So...this is the longest I think I've ever gone on hiatus and I'm really sorry for that but my family and I just went through a big move so it was a struggle to work on this chapter during all that and that's all I'm really going to say on the matter.

Now as for this chapter there is something you should all know; for anyone who has not seen the movie "Tangled", "Tangled: Before Ever After" or "Tangled the series". This chapter contains minor spoilers from the show up to season 2 of the series, so if you haven't caught up I highly suggest you do as it is a surprisingly enjoyable continuation of that story.

That's your warning, so if you're caught up or if you don't care, then read away.

Chapter 36: Corona

In the farthest western corner of the continent of Althgarr sat the land of Corona; also known as the Kingdom of the Eversun. For even within the dead of winter this land was only mildly chilly, and days lasted longer as if the sun favored this country more than the rest of the world. Green groves of trees and lush grass dominated the countryside, dotted by vibrant variations of flowers that only now were beginning to wilt. At the edge of the sea stood the capital city and the royal seat of power; there King Frederic and Queen Arianna ruled with a gentle hand alongside their daughter, Princess Rapunzel and her husband Eugene.

Within the grand halls of the sea the young princess stood at her balcony that overlooked the city as she contemplated in silence the recent news. Normally she would have been abuzz at the news that her cousin; Elsa the queen of Arendelle whom she had yet to meet was coming to Corona. But on whole the information was bitter sweet (mostly bitter), for it was followed by a terror she was inexperienced with but all too familiar to the world of men: War. Queen Elsa would likely arrive within a week and when she did, her own parents would hear out her proposition of military alliance 'for the sake of all peoples' as it was quoted from her letter.

But today was not that day, not yet; today was simply a rehearsal at the main harbor where everyone would go over the process of greeting the queen when she arrived. She could see the others gathered below...she was late, a soft creaking of her door alerted her of an intruder but she did not turn, she already knew who it was.

"Rapunzel...are you alright?"

She turned to see her father walking over to her, wearing his formal royal attire; a tall man with brown/graying hair and beard as well as green eyes like her own that were filled with concern. On his shoulder sat a small green chameleon named Pascal who shared the same expression.

"Yeah dad...I'm alright."

He joined her on the balcony, leaning against the railing beside her, "Nervous?"

She smiled slightly, he nodded, "Me too, I haven't seen her since the day of her birth...and I have no way of knowing what kind of woman she has become...but that's not why you're nervous, is it?"

She shook her head before turning back inside and sitting on her bed. He followed as she let out a heavy sigh, looking from him to Pascal, who then crawled into her lap. "It's really nothing, she said, "compared to...'everything else'...but..."

"But?"

"Elsa seems really...'comfortable' with her powers, even after how the rest of the world found out about them."

Her father smiled, "And you are wondering what that's like?"

"Well...I just think it would be nice to talk with someone who-"

"Empathizes."

She laughed breathlessly, "Yeah...yeah, something like that. But I don't know if I should say anything, it's like you said; we have no way of knowing what kind of woman she has become...or if this war she's fighting is something we should even be involved in."

King Frederic sighed, putting a hand on her back, "Leave that last bit to your mother and I, as for the business of powers; I will make sure that no one mentions them in queen Elsa's presence until you have...as to when that will be, I leave that to you."

She smiled brightly to him as he ran a knuckle softly across her cheek, "Thanks dad."

He nodded before standing, "Now, I think we should get down there before Cassandra kills your husband."

She laughed half sarcastically at Pascal who grinned, "If she hasn't killed him already...no, no she might have." The chameleon snickered to himself.

OoO

Rapunzel and her father were greeted by several rows of guardsmen and servants that bowed to them as they made their way to the front of the large assembly in the cobblestone courtyard. She could see her mother turn to them as they approached, rolling her eyes and gesturing with her head to the gap between herself and two people standing a few feet to her right. The man that would be directly to her own right once she took her place was her husband, Eugene who was on the more casual side of a coarse 'exchange' with the woman to his left, Cassandra; Rapunzel's handmaiden, bodyguard, best friend and closest confidant other than her parents, Eugene and Pascal.

Pale skin, dark pink lips, hazel eyes and black bob hair cut set her apart from the remaining frontal assembly. She wore her signature grayish-brown shirt, black leather gloves, red and brown leggings and brown boots. Sheathed in a scabbard on her back was a dark handled longsword with a cross guard, and a pair of daggers at her side; a 'tough as nails' woman armed to the teeth she truly was.

Rapunzel knew that her friend was much relieved to be in casual wear rather than her handmaiden dress as she was the adopted daughter of Captain Andris; the leader of the royal guard who stood apart from the rest of the group to lead the guardsmen along with Maximus; a white palace horse that served as a part time mount for Eugene and Rapunzel as well as the captain. Though she had proved herself to her father long ago, she was always eager to appear to him as his successor rather than just Rapunzel's lady in waiting. But at the moment her attention was focused more harshly on perhaps one of the greater annoyances in her life; Eugene.

The former rogue stood with his arms folded and a grin on his face as he shrugged at Cassandra, "What? All I'm saying is that wouldn't hurt to be a little open with her; she is Rapunzel's cousin after all."

"She is a queen and you'd better show respect when she does show up or you'll end up an ice cube." Cassandra scolded, a finger jammed towards his face.

He laughed, "Oh I think I've met worse ice queens than her; like you-or Stalyan, remember her?" Eugene noticeably shuddered as he recalled his not so pleasant reunion with his ex that Rapunzel and Cassandra had unfortunately been a part of. "Besides, it's great isn't it; Rapunzel finally has someone she can relate to if you know what I mean-and family too...that's a plus eh?" he said, lightly elbowing her side to which she responded to by reaching for her sword.

"That's the hope anyway." They both turned to see Rapunzel as she walked into the space between them with a thoughtful and slightly wary expression, "But I'd prefer it if no one said anything about my powers to her when she gets here." Pascal nodded in agreement.

Cassandra looked to her friend in concern, "Really? You don't want her to know."

"Not yet, not right away...But more than anything you guys; I want to make a good first impression because whatever else she is...she's family."

"Which is why you two should leave the talking to us." King Frederic stressed to Eugene and Cassandra as he came to stand between his daughter and his wife.

Cassandra stiffened, "Yes your majesty."

Eugene smiled, "Sure OK, whatever you say."

"Mm." King Frederic turned to his queen, "Shall we dear?"

Queen Arianna smiled and nodded, sighing before she stepped up and turned to face the group, "Very well...now, obviously we will all be standing at the front, captain Andris will head the guardsmen. Our aim is to have a strong but welcoming presence so as to-"

As Rapunzel's mother continued to go over all the details, Eugene reached for his wife's hand. They smiled to one another, he gave her hand a comforting squeeze, "Hey, no pressure, right? You still got time to think it over...we still have at least a week before she gets here."

Arianna was interrupted by an owl's hooting, everyone looked to see a horned owl flying down to them. Eugene raised an eyebrow and pointed to the bird, "Hey Cassandra, isn't that your owl?"

She nodded slowly, "Yeah." holding out an arm for him to land.

The horned owl landed on her arm shakily, "He looks...scared..." Rapunzel commented.

Eugene laughed nervously, "Did you say scared? I'm sorry, that's weird because that bird is never scared."

Arianna walked over and gently petted the owl to calm him, "What could there possibly be for him to be scared of...in the sky?"

At once most everyone had to cover their ears as a piercing roar seemed to echo from all around them, causing Owl to cower, Pascal to camouflage and the horses in the guards ranks to panic. Only when the sound subsided, and they were left with faint echoes did they dare to look up to the clouds, some guardsmen calmed the braying animals while Captain Andris and the rest scanned the skies cautiously with crossbows aimed.

"What...What was that?" Rapunzel asked, shifting towards her husband.

"Something...big." Cassandra replied, reaching for her sword.

Eugene put an arm around his wife, "Yep-yeah, big alright, ha ha...really big."

Another, thankfully quieter screech caused them all to flinch as they viewed a enormous shape emerging from the clouds. It was not long before a glistening, winged creature of teal, blue, violet and crimson came into everyone's view accompanies by more than a few gasps. Rapunzel was perhaps the only one smiling with her mouth agape as the creature circled the harbor, for her it was like seeing a picture from a storybook, she had seen many strange beasts in the wilds around her kingdom but this could only be one thing; a Dragon.

Eventually the animal's great berth came to hover over the edge of the courtyard, every wing- flap created a great gust of wind that forced everyone in proximity to brace themselves until it landed with a loud thud, cracking the cobblestone beneath its three toed feet. The beast roared with wing's spread before lowering itself and taking a few cautious steps forward as the fins on its neck flexed and piercing crimson eyes scanned the crowd. Rapunzel watched as the dragon then lowered its head to reveal a saddle on its back and upon that saddle sat a rider; a slender figure in smooth steel armor and helm, a woman with pale skin, bright blue eyes and a braid of platinum blonde hair draped over her shoulder. It was her cousin; Queen Elsa and she was...early to say the least.

Eugene chuckled quietly and leaned in, "I'm sorry, did I say a week? I meant in five minutes...and on the back of dragon...no pressure." he said flinching slightly.

The Snow Queen's eyes fixed themselves upon Rapunzel and her frontal ensemble as the dragon lowered itself further and she began to dismount. Rapunzel caught Cassandra drawing her sword but placed a hand on her arm before she drew it out, "Cas, wait. I think if she wanted to hurt us...she would've done it already."

"Yeah, best not to agitate the dragon." Eugene added.

Cassandra sighed uncertainly as she sheathed her blade, "I hope your right..."

They watched as she climbed down, walking forward but not straying far from the dragon as she ran her hand along its neck soothingly. She noticed the guards with halberds and crossbows poised towards her mount, the beast's frills bristled, and his tail whipped as he gave them a trumpeting snarl.

Elsa smiled towards captain Andris, "He won't hurt you...unless you give him a reason to." she warned.

King Frederic signaled the captain with a lowering hand, Andris nodded reluctantly and ordered his men to lower their weapons. The dragon still growled but seemed satisfied enough to relax, Elsa then walked back towards the saddle and held her arms towards an apparently unseen passenger. The next figure that hopped into her arms with a giggle was a complete and opposite to the previous two; a short, living snowman, complete with stick limbs, coal buttons and a carrot nose. The snowman accompanied the queen as she walked towards them.

As she drew away from her dragon it sat back, head at full height towering above everything and everyone in sight. Elsa's expression wasn't hostile but did seem very serious as she approached with firm, confident steps, her steel armor clattering lightly with every stride. While in contrast her smaller friend waddled cheerily beside her with a goofy grin on his face, Eugene gave a small wave with a nervous smile still on his face.

It was then that King Frederic and Queen Arianna shook away their shock at the sight of the dragon and donned welcoming smiles as they moved to greet her. Rapunzel went along eagerly behind them while Eugene and Cassandra followed cautiously, the princess could sense her best friend's unease at the sight of gleaming spear tip peeking over Elsa's shoulder. Even she had to admit that her cousin seemed a lot more intimidating than when she had seen her from afar at her coronation over a year and a half ago, even though she only appeared to be as tall as Cassandra. But as they closed the distance Rapunzel could see a small smile on the northern queen's face that brought some comfort to the situation once she stopped before them.

There was a brief awkward silence as Elsa hesitated to speak before bowing her head, "Your majesties, I apologize for my...sudden arrival, I-"

She stopped when a hand was placed on her shoulder, Rapunzel saw her father smiling down at the snow queen, "My niece doesn't need to apologize to me." he then pulled her in for a hug, a small gasp from Elsa's lips made the princess wonder if her dad had crossed a line...but sure enough Rapunzel saw relief spread across her cousin's face as she closed her eyes and hugged him back, sighing as she spoke, "Thank you...uncle Frederick."

He stepped back and held her shoulders, "My child, you are most welcome here."

Elsa's smile grew wider, then it was Arianna who clear her throat, "My turn."

Elsa readily welcomed her aunt into her arms, "Aunt Arianna, it's good to see you."

"The pleasure is all ours my dear."

The parents then stepped aside to make way for the princess, Rapunzel was hesitant at first when she saw her cousin frown but quickly it dawned on her that Elsa was nervous, afraid even...so she smiled and relieved her worries the best way she knew how. She seized her in a swift bear hug, "It is so good to finally meet you!"

She laughed a little in surprise when Elsa hugged her back just as tight, lifting her off the ground before setting her back down. They took each other's hands as they smiled to one another, Elsa shook her head, "You have no idea how good it is, to see all of you. I only wish...it had been under better circumstances..." she added sadly before shaking her head and looking to Eugene as well, "And I want to take this moment to apologize to the two of you for having to endure my...breakdown the last time you visited."

Eugene smiled and shrugged, "Ah what are ya kidding? We love snow and ice and... wind-almost as much as we love dragons! Heh heh..." he waved a hand nervously at the dragon who only snorted at him dismissively.

Elsa chuckled lightly and released Rapunzel's hands, "Well thank you for not holding a grudge."

King Frederick glanced back to Elsa's mount with a raised eyebrow, "Though I must say; we weren't expecting you for up to week."

She looked to her dragon and rubbed the back of her neck, "Ah, I guess I did neglect to mention my method of transportation in my message...or my friend I've brought with me." she gestured down to the snowman who had been waiting politely for his turn. "This is O-."

"Hello everyone, I'm Olaf and I like warm hugs!" he announced to the group in front of him. The king and queen smiled politely while Cassandra and Eugene nodded slowly, still trying to grasp that they were talking to a snowman.

Rapunzel giggled and knelt before the snowman, "Well that's good to hear Olaf...because I like warm hugs too!" She exclaimed with arms wide, embracing the snowman tightly who snickered joyously. "Oh you're definitely related to Elsa and Anna."

She released him, and he then turned towards to Cassandra, "Aw, you look like you could use a warm hug too." he said walking towards her with outstretched arms.

She held a foot out to keep him at distance, trying to keep a polite smile, "Oh...no that's OK, I'm fine really."

Olaf shrugged and returned to his previous position, "Suit yourself, I guess warm hugs aren't for everyone. Some people just can't handle the 'Warmness'."

"Couldn't have said it better myself." Eugene murmured.

Cassandra narrowed her eyes and stepped on his foot to which he cried out, hopping on one foot momentarily before straightening himself and muttering angrily at Cassandra, "Dragon lady..." Who didn't turn an eye and only smirked with her arms folded. Rapunzel rolled her eyes before stepping around Elsa to get a better look at her dragon, "Speaking of dragons..." she bounced on her toes, looking at Elsa with a 'Please can I pet the dragon' look.

Elsa put a hand on her back and smiled, "Would you like to say hello?"

The princess nodded, biting her lip in excitement. Her father cleared his throat, "Elsa, is it safe?"

Olaf waved a hand dismissively at the notion if danger, "Oh, Trolgon wouldn't hurt a fly...well maybe a fly, heh heh."

Elsa shook her head at her snowman before speaking to her uncle, "There's no danger uncle-not to her, I promise."

Cassandra folded her arms and walked closer, "No disrespect your majesty, but I'm not entirely convinced that's the case."

An embarrassed expression appeared on Rapunzel's face as though she had forgotten something, "Oh! Elsa this is Cassandra she's my handma-BODYGUARD!...bodyguard, she's my bodyguard." The embarrassment on her face grew.

Elsa smiled and raised a brow at Cassandra who while being reserved was almost challenging in her posture and expression, the Owl that sat on her shoulder even seemed to be scowling at her, "Bodyguard, huh...suit yourself." she said beckoning her and Eugene with her hand before leading the way for Rapunzel who eagerly followed while her husband and best friend trailing behind, eyes shifting back and forth between the snow queen and her dragon. Pascal chose to remain hidden behind Rapunzel's shoulders while Owl took back to the skies as they were no longer occupied.

Trolgon lowered his head once again before his creator as she held her hand up, his snout meeting with her hand for a moment before she stepped to the side and turned back to her tag alongs. The dragon's gaze shifted to the princess who carefully stepped forward, hands to her chest and lips curled in a small smile of fascination and nerves.

She hesitantly reached her hand out in an offered greeting, the beast began to close the distance as his head reached forward, his cold, heavy breaths tickled her skin as he smelled her. His crimson, almost human eyes, no longer hostile looked upon her with gentle curiosity. Rapunzel slowly took three more steps before gingerly placing her hand upon the skin just behind his right nostril, a small affectionate wine rumbled from his throat as she traced her hand, feeling the individual icy scales on his hide. His eyes softened, slowly he blinked at her, titling his head to lean into her touch and purring loudly as he did. She laughed breathlessly, tears brimmed her eyes; either from joy or the intense cold of his breaths, she didn't really care.

Elsa smiled as she stepped forward, Trolgon looked back at her and trilled happily as she removed her helm and held it at her side, running a hand through her hair and sighing. Eugene risked stepping forward on the other side of Rapunzel, "Hey, you're not...so bad once you get used to us, right?" he said as he reached a hand out.

Trolgon responded by blowing a stream of frost from his left nostril right into Eugene's face, the poor man walked away a few feet stiff with frost on his hair, body and inside his clothes, "Oh! Oh! Coldcoldcoldcoldcoldcoldcold! Oh my COLD! I have NEVER been so cold!"

Rapunzel and Elsa both stifled small laughs while Cassandra made no effort as hers burst out as she bent over holding her stomach. Rapunzel shook her head fondly at her husband before turning back to Elsa, "So you...made him?" she said, still petting the dragon.

Elsa nodded, "Yes...but not alone."

The princess looked at her shocked, the queen put a hand on her shoulder, "It's...complicated, don't worry-it'll all become clear." Rapunzel smiled and nodded, Elsa turned her attention to King Frederic and Queen Arianna who approached, "Now I'm afraid we all must turn to more urgent matters."

King Frederic nodded, "Yes, we shall discuss these matters within the palace. Shall we?" he asked offering an arm in the castle's direction. The Arendellian queen nodded in agreement and Frederic signaled captain Andris who responded by leading the guardsmen and servants back in formation alongside them.

"Yes...inside, where it's warm." Eugene whispered as he waddled back closely to his wife.

"Aw do you need a warm hug?" Olaf offered.

"No offense little guy, but I think you hugging me would just make things worse."

Cassandra shook her head as she followed at the back of the group, she was startled when a sudden nudge made her stumble forward. She whipped around to see queen Elsa's dragon had followed her, prodding at her with his snout like a horse asking to be petted. She hesitated, looking side to side before warily placing a hand on his bottom jaw while the other stroked the bridge between his nostrils. She could see the animal liked it and allowed herself to smile, leaning as she whispered softly, "You don't feel so cold to me."

The beast trilled appreciatively, she gave him one last pat on the nose before turning and jogging to catch up with the others, nearly stumbling again as her new reptilian friend pushed off the ground, leathery wings propelling him back into the skies. "This is going to be an interesting day." she whispered to herself ...

OoO

King Frederic stood facing his throne with furrowed brow and pursed lips, listening intently before turning towards his niece, who stood in the center of the throne room holding her helm under one arm. "These creatures," he said, "these naga...there was no prelude to their attack on Arendelle, no warning?"

"The only prelude I received were two attempts on my life within a single week, one which left a friend of mine severely injured. Our retaliation seemed successful in the beginning, but it became clear that their army was too great for ours to match."

The captain and Cassandra stood to the side of the room, their expressions sterner and more calculative, "How many?" Captain Andris asked.

"Ten thousand strong at least; enough to overwhelm what remains of my forces in the capital, even with the defenses I've put in place." Even the captain and Cassandra seemed shaken by the number mentioned. She turned back to her uncle walking forward a few steps, "The Naga Ai have made it clear that their entire purpose in this war is not just our annihilation but that of every human nation on the continent...maybe even the world. Arendelle would provide him the perfect position to launch this campaign, if the Witch King takes the north his army will roll over everything and everyone within a thousand miles in every direction and beyond. Therefore I cannot allow him to succeed, this is why I am asking the help of every neighboring kingdom who is willing-why I ask your help...why I need your help."

King Frederic remained silent, looking down at the floor as he considered her words. Rapunzel who stood next to her mother and husband hesitated but then spoke, "You said you've asked the help of every neighboring kingdom...even the Southern Isles?"

Elsa sighed deeply, "This is a desperate time for my country and we need all the help we can get."

"Even after what happened?" Casandra asked with arms folded.

The snow queen nodded slowly, "Yes..."

"That does...sound bad." Eugene stated, uncharacteristically matter-of-factly.

Frederick nodded, "Yes it does..." he breathed in, "It occurs to me that this invader you speak of is a threat to all of us, I would not just be abandoning you...but dooming the rest of the world." Elsa's eyes lit up as he went on, "The armies of Corona will stand with you Elsa; Captain Andris and lady Cassandra and five thousand troops will depart with you as soon as they are ready."

Elsa visibly exhaled, "I... can't thank you enough I-"

The king held up a hand and smiled, "You don't need to thank me, I only hope it will be enough." They smiled at each other before he turned, "Captain, instruct the perimeter guards to double patrols and increase watches on all the kingdoms borders, I want Corona to be kept safe while our army is away."

Andris nodded, "Yes your majesty."

"I'll go and prepare the men." Cassandra added, and the two warriors left the throne room along with Maximus.

"I'm coming with you." Rapunzel suddenly added, catching her entire family off guard who looked at her in shock.

Eugene was first to speak, "Rapunzel, hun this isn't one of our past adventures, this is war."

"I know that Eugene." she replied, determination in her eyes.

King Frederick put a hand on her shoulder, turning her towards him, "Rapunzel I-"

She raised a hand, "Dad, wasn't it you who once said to Eugene 'You should know by now; Rapunzel doesn't need anyone to take care of her.'"

"Well yes but-"

"I could help treat the wounded, a couple of extra hands are always needed for that...right?" The question was directed more to Elsa than anyone else.

Elsa shook her head, "I would never want to put you in harm's way cousin-"

"You wouldn't be-I swear it."

Her father frowned, looking off towards the side. Rapunzel touched his cheek, gently turning him to face her, "Dad...I have to do this, you know why." she whispered.

The old King sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose before turning to his niece, "I'm afraid we have no choice but to leave the decision to you, Elsa."

The snow queen's expression turned very stern, she set her helmet down on the floor as she ascended the three steps and stood eye to eye with her cousin who she was making slightly nervous. "You understand you'd be following me into a war zone; there will be violence-there will be death and the enemy will show no mercy to any who get in their way."

Rapunzel lowered her gaze, confident in her speech, "I understand the risks Elsa...I'm not afraid."

"That's what worries me Rapunzel..."

Eugene stepped into the circle and spoke to his wife, "Well if you're going through with this then I'm going with you...As if there was any hope I'd avoid it anyway..."

Rapunzel smiled at him before turning back to Elsa hopefully, her elder cousin looked between the two of them with a small smile and nodded, "Very well, be ready...there will be no turning back once we leave." She nodded to her aunt and uncle who nodded back before retrieving her helm and turning to leave the throne room.

Rapunzel caught up with her quickly, "Wait Elsa, there's one other thing about the voyage back to Arendelle."

Elsa turned back to her, seeing the expression her face and smiling, knowing most likely what she had in mind, "Ah...well just as long as you know that it won't be the smoothest of flights; he likes to show off."

A large part of Elsa tempted her to forbid her cousin from coming with towards the war, that she would only be putting herself at unnecessary risk. But she had a feeling that Rapunzel knew how to handle herself and she would have others to protect her. Yet above all that, something in her gut told her that she was meant to come with her...that she was needed...

Since all the characters in this chapter already have voice actors I figured I would ask for a few characters that have already appeared in previous chapters.

Who would be the best voice for General Tarn: Neil Kaplan (Dominus Ghaul), John DiMaggio (Atriox), Clancy Brown (Blackhand), Manu Bennet (Azog the Defiler) or Kevin Michael Richardson (Tartarus)?

Who would be the best voice for Sol Starlon: Gemma Whelan (Yara Greyjoy), Miranda Otto (Eowyn), Katheryn Winnick (Lagertha) or Rose Leslie (Ygritte)?

Who would be the best voice for Prince Karl Westergaard: Tobias Menzies (Edmure Tully), David Thewlis (King Einon) or Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy)?

Also for you fans of "Tangled the series", who else wants to see Cassandra animated in 3D with the rest of the cast? I know I would! 😍