~Chapter 6~

Marcus

I had faced many hardships in my life, but I think this one topped the list. My life had revolved around being near Elsa and her powers, though for years, those memories were gone thanks to Grand Pabbie. Though regardless, hurting the woman I loved was possibly the worst outcome I could have imagined. All my life I had taken great lengths and strides to protect her and suddenly powers emerge from within me and I actually burn her. The shame I felt was immense and even more embarrassing, I ran. I would return to Arendelle eventually, but just not now. I couldn't face my wife right now and I could only imagine what she could possibly say to me right now. I also felt so much empathy for her in this moment. Understanding why she felt she had to run away and hide back then. I understood it all on a much bigger level.

My powers were frustrating to say the least. A thin layer of sweat was constantly forming on my hands. Like my wife, my palms did tend to glow especially when I got emotionally charged and worked up. Learning all that I had about Kalde in recent months was equally eye opening and confusing for me. Reuben had been an intrical part of that, but even so, these powers manifested themselves during that last visit. Why?

I was alone for a few hours wandering the woods before I found myself back in Kalde. Though nobody was found in the caves including Reuben. Ugh, just what I needed. Tons of questions and nobody to help answer or solve anything. What did these powers mean? Would people accept both rulers with elemental powers? After wandering the caves beneath the Kalde ruins, I went back outside and found a vacant tree. My frustrations ran deep and I tried to just stuff those feelings down, but when I did that my hands only grew hotter and glowed brighter. I took my sword from my belt and began hacking at this tree yelling feeling so much aggravation. My sword was no hatchet or ax, but I chipped several deep notches into the wood and honestly it felt good. Though one final swing with my sword sent a huge firebolt down my arm and out my hand engulfing the tree ablaze in seconds. It surprised me as I fell back dropping my sword. The blaze spread down the trunk and hit the grass in seconds spreading as fire does. Quickly and relentlessly. My hands were trembling as I felt like I was going to erupt again. Why couldn't I control it? As the blaze began engorging itself on everything green in the area, I just watched helplessly as the rest of the ruins begin to be engulfed in orange and red. Smoke had filled the surrounding area. It was time to leave. Moments later, several blasts of ice magic came from behind me. Riding in a large wagon hitched to Sven, Reuben was riding up front with Kristoff. Olaf waved at me from Sven's back and Anna was the first to hop out from the back of the wagon. Though the next face I saw was my wife. She marched up to me with a serious expression. Her icy blue-eyed gaze was as cold as the powers she possessed.

Elsa walked by me and she quickly blasted all the fire away using her one hand. Seeing the bandage over her left hand made me sick and ashamed knowing that I did that. As Elsa snuffed out the blaze, the air cleared and the smoke dissipated. Anna ran up to me giving me a tight hug, but quickly pulled back slugging me in the arm.

"I thought our family was done running away!" She scolded.

"I know, I-I'm sorry." I muttered sheepishly.

"We're just glad you're alright." Kristoff added walking up to join us.

Olaf waddled his way over as well patting my leg with his arm.

"I hope you're okay, Marcus."

I took a step away from everyone quickly out of caution.

"Better keep a safe distance…" I warned, "At least Elsa couldn't destroy things and burn flesh."

"Yeah, but she could freeze hearts." Anna added, crossing her arms, "There's no competition."

Reuben finally approached grabbing my shoulder and I flinched nervously.

"We have some things to discuss." Reuben nodded.

"Yes, but first...my wife." I replied.

Elsa just finished putting out the remainder of the fire I started. Our relationship really had come full circle. Not that long ago, I was solving her messes and now it was in reverse. Our roles had definitely swapped. Elsa still glared at me and walked up to me with ferocity in her step.

"Elsa…" I started to say. The first thing that had to leave my mouth were countless apologies.

In one fluid motion, she slapped me across the face stinging my cheek. I could feel the cold in her touch.

"That's for running away." She said

Then she quickly cupped my face in her hands pressing her lips to mine gently. I quickly pulled away not wanting to push anything. There was already steam sizzling from our touch. Fire and ice, how ironic.

"That's because I love you." She smiled warmly.

"You shouldn't touch me...your hand…" I muttered.

She brought her hand to my cheek.

"That is already forgiven." She murmured as she leaned in kissing me again.

I knew she understood why I felt the urge to run away and she forgave me so easily. Though the guilt wouldn't be gone so easily. There was much we had to discuss. Everything about Kalde and what I had learned from Reuben in the recent weeks. The secrets hurt her, but I made a new promise to keep her informed about everything from now on. I unloaded quite a bit on her and she held onto my hand the whole time causing the steam to reappear when I got worked up.

"I'm sorry I hid this all from you. It wasn't fair."

Elsa stopped walking looking at me with understanding.

"I get it," She shrugged, "I get it more than anyone could."

She continued walking pulling me by the hand.

"But it's hard when you've committed yourself to someone you love who treats marriage like a solo act."

"Elsa, you're my wife and I love you. You know that…"

"Do I?" She replied quicker than I would have liked, I recoiled.

"I swear, I just didn't want to worry you. How can I tell you about my past when I don't know enough about it myself. I'm sorry. I made a mistake, it won't happen again."

"Which won't? A mistake or hiding things from me?" She challenged.

"Well, I wish I could say both, but I'm an imperfect man. Mistakes are bound to happen. I was referring to hiding things from you."

"Strive for both." She smiled kissing my cheek quickly, "And on another note, there are things happening in Arendelle that seem connected to our powers?"

"What things?" I asked curiously.

As Elsa began informing me about the mysterious occurrences happening in Arendelle and what Grand Pabbie said, I heard the voice again. It was distracting and even louder than before. Elsa didn't react. I guess this blew away my theory that all people with magical abilities could hear such things. One thing at a time, I would ask her about the voice later.

Once Elsa and I walked around the scorched Kaldesian grounds a bit, we returned to the others quickly.

"So Marcus, how long have you had fire powers?" Anna teased casually.

"Not long, I swear." I shrugged.

Elsa leaned her head against my shoulder as I wrapped my arm around the small of her back. Reuben cleared his throat looking anxious to talk to all of us.

"King Marcus, your whole life I kept an oath to keep the knowledge of your powers a secret until the day they were revealed."

Everyone looked confused exchanging curious glances, but urged Reuben to continue.

"Aw, humans get all the fun." Olaf complained.

"But Reuben, I don't understand, was I born with these powers?"

"Yes, but your parents took you to a place as a baby to conceal your powers until the day you returned to the Kaldesian throne."

"What place?" Elsa asked.

"The Enchanted Forest that lies north of here. The borders are protected by a magical veil of fog. None have been able to get through. It's about a day's ride from here." Reuben said.

"But why did the powers just appear?" I asked desperately still confused.

"During your last visit to Kalde, you stood on the spot and touched the ground where your father's throne once stood. You had accepted your place on the throne and broke the seal on your powers." Reuben nodded.

"There's one person who I know that likes to put a seal on things…" Anna chimed in.

"Grand Pabbie…" Kristoff muttered.

"Ooh, the plot thickens." Olaf clapped.

"How would my parents know to take me to the forest?" I questioned.

"Because the late King Agnarr and Queen Iduna of Arendelle told them to take you there." Reuben said.

Elsa and I exchanged curious looks. Anna looked confused and Kristoff looked intrigued.

"Kalde and Arendelle have a long standing history between our nations backed by a strong friendship between the two kings. Like Pabbie told you, the answers you seek lie within that forest should you be able to enter. I'm sorry that is all I know." Reuben nodded.

I hugged my friend and faithful servant.

"Thank you, Reuben. You're a well of knowledge and wisdom and a loyal friend. Tell me, did my parents have powers?"

"Not at all."

"Then I want to know, why me? These powers are a menace. I've already burned my wife and almost destroyed a forest all by accident. I want to be rid of it. Will the forest take these powers away?"

Reuben just shook his head.

"I know not, your majesty, but don't think of these powers in a negative light. Emotions are powerful as you know."

"Right." I nodded.

"What was it you told me, Marcus?" Elsa replied, " Oh yeah, your powers are a gift and they are what make you unique…" She smirked.

"Don't use my words against me." I replied rolling my eyes.

"Well, I suppose we're heading to the Enchanted Forest." Anna nodded determinedly.

"Anna, Marcus and I can go. You and Kristoff and everyone else should head back to Arendelle." Elsa nodded.

"Trying to get rid of me again, Elsa?" Anna accused, "Not a chance."

Kristoff grabbed my shoulder and once again I flinched.

"We're coming with, Marcus. It's a done deal." He nodded.

"You guys saw what happened to Elsa...just promise me you won't get too close."

"Well, with fire and ice, you think you'd cancel each other out with your power output." Anna shrugged with a wide grin.

"Let's just load up in the wagon." Elsa nodded.

"I'll drive." Olaf said excitedly.

"How about co-pilot?" Kristoff replied as the two headed back ahead of Elsa and I to the wagon.

"I'll do it!" Olaf clapped.

Elsa and I thanked Reuben again before we left.

"I owe you a lot."

"Not at all, your majesty...I'm glad I could help."

"How far is the forest from here?" Elsa asked.

"Just head north. It's not hard to find."

"Come with us."

"I don't dare, your majesty. The forest is dangerous and if the elemental spirits are angered, we're all in danger. Be safe."

"Thanks, Reuben." I nodded.

Elsa and I quickly joined everyone in the wagon as we began the journey north. As we headed up and over the grassy mountainside beyond Kalde, something inside leapt with equal excitement and dread. It seemed unwise for me to be present in a forest with unpredictable fire powers. Maybe my wife's powers could help keep my powers in check, but judging by how I've already hurt her, it was best not to rely on that. She may have already forgiven that, but I most definitely have not.