Hello to all my wonderful readers and supporters. I want to wish you all a Happy New Year and hope all your resolutions and commitments come true. Now, I am sorry I took so long. I really didn't start to get back into my writing groove until November, because my summer consisted of non-stop work. Then came the holidays and long story short, the chapter is done and I have one more chapter to go before I get to type into the great unknown, where it is whatever ending I want it to be.

I really don't see this story completing for another six chapters at least or about three years. I hope you are all in this for the long haul. When I said I was going to cover their entire lives, I meant it. We still have to cover the wedding, children, wars, growing old and of course dragons, so yeah.

And now, the next chapter to An Arranged Life, enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Disney's: Frozen or DreamWorks: How to Train Your Dragon.


Chapter Fifteen

God Save The Queen

Opening and closing the door behind him, Hiccup entered the hallway and went two steps before he stopped in his tracks.

Gerda was looking right at him with a small smile on her lips.

Pulling out a white handkerchief, she presented it to him.

"What is this for?"

Her smile grew even bigger, "you have magenta lipstick on your lips, Chief Hiccup."

Hiccups eyes widened, and color rose to his face at being caught by someone. He licked his lips and sure enough, the taste of lipstick was found. Silently taking the handkerchief from Gerda, he proceeded to wipe away the feminine paint from his lips. He presented the cloth to Gerda, but she waved him off. "You can have it, I'm sure you need one anyway."

"Thank you, for your kindness and for being discreet. And you might need to reapply some lipstick to Elsa before she goes out." Hiccup said as he looked back at the door.

"You are most welcome Chief Hiccup, and you best be going, your kingdom is about to be announced."

He gave a nod of thanks and proceeded to walk down the hallway towards the ballroom entrance. Turning a few corners, he spotted Astrid, Ruffnut, and Fishlegs anxiously waiting near the double doors.

Spotting him, Astrid moved to talk to him. "About time you showed up, there is only one more kingdom in front of us. The announcer will be coming to ask what our titles are."

Hiccup gave Astrid a look. "How do you know about that?"

Astrid's eye twitched. "Because I have been standing here for the last fifteen minutes listening to the announcer ask what are the names and titles of everyone ahead of us."

"Oh." Hiccup said feeling slightly stupid for asking.

"Do you know what our titles are?" Asked Ruffnut as she moved toward Hiccup.

Hiccup nodded and brought out a small card with various writings marked on it.

Within a few seconds of smoothing out the wrinkles on the note and making sure everything was in order, Kai walked over to Hiccup.

"Are you ready Chief Hiccup?" Kai asked.

"I am, here are the titles of myself and my friends." He then handed the small card off to the older more robust servant.

Kai took the small card, read through it, and nodded his heads towards Hiccup.

Moving back to the double doors, he pointed to a small piece of cloth on the floor. Hiccup, Ruffnut, Astrid and Fishlegs lined up behind the cloth. Two guards were positioned on either side of the door, ready to open them at a moment's notice. Kai marched up to within a meter of the door and gave a nod to the two men. Taking a step forward, turning to their respective positions to open the door, they gripped the handles and swung the door towards them, filling the hallway with a goldish glow.

Kai moved forward and prepared to announce Hiccup.

Hiccup's heart was pounding in his chest, he could feel the seconds stretch on for what it seemed like hours; this was it. All the planning, memorization of names, faces, details of different countries came down to this. The future of Berk laid in his hands, it was all up to him and his friends, he could only afford success. Without it, his dream of a more open Berk would be dashed, and he would be forced to remain secluded from the world. Reaching into his pocket for the hanker chief, he brought it out and dabbed at his forehead. The cloth soaking up the droplets of sweat that had formed on his head and had dripped into his brow.

"Hiccup." Kai whispered pointing to the spot next to him.

He blotted the last bit of sweat on his head and shoved the cloth back into his pocket. Rolling his shoulders and propping himself into a more professional pose he moved to Kai's side.

Taking two steps forward Kai moved into the ballroom.

"Announcing: Chief Hiccup Haddock, the Third of Berk, head of the Hooligan Tribe!" Kai voiced aloud to the occupants of the ballroom, who turned their heads toward the open door.

Taking a deep breath and releasing it, Hiccup moved into the ballroom, that had previously been devoid of life for years but was now filled with some of the most powerful people in the region. He moved forward until he was in the center of the room, he gently nodded his head towards various heads of states and gave quiet hellos to ones who tipped their heads back in respect. Many eyed him differently, taking in his armor, hairstyle or lack thereof and he caught many drop their eyes and some their entire heads to look at his feet or foot.

He followed the eyes of one such diplomat, possibly Frankrike by the look of his coat and facial hair. The Franskmannen eyes followed the course of his body to look at his prosthetic than back up to look at the Chief in general. Hiccup looked back right at him, he gave the man a gentle nod and a small smile. The ambassador returned the gesture and raised his glass in acknowledgment of his status and position. Perhaps he would take up a conversation with that diplomat later, he was always amazed at their artistic renaissance that had occurred a few centuries ago.

"Announcing: Sir Fishlegs Ingerman, Personal Secretary of Chief Hiccup. Lady Astrid Hofferson, Shield Maiden of Berk. And Lady Ruffnut Thorston, Guardian of Chief Hiccup." Kai proclaimed, waiting a few seconds between each declaration for the announced to make their way into the ballroom.

"Mercy, if I thought I had a lot of attention on me when I came in, that was nothing compared the looks my friends are getting." He whispered to himself.

"My Lord?" A servant asked as she presented a tray of goblets filled with wine to the young monarch.

Hiccup looked down at the silver tray and gently grabbed one. "Thank you. Wait here, my friends will surely want a glass too."

"Of course, my Lord." The young servant was the same age as most of the other servants, younger than Gerda, but older than Karin.

Astrid, Ruffnut, and Fishlegs slowly shuffled over to Hiccup as if they were walking on thin ice.

"Sir and Lady?" Ruffnut quipped to Hiccup as she brought up the last bit of the circle that had formed with Hiccup, who was handing out glasses of wine to Astrid and Fishlegs and then presented one to her.

She grasped it and gave a small thank you to Hiccup in return.

He turned towards the servant girl who was patiently waiting to see if the young lord needed anything else, "thank you for the drinks."

"You are most welcome my Lord." She said moving to the back of the ballroom then disappeared through one of the doors into the kitchen.

"Yes, you all needed titles and I knew you would not like the titles I gave you, so I did not tell you about them. This way we look more refined and professional in front of the representatives, dukes, lords, princesses, and princes of the invited kingdoms."

Taking a long gulp of the wine and swallowing, Ruffnut shuffled back and forth.

"What is it, Ruff?"

"Why look refined? Why should we change who we are for people we don't know?"

Hiccup let out a long breath, "We need to look like them, if only temporarily. For when the time comes to strike up trade deals and alliances, they will be more open and relaxed to the idea."

"You always like thinking five moves ahead, don't you?"

Hiccup smiled in return at Astrid. "Yes, as to why I always win board games."

"Announcing…" Kai voiced aloud.

"Mercy, how many kingdoms were invited to this coronation?" Astrid asked the group in general.

Hiccup thought for a moment, "about four dozen and I had to memorize all their faces, names, and details of their respective countries. Thank goodness Elsa sent me a booklet of those attending, the information I gained will allow me to talk with them more easily and in their own language." Thinking back to all the subjects and languages he studied over the years, the time was now to see if it would pay off.

"Well here goes everything." He thought, as he handed Fishlegs his glass, straightened his uniform and moved towards the Fransk ambassador. Counting down the steps to a possible friendship with Frankrike he started to rehearse how to say hello in Fransk in his head repeatedly.


"Children." Elsa thought with glee and nervousness. Would she make a suitable mother? The idea of children was always a distant thought in the back of her mind, keeping her powers contained and maintaining a good relationship with Hiccup were always her main priorities. But as she thought about it increasingly, the dream of having one, two or even three children seemed amazing. Waking up next to Hiccup in the mornings, and then hearing the pitter-patter of feet making their way onto their bed, seemed perfect.

"I wonder what our children would look like?" She asked herself.

Possible faces popped into her head, a girl with brown hair or even platinum seemed wonderful. "What about names?" She would have to check with Hiccup, but dozens of names popped into her head, he would most likely want to name his son, but she could see them being very happy with whatever they came up with.

There would in no way be another Hiccup, not a chance for Hiccup the IV. She would not want to insult her son to that name or the bullying that Hiccup endured when he was a child. No, she would choose something better, more fitting of a prince. Perhaps Prince Magnus or maybe…" Elsa whispered to herself with a small smile.

"My Queen? Queen Elsa?" Gerda voiced through the door.

Snapping out of her dreams and looking towards the door, she instructed Gerda inside.

Taking a moment to bow to her young queen, Gerda moved forward to address Elsa. "Your Majesty, it is time to meet the diplomats in the ballroom. Everyone has been announced and are waiting for your entrance."

"Right. Then let us begin." Elsa voiced before closing her eyes and making a small prayer to God that everything would be all right. Reopening her eyes, she moved forward into the hallway to where Kai directed her to a side entrance. This would allow her to move directly to where her throne laid.

"I will go in first and announce you and then the princess. Are you ready?" Kai asked before he opened the side door entrance.

Taking deep breaths in and out she steadied her nerves and looked behind her at Gerda who gave a reassuring smile and Captain Birger who nodded his head. "My men will be stationed around the ballroom in case you need anything, your majesty." He said then bowed, the rest of his men doing the same.

"Thank you all for your service. I am ready." She said looking back towards Kai.

"Then let us begin." Kai voiced, before moving into the ballroom drawing attention to himself as he made his way over to the throne area. Positioning himself two steps to the right of the throne, he looked out and presented his queen to the guests and foreign representatives.

"Queen Elsa of Arendelle." He announced.

"Princess Anna of Arendelle." He announced but saw that she had taken the wrong entrance which resulted in her stopping at the wrong location on the floor.

Moving over to Anna, he presented the correct spot for her.

"Over here?" She whispered.

Becoming tired, he moved forward gripped Anna shoulders gently and kindly moved the young princess to the correct spot.

"Oh umm." Anna voiced unprepared to be moved deliberately into position.

She took a step to the left away from Elsa and then smiled to the crowd who clapped at the young queen and princess. The dancing and chatter started up as soft instrumental music warmed the room.

Elsa glanced to her right and looked at her younger sister. "This is it Elsa, time to make up for all those lost years. Do not mess this up. Just make small talk, just enough to get through the night." She thought as she prepared herself for the next step.

"Hi."

Anna who was still looking and smiling nervously to the room full of guests was shocked to hear Elsa address her after no conversations for the last ten plus years.

"Hi me?" She replied shocked.

Elsa just nodded her head and smiled.

"Oh, umm, hi."

"This is good Elsa just keep it up." She thought then turned slightly to address Anna again. "You look beautiful."

Anna too turned to address her sister properly, she was just a hair smaller than her older sister.

"Thank you, you look beautifuller. I mean not fuller, but more beautiful."

"Thank you." Elsa replied giving a small chuckle.

Elsa spotted Hiccup speaking easily with the Frankrike ambassador who was a thin man, with long black hair and a pointed face. Hopefully, he would be open to trade with Berk. Hiccup would be so happy to receive trade deals. He did want a more open Berk, and being recognized by the world could help achieve his dream.

"Anna?"

"Yes, what is it Elsa?" Anna was slowly getting used to speaking with her sister again. It felt right.

"Do you know why there was a wooden bust of a man's head on top of the cake in my reception room?" Elsa asked wanting to see the look on her sister's face, knowing she had done it.

Anna's eyes widened for a moment before a blush covered her face. Caught.

"There was also some chocolate missing from my tray as well, did it taste good?"

The blush got even redder.

"Yes, it was." Anna squeaked out.

"Perhaps we can finish it later, would you like that?" Elsa cast her eyes to Anna. A smile creeping onto her face.

"That sounds wonderful. Just the two of us?" Anna asked looking back.

Elsa nodded and smiled. A second later they were both laughing. "Success."

Anna opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by Kai.

"Your majesty, the Duke of Weaseltown," Kai announced presenting the ambassador to his queen.

"Weselton." The Duke replied sharply toward Kai. "Weselton, your majesty." This time in a softer tone.

"And as your biggest trading partner, it is only fitting that I offer you your first dance as queen." The Duke said then put on a weird display of his dance moves topping it off with a bow, which caused his toupee falling forward showing off his bald head.

A fit of suppressed giggles erupted from Anna and Elsa before she could restrain herself and address the Duke properly.

"Thank you for the offer, but I don't dance." After hearing a disgruntled sigh from the diplomat, she thought of Anna. "But, my sister would love to."

Anna chuckled before realizing Elsa had just sacrificed her to the man who was smaller than her.

The Duke immediately moved and looped his arm around Anna's arm, all but dragging her onto the dance floor. "Sorry." Elsa replied softly as she saw her sister disappear into the crowd.

"Bonne nuit, Ambassadeur."(Goodnight, Ambassador.) Hiccup replied to the Frankrike diplomat before taking his leave.

The Frankrike man nodded his head and held his glass up in recognition.

"Bonne nuit." (Goodnight.)

Hiccup smiled to himself, he had just had a productive conversation with his first diplomat. They had set a date for tomorrow where they would speak more about trade routes between their two kingdoms.

Looking to his right he saw Anna who was dancing, more like standing still while her dance partner danced around her, like a bird during a mating dance. "Poor Anna."

"Perhaps now would be the time to ask Elsa for a dance, she made me a promise a few years back, now it is time to collect."

Making his way over to where Kai was, he nodded toward him silently communicating his wishes to be presented to Elsa.

Kai smiled back and pointed to a spot on the floor behind another couple. Who were in idle conversation with his fiancée. They bowed and moved away.

Looking up at Elsa, he smiled. This was all for the show, they did not need introductions but this would make both parties look good in front of everyone else. It would make Elsa look more open and it would bring attention to Hiccup and his small kingdom.

"Your majesty, the Chief of Berk." Kai announced with a wave of his hand.

"Your majesty." He said then bowed.

Recovering he smiled and took a small step forward, this was not lost on all the guests who were watching the exchange. Out of the corner of his peripheral vision, he could see small chats and hushed whispers erupt.

"Chief Hiccup, a pleasure." Elsa replied then presented her gloved left hand to him, to which he took and laid a small kiss on where her ring would be.

"Likewise, glad to see you are wearing it." Hiccup whispered the last part just for her.

"I saw your poor sister dancing with a man that is old enough to be her grandfather. I hope you two are getting along?" He asked with a nervous smile. "We are. Slowly but surely we will make up for lost time."

"Good, now as your closest friend in trading, I ask for a dance." He said holding out his hand for her to take.

As Elsa looked at Hiccups smile and extended hand, a thought crossed her mind. "Wait a moment, if I were to accept his offering, that would make me look like a hypocrite in front of the Duke of Weselton. To spurn his offer, but immediately accept Hiccups. This could put a damper on trade talks and embarrass the Duke in front of everyone, which would likely cause him to hold this against me in the future. Hiccup will not like my answer."

"I am sorry Chief Hiccup, but I politely refuse. I declined the Duke and to accept your invitation would be rude of me." Elsa said then gave an apologetic smile, hoping he would stop at that.

Hiccup blinked once, twice, three times before it clicked that she said no. He dropped his hand and stared at Elsa for a moment. "Queen Elsa, one: you promised me last December that we would have a dance, two: I am your fiancée and three: this is your coronation and you make the rules." He whispered to her in a soft yet rough tone at the end.

"I know, but I have made my decision. Perhaps we can discuss things tomorrow in the courtyard, yes?"

Hiccup straightened his armor vest and bowed. "That sounds acceptable. Good night Queen Elsa."

Hiccup then spun on his good foot and walked off.

"Damn. Good job Elsa, you managed to upset your love in less time than it takes to brush Folgesvenn." Elsa said to herself before looking to see Anna walk back up to the throne looking exhausted. "Time to put on a happy face."

"Have fun?" Giving a smile and a chuckle.

"Yes, I did. This is so nice, perhaps we can do things like this all the time?" Anna asked her sister with hope in her eyes and a smile on her face.

Several thoughts and memories passed through Elsa's mind. Hiccup freezing in the forest, she accidentally hurting Anna thus causing her to lose all her memories that involved her powers. Her parents being lost at sea, having to spend years holed up in this castle and her inability to fully control her powers. She caused these things one way or another because of her naivety and failure to reign in her feelings.

She knew she must remain in this castle until a point in time presented itself to where she could fully master her powers and leave. But today was not that day, she would not endanger her sister or Hiccup's life again. She could rule from her office or room entirely if necessary, others have done it, so can she. Anna would hate her, but she would be safe which was good enough.

"No. Not yet at least. But one day we can."

"But why not?" Anna asked confused. One moment they were laughing the next Elsa was shutting her out again. Reaching out to touch her, Elsa turned away.

"It just can't. I'm not ready yet."

Seeing Elsa turn away and reject her again, Anna felt her heart shatter. She moved to go back to the dance floor. "Excuse me for a moment, your majesty."

Elsa turned her hear and gave the back of Anna's form a regretful look. "One day you will understand what I did for you and you will thank me."


Hiccup finished off his second goblet of wine and motioned for another, a servant came took his empty glass and replaced it with a full one. He nodded his head in thanks. "Everything all right Hiccup?" Astrid asked as she moved to his side. "Yes, no, I don't know." He responded in a frustrated voice.

"What happened and you should slow down on the wine, some people are still sipping on their first, you don't want to become a target for them to look at and judge."

Hiccup who had brought the goblet up to his lips closed his mouth and brought the glass back down without taking a swig. "Elsa refused my hand for a dance and you should know that Arendelle's wine is weak. It is basically water and juice mixed in with a drop of alcohol, we could drink a barrel and not get light headed." Hiccup said causing him to give a ghost of a smile which retreated from his face as he looked back at Astrid.

"She promised me and she said no in front of everyone, now I am no better than that Duke of Weaselcity or something." Hiccup scoffed at her.

"Well, perhaps you can dance with me." Astrid asked as she brought her hand up for Hiccup to lead with.

He shook his head in disapproval. "Astrid, you know where I stand with Elsa, we are engaged, it would look bad of me to dance with another woman. Especially in front of her servants and guards who mostly know about us." Hiccup whispered to Astrid in a low voice.

"That may be true, but no one else does, you would be merely dancing with your shieldmaiden. Who has earned at least one dance if not more for her loyalty and work with you." Her hand was still raised between the two of them.

"My answer is still no, Elsa would see and cause her to have doubts about me, which is not what she needs right now." He brought the glass of wine to his lips a took a full gulp of the alcohol imitator.

Astrid's eye twitched at the sound of Elsa's name for stealing Hiccup's heart. That queen may be marrying him in a year or two, but they were not married yet, not yet.

"You know that prince over there, the one taking quick glances of me from time to time?" Astrid flicked her eyes to her right, causing him to look to his left at the man who was indeed looking at Astrid with lustful stares.

"Yes and?" Hiccup asked confused.

"Well, I think it is rude and perhaps I will go over there and give him a quick jab to his arm to make him stop."

Hiccup's eyes widened at the consequences of a quick jab. An international incident could embarrass him, Berk, and maybe even cause a war.

Hiccup slowly craned his neck to look back at Astrid. "You wouldn't." He said shocked that Astrid would stoop that low just for a dance. What was she playing at?

"I will if you say no. I have been a good friend, now reward me. She rejected you in front of everyone. If you want to get back at her, you will dance with me."

He shook his head, "I don't want to get back at her, she is most likely stressed with everything, we still love each other and will dance at another point. Now go off and drink or something." He motioned to Ruffnut and Fishlegs who were talking near the food table.

"No." Astrid told him directly.

"Astrid as your chief I am telling you to drop it." Hiccup countered with a commanding tone.

Astrid crossed her arms in front of her chest and leveled a strong glare at her friend.

"I have not grabbed you, flirted with you or anything else, now reward me or so help me I will knock that prince out with the rest of his entourage." She said as her right hand turned into a fist.

"You are bluffing."

Astrid smiled, "have I ever bluffed and not carried out my threat?"

She let her arms go lax against her sides and moved to walk in the direction of that Prince of Polska.

"Dammit."

He grabbed her fist and brought it to his side away from the eyes of everyone. "All right one dance."

"One dance." Astrid's voice was laced with happiness.

They moved to the center of the floor and assumed the correct position if he was going to dance he had to do it right, no doing anything halfway. He heard the beginning of the song and nearly groaned it was either dumb luck or Astrid planned this ahead of time for he knew from his years of going to the library and reading sheet music that this song was long, nearly eight minutes long.

But, if it prevented a war and made Astrid briefly happy, then he would do it; albeit under protest.

Taking their first steps, they moved around the dance floor with other couples, blending in, and hopefully away from the eyes of Elsa.

Said person forced a smile to come to her face as she watched her guests move about the floor. Many were standing off to the side and chatting amongst themselves or with a foreign representative. While others were paired off on the dance floor.

The truth was she could dance, rather well actually. She remembered how Hiccup moved with her when he had come to comfort her after her parent's death. She loved the little moments with Hiccup, the walks, the private dances, and of course the kisses. A ghost of a blush graced her cheeks at that thought.

Speaking of Hiccup, where was he? She scanned the room but did not immediately see him, looking to see where Ruffnut and Fishlegs were, surely, they would know where he is.

She cast her eyes to the right side of the room and sure enough, they were chatting and eating near the food table. "Mercy, is the only thing they do is eat?" She knew it wasn't her place to talk about Hiccup followers, but still, Fishlegs would eat himself to death if he kept this up. She also felt bad for Hiccup and his people, from what she had been told the food on Berk was tough and tasteless. "I guess they are enjoying food with actual flavor. And from what I remember, when I was on Berk was that Gerda had prepared most of my meals, so I didn't really partake in their cooking. God bless that woman."

Elsa looked closely at Ruffnut who caught her gaze and silently flicked her eyes toward a couple near the very back of the room.

She felt her powers flare up at the sight of Hiccup and Astrid dancing together as if they belonged with one another. She looked down and caught the sight of a sliver of ice slowly extend from her slipper toward the couple in the back. Thinking of Hiccup giving her a kiss on the cheek and him proposing to her caused the ice to retreat. Her fist clenched at the sight of Astrid, dancing with her beloved. She saw Astrid's hands creep up Hiccups back and drew him in closer, from what she could see Hiccup followed her lead hesitantly.

"It seems like Astrid tricked him or most likely forced him to dance with her." Elsa thought as she continued to stare at the dancing couple.

As Hiccup turned his back to Elsa to follow the beat of the music, Astrid raised her head and stared directly at the Queen. A small, but prideful smile rose to her face as she locked eyes with Elsa. Astrid mouthed the words "he's mine, bitch." Then turned her back to Elsa, disrespecting her in every way possible.

It took every happy memory of her and Hiccup to keep her powers under control. She forced her hands behind her back but hidden by the cape, so no one could see her clenched fists. Her teeth would shatter if she bit down any more, and Elsa had to cast her eyes to other guests to prevent her from freezing a hole into the back of Astrid's head.

"Fine. I will dance."

Relaxing her hands, she allowed them to go lax at her sides. She slightly raised her left hand and made a gesture towards Gerda, who swiftly made her way to her queen.

"Yes, your Majesty?" Gerda asked quietly towards Elsa who still maintained eye contact with her guests on the floor.

"I wish to dance on the floor with Hiccup, but I am afraid my cloak will get stepped on or caught under my feet. Can you pin it up?" Elsa asked as she motioned towards her seven-foot-long cloak.

"Of course, your Majesty." Gerda said as she knelt and retrieved some pins from her pouch on her hip. Moving quickly and silently, Gerda pinned up Elsa's cloak so that it barely skimmed the floor.

"Done. The pins will stay in place as long as you don't do any strong twirls on the floor."

Elsa nodded in thanks, then slowly made her way down the two steps onto the floor. Guests bowed and tipped their heads in respect as she moved passed them. Elsa smiled and said, 'thank you' to anyone who acknowledged her.

She swiftly swept up to Hiccup and Astrid as they continued to move to the beat of the drums, oblivious to her.

"May I cut in?" Elsa asked the couple forcing a soft smile on her face when she really wanted to do was freeze Astrid and take Hiccup to his room and lock him away so only she could have access to him.

Hiccup whipped his head to Elsa's voice and nearly froze at the sight of his fiancée staring him and Astrid down. "Oh, dear Thor kill me now."

"May I?" Elsa repeated raising her hand.

Hiccup nodded and released his hold on Astrid, who did the same and backed away.

"Well, well. I did not actually anticipate the timid queen to come onto the floor and interrupt my time with Hiccup. But still, those six minutes were worth it. I shall back off, for now."

"Hiccup, thank you for the dance, I will be with Ruff and Fishlegs if you need anything." Astrid said in a polite but forced respectful tone. She then bowed and moved off the dance floor.

Elsa looked around as many couples gave sidelong glances at her for interrupting the flow of the dance. She did not care at that moment; her attention was on Hiccup and Hiccup alone.

Hand still raised in anticipation for Hiccup to grasp, only when she clicked her tongue against the underside of mouth did he finally grab her hand and move into preparation for the next slow song.

After a moment or two of silence did Elsa finally break the silence. "It was nice of you to give a dance to Astrid, even though it seems she took advantage of it." She said as she smiled at Hiccup, "I will keep the insult she mouthed to me to myself, I do not want Hiccup to berate his friend in front of everyone and cause a scene." Elsa thought as they moved around the room with other couples in tow.

Hiccup chuckled at the idea that he gave anything to Astrid, his respect for his shieldmaiden plummeted after that dance.

"I did not give anything to her, she threatened to assault the Prince of Polska if I did not dance with her." Hiccup said offhandedly, casting a gaze toward his three friends who were drinking near one of the corners of the room.

Elsa's eyes widened at that remark. "So, she cornered him and threatened to cause an incident if she did not get her way. That woman is dangerous."

"Perhaps I will punish her when I go home, have her clean out the dragon cages for a month and ban her from flying on Stormfly for a little while. As to remind her who is in charge." Hiccup said as he brought his attention back to her.

Elsa hummed at this idea, "that is one way, another would be to have her watch over us as we take a stroll in the garden tomorrow."

Hiccup raised an eyebrow at her suggestion, "now that would be especially cruel, let us plan on it."

They both smiled as the song ended and everyone clapped their hands toward the musicians.

Another song started up almost immediately after the clapping stopped.

A comfortable silence fell amongst them as they softly twirled and floated across the dance floor. Many couples walked off the gleaming floor and made way for them, choosing instead to watch the Queen and the Viking dance. An unusual sight to say the least. The only people who were not smiling was the delegation from Weselton. "It seems the Queen can dance." The Duke angrily thought as he watched the couple dance across the floor, "she lied to me and belittled me by having her younger sister dance with me instead of her. I will keep a close eye on the both of them."

Hiccup cast his head around the room as if looking for someone. "Who are you looking for Hiccup?" Elsa asked as felt his hand move slightly from her hip towards the small of her back.

"For the life of me, I can't find Anna."

Her eyes looked at the floor in shame for just a moment, but it was enough for Hiccup to see.

"What happened?"

"She asked if this, the balls and the people can happen all the time. And I told her no, at least not yet. Needless to say, Anna got depressed and walked off."

Hiccup nearly groaned aloud at the situation Elsa placed herself in. "Elsa, this was your moment, a decade in the making and you said no. For the love of Thor, you could have just lied to her, and kept the gates closed till you were ready." Hiccup voiced exasperated.

"I know, but she didn't deserve to be lied to. I, my father and mother have kept Anna in the dark about my powers for over a decade, she deserves to know the truth about everything." Elsa replied to Hiccup as she slightly tightened her grasp on him.

Hiccup nodded at this. "She absolutely does, but not this moment, not here in front of everyone. Perhaps tomorrow, just the three of us in your office or in the gardens. Then we can tell her everything if you wish, you could even give a demonstration with a snowball or two." Hiccup said then gave a small smile remembering the first time Elsa showed him her powers. He still remembered how the snowball hit his face and fell off, him too shocked to do anything. He loved those little moments with Elsa.

"It seems the next couple of days will be very busy, from talking to Anna, to setting up trade partnerships with kingdoms including yours and finally addressing the concerns of my own kingdom." Elsa sighed at the thought of so much work ahead of her, at least she had Hiccup to help.

"Do you have enough wine?" Hiccup gave a slight chuckle, causing Elsa to look slightly up at him, and raising an eyebrow.

"I do, and if not, then Gerda will fetch for more. Wait, how do you know about my love of wine?"

"Not to be rude, but you do realize I write letters to people besides you right? I exchange letters with Gerda who updates me on your health, Birger on your safety and the occasional letter to Anna to keep her hopes up and inquire about Folgesvenn. Not to mention my advisors if they are away, and of course the other chiefs. Half my day is reviewing letters that have been read by Fishlegs, he provides me with the condensed version. That man is a godsend." He inquired then gave a quick glance over to the front corner which contained his friends.

A small smile came to his face, those three meant the world to him, but that didn't mean they didn't make mistakes. Case in point, Astrid blackmailing him to get a dance, Ruffnut getting too aggressive with people who overstayed their welcome and Fishlegs who occasionally spilled ale on letters he was reading. He would try to hammer those mistakes and quirks out over the next couple of months till they were a tight-knit team.

"No offense taken, like you, I have my own team of advisors, Gerda, Kai, and Birger. I owe them everything. Without them I would be lost, and still in my room, afraid to talk to anyone. I will continue to count on them well into the future."

Hiccup nodded and smiled at this remark, "that is good to hear, though we should find Anna at least to make sure she is safe. Don't want her wandering off and making a mess in another room." Hiccup said looking around the room for his future sister-in-law.

"Very true," Elsa replied in return with a small smile and signaled to one of her Guards. Turning to one of her Royal Guardsman who noticed her small hidden hand gesture she whispered, "find out the location of my sister Anna and keep an eye on her."

"Yes, your Majesty." He replied then reported his orders to Birger, who from what she could see sent a few men out to fulfill her orders.

The musical instruments died down as another song ended. She and Hiccup separated for a moment to applaud the musicians, but they rejoined as she signaled for another song to begin.


As the two of them swung around the dance floor, the foreign representatives were busily trying to find out who this young Viking was and where he had come from. They had asked the Royal Guards, but they remained tight-lipped unwilling to betray the trust of their queen. The servants and maids were the same, not willing to give out any information or gossip.

"Just who is this young man? From the way, he is talking to the Queen, it seems like they are old friends." Prince Albert from England inquired, as he stole a glimpse of the two young royals.

"True, true. Maybe they are even a couple." Lady Victoria, the wife of a lord from Sverige offered.

"A couple? Preposterous, the man is a cripple and unsuited for a queen. He should return to wherever he came from and marry a savage. The men are all bastards anyway." The Duke of Wesleton fired back, then finished his drink.

"My, my someone is in a foul mood already. What did the Viking chief ever do to you?" Prince Ludwik from Polska asked.

The Duke shot the prince a small glare who took a step back before addressing the young man. "He has never slighted me, but I fought and worked my way up the ladder to my position, I didn't marry my wife to gain entry into royalty. The savage over there most likely killed his own father to become chief and will try to marry Queen Elsa to gain a seat at the table. I will not let that happen, what about all of you?" He asked the small group of people around him.

"The Queen has the right to marry whomever she chooses. I can imagine the man was vetted before he stepped foot in this castle. And we don't have the right to interfere in her affairs, the consequences could mean trade restrictions for our host country." Lady Victoria offered then narrowed her eyes at the Duke.

Prince Albert nodded in agreement, "I concur. We have had an excellent relationship with Arendelle, and we refuse to interfere in their personal matters."

Prince Ludwik shook his head in disagreement, "the Viking wore armor to this occasion meaning he is accustomed to war, if he is truly with the queen, he may try to seize power and use Arendelle as a platform to conduct raids on our kingdoms. I will not let that happen, this Viking and his home will be watched over very closely. Just remember Vikings had at one point or another invaded and occupied our homelands."

Realization settled over the men and women who glanced back at the Viking and Queen Elsa who were gliding over the dance floor all the while conversing in silence unaware of the alliances being formed with and against them.

Hiccup felt his ears heat up but ignored it. His attention was on his fiancée. "Elsa, there was another matter we may need to discuss."

"Which is?" She inquired.

"Dragons." Hiccup said nonchalantly.

Elsa looked to her left and right to make sure no one overheard. "Next time, be less casual when you mention those creatures. Everyone around me has never seen or even thought about dragons before." She quipped back.

"You are right, sorry. By the way, Toothless is doing fine and will want to see you later, perhaps you can come to the cove again. But it does bring up the fact that we will need to discuss the integration of dragons into Arendelle." Hiccup said as he swung Elsa out then retracted her back to him.

"Integration? How would we do something like that?" Elsa asked never really thinking about bringing dragons into Arendelle except for Hiccup to use as transportation of course.

"I will discuss that at a later time, perhaps in a more private and empty room. We will need to look at some maps and talk to a few ministers to make a solid plan." He offered as he looked at a small clique of men and women who were following their every move with calculated ease.

"Of course, I have you for the next week. We have lots of things to discuss, including our wedding." Elsa whispered to him as she dipped her head.

"That reminds me, how come no one has come to us and offered their congratulations on our engagement? I have told nearly every tribe chief in the archipelago, they all want to meet with you at some point to create trade deals and possibly even alliances." Hiccup asked quietly as he looked around at everyone.

Elsa dipped her head lower in shame, not wanting to look at Hiccup at that precise moment. Hiccup caught the underlying meaning of her sudden shyness.

"Elsa? You…you haven't told anyone, have you?" Hiccup quipped to her, rightfully angry. He gripped her hand and back a little tighter. "Are…are you embarrassed by me for being incomplete or not as rich as everyone else? It has been over six months, Elsa."

Elsa's head shot up, almost hitting Hiccup's chin in the process. "I will never be embarrassed by you or your handicap. I was just stressed about everything and had no clear moment or event to tell anyone about us. But I will soon, I swear it." Elsa replied unwaveringly.

A smile came to his face and he relaxed a little, "that is good. I can wait." He said as he drew her closer and paused, the song had just finished. They drew apart and clapped with the other couples toward the band.

She caught the eye of the conductor and mouthed the word "slow" to him. He nodded his head and flipped a couple of pages in the music sheet book. He tapped his baton and began to conduct.

"One more Chief Hiccup?" Queen Elsa asked towards her dance partner.

Catching the tune of the current song, Hiccup looked at Elsa and smiled, "but of course your Majesty."

They drew together once more, this time Hiccups hand dipped into her lower back and drew her a bit closer, sending hushed whispers throughout the ballroom. They were the only ones on the dance floor, as everyone wanted to watch the two of them dance and then gossip about it to their neighbor or partner.

Elsa had never felt more secure, happy, and loved than she did at that one moment, being in Hiccup arms and him looking at only her. Everything and everyone else drifted from their view as they looked at one another, they were in their own universe. Nothing could disrupt them as they moved across the dance floor with ease as if they had been dancing for years.

They and most everyone else was happy for them, a few notable exceptions being Astrid, the Duke of Weselton and Prince Ludwik of Polska, who looked on in disdain and quietly plotted against them just in case.

As the song ended, everyone started to clap not only for the band but the two young royals as well for showing off a beautifully almost coordinated dance. Elsa looked up at Hiccup and really wanted to kiss him and be held in his arms for the rest of the night, but not yet. She drew out of his arms and hands and dipped her head towards everyone in thanks.

Hiccup almost reached out to grab Elsa to kiss, but he was able to reign in his hormones and smile and nod towards all the men and envoys in the room. He would escort Elsa to her room tonight, to make sure she got there safely of course.

Elsa flicked her hand towards Gerda, who came over immediately.

"Yes, your majesty?" Gerda asks after she curtsied in respect.

"Have champagne passed out to everyone and tell the band I will be making an announcement." She said with ease, a smile on her face.

"Of course, I will take care of everything," Gerda said then turned on her heel and made her way over to the door leading to the kitchens.

Hiccup looked closely at Elsa, he could see her pulling her gloves on tighter and flexing her hands. "Could she be ready to announce our engagement here, now?" He wouldn't put it past her, but perhaps she wanted to toast and thank everyone for coming and celebrating her coronation with her. "That would be more likely." He thought as he watched her walk up the two-step platform and turn around, hands clasped in front of her.

Her eyes drifted to him and she flicked her eyes to the spot beside her.

"Perhaps not." The realization of Elsa announcing their engagement to everyone in the ballroom sent a wave of nervousness to his stomach, but he dared not show it outwardly.

The once noisy room fell silent with the envoys and their respected partners watching the Viking Chief go up the two steps and stand beside the recently anointed queen. Many eyes widened and a few heads tilted as glasses full of champagne were passed out by the servants. Realization washing over them all that this Viking was more than just a mere friend.

"Perhaps she is announcing an alliance with the Viking?" Prince Albert suggested as he stroked his chin in anticipation.

Lady Victoria craned her head to look at the posture of the two. "Maybe, but considering the occasion, a military alliance would best be put in a bulletin and not announced at a joyous moment. No, this will be something else entirely."

Prince Ludwik and the Duke were two steps behind Victoria and Albert. "I have a feeling that I know what she is going to say, but I hope I am wrong," Ludwik said as he watched a servant hand two glasses of champagne to Queen Elsa and Chief Hiccup.

"I have that same feeling, but even if it is true, there are still ways to prevent it from happening. Are you with me?" The Duke asked as he casually turned his head to his right and gave a quick look at the taller man.

"I am." Ludwik said as he stuck out his hand. The Duke clasped it and gave a firm shake.

And out of a possible upset in power, an alliance was born.


Elsa looked around the room and smiled at all those who attended. Nearly all her guests were looking at her, the others were still conversing with their partners or with other envoys. She glanced at Hiccup who stood two paces to her right and who also was smiling at her guests, he gave nods to other men and a hand signal to his friends in the back. "Most likely telling them to pay attention." Elsa thought as she and her suitor were handed glasses full of champagne.

"This is it, Elsa, you can do it. And once it is out in the open, everything will be simpler, one less secret to keep. Here we go."

Elsa flexed her hands once, drew in a deep breath and smiled.

All eyes in the room were cast upon Elsa as she was given the floor, not a soul dare sneeze, cough or clear their throat. Everyone wanted to know what the big announcement was going to be. And they especially wanted to know the connection between the Queen and the mysterious Viking Chief.

"Nineteen years ago, my father set sail for an expedition of the northern isles, while exploring one such island he happened to come across the Hooligan tribe, and after a few meetings a deal was set for the following month in Arendelle. The late Chief Stoick, his wife Valka and their son Hiccup arrived on schedule. After several days of talks a contract was struck, in exchange for their precious knowledge of the northern waters and rare resources, we would allow their son Hiccup to come to our home every three years for a few months to learn about our lands, knowledge, and be educated in world politics. They would also gain access to our ports for trade and travel." She said then presented Hiccup with a wave of her hand who smiled and nodded toward the room of representatives.

"After several years a friendship had blossomed between the two of us and with that came a sense of belonging. Following a tragic accident on Berk in which Hiccup lost his left foot to a harvesting machine, I came to nurse him back to health. A feeling of love and understanding flourished and we started courting thereafter," Elsa said as many in the room started to look back and forth between the Queen and Chief, their eyes growing larger as they put two and two together.

"After six years of courting, many letters and packages, Hiccup invited me to Berk to celebrate my twenty-first day of birth. Once all the celebrating and parties were finished, he took me for a long walk along the island where at the end near a secret cove, he asked for my hand in marriage. I said 'yes' and then we celebrated some more." Elsa voiced with a smile, followed by a small laugh, and a glance at Hiccup.

She then ungloved her left hand and showed everyone the silver engagement band, some people's eyes widened even more. One man's monocle fell into his glass of champagne which caused his drink to spill all over his hand. After a few seconds of showing off the ring, she re-gloved her hand and held out her right arm to which Hiccup laced his arm around hers and they molded into each other.

"We marry in eighteen months, and you all are invited to the engagement party in three months' time. Our union will bring wealth, progress and stability to the region." Elsa voiced with practiced ease, a smile coming to her face as she felt Hiccup stroke her arm with his thumb.

Kai stepped in and pronounced, "to Queen Elsa and Chief Hiccup, may their union bring happiness and goodwill to all!"

The guests, ambassadors and royal sons and daughters then raised their glasses and toasted to the engaged couple. "To Queen Elsa and Chief Hiccup, hear, hear!"

The champagne was consumed, and a wave of clapping commenced. Elsa and Hiccup drank their alcohol, waved, and smiled to the well-wishers.

Hiccup whispered into Elsa's ear, "fantastic story Elsa, you should consider writing a story sometime."

Elsa glanced at him knowing he was referring to the bit about his leg and the pact, leaving out the crucial part of the dragons and marriage contract. "They will find out, but only if we allow it. This way no one will ask for my hand in marriage to sweeten a trade deal or alliance. I am yours, now and forever." She whispered as she looked directly into his eyes.

As he considered her eyes, there was no hidden truth or agenda behind them, she was promising herself to him for all time.

A surge of love and respect coursed through his body from the bottom of his heart to the top of his head and his body reacted out of instinct. He leaned down and kissed her square on the cheek. He felt a rush of warmth rise to her face as he kissed her in front of everyone. Hiccup did not care about their reaction, only Elsa's and from what he felt, he accomplished his task at making her feel his love.

As Elsa felt Hiccup kiss her cheek in front of everyone, she felt her heart explode in love and jealous looks appeared on most of the women, though one face stood out from all else and that was Astrid's face. This was better than having her watch over them as they would stroll through the gardens, Hiccup was showing his love to her in front of everyone and that included Astrid.

Pulling back from the kiss a wave of "aww's" filled the room, mostly from the single ladies.

A deep red blush graced Elsa's cheek and a large smile plastered itself on Hiccups face.

"Shall we talk to some of your guests, my Queen?" Hiccup asked in his most official sounding voice.

"I believe we shall." Elsa replied with a small smile and look of understanding. Time to be a Queen regnant.

The first to come to their side was Captain Birger.

"What is it Captain, and have you found Anna yet?" Elsa asked.

"Your Majesty, we have, she is conversing with Prince Hans Westergaard of the Southern Isles. The last solid location we had them at was the hallway connecting the gallery to the main hall. After that my men reported seeing them at the clock tower, the horse stables, on the bridge and on the umm… rooftops." Birger said rather embarrassed at the idea of Anna being on a roof.

Elsa raised an eyebrow at the mention of the rooftop, "my sister is sitting on a rooftop somewhere?"

"Possibly." Birger made a clicking sound with his tongue to confirm the fact that Anna could be sitting on the roof right above them. He even glanced at the ceiling.

"…" Elsa held a blank look on her face. "For some reason, I would not be surprised, she always had way more energy than I and she always wanted to climb on and over things. But a roof?"

"Queen Elsa may I suggest having Birger order his men to find and retrieve Anna and bring her here for her own safety." Hiccup offered his idea. "Or we can have my men do it. But since she is not familiar with them, she might not react too well to them."

Elsa looked at Hiccup and Birger and nodded her head, "Captain, have some of your men find and retrieve Anna, then bring her here to me."

Captain Birger snapped to attention and gave a small bow. "At once, your Majesty."

As she watched Birger relay her orders to his men, she watched others begin to line up to get in a possible word with her.

"You ready, Hiccup?"

"I am, let us begin."

Moving forward she addressed two longtime supporters of her family with effortlessness, that came from hundreds if not thousands of hours studying with Gerda and Kai. "Lady Victoria of Sverige and Prince Albert of England, it is an honor to finally meet you. May I introduce you to Chief Hiccup of Berk, my dear friend, and fiancée." Elsa voiced with confidence as she presented Hiccup to her guests.

Hiccup beamed at the mention of 'fiancée'. "It is an honor to meet you Lady Victoria and Prince Albert, I hope your travel was safe and uneventful." Hiccup said as he presented his hand for them to shake.

Prince Albert and then Lady Victoria took his hand and shook it.

Victoria and Albert smiled at the introduction and knowing that he cared for their safety and comfort.

"The trip here was uneventful, and the sailing was smooth as silk, perhaps Mother Nature herself wants everyone to have a good time." Prince Albert said then gave a mild chuckle.

Lady Victoria took a half step forward and bowed toward Elsa in respect. "I cannot say the same about the roads your majesty, they were quite bumpy along the main highway. And the bridge which is named after your father, God rest his soul, was in dire need of repair, thankfully it held up to the traffic and carriages. I do believe your infrastructure will need a surge of coin to make it beautiful again." Victoria offered and gave the young Queen a soft almost apologetic smile.

Elsa flushed slightly in embarrassment at the mention of her kingdom's infrastructure. She knew she had to make changes to the infrastructure and raising taxes was one way to achieve that. She would get resistance from her Finance Minister or her people, but she was Queen and will do what it takes to make Arendelle whole again.

"I am sorry your trip here was bumpy, but rest assured I have already drawn up plans to take care of those problems in the coming months. I may even ask Hiccup for his opinion on the matter as he is an accomplished engineer." Elsa voiced as he patted Hiccup on his arm.

Prince Albert who was in the middle of sipping on his glass of wine he had grabbed off a passing tray, stopped at look at the young man. "An engineer, you say? Tell me Chief Hiccup, what have you built recently?" A tone of what could be described as giddiness laced into his question.

Elsa was happy to steer the conversation into something more manageable than her kingdom's deteriorating roads and bridges.

"Well, after a particularly bad dra… winter storm. Many roofs and buildings needed to be replaced, along with a bridge and the removal of all the ice took only a few days. We, Vikings are very good at building things. How about yourself?"

"A few years ago I…" Elsa listened then felt someone tap her arm. She looked to see Lady Victoria motion her over a few steps. "Lady Victoria?"

She gave a knowing smirk, "I suggest we let the boys talk about their 'amazing' engineering feats alone, so we can talk about more important matters."

"Such as?"

"I wanted to offer my thanks for being invited to your engagement party, and I will be able to attend. I also wanted to ask what were the circumstances surrounding your engagement, may I see the ring again?" Elsa gave a small smile and ungloved her hand to show Victoria her ring finger. Elsa was so relieved that Victoria had not asked about Hiccups foot or the exact conditions on how he lost it.

"It is a lovely ring, where may I ask did he get it? It is simplistic, yet beautiful." Victoria asked as

she subconsciously rubbed one of her many right-hand rings, possibly from her husband or maybe she bought for herself.

Elsa flexed her hand and rubbed the ring with her thumb, "he made it himself at his forge. He promised to replace it with a gold ring, but I love this one just fine. The fact he made it himself with love and hard work is much more valuable than mere gold." Victoria gave a soft, yet true smile at the naïve queen.

"That is rare these days… true love. Many of the women I have met, marry for purely financial reasons. A large castle, millions of gold coins, a powerful army, navy, or a successful trade route. And yet it seems this man..." pointing to Hiccup. "have none of those things. But he won your heart, and you will rule over a vast kingdom with him at your side. You are unlike most women."

"Understatement of my life." Elsa thought as she re-gloved her hand and looked up at the older Lady. "How so?"

"Many women have no power under their husbands, but in your marriage, you will be ruling over him, as he will become a prince consort when you marry. He will have no responsibilities or powers in your kingdom, what will you have him do when he is here other than to entertain you?" Lady Victoria asked with little facial recognition.

A light reddish blush settled on Elsa's cheeks at the mention of 'entertain'. There were many forms of entertainment she wanted him to try on her, but she was getting ahead of herself.

"I have nothing set in stone yet, but I was thinking about asking him to send over his men to help repair the roads and bridges. I will have to talk with my advisors and council first on how many men or resources we would need."

Suddenly she heard a low whistle, looking to her right she saw Hiccup balancing on one foot while showing Albert his prosthetic foot. The older gentlemen looking over the foot with great enthusiasm, while not noticing the looks of horror and surprise from some of the older men and women around them.

Elsa furrowed her eyebrows together in slight agitation, "Hiccup seems to be causing a scene, something he is very good at."

Relaxing her shoulder, she looked at Lady Victoria. "We leave the men alone for ten minutes and Hiccup is already falling apart. I suggest we go over and keep them in line." Elsa declared as she pointed toward Hiccup and Albert.

"I believe we should." Victoria responded in agreement with a slight chuckle at the Queens humor.

Walking a meter or two over to her fiancée who was still showing the inner working of his foot to the older Prince, Elsa patted Hiccup on the arm. Feeling the tap, Hiccup looked down to see a slightly irritated Elsa. "Great, what have I done now?" He thought as he briefly swayed back and forth.

"Yes, my dear?" Hiccup responded in an over lovingly voice.

"Hiccup, what are you doing?"

He raised an eyebrow at her question, "isn't it obvious."

"I am showing my engineering prowess to Prince Albert, he even gave a few suggestions on possibly upgrading my foot. The man is a great innovator and very experienced in mathematics.

Perhaps I will show him some of my sketches later in the evening."

Elsa took in a breath and released it. "Hiccup, people are staring at the footless Viking, maybe you should put your prosthetic back on," Elsa stated as he took a glance around the room, true to her word, many of the older men and women were taking sidelong glances at them.

"Damn, I am embarrassing Elsa and stealing the attention away from her."

Hiccup's shoulder slumped in embarrassment. "Sorry, Elsa." He whispered.

"No apologies are needed, now give me your prosthetic." Then held out her hands waiting for him.

He raised an eyebrow but decided to go along with her wishes giving his foot to her.

"Good, now raise your leg."

His eyes widened considerably knowing what she was asking of him. "Elsa, you do not need to do such a thing, I am capable on my own."

Elsa looked straight into Hiccup's eyes, not backing down. She would not be refused, "Hiccup, raise your leg. Now." He then felt a small shiver go down his spine, as Elsa's eyes bored into his own.

"Does anyone else feel a cold draft in here." Prince Albert asked the small group, wrapping his uniform around his body a little tighter. "I felt it too, it seemingly came out of nowhere," Victoria replied looking around the room for an open window or door, but only saw other men and women looking around as well.

"Elsa, your powers." Hiccup whispered.

"I'm still waiting," Elsa replied tapping her foot slightly.

Seeing he was not going to win, he raised his knee to waist level and extended his partial leg outwards towards Elsa. Bending down slightly she placed the prosthetic on Hiccups leg and laced the bindings together to secure the foot. It was over in seconds, but a few people still saw the young queen bend over and attach the foot causing hushed whispers to erupt among several parties.

"Most women would not have done what you did Queen Elsa, bending down towards their husbands. A Queen bowing to a Chief, even if it was not in an official capacity." Lady Victoria quipped.

"As you said it before, I am unlike most women," Elsa replied with a smile.

"That you are, but you are better than most women," Hiccup responded with a kiss on Elsa's head to which she responded with a mild blush.

"I believe we have taken up enough time for the young couple, perhaps we should let other representatives get a word in. Don't you think Lady Victoria?" Prince Albert asked his old friend.

"I believe you are right Prince Albert, will you escort me to the refreshment station?"

"Always." He laced his arm with hers. "Queen Elsa, Chief Hiccup it was a pleasure to meet you both and hope to see you two in the coming days." He said then held out his hand to shake. Elsa and Hiccup both shook it then did the same with Victoria. She gave a caring smile to the two of them then backed away, curtsied, and moved with Albert towards the side of the room and out of view.

Hiccup let out a small breath, "how do you think we did on our first conversations with other royalty?"

"I believe pretty well considering the whole foot part. Are you ready for more? I see representatives from France and Ireland slowly making their way over."

Hiccup moved to stand in front of Elsa, with his back to the representatives as if telling them 'not come to come over'.

"Hiccup?"

"Elsa, when you were announcing our engagement to the representatives and guests, you said we will marry in eighteen months, what happened to the three years I announced on Berk back in December?" He asked generally confused at the sudden loss of now a year.

"You see, I looked at the contract that both our families signed and in it, our wedding had to be before we turn twenty-three and we must have children before twenty-six. And with me being a year older means we only have eighteen months to plan the wedding and marry." Elsa said as she softly gripped Hiccups right hand.

Hiccup massaged his temple, thinking of all the things that would need to be done to fit into this new timeframe. Invitations, meal plans, entertainment were just the tip of the iceberg. They also had to think about security, the honeymoon, gifts, and dozens of small but significant matters.

"Elsa, why didn't you tell me about this earlier?"

Taking both of his hands into hers, she looked down at her feet and then back at him. "I was nervous about your reaction, and I only read the fine print a few weeks ago. I knew you were busy with keeping Berk safe from Drago who we know is still out there. And I didn't want to bother you with something I can manage. But, yes it was wrong of me to not write you about this and for that I'm sorry." She said and gave Hiccup an apologetic look.

"Come on Elsa, you don't need to apologize, and you just need to remember we are in this together. By the way, what happens if we fail to marry on time?"

Elsa glanced to the side trying to remember the penalties for voiding the contract.

"To whoever causes the contract to be voided must pay the other party a hefty fine, and as of right now it stands at five hundred pounds worth of gold. And voiding the contract would cause me to be up for grabs to other suitors. Where I could be pressured into marrying them to avoid conflict or finalize a new alliance. And that is only possible if we fail to marry in time."

Hiccup felt his heart drop into the pit of his stomach at the thought of Elsa marrying someone else. "Consequently, if we are even a single day late, I would have to pay a small fine, and possibly lose you forever?" He asked trying to get the figures right.

"Yes."

For a moment, a thought passed through Elsa's head. "Small fine? Five hundred pounds of gold is not small. That is nearly one point three million coins and hiccup didn't even flinch at that number, does that mean Berk is richer than what the council believes the island to be worth? Actually, we have never talked finances to any great extent, the next coming days will truly be busy."

Hiccup too, thought for a moment then looked back at Elsa, "how about we marry right now?"

Elsa reared back in surprise. "What?"

"We have the archbishop in the room, everyone is already here, and the chapel is right outside. So, let us get married right this moment. Furthermore, we would be able to share a bed together, tonight." Hiccup added to the raising and lowering of his eyebrows.

While the prospect of sharing a bed with Hiccup was all the encouragement she needed, in addition to being able to try all the ideas she read about in her romance novels. Elsa had to maintain tradition like all her parents and grandparents before her, and she was a queen, not a mere princess who could do whatever she wanted. Elsa had to be smart, restrained, and traditional.

"Sorry, but no. We will have a traditional wedding in eighteen months and we will share a bed together, but not yet nor tonight."

Hiccup smiled at her response. "I knew you were going to say that, but you can't blame me for trying. Can I at least walk you to your bedchambers tonight?"

Elsa gave this some thought.

"You may, but no further. We don't want scandalous rumors to start this early in my reign. Are you ready now?" She said motioning toward the envoys.

"Not quite, I need have a brief chat with my friends and I also need to go to the water closet. I have not gone in hours. Will you be able to manage without myself at your side?" Hiccup asked as he eyed his fiancée.

"I should believe so, I have trained for this moment most of my life and will have to continue once you leave to go back home. Just come back once you are all squared away, yes?"

He nodded and gave a quick peck on the cheek. Letting go of her hands, he bowed and moved to find his team.

She suddenly felt vulnerable, but locked those feelings away and presented herself as a regal and ready queen. Turning to face the approaching Fransk and Irske envoys, she put on a beautiful smile and held out her hand for them to shake. "Bonsoir Monsieur Aleron, comment était votre voyage ici?" (Good evening, Mr. Aleron, how was your trip here?)


Hiccup moved passed all the men and women of different kingdoms and parties and out into the semi-empty hallway, which had a guard every so many meters. Letting out a massive breath as he did so, he relaxed his guard if only for a moment. Strolling down a hallway or five, he was able to find the bathroom and relieve himself of a good amount of used water.

"Why are all the bathrooms so far away from everything?" he wondered. Once he washed his hands and dried them with a soft towel, he looked in the mirror to check himself. Opening his mouth to check if there was anything stuck in his teeth, thankfully there wasn't, he then stared at the man in the mirror.

"Everything is going well, only another hour or two and it will all be over. We will be in our separate bedchambers and a huge weight will be off us. Then I can start to make Arendelle whole again and maybe rectify the relationship between Elsa and Anna. We can make it, just no more incidents." Hiccup said to himself as he took one last breath and moved back into the deserted hallway.

"Hey, Chief." Ruffnut said as Hiccup moved passed. Leaning against the far wall and watching the wall clock tick by.

Hiccup would have jumped in surprise if the fact that he had not caught a whiff of her when he was moving out of the room. The woman really needed to try some perfume or oil.

"How long have you been standing there?" Hiccup asked as she fell in line with him.

Counting on her fingers, "about two minutes. Chief do I need to remind you that I am your guardian and you should tell me when you plan to leave the room? If you take unplanned liberties, it makes it harder to protect you and keep my oath." Ruffnut chastised him as they rounded a corner on their way back to the great hall.

Coming to a stop, Hiccup looked at Ruffnut, who had grown up not only in terms of height but in maturity as well. No longer was she willy-nilly about things, she was calm, composed and at times ruthless. A great warrior who had watched his back at all hours of night and day and was willing to kill without question. As she had shown many a time on their excursions to find Drago. She was in a sense a closer friend than that of Astrid, who he had kept at a house length so not to cause Elsa more stress. He knew Astrid still wanted him and would do anything to try and be with him, including threatening to assault a prince to gain a dance. He would have to punish her later for that.

"You are absolutely right Ruffnut, and for that I am sorry." Moving back to the center of the hallway they continued their trek. "Now, is there anything I should be aware of?" Hiccup asked in a hushed whisper and they slowed their walk.

Ruffnut closed the distance to one step behind him to share the confidential info she had gathered in the ballroom. "Only a few things, it seems no one knows about our dragons. There were no questions as to how we got here or why we did not have a ship in the harbor, but a few kingdoms have expressed disagreement at the fact that Queen Elsa is now engaged to a Viking no less. Also, they do not like you and would like to see you two broken up."

Hiccup stopped at the mention of that. "Which kingdoms?"

"Weselton and Polska, and from what I observed they have entered into what appears to be a pact, although not official yet, it is still an agreement of sorts. To come to each other's aid in time of war. Should I continue to observe them?" She asked with a look of mischief.

"Elsa has not even been queen for twelve hours and, yet she already has two potential enemies, I will definitely have to tell her about this later. But not tonight, I would not want to overburden her." Looking back at Ruffnut, he gave her a single nod in confirmation.

"Right, Chief. Best get back to the party and check in with everyone else. Come on."

Taking a few minutes to get back to the party, he slipped back into his professional and happy state of being as a Viking Chief who was engaged to the Queen of Arendelle.

Moving around several parties who turned and extended their hands in congratulations at the announcement of the engagement, he accepted and thanked all of them.

Finally making it back to his team with a breath of exhaustion as his friends circled around him to shield him from prying eyes. "And you told us not to cause a scene, Mr. Almighty Chief." Astrid quipped as she moved to his side opposite of Ruffnut with Fishlegs coming to stand in front of him.

"What?" Hiccup voiced confusion.

"The prosthetic foot scene, you should have heard the men and women gossip as they saw you take your foot off and show it to the Prince of England. For the love of Thor, Hiccup, you represent all of Berk. And right now, we are embarrassed to be looked at." Astrid said as she moved to hit him on the arm, but restrained herself at the last moment.

Hiccup arched an eyebrow at her quip, did she not forget her own act of potential embarrassment?

"This coming from the woman who threatened to hit the Prince of Polska if I didn't dance with her. Don't think I forgot, you won't be riding Stormfly for a month when we get back home." He told Astrid who dropped her head in shame at being punished in front of her friends.

Looking towards Fishlegs who was drinking a large mug of ale, from what he had to believe he brought in from the outside.

"Fishlegs, give me a quick military outline of Weselton and Polska."

"Here? Now?" Fishlegs asked looking around at everyone in the room.

"Yes, now." He said tersely.

"Yes, Chief. Well, Weselton has a small but well maintained and professional army and navy that they keep ready at all times. The kingdom dedicates a large sum of their wealth towards their military and is considered one of the best in the region. Expertly led and trained, their men are well paid and are given generous benefits. As for Polska, while they do not have a professional army of sorts, it is still large by any means. Nearly three times the size of Weselton's, though they have less money directed toward it and do not have the latest in weaponry or tactics. But they make up for it with a large navy, it too not as refined or grandiose as Weselton's." Taking a moment to drink some of his ale to wet his dry throat, he continued.

"Though, if the two were to band together, they would have a vast well trained and well-led army and navy which could easily threaten any kingdom in the region. Why do you ask?" Fishlegs asked as he looked at his chief while taking another sip of his soon to be an empty mug.

Hiccup gave a small groan and looked at Ruffnut, "are you sure?"

"I'm positive."

Looking at her and taking a quick glance at the Duke and Prince, who was frowning at Elsa.

"Alright, Ruffnut I want you to try and gather some more information on those two. Astrid, see if you can flirt or even talk to the Prince since he did have his eye on you. And Fishlegs, observe the room see if you can find any more parties of interest."

"Right, Chief." He heard as he nodded his head towards all of them and departed to make his way back to Elsa.


"Where could those two be?" Birger thought to himself as he checked in on another pair of guards searching for Princess Anna and Prince Hans of the Southern Isles. Asking whether they found them the pair only frowned and shook their heads from side to side. "Mercy of God, the Queen will have my rank if I don't retrieve them." Looking out from one of the lookout towers positioned near the bridge connecting the castle to the main square, Birger looked across the rooftops, the bell tower and finally the waterfall that looked out at the castle itself. Nothing.

Looking over the many pathways that led to the waterfall, he caught a glimpse of two people skipping their way rather joyfully down the patch back to the castle. "Is that them?"

Taking out a spyglass, he caught the back of a woman with red hair and Prince Hans. "There we go, found you, finally," Birger said in relief.

Putting the spyglass back on the shelf, he ran along the wall to the rear gate knowing they would have to go through there to get back inside. Skidding to a halt when some royal representatives came into view, looking down to see if he was presentable and releasing a breath. He nodded toward the older gentleman and lady on his arm. "Evening."

The two-nodded back and carried on their way. Birger calmly walked over to the entrance waited for the two young royals. "I should let Anna know the trouble she brought us with her little excursion with an unescorted prince, no less. But I can do that later, perhaps even tomorrow." He said as the two came into his sight, he stowed that thought away and put on a professional stance.

"Princess Anna, Prince Hans, we have been looking everywhere for you. I suggest next time, you let me assign a guard to you, so we know where you are in case of emergencies." He said as the two came to a halt in front of him, the two looked very close to having just met. "Too close."

"Apologies Captain, I was caught up in the moment and time got away from us. Did I miss anything important?" Anna asked as she held onto Prince Hans' hand, drawing a raised eyebrow from the old guard.

"Yes, you did, there was an important announcement regarding the relationship between Arendelle and Berk."

Anna raised her eyebrows at this statement, "truly? What was it?"

"I will let the Queen answer that question, now come. We must not keep her waiting." Birger said as he moved to walk in front of the two, leading them back into the main hallway. Taking a quick glance over his shoulder to make sure they were following, they were. He noted how they had not stopped holding hands, occasionally looking lovingly into each other's eyes, or giggling as they caught their glances. "What exactly happened in those two hours, they were off alone?"

Two Royal Guards held the main doors open for Captain Birger, Princess Anna, and Prince Hans as they approached and went through. As they did so they attracted several glances from many delegates, lords, ladies and princes and princesses. They could see Queen Elsa talking to the delegates from Irland and Frankrike, moving toward his young queen, he moved till he was two paces from her.

Clearing his throat to gain their attention, the Queen looked at him wanting to know why he interrupted her conversation.

"Apologies your Majesty, we have found Princess Anna and Prince Hans" he gestured behind him to where the two waved at her as if they were children.

"Thank you, Captain Birger, that will be all." She said as she turned to look at him fully.

"Yes, your Majesty." He then bowed and moved to stand alongside the wall near the back of the room.

Turning back to the envoys, she gave an apologetic smile. "Ça vous dérange si on remballe ça une autre fois?" (Do you mind if we wrap this up another time?)

The Fransk delegate looked behind the Queen and gave her a knowing smile, "bien sûr, votre Majesté." (Of course, your Majesty.) He and the Irske delegate bowed towards Queen Elsa and left, leaving the queen to her family.

Personally, Elsa wanted to continue their conversation, but she had to deal with her disappearing sister, who had run off with a prince without an escort, no less. Surely the gossip was already flying back and forth about that.

Turning around she looked at the two, who were talking amongst themselves.

"Anna?" Trying to gain her sister's attention.

"Hmm? Oh, sorry Elsa, I mean Queen Elsa." Anna said as she curtsied toward her older and higher ranked sibling.

"Where have you been? I had to send nearly a dozen guards to look for you, Anna. I was worried, I received reports that you were seen dancing on rooftops. Though who ever saw that, must get their eyes checked since there would be no reason to do something so dangerous or stupid." Elsa said then gave a mild chuckle at the thought of dancing on rooftops.

Anna too gave a mild chuckle to cover up her embarrassment at being caught knowing that she had absolutely danced and sat on a rooftop or three.

"Yes, very stupid." Anna said and gave a pursed-lip smile.

"Now, we have much to discuss…" Prince Hans heard as he looked over at Anna.

"Though Elsa would have been preferable, Anna is a worthy catch. I found a woman who is beautiful, genuine, perky, and not overly smart, an ideal wife. I can do much with this if the Queen says 'yes' to our engagement. And when we marry, I will only be two breaths away from ruling Arendelle. This is almost too easy."

Looking past the two sisters he saw the one-legged Viking everyone in the room kept taking glances at. The man was walking over towards them and listening in on their private discussion. "Who the hell does this man think he is?"

"Pardon me my Lord, but this is a private conversation." Prince Hans voiced toward the rude Viking, causing Anna and Elsa to look towards the unknown man.

Elsa put a smile on her face because a smile was always better than a questioned look or a frown, especially at a party. And when Anna recognized the unknown man to be a much grown and matured Hiccup, she beamed with joy.

"Hiccup!" Anna yelled as she bounded over to Hiccup. Hiccup scooped Anna up by her axilla's and gave her a twirl. Then set her down. "Why hello little sister, have you been good?"

Anna gave him a cheeky smile, "of course."

"And how is Folgesvenn?" Hiccup asked. "He is doing well, he misses you and did you bring me any presents?" Anna asked as she moved to check Hiccup's various pockets.

"Straight to the gifts Anna? And of course, I did, did you think I had forgotten about the best sister in the world? I will be spending an entire week here, and will devote some quality time to you." Hiccup said as he gave Anna lopsided smile.

"That sounds wonderful, what did you get me?" Not giving up on the hunt.

Hiccup chuckled as she opened up a pocket on his good leg, but frowning slightly when she saw only tools.

"You will have to wait and see, it came all the way from Berk and I made it myself."

"I can't wait." Anna said as she gave a beautiful smile towards her older brother, while technically not her brother per se, Hiccup was the closest thing to one. She cast a gaze over to Hans who had a face that held a mixture of irritation and a bit of jealousy. "Ooh, I forgot, Hans does not know who Hiccup is. Hans could be thinking I moved on to someone else, though I would never do such a thing, I love Hans."

Moving back over to Hans she looped her arm through his and settled into his side. "Hans, I would like to introduce you to Hiccup Haddock the Third, Chief of the island of Berk and a dear friend," Anna said as she presented Hiccup to Prince Hans. Whom leaned over and stuck out his hand to shake.

Hiccup grasped it and gave Hans a nod in respect. "Apologies Chief Hiccup, I did not know who you were and my language was immature."

"I take no offense, Prince Hans, so strike any hesitance you have in your mind toward me in the future."

Hiccup looked at the two, their body language seemed relaxed and loving, like how he and Elsa usually were around each other, but that was after years of being around one another. "Though these two only just met, however, they could have met months ago, but Elsa would have told me. Thus, they met tonight and have already advanced into this stage, I knew Anna wanted to find herself a man, but this seems a bit rushed." He thought as he settled to stand next to Elsa and similar thoughts raced through her mind. "Why is Anna holding onto Prince Hans in such a manner? Surely, they are not courting yet, especially without her telling me."

Hiccup silently watched as Hans and Anna look lovingly into the other's eyes, "I hope that is not what I and Elsa look like because mercy of Thor that looks weird." Hiccup nudged Elsa, who looked over and gave a similar facial expression at the sight in front of them.

Hiccup gave a clicking sound with his tongue to get Anna's attention, who turned back to her sister and Hiccup with a mild blush of embarrassment.

"Sorry, ooh how have you and Elsa been doing? Birger told me I missed an announcement. Did you two form an alliance?"

"Of sorts. Elsa do wish to tell Anna?"

"Yes. Anna, Prince Hans. After years of courting, I and Hiccup are engaged to marry, we wed in eighteen months." Elsa gave a lovely smile as Hiccup put his arm around hers, drew her in close and gave a peck on the side of her head.

"Really? That is amazing, then you will be my brother-in-law." Anna said as she pulled out of Hans grip and moved over to Hiccup and Elsa and gave each a hug in happiness and as a means of congratulating both.

"Yes, we will be a family."

"Not only that, you will become a prince consort. Congratulations Hiccup."

"No, he won't." Elsa piped in.

Anna and Hiccup turned to Elsa, confusion written on their faces. "Apologies, your majesty, Princess Anna is correct, when you two marry, Lord Hiccup will become a prince consort." Prince Hans delicately interrupted.

"No, he will be a king." Elsa said as she looked up at Hiccup.

Hiccup turned to look fully at his future wife. "Elsa, you don't need to, I am fully happy with becoming a prince consort when we marry."

Elsa took Hiccups right hand into hers and ran her gloved thumb repeatedly over his knuckles, admiring all the lines, muscles, and patches of roughness.

"When I was a child I dreamed of marrying a handsome man and he and I would rule together as king and queen, as equals. That was before I knew everything else, but I still have that dream and only you can make it come true." Elsa considered Hiccups eyes and smiled.

"And I do not need to, but I want to. I want a king at my side and that is what I will have. When the time comes I will sign a bill declaring you to become a formal king with all the styles, duties permissions. And then we will rule together over Arendelle, Berk and our other territories."

Hiccup was nearly brought to tears at her honesty and caring, "I love you."

Elsa smiled softly back at his declaration, "and I love you too."

Hiccup looked at Anna and saw tear-filled joy, then looked at Prince Hans and for the briefest of seconds, saw confusion, anger, jealousy and then happiness. "That is most wonderful news, congratulations." Prince Hans voiced as he gave a forced smile to the three of them.

"I will have to keep my eyes on this prince, something is not right with him."

"Thank you", Elsa and Hiccup said together.

Prince Hans nudged Anna back to reality, "Oh, that reminds me Elsa, I mean Queen Elsa. We would like your blessing for our...our marriage."

Hiccups and Elsa's eyes blinked simultaneously. "Marriage?" Elsa asked in disbelief, as she cast a gaze over to Hiccup who was looking at one of the servants and motioning to bring him over a glass of wine. "I hope that servant brings the bottle with her because I am going to get drunk tonight to get over this surprise." Hiccup thought as he grasped the glass and inhaled its entire contents in one swig, then took two more glasses off the plate and handed one to Elsa.

Who was still in a state of shock, much like himself.

Anna beamed with delight at her announcement as she held Hans in her arms, everything was coming together for her. She was talking to her sister again, Hiccup was set to become officially part of the family and she was about to marry Prince Hans. Life could not get any better.

"Yes." Anna squeaked out.

"I'm sorry. I'm confused, when and where did you two meet?" Elsa asked as she eyed the two and took a small sip of her wine, really hoping the alcohol content was high.

Anna tilted her head, "umm I think it was noon and at the entrance to the harbor, I literally bumped into his horse and nearly fell into the water had Prince Hans not caught me and pulled me back." Anna said and looked at Hans again, "thank you again for that."

Hans smiled at the acknowledgment, "it was no trouble and without it, we might not have met. It might be fate to which I am thankful for."

Hiccup glanced at the wall clock, it was nearly nine o'clock. "Therefore, in the space of roughly nine hours, Anna and Hans have gone from strangers to fiancées. This is very much rushed, and could almost be a record. Anna always did like to go fast, whether it be running, sledding, and now perhaps falling in love."

"Ooh, I can't wait for the wedding, we will have to have soup, roast and ice cream, and can we live here?" Anna asked Prince Hans as she grasped his hands into hers.

"Here?" Elsa asked in shock. "There is no condition in which these two are getting married, I will just have to try to get Anna alone with Hiccup and I and talk to her away from this prince." Elsa thought as she eyed the two lovebirds.

"Most definitely," Hans replied enthusiastically. "This is getting easier and easier by the minute."

"Plus, we can invite all twelve of your brothers to stay with us. We will become a giant family."

Hiccup and Elsa looked at one another and a single thought crossed their minds. "Twelve?"

"I have to put a stop to this, it is getting out of hand. Soon enough she will be talking about baby names." Elsa stepped forward and raised her hands to gain their attention.

"Wait a moment, slow down. No one is staying here, you two are not getting married." She said commandingly.

Anna's happy moment ended abruptly at that statement. "What? Why?"

"May, I and Hiccup speak to you? Alone?" As she eyed Anna then Prince Hans, wringing her hands together hoping her sister would take it well.

Anna drew back closer to Hans' embrace. "No, if you have something to say, you will tell it to us both here, now."

She had really wanted to avoid the entire region from knowing about her family's issues, but she had to do what was best for her kingdom and Anna even if she said sister did not know it yet.

"Fine, you can't marry a man you just met." Elsa said in a knowing manner.

Anna gripped Hans arm a little tighter, "you can if it is fate and true love."

Elsa narrowed her eyes at the mention of 'fate'. "Anna, it was a small incident and you have known this man for all of nine hours, you can't make such a life-changing decision on such little information. And what do you know of true love?"

"I believe more than you since you have yet to tell me you love me in over thirteen years. And you apparently love Hiccup more than your own sister, and can only open your door for him." Anna said incredulously, ticking off each pain that she had to endure seeing her own sister close her door to her, but open it to Hiccup. She could feel a tear roll down her cheek as she recounted their painful family history.

Elsa wanted to take Anna into her arms and make everything better, but she could not and would not. She had to be a queen first and a sister second, at least in the ballroom. The future of her kingdom lay in her hands and that included the lives of over one million of her citizens, her sister's decisions did matter especially if it involved a marriage to a foreign prince. She knew Anna would hate her, but she would respect her later; she hoped.

"You asked for my blessing, and my answer is no." Elsa said as she looked straight at the two young royals. Shock crossed both their faces.

Anger bubbled up, but Anna pushed it down, not wanting to cause a scene in front of Hans.

She looked hopingly at Hiccup who was looking at Elsa, "perhaps if I can get Hiccup to support my wishes, he can possibly change my sister's mind."

"Hiccup, what do you think? You have stayed silent on this issue."

All attention was put on Hiccup, who immediately felt hot and uneasy. "I am in a lose-lose situation for if I side with Anna, that will upset Elsa and vice versa. But I must speak the truth."

Hiccup looked at his wine, brought the glass up to his lips and drank all its contents. Then brought the glass back down and rested it against his lower stomach.

"I believe…" He glanced at Elsa, who looked back hoping he would side with her. And then at Anna, "I believe that Anna and Hans be allowed to marry…" Elsa drew in a sharp breath and gave a crossed look at her fiancée'. He could also hear an excited breath from Anna.

"but only after two years of courting, one year of engagement and if they are still in love, then they can choose where and when to marry. Also, I would need to assess Prince Hans and make sure he has no hidden reservations." He said as he looked carefully at Hans, who for a split-second show unrestrained rage.

"We are talking about my imminent little sister's future, I want to make sure she is in safe hands."

Hans for his own measure repressed all signs of anger and annoyance and drew up the look of a confused man. "Hidden reservations? I don't know what you are talking about, and I believe you should not make accusations until you have all your facts Lord Hiccup." Hans said trying to remind this Viking of his rank in the presence of a prince.

Hiccup smirked at Prince Hans' reply. "Oh, I will, and we will have plenty of time to get to know one another in the next three years if you accept your position that is. And as long as our fair queen accepts my suggestion of course." He said knowingly looking to Elsa to see if she had some thought on his suggestion.

"No." Hiccup heard Anna say, then cast a glance to her. "No, I want to marry Hans next month. I deserve happiness and love. I have waited long enough and if my sister won't give it to me, then Hans will."

Elsa released a big breath, "then if that is the case then you will marry without my approval or blessing, making the marriage void." Elsa said as she drew back a step. "As head of the Church of Arendelle, I will not support this marriage. And none of the churches or chapels will recognize your union, I will make sure of that." Elsa voiced in monotone patience.

Hiccup gave a look at Elsa, even he was surprised by the level of determination Elsa was willing to go, looking back at Anna he saw she was about to break down in tears. "We were to close and now everything is ruined, the Gods really do hate us."

Hiccup took a step toward the now emotionally irritated couple and tried to get to them through reason.

"Anna, look at me and Elsa, we revealed our feelings to each other when we were fifteen years young. We courted for over five years, and have been engaged for nearly seven months, and we still have another eighteen months before we can finally marry. Do you not think we just want to marry right now and begin our new lives? We do, but we must remain traditional and respectful of our customs and legacies." Hiccup said as he took Elsa's gloved hand into his. He knew full well, that he was channeling Elsa's response as his own.

This was not lost on Elsa as she gave give an inquisitive look.

Anna clenched her fists in anger, she had been sacrificing her happiness for thirteen years and would not stop till she got what she wanted, which was Hans.

Elsa felt her head throbbing from all these unexpected announcements. Maybe she would retire now and return to it in the morning. Perhaps even Anna would come to her senses and see her love for Hans as a mere infatuation.

"I am tired, and we will discuss this more in the morning, this can wait one night." Elsa said as she moved out of Hiccups embrace and out into the open dance floor.

"No!" Anna yelled gaining the attention of all those who were invited. "I am done waiting!"

Hiccup could see a few Guardsmen slowly and silently make a few strides towards their queen, in case they were needed.

Hiccup moved in-between Anna and Elsa when he felt a slight decrease in the temperature of the room. "Anna, lower your voice, you are causing a scene. And we will talk about this in the morning, all four of us." He said pleadingly, casting a glance to his friends as a silent plea for help and backup.

Anna shook her head, "No, no, no. I am tired of waiting, of being polite, and respecting your disrespectfulness. I want to and will marry Hans." She said as she pointed a finger at Elsa, drawing amazed and horrified looks from the guests.

"Then leave." Elsa uttered back, drawing a gasp from Anna, a look of shock from Hiccup and an eye twitch from Hans. "Leave Arendelle and marry Hans in the Southern Isles, but I and Hiccup will not come and witness it."

Elsa turned her back on her sister and took a step toward the two wooden doors that would lead to the hallway which would eventually take her to the safe confines of her room.

"What is wrong with you? What would our mother think of you?" That stopped Elsa in her steps. Rearing around to look at Anna, she took forceful strides towards her younger sister till she was within a meter of Anna.

"I may not be our mother, but I am still your queen." Elsa said as she tilted her chin up at Anna, reminding Anna of her duty and rank.

Anna narrowed her eyes at Elsa's remark. "Then you're a mean queen!"

Elsa could hear the gasps from around the room, "that is it, I am done for the night."

"Hiccup." She voiced looking at her pillar of strength. "I wish to retire; will you escort me to my room?" Elsa asked as lively as she could. "Yes, of course." Hiccup said as he moved and took Elsa's right hand into his own. Taking one step, before he felt a tug.

Turning around he saw that Anna had closed the distance between her and her sister and accidentally ripped off Elsa's right glove.

"Give me my glove!" Elsa asked pleadingly, trying to take the glove back, but Anna moved back and away from Elsa.

Remembering, he had an emergency pair of flying gloves Hiccup dropped Elsa's hand and brought his hand down into his side pocket and retrieved them. He moved to give one to Elsa, but her attention was on her sister.

"No, not until you bless my permission to marry Hans." Anna declared holding Elsa's glove away from her.

"Enough Anna." Elsa stated in a frustrated tone, giving up entirely and moving away, by herself toward the open doors. She would not be blackmailed over a glove, especially when she could just walk away.

She felt her powers start to stir within her, she cast a glaze down and saw ice start to form in the palm of her hand.

Seeing the back of her sister enraged Anna, she could see another door being shut in her face in her immediate future. Her entire life was filled with closed doors, but tonight would not be one of them, it was now or never.

"What is wrong with you? Why can't you allow me to be happy? Why can't…"

"I said enough!" Elsa shouted and threw her hand towards the floor in a sweeping motion. Thus, releasing the ice onto the floor, creating a sharp, pointed ice wall. Gasps, looks of horror, and the sounds of several glasses breaking echoed in the hall.

All eyes landed on Elsa, she had seen those looks of horror before, it was the same ones she received from her parents when she had accidentally frozen the wall in her room. Even Hiccup was surprised at her. She had to run, now. Moving away from everyone she broke into a sprint and moved out into the hallway.

Hiccup snapped out of his stupor and leaped over the ice wall, he did take note that the ice that was pointed toward him was dull and non-life threatening, perhaps even in accidental discharges, her powers knew of him and his role in her life. Which was ridiculous. Right?

Moving passed stunned Guardsmen out into the open hallway, Hiccup saw the tail end of Elsa's cape whip around a corner. "Must go faster." He thought as he picked up his pace to catch his love. Turning the corner, he saw that he had indeed caught up to her, five meters away.

"Elsa!" He shouted at her.

Elsa turned her head to see who was running after her, it was Hiccup.

"Hiccup go away, I need to be alone, I need to get away from everyone and everything." She shouted as she moved down another hallway towards the front exit.

"Elsa stop, we need to make this right, we need to confront everyone and tell them everything, lest we want to create an international incident on your first day as queen."

Turning her head and talking to Hiccup allowed him to catch up to his dearest. Only a meter now.

"Dammit Elsa, I am not made to run on his leg, we need…" Hiccup said as he grabbed the end of Elsa's cape and causing an immediate reaction.

Feeling a tug on her cape, she whirled around and released a gust of icy wind at the perpetrator, momentarily forgetting who was behind her.

Hiccup felt a cold wind the likes of which he had never felt before hitting his abdomen, the ice felt like pinpricks as it skimmed across his side and around his back. The wind was so strong his feet were blown out from under him and he fell face first onto the ground.

Hearing a weight of clothed armor and flesh hit the carpeted hallway, Elsa turned around to see Hiccup lying on the ground and his back covered with a thin layer of ice. She stopped and was about to help Hiccup, but then saw Ruffnut at the end of the hallway, who moved towards them. "Chief!" She heard Ruffnut yell as Astrid, Fishlegs and Birger followed behind her.

"I'm sorry Hiccup." Elsa whispered as she turned around and ran towards the closed front doors.

The last thing he saw before sleep overtook him was Elsa's attached cape fluttering freely behind her as she moved out into the courtyard. "Dammit, we were so cl…" Hiccup managed to get out before surrendering to the black cloud and his friend's yells.


Author's Note: I hope you enjoyed chapter fifteen, I have begun writing chapter sixteen which will be released when it is ready. No idea on a release date, but I hope less than it took to make this chapter. Try and drop a review if you have the time and favorite/follow my story. Once again thank you for reading and have a wonderful day.