"Yes, yes. Thank you for the welcome." The Duke replied curtly.

"May we escort you to the inn where you'll be staying?" Dad continued.

"No, don't bother." The Duke insisted as he glanced over at me curiously raising a brow, "Is this your son, captain?"

"Indeed he is, sir." Dad replied.

"A strapping young man, indeed. You've trained him well. No doubt as protection detail for their royal highnesses of Arendelle?" The Duke asked raising a curious brow.

"Do you know me, sir?" I asked curiously.

"Just a hunch, my boy. Just a hunch." The Duke replied.

"Well, we hope you enjoy your stay in Arendelle." Dad said as we turned to leave.

"I'm sure we'll find your kingdom quite enlightening." The Duke sneered.

As dad and I walked away heading back to the palace, I looked back toward the docks where the Duke was unloading his luggage off his ship. There was something mysterious and oddly deceptive about the way the Duke carried himself. Definitely not someone I would put my trust in and my instincts never failed me.

"I don't like that man." I grumbled under my breath as dad and I walked away.

"That's not your place, Marcus. The Duke is an esteemed aristocrat from Weselton whom Arendelle gets many things from."

"Trade goods are all well and fine, but not if they come from such shady people. Why does Elsa still trade with them?"

Dad stopped suddenly glaring at me.

"You shouldn't address our queen so informally, son. You need to break yourself off that habit."

"Why does it have to be so different now? Regardless of rank, we three were friends. What's the big deal?"

"The big deal, Marcus, is that regardless of your tight knit childhood, it's about social status and rank. First and foremost, you are a servant of the crown. Nothing more."

Dad often gave me this speech. I've heard different variations of it over the years. I hated change and I didn't like how dad was getting on my case about all the rules. Screw rank, Elsa and Anna are people outside of their social rank. I think it was up to me to maintain that mentality.

As I returned to the palace for my routine duties, I was to escort Elsa and Anna to an immaculately prepared banquet for dinner. Though they were to dine in separate rooms. Elsa was up first at five sharp as I knocked on the door to her room. The door slowly opened as Elsa greeted me with a slight smile.

"Hello, Marcus." She nodded.

"Hi Elsa-er, I mean, your highness." I said embarrassingly fumbling over my words.

Elsa concealed her amusement at cupping her gloved hand over her mouth trying to maintain a straight face.

"Well, I screwed that up. Forgive me."

"I know your father prefers you call me in the formal way, but let's not give him a heart attack, so when it's just us, please use my first name. It's actually nice to hear it."

"As you wish, Elsa." I smiled with a wink, "And your sister? Don't you hear it from her?"

"Yes Anna does, but it's not casual. It's stiff, but who can blame her? My own sister is practically a stranger."

"Well maybe I can help with that. Once you're queen, you call the shots. Enough with the isolation. Be different from your parents...take away the formalities and the gloves." I said reaching for her hand playfully.

"No!" She practically screamed yanking her hand away from me.

I pursed my lips running a frustrated hand through my hair.

"Alright, I'm sorry. It would just be nice to see you relax and have fun every so often. You may be crowned as queen tomorrow, but you're a person who needs to take care of herself."

"Marcus, you have no idea what kind of life I lead…as queen, my people come first. Not I." She muttered defensively, "Now, if you're quite finished, I'd like to go eat now. I don't want to delay Anna's dinner because you held me up." She snapped.

"Right this way, your majesty." I said dryly as I offered my arm for her to grab.

I didn't mean anything by what I said, but why Elsa continually shut people out who dared to care was beyond me. She ate in silence as I stood at the back side of the room biding my time. Her fork and knife hitting the plate was all I could hear. She looked up at me a couple of times and I smiled at her, but she returned that with an intense glare. It seemed angry to probably anyone else, but I knew Elsa pretty well. Her eyes spoke clear as day to some deep pain that she was concealing and I knew it was not just stemming from the death of her parents.

Anna was next once I got Elsa back to her quarters. Elsa bid me goodnight as I dropped her back at her room. Before she closed the door, she whispered something that struck me as odd.

"Thanks for caring, Marcus. I'm glad you haven't deserted." She nodded.

"Never would, Elsa. Goodnight." I said giving her a bow as she closed the door.

That's how I knew it was alright between us. Even if we had stupid arguments, we would always reconcile before the day was done. As I greeted Anna for dinner, she met me warmly bursting from her room. If nobody else was around, Anna would greet me with a big hug. Anna and I were a bit more relaxed with each other, but around my father and dignitaries, the formalities were still there. Anna and I exchanged casual conversation at dinner as she scarfed down her plate of food. Tonight though, I acted as a middle man of Anna getting information out of me about how Elsa was. I didn't mind, but I wish Anna had the freedom to speak to or even see her sister on a regular basis.

"Coronation day tomorrow." Anna said as she finished her soup.

"Yeah finally." I smiled.

"I hear that. The palace will be filled with people and new faces. The gates will be open for the first time in years! Time to bring life back to Arendelle." She said excitedly.

"There's life in Arendelle…" I reasoned.

Anna cocked a brow rolling her eyes at me.

"Seriously, Marcus?" She mocked.

"I'm just saying…" I said putting my hands up defensively.

Anna and I paused and then burst out laughing. We knew how it once was in Arendelle. The Arendelle of our childhood and I knew we both desperately wanted it back.

"How's Elsa? Well, I mean, how does she seem?" She asked growing serious looking at me intently.

"Good, I think." I nodded, "I feel like she's dealing with a lot and keeping her cards close to herself, so to speak."

"Shutting everyone out, you mean." Anna corrected.

"It's a big job and responsibility Elsa is taking on. We need to support her."

"I do support her!" Anna shouted standing up from the table.

Her outburst stunned me and she sighed heavily returning to her seat slowly looking embarrassed.

"I get it, Anna."

"I'm her sister and I'm here for her always, I just wish she'd let me. I wish I knew what I did wrong to make her feel like she had no choice but to shut me out of her life."

Her voice trailed off and I walked over to her grabbing her arm in sympathy.

"The coronation is gonna bring change. It's going to be good for Arendelle and everyone in it."

Anna smiled nodding in agreement thanking me for my words. I was Anna's only friend and I was glad to be a voice of encouragement for her. She needed to know she had someone in her corner inside the palace. After dinner, I walked her back to her room when she suddenly stopped outside her room.

"I don't feel like being alone just yet. Wanna play some cards? We could sneak down to the great hall."

I smiled and raised a curious brow.

"Do you even know any card games?" I teased.

"None come to mind, but you can teach me…" She replied with a wide grin, "I'm a fast learner."

"Any other night Anna, you know I'd be happy to, but tomorrow is a big day. I think it's best we call it a night and you get some rest."

"Yeah, yeah okay, but next time we're breaking the rules." She winked.

"Deal." I nodded, "Goodnight Anna, see you tomorrow."

"I'll be up bright and early on the double." She nodded. "Goodnight."

As she finally closed the door, I spent the last hour doing my remaining duty of securing the grounds and once I did that, I decided to skip the ale for tonight. I wanted to be able to wake up tomorrow morning with ease.

The big day came and there was no hustle and bustle within the palace like this particular morning. Many of the palace staff were running about like headless chickens. It was orderly and organized chaos, but you could sense the stress in the air. Mom woke me early saying to meet dad in the back gardens for something important. With no time to spare, I threw on my boots, grabbed my sword, and kissed mom's cheek as I ran out the door. Dad was found right where mom said he'd be. The palace gardens were full of large rose buses and floral covered wooden arches near the water fountain. This place also housed the entrance to the prison. Dad waved to me as I approached.

"What's with the change in protocol this morning?" I asked, "It's coronation day...there's a lot to do."

Dad frowned looking annoyed.

"I know, son. This couldn't wait and I need your help."

"With what?"

"The Duke of Weselton sent another ship to us carrying a prisoner to face justice within the Arendelle court."

"Why today of all days?"

"Trust me, I'm frustrated by that fact too, but the Duke insisted it was important. A few of my men are bringing him to us now. We just need to escort him to the prison to await his trial."

"But do you really need me to help? It's just one man."

"The Duke told me this man was special. A sort of magician who was very persuasive should you look him in the eyes."

"Magic?" I questioned crossing my arms, "Dad, that stuff belongs in stories."

Dad suddenly gestured for me to turn around as three people came from the harbor approaching us quickly. Two of dad's men who had the so called prisoner in irons and blindfolded.

"What's with the eye cover?" I asked him.

"Just a precaution." Dad replied.

As the other two guards handed the man over to us, they informed us that his name was Isak and he was to be on guard at all times. Eerie to say the least, but nonetheless, dad and I brought him promptly down into the jail. There weren't many occupants here. Just a few thieves serving some time for their small petty crimes. No life sentences just temporary imprisonment. We brought Isak to the last vacant cell and pushed him in.

"You will be on trial after the coronation. Your food ration will be down later under strict supervision." Dad told him.

The man muttered something under his breath, but it was impossible to make out. When dad and I turned to leave, there was a lone vacant cell that I hadn't noticed before. Though calling it a call was not entirely accurate considering it was pretty spacious. Attached to the wall was a long line of chains and on the end weren't exactly irons, but complete metal coverings that looked to encase a person's whole hand. I hadn't seen anything like this before.

"Who's that cell for, dad?" I asked curiously.

He followed my gaze and just briefly glanced at the place so only a second before quickly looking away.

"Nothing of concern, son. Just another cell." He shrugged.

Curiosity filled my mind immediately about that particular cell, but also the reason as to why my father was dodging the question.

When we returned to the palace, dad informed me that he would be the one to escort Elsa to the ceremony in the chapel, but I was in charge of escorting Anna. I went upstairs and the ladies maids told me that Elsa was just about ready, but Anna had yet to stir. Typical. She wasn't a morning person. I'm glad I got her back to her room when I did. I knocked on Anna's door and she barely managed to muffle a very tired response. The one ladies maid went into Anna's room and I told Anna to meet me in the courtyard once she was ready. I promptly went downstairs and checked the great hall as food and dishes were being brought to the long table in the middle for after the coronation. The palace staff had worked so hard, everything looked great! I waited in the courtyard for maybe twenty minutes and by then some of the guards were opening up the front gates. It was finally here. People began flooding in with no delay and making their way toward the chapel. It got crowded fast and as I tried to move around people making my location visible to Anna, I accidently bumped into someone. A young woman with short brown hair probably around Anna's age with an escort. She donned a light purple dress and the man with her was wearing a darker purple dress shirt with a black vest. I apologized profusely for my clumsiness.

"No harm done." The woman smiled warmly, "What's your name?"

"Marcus, I'm the son of the captain of the Arendelle guard."

"Glad to meet you. I'm Rapunzel and this is my husband, Eugene. We're visiting from Corona."

"That's quite a journey across the sea." I replied.

"Well, it's not every day your cousin becomes a queen…"

"Cousin?" I questioned.

"Yes, of Elsa and Anna."

"I'm sorry, I just don't quite understand. I've grown up with them and I didn't know about any cousins."

"Yes, well we've never officially met. My mother is the sister to the late King Agnarr."

"Wow, how about that." I said.

"Strange how these family occasions work out." Eugene shrugged.

"Yes, well you two best get to the chapel and get a good seat. Sorry to hold you up."

"Not at all, Marcus." Rapunzel smiled, "Good to meet you."

"And for me as well." I bowed briefly as the couple walked on.

Shortly after, Anna appeared escorted by a tall man with auburn hair with sideburns coming down in front of his ears. He dressed in a nice grey vest with a burgundy cravat, and navy pants with black boots. He escorted Anna toward me with a gloved hand around her arm.

"Anna, where have you been? We're gonna be late." I said.

"It's my fault, sir. I accidentally ran into her with my horse." The man replied.

"Marcus…" Anna said calmly, "This is Prince Hans of the Southern Isles. After accidentally bumping into me he made sure I got to you promptly and safely. Wasn't that kind?" She said raising an obvious brow. Regardless of first impressions, I politely bowed to the man since he was a prince after all.

"Thanks for getting her to me." I nodded extending my hand toward him, which he took smiling kindly.

"Anna, we gotta go." I said turning toward her.

She sighed heavily as we parted from Hans and we both raced to the chapel.

I got Anna there with maybe a minute to spare, though it's not like they'd start without her present. The chapel didn't have a vacant seat. The room was full of people and Dad and I marched the troops in down the aisle before Elsa was presented.

"What was the hold up?" Dad whispered sounding annoyed.

"I'll tell you later." I shrugged, "It wasn't my fault."

"If you're implying it was her royal highness…"

"No, of course not!" I said slightly raising my voice defensively.

As dad and I placed ourselves on either side of the aisle. Dad signaled for the company of men to raise their swords up high making an arch over the aisle. Anna stood beside dad and subtly waved as I winked with a smile at her. The choir of people began to sing as Elsa came from around a corner. She looked beautiful as she walked toward us in a graceful manner. Though she didn't have any look of happiness on her face. She looked stiff and severely focused. As the bishop went to hand her the royal scepter and orb, he stopped when she tried to reach for them with gloves covering her hands. It was clear she was nervous, I could see her hands visibly shaking from where I was standing. After being reminded to remove the gloves, her hands shook even more as she steadily reached for the orb and scepter. As she turned to face the crowd as the bishop formally introduced her full title, her eyes grew wide and she pursed her lips. Once presented, she as quick as a flash returned her gloves to her hands. The whole room erupted in applause and now we all could relax. Well, most of us anyway.

Then after the coronation, the celebratory party began in the ballroom. Dancing began at four sharp and went on well into the evening. Dad sent his men to secure the perimeter and then most of the staff and guards were to join everyone in the ballroom for the festivities. It made me so happy to see Elsa and Anna together had the head of the ballroom. Though oddly enough, Elsa seemed more calm that Anna looked beside her sister. I wonder if she felt a bit how she looked, awkward. At least they were talking though. I saw my mother fetching some punch nearby while Dad joined me as I stood near Elsa and Anna doing my job keeping a watchful eye on them as always.

"Everything good?" I asked.

"Dare I say, it's gone pretty perfectly." Dad nodded, "It's a relief I must say."

"At least after today, things can be somewhat normal around here again." I replied.

"Elsa is queen now, son. It won't be like before."

"Dad, am I allowed to ask either of them for a dance?" I suddenly asked.

He looked at me in surprise, but quickly shook his head.

"That's not your place, son."

"What if I told you Anna asked to save her a dance?" I smirked.

"I'd tell you to decline it, if it wasn't already too late." He replied gesturing to the dance floor.

Prince Hans already was gliding Anna around the floor and she had a wide smile glued to her face. I don't think I'd ever seen her look so happy before. She had been spending quite a bit of time with this Prince Hans. He better be treating her like a gentleman. He seemed nice enough to me, but still something in my gut automatically didn't like him. Course I knew these things were bound to happen. Anna's a spitfire though. Any man would have his hands full with her. After several minutes on the dance floor, Hans and Anna left the ballroom together. And now it was time to work, but dad stopped me.

"I'll go and keep an eye out on them." He nodded, "You stay behind with Queen Elsa."

I accepted my orders and dad left the floor. I casually walked toward Elsa greeting her with a formal bow smiling wide.

"Good evening, your Majesty." I said looking intently into her blue eyes.

"Are you having a good time, Marcus?" She asked.

"Yes, thank you. And you are I hope. What will your first act as the new queen be?"

She frowned growing stiff again.

"I-I'm not too sure, but for now, I just want to enjoy the evening."

She closed her eyes taking in the sounds and smells of the day when she suddenly opened her eyes again.

"Is that chocolate I smell?"

"Allow me your majesty." I said as I went over to the buffet table to get her some.

As I came back there was a short line of guest who wanted their chance to greet her. She regarded all of them with a kind smile and politeness. It didn't seem natural to me like she was a robot just trying to remember her manners or something. The intense focus again. I handed her the chocolate and while she subtly ate her sweet treats, I maintained casual conversation.

"So maybe after today, I can call you Elsa on a more regular basis?" I asked.

"I told you Marcus, only if it's just us. You should keep your voice down about such ideas."

"But you're the queen, you make the rules." I pressed.

Elsa grew stiff again and I immediately backed off. The last thing I wanted was to make her unhappy. We fell silent and about an hour later, Anna and Hans soon returned with my father rejoining everyone in the ballroom. They marched up to Elsa looking determined and grew suddenly suspicious of what they were doing. I didn't hear the whole conversation, but I was stunned at what I did hear Elsa say.

"Anna, you can't marry someone you just met."

This started a huge argument that seemed to draw the attention from a few people close by. Anna was getting really worked up, but Elsa was too. Eventually, Elsa looked at her sister with frustration crossing her arms trying to walk away.

"I've made my decision and that's final."

I followed after them, but Anna was just a bit ahead of me and she reached for Elsa's gloved hand to try and plead with her accidentally slipping it off.

"Give that back!" Elsa cried.

Anna handed it back timidly and Elsa headed for the exit to the room.

"What did I ever do to you?" She snapped.

I came up behind Anna putting a hand on her shoulder.

"This is neither the time or the place." I told her.

Hans joined us nodding with me in agreement.

"Enough Anna!" Elsa said.

"You shut out everyone who cares and then when one of us is happy you find anyway to steal the joy from the situation." Anna replied.

"I said enough!"

In that same moment, a blast of magical energy erupted from Elsa's palm placing sharp ice spikes just in front of her between her and Anna. The whole crowd stared at Elsa in awe and in terror. I was feeling a whole bag of mixed feelings. Surprise sure, but mostly awe. She had these abilities and never told me or Anna apparently judging by the look on her face. I glanced at my dad who was farther in the room, but he seemed like he knew something because he didn't have the same reaction as I did or anyone else for that matter.

"Did you know?" I asked Anna.

Her face fell as she shook her head. Everything was starting to make sense. Shutting people out, the secrecy, and isolation. What a horrible prison to live in your whole life. Elsa looked at everyone and the whispering erupted amongst the crowd. Elsa began to step back toward the exit and I knew she was preparing to run. I stepped in front of Anna holding out my hand.

"Elsa…" I said calmly.

People were watching and I didn't care about formalities in this moment, I just wanted her to remain calm.

"I-I'm sorry." She muttered glancing at me and then finally at Anna.

She then picked up the train of her dress and ran out of the exit. Harsh comments and criticism erupted throughout the room once Elsa left. Anna grabbed my arm.

"Marcus…" She muttered with concern in her face.

"I know." I nodded, "I'll bring her back."

Anna let my arm go as I charged out the exit door just behind Elsa. The revelation of Elsa's powers was just the cherry on top of the big coronation day, but fear had consumed Elsa for so long. It made sense why she felt it was necessary to flee, but I wouldn't let her get far. Surely she knew her sister and I had her back. She wasn't alone. Not anymore.