Disclaimer I do not own Frozen/Disney
I was reading all the reviews and everyone has an interesting theories. Thank you for sharing what you thought about the last chapter.
About the age of the characters
Elsa- 28 Anna-24 Rapunzel- 29 Flynn- 31
Eric- 30 Marshall- 27 Olaf- 28 Ariel- 25
They were quite older than the usual fanfic age.
Thank you for the reviews, favorite and follows. I will my best to make this much more interesting and try to make Elsanna kiss and make up soon.
My notes and drafts about EA are already there, well since I started this story lol, just waiting for the right moment to put them in.
I hope you'll enjoy this chapter and let me know your thoughts on the review section.
Anna was sipping her tea to calm herself from what transpired earlier. She couldn't come up with a proper response on what Elsa had told her so she lashed out. She was pissed because Elsa was right, also she tried to come up a reasonable reason why she hadn't push the Queen away from her. She just stood there and did nothing. Sure enough she wasn't waiting for the Queen to kiss her because that would be utterly horrifying on her part. She would do her best to act like nothing happened and the Queen was just riling her up as always, though it was irritating.
"I'm pleased to see that you and Her Majesty had gone closer than expected." a warm smile was plastered on the Count's lips.
"Excuse me?"
"Oh dear, no need to be shy about it. It's normal." he chuckled. "Perhaps if you continue to use your charms to get the Queen's attention then I am confident you'll have an heir in no time."
Anna was having unpleasant thoughts about the words he uttered. "I am not sure if I am ready to carry another child at the moment." she answered carefully.
"Nonsense. The earlier the better so you can have your crown."
"What do you mean?"
"The Queen was adamant of not giving the title of a Queen unless you gave her an heir first. I don't know what's going on in that pretty head of hers and I don't see why she shouldn't when she's obviously smitten by you."
Anna's gaped for a moment. "Impossible." she said under her breath. "What made you say that?" she wanted to know.
"Child, have you seen how she looks at you?"
"No," Anna honestly doesn't know. "And did she say anymore reason for not crowning me, other giving her an heir?" she saw the Count narrowed his eyes on her but answered nonetheless.
"She made an argument that it won't be safe for you to interact with other people while carrying the heir. She has a point though and it only meant she was thinking about your well being, which was sweet. However I didn't agree."
Anna frowned. "Why are you telling me this? Aren't you her ally?"
The Count laughed. "Oh no my dear. I am your ally since the beginning. I am the reason why you are here."
"I'm sorry, I'm confused. I believed it was the Duke who wanted me here."
"It was me who gave the idea of binding you and the Queen in marriage. It was my influence that brought you here."
She stared at the old man in front of her. "What would you gain from this?"
A smirk was formed on the Count's lips. "Only one thing. The future heir would carry the bloodline of my ancestors."
"Y-You. . . How?" Anna paused as she remembered her grandmother's ancestry. "I was told my grandmother descended from the bloodline of the Isles. Are you by any chance related to her?" she furrowed her brows.
"Rita was my younger sister. She married that bastard Runeard and had my nephew, your father Andrew, and now her granddaughter will be Queen of Arendelle."
A certain disgust on his tone was evident as he addressed her grandfather, he even called him a bastard. "The reason why I supported Elsa to her claim because she was the rightful ruler, everyone knows that, all of Arendelle knew that the Vinters were the rightful house to rule Arendelle. However your gracious grandfather thought he was more capable so he hatched a plot to removed the Vinters from the line of succession."
Anna's heart was beating erratically in her chest as she listened.
"And I of course knew this because he came to me asking for my support, he reasoned it was for your father's future and yours, not his." he scoffed. "Like I would believe a disgusting and dishonorable bastard."
Anna took a deep breath to calmed herself. "Elsa's existence was not known until recently, she could be an impostor and tricked you by impersonating the true Vinter heir."
The Count has this proud smile on his face but soon replaced but a sad one. "I might have believe you when you say it like that but . . ." he then told Anna story only selected people knew.
Flashback
The Count of Isles was invited to Eldr castle for dinner while he was still in the capital. The dinner came and he saw his nephew, Andrew with his four years old daughter sitting next to him. He smiled to the cheerful child.
"Your daughter is so pretty, she looks like her late mother." the Count couldn't take off his eyes to the little girl.
"Yes she is." Andrew stated with a sad smile on his lips before coughing and wheezing, he covered his mouth using his handkerchief.
"Are you ill?" the Count asked in worry. "Have you consulted a physician?"
"I'm quite alright Uncle, don't mind me, just a cold." Andrew dismissed.
"Son, I'll have Master Sverrn to check on you again. You've been like that for quite a while now." Duke Runeard said.
The Count eyed his nephew for moment and noticed how patch of rash had spread on his jawline and his hands, most probably his entire body was covered with them. "How are you feeling these days?"
"Just occasional nausea and trouble breathing but I'll be fine once I drink the tonic Master Sverrn giving me." Andrew assured his Uncle.
"If you need more help I'll be happy to help you." the Count was having a bad feeling since he saw rash on his nephew's skin since it was so familiar to him.
"Thank you." he turned to his daughter and fed her. "There we go, chew first then swallow. Good girl." he kissed the top of her head.
The dinner ended with Anna demanding to go to bed. His nephew bid them goodbye with a sleepy little future Duchess in his arms.
Count Lanster was invited to the Duke's study and was offered wine.
"Andrew looks dreadful." he commented as he sat on a chair.
"He does, but don't worry my physician was doing his best to make him feel better." Duke Runeard assured him. "Thank you for accepting my invitation."
"I was about to come here anyway, so no need to." he chuckled. "What do you want to talk about?"
Duke Runeard looked at him with those green serious eyes. "King Olav is sick."
"Yes he is, he's the reason why I came here in the capital. He asked me to do something."
"What is it?" Duke Runeard asked with suspicion evident in his eyes.
"The usual ones. He asked me to do some state papers about the Isles." the Count lied to him. The real reason why he was asked to the capital because he was assigned to do one important task, in which he mustn't fail.
Duke Runeard didn't pay any more attention to it then went to state his objective. "I see. Anyway, as I was saying, he was sick and most probably senile since he wanted to pass the crown to Agnarr."
"He's the rightful heir, so it's natural for him to do that."
"Agnarr is inexperience! Do we have the assurance he could run the kingdom properly?"
The Count narrowed his eyes. "Where are you going with this?"
"He shouldn't have the crown. I am in the same generation as Olav, it is only right that I should have the crown. I am his distant cousin and Agnarr was only his distant nephew. I have more experience in running an estate compared to him. It would give us the recognition Eldr deserve. And most importantly I am making my son King and then my granddaughter a future Queen, two people with the blood of the Isles. Our nobles houses would be written down in history." Duke Runeard rambled.
Treason. Runeard would commit treason. Count Lanster schooled his expression and calmly drink his wine but in reality he wanted to end the Duke's life. He was gathering more information and doesn't want to orphan his nephew, those were stopping him from slitting the man's throat.
"How do you intend to do this?"
"With your help we can end the Vinter bloodline. King Olav trust you and Agnarr trust you as well." Duke Runeard's words were bordering insanity.
"I'll think about it." he said before rising from his chair. "Thank you for inviting me and I shall take my leave since my ship would set sail few hours later."
It would be few more months before he would come back to the capital to attend his nephew's funeral. He saw a lost little girl looking for her father through the halls of their castle and wail whenever she couldn't find him. The governess would then try to calm her down but she wouldn't. He felt so sorry for Anna, he couldn't do anything to comfort her. He saw Runeard that day and he sounded cold and rather angry to the point some would think he was about to lose his mind.
Count Lanster was about to go back to the Isles when one of his spies had caught a wind of the assassination of the Vinters. He had spies scattered all around Arendelle for the sole purpose of this event. He had eyes on the Vinters, the King and Runeard. Once Runeard made his move, he immediately had his private army to ride north faster than the wind. But they were too late. The Duke and Duchess of Vinter were already dead, however his men found two barely breathing Vinter children. Once they got a hold of them he immediately asked for physicians to save them as they aboard his vessel and set sail where they could be safe, Corona.
End of Flashback.
The Count of Isles had finished his story.
Sniffles could be heard as Anna tried to absorb all the information she just heard. The story of her father succumbing to his sickness had shattered her heart. And the story of her how evil her grandfather was utterly ruined everything for her. Elsa was right. The Duke was right. Everyone who hated her grandfather were right.
"H-How could he do that?" Anna was appalled. "How could he. . ." she covered her mouth using her hand. "He was beyond horrible a monster. I can't believe I was deceived by his fake kindness and love towards me."
"How did he treat you?" the Count asked softly.
"He gave anything I asked of him, he protected me from the people who could misguide me, as he put it, by not letting me interact with anyone other than my tutors, physician, governess and ladies." Anna accepted the handkerchief offered by the Count and wipe her tears away.
"He had sheltered you and conceal his evils so you can trust him, no one can blame you for that but now you know the truth. You must do the next right thing to correct your grandfather's horrifying mistakes." he looked at her and continued. "I will always have your back."
"Does she know it was you who saved her?"
Count Lanster knew who she was talking about. "No." he shook his head. "And the real person who saved them was King Olav himself. He asked me this favor as his last wish, to protect the Vinters to any potential danger. And of course as his best friend and confidante, I promised to do that last favor before he completely lose his ability to move on his death bed. I was merely doing what my King and friend had asked me to."
Anna has so many questions but she doesn't know where to start. "I want to know how my father died, I was too young to recall anything."
"Your father died on natural causes, or so I've been told." the Count's knuckles turned white as he clenched them so hard.
"Why? Why are doubting it?" Anna wanted to know.
The Count opened his mouth to speak "I'll tell you some other time."
Anna wanted to protest but nodded. "How can I know you aren't making these all up?" she asked cautiously since she was deceived multiple times by different people.
"I had no reason to lie to you. What your grandfather had done was common knowledge, which he managed to conceal for two decades from you by threatening anyone who would let slip of the truth with the punishment of death." he sighed. "That's why when the news of the a living Vinter heiress gathering support to reclaim what was hers, I didn't tell your grandfather about it even after eleven years of preparation. The Duke of Weselton's influence was only second to mine and of course I wanted your grandfather off the throne, in exchange for my support I wanted you alive and made the proposal that Elsa should take you as her Queen. The Duke had persuaded Elsa to agree but I knew she did that to gain my support and wouldn't fulfill it since your family had done horrible things to her own. I've come to the coronation to make sure she would do it."
"What I've done for you is for my sister and nephew. You have the blood of the Isles in your veins while the Queen have Weselton blood, no matter how miniscule it is . Having those two most influencial family will surely cement yours and Elsa's rule. And if you accept, I will be honored to be your mentor so you can help the Queen in ruling Arendelle. I will teach you everything I know."
Anna was still hesitant. "I- I'll think about it." she wanted to learn but she couldn't trust anyone easily at the moment.
"Of course. I'm just letting you know that you have allies to support you without any ill intention." he narrowed his eyes at the last two words.
"Thank you and please excuse me."
Anna got out of the room leaving the old Count inside.
"I will groom you as a Queen they will love and fear." he stared at the used handkerchief across him.
Olaf, General Mattias and General Maximus with the Coronan army went back to the capital, while they left the Arendellian army in Eldr castle under the command of Lieutenant Florian.
Olaf was carrying the velvet lined box to deliver it to his Queen personally. They were greeted by King Frederic and his daughter.
The high ranking officers dismounted and gave their respect to the King. General Maximus was welcome in the castle, while General Mattias handled the Coronan army. Olaf excused himself and went to find the Queen, and to his surprise they were at the training grounds drinking tankards of ale with the new recruits. He smiled fondly at the scene. He remembered when it was him, Marshall, Eric, Elsa and Cassandra, Elsa's lieutenant general in the Coronan army, drinking and sharing stories after a hard day of training.
"Your Majesty." Olaf made his presence known.
Elsa nodded at him and emptied her tankard before excusing herself.
"Welcome back." she pat his shoulder. "Shall we?" Olaf nodded.
They proceeded to the study and not even asking what was the content of the box.
"So reports?" Elsa said without preamble.
Olaf chuckled at his Queen straightforwardness while he placed the box on the Queen's desk.
"The Coronan army is back in the capital just like how you ordered, General Maximus was quite excited to see one of the three Generals of Corona became Queen of Arendelle, and also requested for two or three crates of Arendellian apples." he chuckled at the last part.
"Give him what he wants." Elsa chuckled.
"We also have the eldest of the Eldr bastard in custody, he has spies in the Arendelle army. Also I found a prisoner in Eldr castle stating he was King Olav's scribe and told me about the last will and testament of the King."
"I'd tried to look for it but it wasn't here. Maybe I'll go for another look."
"I'll join you this time." Olaf said. "And your plan of publicly stating about seizing the Eldr bastard was effective. It gave the result you wanted."
Elsa only cocked her eyebrow. "It was obvious there were spies within the ranks. They had once let slip not only one but six intruders who made it inside the castle without being seen. It was quite impossible to slip in without help from the inside since it was my coronation and the security was supposed to be in its peak."
"Oh yes I remember. The spy you killed in the dungeon. Any update on that front?" Olaf asked.
"I've been eliminating possible names of the mastermind." Elsa then realized that these unidentified spies in the ranks would tell their masters about the seizure of the Eldr properties and the arrest of the Eldr bastard.
Olaf pondered. "King Arkyn has the motive to do it."
"He does but something was not right. He was so confident on having Anna through a treaty, and those men came before our fall out. It doesn't make any sense and why would a spy proudly say his master's name to his enemies?"
"You're right. No one in their right mind would do that then why did he?" Olaf asked as he paced around the room.
"I am sure he saw me and tried to instigate further hostility between King Arkyn and I. I was sure he wanted me to hear his supposed master's name to declare war against the Valley. Whoever his master was, he would like Arendelle and the Valley engage in a war."
Olaf sighed. "Which became a possibility after the fall out."
Elsa sighed as well. "Unfortunately yes. Anyway, I would like you to weed out those spies for me and surely they already told their masters about what had transpired recently."
"Of course, I would be delighted." Olaf chuckled. "Going back to the Eldr bastard. He fell into our trap perfectly."
Elsa smirked. "Obviously. I only wanted these bastards be presented to me, but with the additional army as escort it would looked like we were arresting them, which was not far from the truth. I wanted them arrested but I couldn't do anything if they didn't commit a crime, hence publicly announcing our plan that would cause panic to the spies and report the news to their masters." she chuckled. "And wait for them to commit the gravest crime in the land."
"Treason." Olaf supplied. "And he did just that."
"See? Now I have the grounds to arrest him, kill him more likely. I hope the others will do it as well."
Olaf could only stare at his Queen and said. "Your Majesty, you sounded like an evil tyrant."
"Only to those who deserve it. Not everything will be solve by sunshine and rainbows." Elsa raise her forefinger. "Never forget that."
"Well it doesn't hurt when you are eliminating threats to your rule."
"I have to be assertive in order to keep the throne, which my family died for." she growled to no one in particular.
Olaf knew that so he decided to change the subject before his Queen would murder anyone. "Ah I almost forgot one more important thing. Here." he placed his hand on the wooden box.
"Oh yes, you mentioned about a valuable thing in your letter. This is it?" Elsa asked.
Olaf nodded.
He watched how Elsa slide the box in front her and carefully opened it.
Elsa's eyes widened at the glittering fringe tiara. It was just not any tiara, it was the Hertuginne Safir , her mother's official tiara. "Where did you find it?"
"In the Eldr private vaults of treasures, that I would guess most were stolen since there were other Vinter family jewels there. I haven't look thoroughly but we'll find more I'm sure. I just brought the most important one I found."
Elsa's could only stare at it with sadness in her eyes. "The last time I saw this when it was their wedding anniversary. Mother wore this and her purple dress, she was so beautiful that night and she was happy." she traced the snowflake patterns using her finger. "Pabbie told me how Runeard looted my family home. I didn't expect this was also looted." she gritted her teeth. "I shouldn't have given his lifeless body to the Count of Isles so I could rip him apart myself." she slammed the box close rather forcefully.
Olaf tried to ignored Elsa's last sentence.
"Is there anything else?"
"Oh, if you would permit, may I have all the books regarding medicines and ailments? They were quite abundant in that castle. Also I have something for Lady Anna."
Elsa's brow rose. "If you want those books then you have to ask Anna for them since she is the owner of that cursed place. I have nothing to do with it."
"Okay then and I believe you owe me a story." Olaf grinned.
Elsa chuckled and told him everything, well almost everything. She still omitted Anna's act of treason.
Olaf smirked. "That bastard deserved it. And it must've been difficult for her to accept her grandfather's horrid nature."
"I don't really care. Anyway, what's important is she now knows the truth. Now she knows where to place herself."
"I wonder how your cousin's reaction when she saw her lover again."
"Believe me it was sickening to watch. She looked at him longingly but that bastard doesn't deserved it. He couldn't even decide to which woman he would dedicate his life to!"
"That sounds painful." Olaf commented.
Few minutes after King Frederic welcome his General in the castle, Rapunzel had taken the opportunity to slip away and go to the barracks inside the castle grounds. There she hid behind a pillar and watched her beloved converse with one of his men. She was watching for couple more minutes before her lover finally looked into her direction and ended his conversation with the other man. Rapunzel hid behind the pillar once more and tried to compose herself. She wasn't ready to talk to her man. She was about to look at him but she almost bumped into him as she tried to peek. Soon enough she was dragged into the stable and into one of the empty stalls.
"Flynn I-" she was cut off when her lover had captured her lips, which she immediately responded with the same fervor. She encircled her arms around his neck and pull him closer.
She felt Flynn pulled away and mumbled. "I missed you."
"And I you." she whispered before kissing him again but much deeper.
Rapunzel felt herself being lifted up and was pinned on the wooden door of the stall, she responded by wrapping her legs around his waist. "My love." she panted between kisses.
"My Princess. . ." Flynn sighed then proceeded to kiss Rapunzel's neck.
"Ah oh Flynn." Rapunzel sighed and moaned at the same time. She felt her lover's lips on every expanse of exposed skin while his hand slowly making its way up to her thigh. "Flynn ah wait." she tried to push him off but instead he further pressed his body against her. Rapunzel's fluttered open in alarm, she wasn't even sure when did she close them. "Flynn, no please." she pleaded but instead he kissed her again and slipped his tongue inside her mouth. "Ngh!" she pushed and tapped his shoulder but he wouldn't budge. She tried to pull away and once she did she shouted. "Stop it!"
Flynn extricated himself almost immediately, while Rapunzel barely managed to steady herself. "I'm sorry! Did I hurt you?" he asked worriedly.
"N-No I-" she stuttered and closed her eyes and regretted it because flashes of unwanted memories came to her mind.
"My Princess are you alright?" he tried to caress her face but she slapped his hand away. His heart shattered by the gesture but what truly broke him were her words.
"NO! Don't touch me!" she her hand was trembling. "Just stay away from me!" she bolted out after that, leaving the heartbroken Flynn.
Rapunzel was running from the stable towards the castle. Her vision became blurry as tears threatening to fall. Everything happened so fast, she was expecting for them to talk but she didn't expect it to end this way.
She turned to the corner and bumped into someone she least expected.
"Oof!" loud thumps were heard.
Rapunzel winced at the impact, she wasn't clumsy but due to to her current emotional state she doesn't give a single care. Normally she would growl and scold whoever bumped into her.
"Are you alright?" she looked up and saw Anna. "Your Highness, you're trembling."
Rapunzel lifted her hand and she was indeed trembling. "I- I have to go." she slowly stood up only to lose her footing but she caught by the latter. "Let me go! I can do it myself!"
"Yes I can see that." the latter sarcastically responded. "If you don't want me then I'll have Wendy find Elsa."
"No don't! Don't tell her." Rapunzel knew exactly what would Elsa do if she found out. "Just take me to my room and please don't tell Elsa.
Anna had assisted the Coronan Princess to her room. The latter was still trembling for some reason and she thought of calming her. "Wendy please prepare us some tea." the maid made herself scarce to prepare the tea. Anna had placed Rapunzel to her bed while she sat next to her.
"I know I am the least person you wanted to talk to but are you alright? What happened?" she asked.
The only answer she received was a shook of the latter head, indicating she doesn't want to talk about it.
"Alright. I won't force you." there was silence after that.
Anna looked at the figure in front of her, so far from the dignified, cold, and calculating woman. Rapunzel looked like a lost child filled with fear.
She was like that once when she thought Elsa had taken her, but in truth the latter didn't do it. Now that she thought of it, Elsa mentioned it was because of Rapunzel why Elsa didn't do what the Duke had asked. Anna owed Rapunzel a thank you.
"I would like to say something." she shifted from her seat to face the woman properly. "I owe you a thanks. I just found out recently what was your role on Elsa's actions." the latter looked at her with questioning eyes. "Elsa mentioned that it was you who asked her not to uh. . . force herself on me, and with that I would like to express my gratitude for saving me from the horrors of it. Thank you." Anna didn't think she would thank Rapunzel, of all people. "Also it came to my knowledge of how evil my grandfather was. I apologize for how I acted and what I've said to you in the library before. I know it's late but I still want to apologize."
Rapunzel was quite surprised at the thank you and apology. "It is not I you should thank and apologize to." she managed to say. "It was still Elsa's decision that saved you and if you would apologize about the terrible things your grandfather did, you know very well to whom you'll apologize to." she paused. "She could always break her promises but she kept mine not just because I asked her to, so that was all on her. Elsa is much more dignified than anyone in this kingdom. She's someone who you could rely on, she would do anything to protect what's important to her."
Anna looked at her and the latter has point.
"She's in very difficult position, she has to choose between politics and her principle, and she chose principle when she was about to do the unthinkable to you. She chose to deceive everyone, I was deceived too at first. I got angry at her because I thought she had forgotten not only what she promised me but also who she really was. I thought she was so buried deep in politics that she forgot her morals, but no she stood firm on her principle and risk her position by deceiving them."
Anna was stunned once more by Elsa's true nature. All of the things Rapunzel said made sense. It was like Elsa was being push and pulled by these two things. Elsa didn't want to marry her because that's what her principle wanted, however she married her because of politics, and principle wouldn't save the people in a civil war, that was why Elsa was forced to marry her.
"I asked her not to touch you to prevent you on behaving like this. . . like me."
"W-What happened to you?" Anna didn't like the implication of Rapunzel's words. Her eyes were wide in disbelief. "Y-You are t-touched?!"
"Almost." Rapunzel looked at her trembling hands. "A year ago, I was fast asleep after a banquet, obviously everyone was intoxicated. One castle guard had taken a liking on me and pushed things too far. I was pinned and my sleeping robe torn into pieces, despite my training he overpowered me. H-He-" she choked on her word then warm hands held hers. She looked up and saw Anna's symphathetic eyes, letting her know she was not alone. "The man had groped me and was about to do it when Elsa destroyed my bedroom door before dragging the man off me. I watched her mutilated the man's face with her fists, cut off his genitals and stabbed him to death. I never saw her so angry like that before, she turned into someone I didn't recognize. And all I could do was watch her do it." tears rolled down her cheeks as she recounted the her most well kept dark secret.
"I'm sorry that it happened." Anna's instinct of hugging the woman kicked in, she only realized it when the latter hugged her back. "You're safe now."
"Thank you. . ." Rapunzel said. "I would appreciate it if you won't mention this to Elsa or anyone who could tell her. She might do something drastic." she pulled away. "Despite this unfortunate event, I appreciate that you comforted me but that doesn't necessarily means we're friends. My allegiance is still with Elsa."
Anna let out a small smile at the similarities of the cousins. They refused to bond, make connections to those who they deemed an enemy. "Of course. I know. I assure you that I won't say a word about this. But if you need someone to talk to I'm here."
Rapunzel watched her in confusion. She wasn't sure what changed her.
As if on cue Wendy came back with a tray of fresh pot of tea and placed it on the table.
"Please have some tea. It will help." Anna smiled. "We'll let you rest. Come Wendy."
"Please excuse us Your Highness." Wendy curtsied and left the room with Anna.
Rapunzel smiled a bit. "I guess I was wrong about her."
Elsa was in their shared room, she was sitting by the vanity mirror while staring at the Hertuginne Safir fringe tiara. She was glad that Olaf found this because this was another family heirloom, one of the most valuable ones. She didn't think she would be the Duchess since her brother's future wife should've been the Duchess and Queen, but now this tiara belongs to her, the official headpiece of the Duchess of Vinter. She lifted and inspected it for a moment, watching the tiara shimmered at every slight movement.
There were raps on the door, Elsa carefully placed back the tiara in its box and close the lid.
"Come in"
"Your Majesty." the woman curtsied. Elsa didn't turned as she nodded and looked at the maid through the mirror.
"Is Eric with her?"
"Yes Your Majesty."
"Any reports?" Elsa asked as she rose from her seat.
"Lady Anna had a private conversation with the Count of Isles."
"I am aware, don't worry about the content I'll find that soon enough. Anything else?"
"Lady Anna had expressed her feelings towards you-"
"I am not interested on how she feels about me. We already talked about this, Wendy." she cut off Anna's maid. "I want to know if she's exchanging letters again with traitors and plot against me."
"My utmost apology, and no Your Majesty, I am with her all the time and if I wasn't Sir Eric is with her."
"Good, any more information from Lord Solskinn and Jorgen?"
"None at the moment."
Elsa knuckles turned white as she recalled Wendy's previous report of overhearing the two Lords conspiring to enthrone Anna as Queen Consort to grab more power for themselves, which led Elsa to decide of not granting the crown to Anna after their official marriage ceremony.
"Very well. You are dismissed."
Wendy curtsied made herself scarce.
Anna returned inside the castle before dinner time and tried to get a glimpse of the Queen after their rather indescribable encounter. She couldn't get her mind out of the possibility of what could've happened if the Count hadn't interrupted them, but surely Elsa wouldn't even dare to kiss her and she was glad the latter didn't do it. She promptly opened their bedroom door and sat on the bed. She was once again alone, she had instructed Wendy to have her dinner served in their private chamber to mull things over regarding the Count's offer.
She turned her attention to her surroundings when she spotted a wooden box on the vanity table. Her curiosity got better of her and strode across the room and carefully opened it.
She gasped at the sight of the beautiful tiara, the craftsmanship was marvelous and it won't take for a professional to conclude that since it was so detailed and beautiful. The snowflake patterns encrusted with blue gems, which she suspected were sapphires. Anna carefully lifted it up and stare at it.
"Beautiful." she murmured.
"Do you like it?" a voice had startled her, almost dropping the tiara.
"Good gods!" she turned and saw Elsa coming in from the balcony, "You scared me." she carefully put the tiara on top of its box.
"Hertuginne Safir, the official tiara of the Duchess of Vinter."
Anna backed away as Elsa made her way to the vanity.
"I didn't mean to touch your things. I apologize." Anna said in haste.
"Anna of Eldr apologizing to the killer of her family? That's another first." Elsa quipped "It seems going out of this room had put you in a good mood." Elsa returned the jewelry back inside its box.
Anna glared at her. "You're such an obnoxious person!"
"And now we're back to this." Elsa chuckled humorlessly. "I am obnoxious says the person from whose family stole not only the kingdom but also my family jewels. I wonder what would that make her?"
"What are you implying?" Anna didn't like Elsa's tone, though she knew her grandfather looted Vinter Castle thanks to Pabbie.
"This is one of the most priceless family heirlooms and guess where they found it?" Elsa saw Anna's scowling face. "Eldr castle was filled with stolen things, including this." she tap her finger on the box.
"You've been to our castle?"
"Good gods no, I wouldn't dare to step a foot in that filthy place, though I reinforced it since it held something valuable." Elsa saw Anna opened her mouth to retort, she cut her off. "Oh before you accuse me of trying to take it for myself, just like your loving council did, no I don't want that hellish place."
"Then why?" Anna gritted her teeth.
"I will no more entertain any question about it." Elsa shutted down their conversation. "I'll take my leave." she turned and held the handle of the door before saying. "The progress is the day after tomorrow. Your supporters expects you to go with me but it doesn't matter really." she opened the door but she felt something plush hit her back. Her glacial eyes found a pillow by her feet. She glanced to Anna who was shaking in anger while clutching another pillow. She raised her eyebrow.
"Why are you so horrible?! I'm trying to get along with you!"
Elsa scoffed. "Really? I didn't notice."
Another pillow flew across the room and Elsa managed to catch it.
"Well if you stopped being an ice bitch then maybe you'll notice!"
This statement met a cold stare from the Queen.
"You are completely the opposite of the things I've been hearing about you! They say you are understanding and kind but I think those were just complete bull!"
"What a foul language for a woman of your status." Elsa criticized.
Anna's face was red with anger and bravely marched towards the latter and jabbed her index finger on the latter's chest forcefully. "There! Your criticize people as if you are so goddamn perfect! You are insanely rude to me for no reason at all! What my grandfather had done has nothing to do with me! I don't even know how in the world he reached the conclusion that he should be king and eradicate your entire family! I had enough of your accusation and painting me as a villian, don't lump me with the other people who wronged you and your family! I don't have a hand on what happened, why can't you just let me be?!"
"Careful there. Treasonous letters. " Elsa smirked as she reminded her. "I hope you didn't forget that, dear wife." she gave emphasis on how she addressed Anna.
"Yes I know what I did!" Anna defiantly answered. "And don't call me that."
"Of course you do, dear wife." Elsa's smirk widened. She held Anna's wrists before switching places with her and pinned her on the door. "I like it when you're angry."
Anna's heart started to beat erratically at the turned of events, she was once again found herself being pinned by the Queen twice in one day, not that she was counting.
"What do you think you're doing?!" Anna growled. She felt the latter leaned closer to her ear.
"Own your mistakes and stand up for yourself." Elsa whispered. "But make sure to be ready for consequences." she leaned away and saw Anna's confused face before letting her go. "What you've done is unforgivable, not doubt about that, and I certainly don't trust you. Also you've been talking back to me on multiple occasion, it was still beyond me why I haven't punish you yet." Elsa gave her a pained look. A rare display of emotion from the platinum blonde.
"What do you expect me to do? I was in a dire situation thinking I was alone and in constant danger, also having the knowledge of carrying a child of someone I loathe was a whole other thing." Anna honestly stated. "All I could think about was the safety of my supposed child. It was a desprated move I know, but it was my only option at that time. I had blindly put my faith to a man, who turned out to be a murderer, in order to escape you."
She just stared Anna. "I doubt that it was the safety of the child you were thinking of. You used the supposed child for your own gain." she paused. "If that's how you would treat my child then don't expect me to give you one."
A series of knocks interrupted them.
"Come in." Elsa ordered.
The opening of one of the door revealed Wendy.
"Your Majesty, M'lady." Wendy said and curtsied as she led the other servants in who brought their dinner.
Anna watched Elsa distanced herself. She knew then that the conversation was over.
"I'll take my leave." Elsa left the room without waiting for Anna's reply.
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