Yaho! I'm back again for some uh chapter.
A lot of things happened and this is the only time I am able to upload this chapter since I didn't report to work due to the virus spreading around the world. Anyway, I hope you'll like this chapter and don't forget to REVIEW, FOLLOW and FAVORITE.
Men sitting on either side of the long council table with the Queen at the head.
"Your Majesty, there's a high influx of peasants inside the city since your ascension. Many nobles were disturbed by their sudden appearance." said one councilman.
Elsa merely stared at the man before stating. "What do you suggest regarding the matter?"
"Well we should send them away and shouldn't be allowed in the capital." said the councilman
"I see. Before I do that, answer my question." Elsa fiddled with the tip of her quill. "Are those peasants Arendellians?"
"Yes, they came from the poor families and started to beg on the streets. They reeked." the councilman said in disgust.
The other men just stared at each other, some fidget on their seats.
"Does anyone here share the same sentiment?" Elsa asked the men but none dared to answer. "Very well." she turned her attention to the man in his fifties. "Master Harold. Please invite the peasants in the castle at the earliest convenience. I want to hear their concerns."
Master Harold smiled. "Of course, Your Majesty." the man noted it down.
"But Your Majesty! Dignitaries would arrive any day this week, it would be an insult to them to share the same space with peasants!"
Elsa gave him a blank stare before saying. "Arendelle citizens come first. They are the blood and life of this kingdom. If you don't share my view then you are free to leave the council."
Lord Leigh snapped his mouth shut. He huffed on his seat. "King Runeard wouldn't allow this." he whispered but still Elsa heard it.
The quill on Elsa's hand dropped, however the tip was covered with blood. She wounded her right index finger.
The men in the council room stiffened as if frozen in place. A sound of sword being drawn broke the silence.
"Your Majesty, your hand." said Marshall.
"It's fine, Marshall please." Elsa lifted her left hand to halt her personal guard. "Put that away." the man did what he was told and sheathed back his sword. "Lord Leigh. Kindly give us details on how the former Duke of Eldr wouldn't allow such notion?"
The Lord was silent and his face paled at the murderous eyes of Elsa's personal guard. Also he took note, just like everyone else in the room, on how Elsa had addressed Runeard.
"I-" he choked on his own words.
"You what?"
He closed his mouth shut.
"Speak." Elsa commanded but still the man didn't say a word. "I said speak up."
The man rose from his seat and knelt on the carpeted floor. "I humbly seek your forgiveness, Your Majesty. I am a fool for saying such things." his head was lowered.
"Yes. Yes you are a fool but only because you believed in one." Elsa sighed. "Now I want to know why the former Duke wouldn't allow these peasants to enter the city?"
Lord Leigh, still looking down on the floor. "H-He wanted to show how p-prosperous Arendelle by banishing all of the peasants and had sent them to the outskirts of the kingdom."
Elsa's wheels in her head were turning and nodded in understanding. "I see now." she turned her attention to the Master of the Coin. "Master Rein, please see me later in the afternoon."
"As Her Majesty wishes." the Master of the Coin acknowledged Elsa's command with a small bow.
"Rise Lord Leigh. Please take your seat."
The Lord did what was said. Although he was expecting to be beheaded on the spot. He took a deep breath tried to relax despite the nervousness he was feeling.
"Now, let's continue." Elsa stared at her bloodied hand, there were two small incisions on her right index finger. She ignored the stinging pain.
The Duke of Weselton raised his finger. "Your Majesty, if I may be so bold and ask about your coronation."
"What of it?" Elsa responded with such indifference.
"We should continue the preparation." the Duke said.
Elsa thought about it but the concerning state of her people would be her top priority. "No. We should address the needs of the people first."
"But Your Majesty the coronation is a must so the people will know that you are the Queen and to remind the loyalist of the previous ruler that you, Queen Elsa, have the power in this kingdom." the Duke pressed on.
"Yes. That may be true." she paused. "I'll think about it and let you know my decision before the day will end." the Duke was satistified with her answer. For now.
"General Mattias. How's the army?"
The darked skinned bearded man had opened a small scroll. "Our army is doing fine, we have new recruits and are willing to serve under Her Majesty's rule."
"Perfect." Elsa turned her attention to a sandy blonde haired man "Vice Admiral Hofferson, what about the fleet? Any reports?"
"We are currently allocating men to man each 's all your Majesty." the man said.
"Give me more reports regarding our fleet." Elsa commanded. The Vice Admiral nodded. "That would be all gentlemen." Elsa filed the parchments in front of her and rested her head on her high backed chair. She observed the men filed out of the council room. A handkerchief was offered to her.
"Thank you Marshall." Marshall sent Elsa a worried look. "I'm fine. You worry yourself too much about me."
She sat there and closed her eyes just as the doors of the council room shut closed.
Elsa knew that her new status as Queen would require all of her time, strength and intellect. However, despite having a formal education, she was not used on the way Arendelle was run but she was trying to keep up and try to repair what the usurper had ruined. Her life should've been peaceful if it weren't for Runeard's greed and lust for power.
She swore to do whatever she could to restore Arendelle to its former glory but how could she? Now that there was another innocent life being thrown into such scrutiny? But then again she had no other choice.
Half an hour later, heavy footsteps reached her ears and three men went in the council room.
Elsa opened her eyes and gestured for the men to take a seat.
"No one saw you, correct?" she asked.
"Of course, Your Majesty." said Vice Admiral Hofferson.
"Excellent. Give me full reports of our fleet."
The man nodded and took out a rolled up map from his coat.
"As we all know, the fleet currently docked in this part of Arenfjord were mostly Coronans." He pointed out the part outside the castle's water gates. "They would depart with the the Weselton fleet once Her Majesty's own has enough strength and double its number, though triple is much better."
"How many were left of the Arendelle vessels after the battle?" Elsa asked.
"Arendellian vessels suffered minor damages that could be repaired in a short time. If everything goes as planned, Her Majesty would have thirty eight vessels at her disposal. Also our ship-write and carpenters would start the repair once Her Majesty would approve the funds needed." Vice Admiral stated.
Elsa sighed. "I'll look into it. Any signs of enemy ships?"
"None of our scout spotted anything suspicious. The waters are steady at the moment. For now at least."
Elsa nodded. "Thank you Vice Admiral." she turned her attention to General Matthias. "General, Any report?
"Our army is currently in good shape. Even if most of Her Majesty's private army consists of mercenaries turned into a proper soldiers, they don't follow gold anymore. They follow Her Majesty because of loyalty. Many Arendellians had signed up for training in order to serve under Her Majesty's rule."
Elsa felt relieved with the news. "That's comforting. The scouts are already deployed, yes?"
"Of course, Your Majesty. Everyday we managed to capture deserters of the former Duke. Majority of them never wanted to take up arms because they hold no loyalty to the former Duke, most of these deserters came from Arendelle's old family noble households' private guards."
"Private guards of noble houses were enlisted by force?"
General Mattias nodded. "Each noble house were required to give at least a quarter of their private army and most of their household servants."
"Please see to it that these deserters would returned to their master's households."
"Wait. Would it be wise to do that?" the Duke of Weselton spoke for the first time.
"What would you have me do? Force them again in serving another monarch? I wouldn't be able to rely on them once another battle started. They would desert me as they did to the usurper." Elsa explained.
"I was thinking that you could bolster Her Majesty's army by adding them to the ranks. Also we will need men to occupy the the fleet."
Elsa paused for a moment. "How about this then, we could ask them if they would like to return to their masters or would like to be in the ranks. Let's give them a choice."
The Duke smiled for a second. "Very well." he agreed.
"Is there anything left to report?"
"None. Your Majesty." said the men.
"Thank you. You are all dismissed." Elsa stated.
The two high ranking officers bowed and got out of the council room, leaving the Duke and the Elsa herself inside.
"How's your hand?" asked the Duke.
"It's fine. No longer bleeding." Elsa sighed. "You were testing me earlier."
The Duke chuckled. "I was." he pushed his spectacles up to prevent them from slipping. "You are kind at most times, but I warn you, this could be a disadvantage for you once you let other people get closer to you. Betrayal is simple as having tea here in Arendelle."
"I know. Any moment now people would conspire against me and rise up to take up arms in an unexpected moment." Elsa chuckled darkly. "Arendelle had fostered betrayals, lies and murder. So far from its former self."
"Only one man planted all these for his own gain. Many suffered from his rule, that's why I went to find you, because only you who has the power to restore Arendelle and perhaps much more."
"You put so much faith in me." Elsa wryly smiled.
"No, I put my faith on Arendelle's rightful ruler and that ruler is inside you Elsa. You are the perfect candidate to hold the helm of our kingdom. Many had followed you in your endeavors, it didn't matter which kingdom they were from. It didn't matter if they are mercenaries, Coronans, or any other type of people, they had followed someone who inspire them to be better and had showed them true camaraderie."
"I did no such thing." Elsa looked away.
"You are so modest." the Duke stared at Elsa. "Just like your father."
Elsa snapped her head at the Duke. Her jaw clenched. "Am I really?"
"Yes. Though you have the fierceness of your mother."
"I am well informed about that." Elsa smiled a bit.
"My family had sworn to protect every person who shared the blood of a Weselton. No matter how small the trickle of Weselton blood in their veins." the Duke stared into Elsa's blue eyes. "The reason why I betrayed the King I had served not only because the people are suffering because of his ways but also I am bound by my family's oath."
"But because of that many nobles saw House Weselton as the traitor house of all Arendelle."
"What they think doesn't matter. You shouldn't concern yourself with those little things. What you should think of was the advise we had given you." the Duke gave her a calculating stare. "Care to tell me where did you and Lady Eldr had gone in the middle of the feast?"
Elsa glowered at him. "I think whatever between Lady Eldr and I should stay private. Until I say otherwise."
"I'll get to the point then. Did you heed our advise?"
"This castle's inhabitants are mostly lose mouths, nothing can get pass them." Elsa shrugged.
"That's the point, nothing can get pass them and yet I haven't received any valuable information regarding Eldr's condition."
Elsa opened her mouth. "What time is it?"
The Duke raised his eyebrow at the change of subject. He checked his pocket watch. "A quarter past nine."
Elsa stood up and straightened out the creases on her jacket and trousers. "I need to be somewhere. Good day to you Your Grace."
"Likewise, Your Majesty." the Duke bowed.
Elsa nodded and got out of the room before any more words spoken. She was a bit angry because the Duke was treating her like a helpless child that she was before. Elsa didn't spend sleepless nights of studying and training in order to be treated like a new born babe. If they wanted to be obeyed then they shouldn't have enthrone her as Queen but they did so she wouldn't let them undermine her authority whoever they were.
Her feet had brought her to the royal wing where her bedchamber was. Once she reached the white ornate door she opened it and immediately her eyes found the sleeping figure on her bed. Elsa removed her jacket and draped it on the back of the chair. She was unbuttoning her shirt when she heard a painful groan coming from the sheets.
She woke up with the sound of the door closing. She opened her eyes and tried to see who came in her room but her whole body protested as she moved. A painful groan escaped her lips as she tried to roll on her side. This made Anna wonder why she body was sore. She carefully lifted the sheets only to pulled them back closer to her body because of the cold air.
Anna felt cold in placed she shouldn't be. Her eyes then widened and dread crept on her chest.
No. No no please no. Anna thought.
She shifted on her place but halted and took a sharp breath as pain shoot down on her abdomen.
"Ah. Gods." Anna hissed. She wondered why her entire body was in pain, she tried to sit up and when she managed to do it the sheet covering her slipped from her shoulder revealing her naked chest. Anna looked down on her body and her eyes couldn't get any wider as she stared at the multiple love bites that covered her, she lifted the covers and saw a red spot on the white sheet.
Anna's memories of last night came , she remembered how the Queen had forced herself onto her. She remembered being pinned on the wall and being forced to drink sleeping tonic mixed with wine.
No. No! This isn't real! Anna's eyes brimmed with tears.
She hugged her knees close and sobbed. Anna knew the moment her eyes found the blood stained sheet she had lost what was left to her. Dignity. She was forever ruined by the monster they called Queen. She doesn't know why she had to experience such horrible thing. Was it because she was a princess? Or because of her grandfather? If so, whatever her grandfather did, she paid for it, dearly. She was touched intimately by the person she doesn't even loved. She was defiled like a common whore. She sniffled and used the blanket to wipe her tears. She looked up and saw the Queen in her unbuttoned white shirt. She gasped and pulled the blanket to cover her bare body despite the muscle pain she felt.
"I see you're awake." the Queen stated. "Please get dress and I'll have Gerda send you breakfast."
Anna didn't respond, she just stared at the white sheet in front of her.
They were silence for a long time before the Queen decided to go. Once the Queen left, Anna broke down again. She felt so stupid for unknowingly following the Queen in her chambers, of all places. She thought what if she stayed at the party instead she could go back in her room peacefully. Now she wasn't sure if the Queen managed to impregnate her. She has to wait but until then she would live with uncertainty.
Anna's thoughts of leaving was plaguing her. She wanted to go and escape the prison she once called home, however where would she go if she got out? Her distant relatives wouldn't help her. But then again what's the harm in trying? she had nothing to lose anymore.
With new found resolve, Anna ignored the pain she felt as she moved and got dressed. She picked up her things and made herself presentable as possible.
Once she was out of the Queen's chambers, she was greeted with silence. It was true, no servants or guards in sight. She took a turn, in the direction of her room. She looked down because she doesn't want anyone to see her state. Wrapped around her arms to herself as if they would cover the angry love bites that covered her collarbone and shoulders. She didn't want anyone to see the marks made by the Queen. Though it was surprising of not bumping into anyone on her way, it was on her favor anyway so it didn't matter. Once in her room a warm bath was already waiting for her.
Anna immediately stripped, feeling so dirty after last night. She plunged herself in the water and tried to scrub away the trails where the Queen's lips had touched.
She never wanted this. She never wanted to be a prisoner by a Queen who hated her grandfather. Her grandfather. What did he do for her to deserve this treatment? All she knew her grandfather was kind, warm and loving. Arendelle became one of the prosperous kingdom in the north, Arendelle became home for merchants, blacksmiths, and finest craftsman of all. She didn't see people begging for food or money in the streets, her grandfather made sure every Arendellians would live a comfortable life. But suddenly here she was a defiled young woman. No man would accept her now. She was certain once the chamber maids would get dirty laundry from the Queen's room, they would spot the stained bed sheet. The proof the Queen had conquered the last living Eldr. The whole castle would be filled with rumors and more talks of how House Eldr sunk so low.
Tears streamed down her face as she realized how alone she was. Anna knew no one would accept her and love her after everything that happened.
"It came to my knowledge how you served King Olav as the apprentice of the previous Master of the Coin. Then Runeard had elevated you into his Master of the Coin after the retirement of your former master."
"That's accurate, Your Majesty. Since the uh Duke Runeared ruled Arendelle, I oversee the kingdom's expenditures and income from local trade as well as from the trades from other kingdoms."
"I trust that you have every record since then." Elsa stated. as she sipped her tea.
"Of course, Your Majesty. In fact I make a summary on each subjects every quarter of the year, aside from the complied records for the whole year."
Elsa nodded. "That's perfect. Now, do you have the castle's expenses?"
"Yes Your Majesty, I brought it with me." the master of the coin handed Elsa the leather bound book of records of the kingdom's finances.
Blue eyes had read every word on the paper.
"Most the of the castle's expenses were spent on building houses for private individuals, who happened to be part of the nobility, the most expensive one of all was the royal family summer house, built near the mouth of the Roaring River, miles away from the foot of the North Mountain. And the rest were spent on funding the military, and lavish parties."
"What of that people? Did they receive anything?"
"Orphanages and guilds were funded."
Elsa studied the ledger closely. The extravagance of Runeard had emptied the coffers of the kingdom. No wonder people started to beg on the streets as they had to pay such high taxes despite of the lack of employment. Based on the records, the craftsmen were being taxed almost half of what they earn, in turn the shop owners had to cut down man power in order to even out the tax they paid. Leaving unemployed Arendellians on the streets once they sold everything they had. Elsa then looked at the taxes the nobility paid, and to Elsa's horror the nobility almost didn't pay their taxes. It was not even a quarter of their income. Though there were other families who were levied as the common folk, selected families, some of them were familiar with Elsa. The House of Harold, Oaken and Hofferson were on the list. It was surprising she didn't see House Weselton among them.
"Were they funded enough?" Elsa asked without looking up. There was silence and Elsa knew what it meant. "Where did the funds go?"
"Duke Runeard was generous man especially to those who pleased him."
Elsa had closed the ledger and sighed. "And these people who pleased him suddenly had children with reddish hair and green eyes?"
The Master of the Coin's eyes widened. He was sure he was the only one and the Duke knew about the bastards of Eldr.
"Don't look so surprise. If am correct, the youngest of these Eldrs was a year older than Lady Anna. Isn't she?"
The Master of the Coin visibly gulped. "Y-Yes, Your Majesty."
"Does the royal treasury continued to support these illegitimate offspring?" Elsa stared at the man.
"Yes, Your Majesty." the man refuse to meet her gaze.
"What should we do then?" Elsa challenged.
"Halt the financial support of the Duke's children."
Elsa smirked. "So far you are brightest man I encountered from the men Runeard had elevated. Anyway, what's the current state of the royal treasury?"
"It can fund Her Majesty's coronation expenses, however it won't be enough to fund the repairs for the Arendelle fleet."
Elsa opened her mouth but hesitated for a moment. She has to know. "What about the income of the Duchy of Vinter, do they pay enough taxes? I was told it was being handled by the late Duke's steward?"
"Yes, however the stewards refused to divulge any information regarding the true status of the Duchy's finances. They were sending reports but it was not accurate."
Elsa raised her eyebrow. "How do you know it was not accurate?
"The Duchy is rich because of the wool trade, and wool is the one of the most expensive commodity here in Arendelle especially when cold winter months started. The steward had fought tooth to nail in the high council to leave the Duchy alone and not consolidate it as one of Kingdom's property."
"Hmm. May I know the reason why?"
"It was stated on the last Duke's last will and testament if he or anyone in his family should perish without leaving an heir or heiress, the property would be handled by the family of the steward but it won't be given as full ownership. The role of the steward was to continue the daily affairs of the Duchy. If there would be any living blood relative of the House Vinter then the steward should relinquish the property to the living relatives."
Elsa leaned her back on her high backed chair. "I see." she knew the only blood relative of the Vinters were the Harolds, illegitimate as they come but they have the blood of the Vinters. "Anyway, why you haven't told Runeard about the inaccuracy?"
"My family owes so much from the House Vinter, the second Duke of Vinter was a family friend and helped a great deal in our family situation. If it weren't for him my ancestors might've been begging in the streets."
"Thank you for the loyalty, Master Rein." Elsa said, confusing the man in front of her. "Is there a way for me to meet the steward of Duchy of Vinter?"
"Pabbie is a stubborn man, he wouldn't even heed the summons of Duke Eldr before, because he believed that he was serving the one true King. The last Duke of Vinter. So to avoid any more treasonous words from the old man Duke Eldr gave up on pursuing the Duchy's finances."
Elsa was clearly amused by the information. "Why he didn't ask for some assassin to end the old man's life if he was such a nuisance?"
Master Rein pursed his lips.
"He tried didn't he?" Elsa asked.
"Yes, however the attempt was halted by his adviser. The Duke of Weselton."
"Ah. That make sense." Elsa knew the Duke's influence however she had no idea it was that strong. "Anyway. I had signed a decree of lowering the taxes of the common folk, instead of thirty percent of their income, the crown would only require ten percent of their income as tax while the nobility will be taxed fifteen percent of their income. Effective immediately."
"Your Majesty, the nobles would be upset by this change." Master Rein said.
"I know, surely for twenty years they profited more than enough riches from this land. It's time to give back to our people. That would be all today Master Rein." Elsa dismissed the Master of the Coin.
Master Rein bowed and got out of the Queen's study. She filed the parchment and kept them inside her desk drawer before locking them in. Elsa propped her elbows on her desk and massaged her temple. She needed funds to secure her military but in order to do that she need the Duchy of Vinter's wealth. But as Queen, she wouldn't be able to get it.
She took out the necklace from her pocket and stared at the golden signet ring pendant. The ring was small, it would only fit on her pinky finger if worn.
"Marshall." Elsa called.
The man revealed himself from the balcony.
"We need to visit him."
"Are you sure? Is it time for you to do that?"
Elsa was silent for a moment and nodded then wore the golden necklace.
Marshall looked at her warily. "As her Majesty wishes." he nodded in understanding.
Anna was sitting on the carpeted floor, wearing her pastel green dress with three quarter sleeves. Her hair was down and staring out into space for quite a while. She refused the meal Gerda brought into her room, and even refused to talk. She just sat there with her back leaning on the bed. Her mind was blank while tears dripping from her eyes as she remembered how she was defiled.
Rasps against her door was heard but she didn't answer, the person on the other side of the door decided to open it without invitation. A maid.
"Apologies M'lady. I was asked to check on you and get the laundry." the maid watched Anna.
Anna was motionless and didn't even acknowledge the maid.
The maid walked back and forth then something dropped. It was a piece of parchment in front of Anna, before getting the dresses needed to be washed. "I'll be on my way M'lady." the maid curtsied and left the room.
Anna just stared at the piece of parchment for long time, thinking the maid forgot to pick it up so she waited for the maid to comeback but she didn't. Anna reached for it and was about to throw it away when she noticed a splotched, as if something was written on it. She shrugged and unfolded the parchment.
Her heart skipped a beat and she let out a surprised gasp.
"W-What's this?"
Long Live Queen Anna.
Library. Burn it.
Who could possibly send this kind of message? She thought.
A flicker of hope starting to bloom inside Anna's heart. There were still someone out there who believed in her, someone who could help her escape her fate. Someone who could help her to get Arendelle back from the usurper Queen.
Anna quickly braided her hair into twin plaits and dash out of the room to look for the maid who dropped the parchment. But she didn't saw her face. Anna wanted to smack herself for not looking up to see the maid's face. Anna went to the library to confront the person who sent her this and dispose the piece of parchment. She knew how dangerous this small paper for her. Thankfully the fireplace was roaring with fire, which was odd since the room was warm enough. She looked at it for the last time before throwing it on fire in front of her.
She watched the fire licked the paper, turning it into ash.
"Evening, Lady Eldr."
Anna spun so fast that she almost lost her balance. "Y-Your Grace! You startled me." she placed her hand on her chest to calm her drumming heart.
"Apologies." the Duke watched her like a hawk.
No there must be some mistake. The Duke was the Queen's ally. He couldn't be the one. Anna thought.
"Such a warm night it makes me wonder why the fireplace is lit." the Duke removed his spectacles to wipe them using his handkerchief then wore them again.
"I was asking the same thing." Anna replied calmly as possible, but in truth she was shaking inside.
"Anyway, encountering you here was perfect for I have something to tell you." the Duke gestured to the settee on his side. "Please have a seat."
Anna obeyed and sat while the Duke sat on one of the high backed chair.
"What do you want to talk about?" Anna asked.
"May offer you some tea?" the Duke gestured for the pot of freshly brewed tea.
How come there was a freshly brewed tea in the library of all places? Anna asked herself.
"Arendelle tea is one of the best tea I've ever tasted. I made sure to have a pot with me wherever I go."
"Yes. Tea. I love tea. Tea would be lovely. Thank you." Anna rambled.
The Duke poured tea on her cup as well as on his. "Well, now that you're here Lady Eldr. I want to ask some questions."
Anna raised her eyebrow. "Questions? About?" she lifter her cup and took a sip.
The Duke halted and shook his head. "If I may speak plainly- I can't do this." he chuckled a bit. "Let me cut the chase. The small creature, a little bird, had told me about you and Her Majesty's indiscretion last night."
Anna hissed as her tongue was scalded by the tea. "Gods. Sorry." she placed her tea back on its saucer. "What do you mean?"
"Are you really forcing me to say it?" the Duke raised his brow. "Then so be it. Her Majesty had been intimate with you, hasn't she?"
Anna's face flushed and her eyed were widened in horror. "Y-You knew."
"Of course, I know everything."
"She told you." Anna said accusingly and she was starting to get angry to the Queen. The reason for it was the Queen had the audacity to brag about how she defiled her, how she took her innocence by force! The Queen didn't even care her own image regarding the matter.
"No she didn't." the Duke said. "She refused to say anything about your. . . let's just say . . . relationship to each other.
"The how-"
"I have my ways of knowing things." the Duke chuckled. "The Queen didn't want anyone else to know that you are no longer a virgin."
Anna was having mixed feelings about this matter. The Queen didn't tell anyone? But why?
"The Queen was stubborn since she was a child. Intelligent but stubborn. I need that stubbornness out of her. And I need you to do that for me."
"But why she didn't tell anyone? Isn't that what she wanted? To shame me and my house? Why do you need me to do that? Also you spoke about her with such familiarity, why?"
"The Queen was a complicated child, I don't know what's running in that pretty head of hers. To shame your house? No she wouldn't want that. Well she wanted but I advised against it. And as for your last question, you'll find out soon enough."
"You didn't answer all my questions."
"I believe I have?" the Duke said.
"Why do you need me?"
The Duke took a sip of his tea. "Your bloodline is one of the great houses. Now that the Queen had taken your maidenhood, soon enough you'll be carrying her child. And this child is the embodiment of two great houses of Arendelle united as one."
"Two great houses? You're not making any sense! The Queen is not from any houses in Arendelle, I saw it myself on the royal family tree. There's no Elsa written on every branch!"
The Duke smirked. "So you were curious enough to look into the Queen's origin. Maybe once you figured it out, it all make sense to you why all of these had to happen."
"Tell me everything you know!" Anna demanded.
"No." the Duke deadpanned. "Anyway. You can get on to that once you and her Majesty got married."
"Marriage?!" Anna was outraged and disgusted by that idea.
"What? Do you think a man would accept you once they how the Queen took you?"
Anna didn't want to admit but he was right. Given her current reputation, no one would want her.
"But it won't be that bad. By marrying Her Majesty would mean you'll become the Queen. The title that should've been yours."
Long Live Queen Anna.
"You. . . you wanted me to be Queen?"
"Among others." the Duke smiled.
Anna's fear intensified as she started to trust him. No she shouldn't trust him This could only be a ploy for her to commit treason. For them to have grounds to have her executed!
"No. Why would you want someone like me on the throne when you and the others had pushed me off of it!"
"Maybe you don't realize how much power you have. Then I'll tell you."
Anna waited.
"As I've told you before. You are an Eldr. The people and other noble family still supports your house, though not actively at the moment." the Duke paused to sip on his tea. "You are the perfect candidate for the Queen to marry."
In Anna's mind, everything clicked into place. "You wanted me to marry the Queen so the people that supports me won't go against her. She'll have a peaceful rule if I am to be her wife."
"Precisely."
"You're gonna use me to pacify the possible plots against her."
"No really. Let's just say to lessen the plots against her rule. After all it would depends on you how you're going to use this information I gave you. Till then, good night Lady Eldr." the Duke bowed at Anna and dismissed himself. Leaving Anna on her own in the library.
Her thought were in disarray since morning but somehow they were becoming clear to her. She gasped as she realized how the Queen and the Duke had manipulated her. The Queen and Duke of Weselton made her think she was inferior, shamed and unwanted. Then the Queen took her in order for her to be unattainable for others, for them to get married and use the loyalty of the people in her to the Queen's advantage. She was such a fool to fall in their scheme.
If she were to refuse the marriage and her baby bump would start to show then her reputation would be forever ruined, she won't be able to escape the fate had bestowed upon her. Most likely after she had given birth, she would be sent away on a place where she couldn't be able to see her child and her kingdom again. She wouldn't be able to have her birthright as Queen and revenge for the murder of her grandfather. But if she were to accept it then she would be Queen, she'll be able to raise her child. Have the power to push the usurper off the throne when the time comes. She would have the influence to the people who were silently supporting her. She would be able to get her vengeance and raise her child to be the ruler like her grandfather had been. She would be Queen with an heir or heiress. The Eldr bloodline would live on, she and her child would be rulers of Arendelle.
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