A few years past and now Anna was 4 to Elsa's 7 years of age. At this point the castle staff both adored the two girls and were equally afraid. The princesses were always together, even when Anna wasn't able to move around on her own yet Elsa found ways to carry her around with her. If by the rare off chance they were not seen together, then the staff knew to prepare for disaster. It meant either the girls had one of their very rare arguments and were mad at each other, or that the two were up to something and one was the distractor while the other carried out whatever they planned. The girls managed to get scolded by their parents about their behavior more times than not, but the two girls could later be caught singing that they knew better, and that princesses could do anything they put their minds to. It always made the castle staff smile after the two girls.

Now that Anna finally seemed to understand that someday Elsa was to be the Queen, and that now that she had started to learn how to write and discovered that she what was known as right handed and that Elsa was technically left handed- though their tutors and their parents scolded Elsa if she ever used her left hand over her right hand (Anna didn't understand why, no matter how many times Elsa told her that being left handed wasn't a good thing). She told anyone in the castle that would listen that when Elsa was Queen that she was going to be Elsa's right hand. Elsa always blushed and smiled at Anna and always ended up grabbing Anna's hand and telling her that she already was.

Now that Anna could talk it seemed she did enough talking for both of the girls which seemed to suit Elsa just fine. She wasn't that much of a talker anyways, but she had no issue holding a conversation with Anna. Elsa seemed to be the only one who could get in a word edge wise when Anna was talking. Anyone else she seemed to just keep taking over them, but never Elsa. The bond between the two girls only seemed to grow as they got older. Gerda and Kai noted that at this point there was no Elsa without Anna and vise versa. The girls seemed to need the other. When separated it was like they were missing a limb. Gerda always joked with the girls about Elsa's nickname from Anna. No one else dared to call Elsa it. It was Anna's nickname for Elsa. It started off when Anna was learning to talk and her first world was Elsa, or really a slightly Anna-fied version, Elsie. For a while Anna just couldn't say her name right no matter how many times Elsa tried to teach her the correct way to say her name. Eventually it just became Anna's name for Elsa. Now she obviously could say Elsa, but she just preferred to use her name for her instead. There was an incident a few years ago regarding Elsa's name and it ended up with a very fiery Anna.

It was a nice warm summer's day and the girls were with their parents for a day out in the kingdom.

"Royals must see and talk with their people to keep in touch with their wants, needs, and to make sure they feel heard. It is important for the people to see their future is secured, and that is why you both must come and be on your best behaviors."

The King sent a slight look at both of the girls,

"That means no magic and perfect princess behavior."

He raised his eyebrows as he addressed the two girls, who both nodded their heads diligently.

"Remember Elsa stay with Anna, and Anna hold Elsa's hand the entire time."

Their mother added in as they all walked through the open gates. Anna was already holding onto Elsa's hand, so she just squeezed it slightly to have Elsa to respond with her thumb rubbing lightly along the back of her hand. Elsa loved going out to see all of Arendelle with Anna. It was defiantly way more fun with her than it was before she came along. She would always have to silently follow behind her parents and no one ever spoke to her the entire time, and if they did it was superficial conversation like how sweet she seemed or how pretty she was. It drove Elsa mad. If she wasn't going to be in a real conversation she would rather be ignored then forced to exchange small talk where people felt obligated to complement her.

Now that Anna was old enough to join them, Elsa enjoyed these outings and quite honestly looked forward to them. There was always someone to talk to even if they have to speak quietly, and when people talked to them Anna was able to deflect all of the small talk for Elsa. Sometimes Anna was able to get them to partake in an actual conversation that Elsa could join in on or finally take over for Anna. If Elsa didn't already love Anna with all of her being now, this was something that could have won her over.

Like the other outings the girls followed behind their parents and stayed in the background, well as well as the two giggling girls could. Their father only glared at them a few times. They quickly stifled their laughter each time, except this time.

"Hey Elsie why is Papa no fun?"

"Well he has to keep his 'king face' on and 'hold up the expectations of the crown', though he is funny even when he doesn't mean to."

"What do you mean Elsie?"

"Well every time he makes that face to make us be quiet he screws up his face and his nose does a funny scrunchy thing that makes him look like one of those hunting dogs the guards have."

This is when Anna completely lost it in giggles. It was almost a full blown belly laugh, but she was trying to keep quiet still. Elsa was giggling right next to her with tears in her eyes from trying not to bust out with laughter either. Unfortunately for the princesses they were louder than their parents wanted to them to be while they were out in public, and they had lost their composer out in public to top it off. The King quickly halted his conversation that he was having with the butcher and the chocolatier to turn and glare at the girls. The queen quickly picked up the conversation with the butcher and the chocolatier while he dealt with the girls. When he turned to glare at the girls though he made the exact expression that Elsa had described to Anna which caused Anna to completely lose it and almost fall over with her deep belly laughs. Anna set Elsa off into full blown laughter when she snorted loudly. Both girls were almost on the ground laughing with tears streaming down their faces.

"Elsie you're right!"

Anna managed to gasp out between her laughs. Though their laughter was abruptly ended when the King yelled at the girls. It startled them out of their gleeful laughs.

"ANNA! ELSA! STOP THIS NONSENSE RIGHT NOW! PRINCESSES SO NOT ACT LIKE FOOLS!"

Both girls fell silent and stared at their feet.

"Elsa I am disappointed in you most of all. Allowing this behavior never mind participating in it. You are the crowed princess, you have just disrespected me and the crown with this behavior. You even allowed Anna to butcher your name out in public. It is totally inappropriate, you should know to keep better control of yourself! Anna you are not allowed to speak that ridiculous name again!"

Elsa was staring intensely at her feet with tears in her eyes for a whole different reason now. The words her father spoke ringing in her head. Did I really act so poorly? Is he really shaming me like this in public? I can't believe that he is hinting at my magic in public like this. Oh God what have I done? Elsa's thoughts kept spiraling down, but her focus was returned to the present with her sisters angry voice.

"ElSIE DID NOTHING WRONG! STOP YELLING AT HER LIKE SHE WAS THE ONLY ONE LAUGHING! Besides when was laughing a crime Papa? We were laughing! And if I want to call my sister my name for her I will! There is nothing wrong with that, and Elsie likes it! It's like our little secret. IT IS HER NAME! If anything I say YOU can't call her Elsie, only I can!"

Elsa stared wide eyed at her sister for arguing back with their father like that. Elsa couldn't believe it. She had never seen Anna this angry before. Sure Elsa knew better than anyone how stubborn and determined Anna could get, but Anna never got like this. Anna was like a warm sunbeam, always happy and warm to everyone. Now she was like a raging fire ready to burn everything in her path, and at this moment it was all directed at their father. Elsa didn't like how quiet everything had gotten around them, or that they had the attention of the street. There were too many on lookers for Elsa's comfort. She also knew that if left alone her father and Anna were going to really have it out in the street without the mind of the spectacle they were making. Elsa stepped between Anna and the King and held his eyes with the most cool and impassive face.

"Papa, we apologize and are ashamed for our behavior. Anna and I will head back home now and allowed you and mother to finish up today without anymore distractions." She then turned and addressed the rest of the on lookers, "I apologize on behalf of my family for all of the commotion. This will not be a problem again. Please have a wonderful day."

Elsa quickly turned and grabbed Anna and carried her away before her father realized what just happened. She just didn't want this situation to get any worse than it already had. Anna twisted and kept trying to get down from Elsa's arms.

"Anna please stop. I don't want to drop you."

"Elsie I have to make him say he sorry to you. He was being a meany! No one gets to be mean to my Elsie. And who cares if I call you Elsie. You don't... right?"

Elsa looked at little Anna in her arms and saw that the raging fire of anger that just a few moments ago had consumed Anna's whole being was now gone and now she looked like a dying flame. The insecure and pure terror of rejection from Elsa seemed to seep from Anna's whole being. It made Elsa stop in her tracks and pull Anna as close to her as she possibly could.

"Oh Anna of course I love it when you call me Elsie. It's the name you gave me. It's my favorite version of my name because you came up with it."

Anna tightened her arms around Elsa's neck and hid her face in her neck.

"Elsie… why is Papa mean to you?"

Elsa started to continue her way back to the castle with Anna firmly in her arms. She really did not know how to answer Anna's question. Was Papa mean to her? Sure he was hard on Elsa, but that was only because she was the crowned princess. Papa loves me just as much, he just has to make sure I'm ready to eventually take the throne. He has to be harder on me. For Arendelle… For me…

"Papa is not mean. He just seems like that sometimes. He means well. He is king and has so many things to worry about and do. He just wants what's best for the kingdom."

"What about you? He's so mean and he yells… that not the best for you Elsie. You don't like yelling or people who are angrys… Papa being a meany isn't good for you."

Elsa didn't know what to say, because Anna was right. She always was when it came to Elsa. She really did hate yelling and peopling using anger as a weapon against her. She preferred to just have a rational conversation about issues over yelling. Elsa would fight if she had too, but she preferred to just try and talk it out first. She believed that there was a way to solve things with kindness if people would just stop and listen. As much as Anna ran head first into anything without thinking, she had learned from Elsa that sometimes saying the first thing she thought was not the best idea. Anna now usually tried to talk things out and ask why instead of yelling and throwing a fit. Anna picked this up because she hated how her yelling upset Elsa. She never wanted to hurt or upset her sister. Anna also knew that Elsa was only really herself around her. Elsa was soft spoken, kind, and people easily pushed her around because she didn't want to upset anyone. Anna appointed herself as Elsa's guard. Anna watched her to make sure no one took advantage of Elsa. She would lash out when Elsa wouldn't for herself, like today.

"Anna, Papa is just trying to prepare me for the throne. He has to be harder on me because of that. He… he is not trying to be mean. He is just trying to prepare me better."

"IT CRAP ELSIE!"

"ANNA! Don't say that word… I don't even want to know where you heard it. Just don't say that again."

"Okay… Sorry Elsie. I still say Papa is a meany to you and I don't like it."

At this point the girls were back at the castle, and Gerda was running out of the front doors coming straight for them.

"Oh my! Are you girls alright? Is Anna hurt? Are your parents not with you both? Did you run off again? Elsa did you carry Anna this whole way?"

Anna started to giggle at Gerda in Elsa's neck. Elsa smiled at their caretaker.

"Gerda we are both alright. No one is hurt and technically we did not run off this time, and we came back on our own. We kinda got in trouble for being too loud. Anna was upset, so I carried her home."

Gerda was concerned. She tried to keep her face even in front of the girls, but she was fuming. When she saw them by chance through the window she thought something was wrong like Anna being hurt the way that Elsa was carrying her into the court yard. Gerda thought her heart was going to stop just at the thought that the girls were hurt and possibly alone. Where were their parents? She couldn't believe that they were left alone like this. Their kingdom or not the girls were still so young. When Gerda finally got out to the girls and talked, looked over and really saw the girls, she knew that the two precious girls were physically fine. From what Gerda gathered from the girl's story was that they had gotten in some sort of trouble for being disruptive with their father, but she just knew there was more to the story than what she was getting because Anna was more clingy to Elsa than normal, and Elsa's eyes looked slightly off. Yes, Elsa was holding that small polite smile that she typically had on her face, but something about her eyes just seemed sad to Gerda. She just knew their father did or said something to these girls that really upset them. Gerda had been looking after and caring for these two girls since they were born. She loved them as much or more than if she had given birth to them herself. She hated to see them hurt or upset, and the fact that their parents had been the ones to have hurt them killed her inside. She was not allowed to yell at the King and Queen about their mistreatment of their daughters, but at this moment she really wanted to. Whatever they did had seriously hurt the girls. They were not acting right.

"Gerda I'm going to take Anna up to our room. We will be there if you need us."

Elsa's small, but confidant voice broke Gerda from her thoughts. She quickly tried to jump in to help poor Elsa. The poor child's arms must be tired from holding Anna all this time. She's barely bigger than Anna is!

"Princess Elsa, dear let me carry Princess Anna for you. I can follow you up to your room with her."

Gerda reached to gather Anna into her arms to relive Elsa, and that is when all hell broke loose.

"NOOOOOOO! MY ELSIE! I WON'T GO! YOU CAN'T MAKES ME!"

Gerda jerked back in surprise at Anna's outburst.

"I'm sorry Princess Anna I didn't mean to upset you. I was just trying to help your Elsie…"

"NO! ONLY I CAN CALL HER THAT! THAT'S MY NAME FOR HER! NO ONE DESERVES TO CALL HER BY HER SPECIAL NAME! MYYY ELSIE! MINE!"

Gerda had no idea what had gotten into Anna, but she was concerned about what had happened to cause such a reaction.

"Shush I got you Anna. It's okay Gerda meant nothing by it. Don't take it out on her she didn't do anything okay sunshine?"

Anna clung on tighter to Elsa, but mumbled out an apology to Gerda. It was so quiet that Gerda almost missed it. Gerda quietly guided the girls to the staircase and stayed near Elsa as she navigated up the stairs with Anna still in her arms. She tried not to just pluck Anna up from Elsa's arms, but knew that carrying her younger sister up all of these stairs could not have been easy for little Elsa. She didn't know what else to do though. All she could think to do was stay close enough to the girls to help if poor Elsa tripped or lost her grip on Anna.

Elsa kept a tight grip on Anna the entire way to their room. There was no way she was going to let her little sister down. Elsa was concerned that Anna was not okay. It wasn't because she was quiet or had a death grip on Elsa, it was because she was so warm. Elsa knew that she was cooler than others. Literally… She remembered when she was younger how the family physician was over constantly to "check" on Elsa. She knew it was more than that. She heard her parents, her father especially raise their voices whenever Dr. Nilsen left Elsa in Gerda's care again to update her parents about her check up. She over heard how her body temperature was still lower than average, but it seemed to be of no consequence because the princess was more than fine. He father's voice was quiet loud and insistent that it couldn't be possible and that Dr. Nilsen had to rectify the situation. She remembered the last time she had those constant visits with Dr. Nilsen was when she almost passed out due to the amount of blood her father made the doctor draw. Dr. Nilsen told Gerda to take Elsa out of the room and to give her some sort of sugar to help due to the blood loss. She heard as Gerda carried her away Dr. Nilsen yelling at her father that this was going too far and that he was not going to endanger the princess because of testing being demanded by the her father, whether he was the king or not. Elsa remembered being relived and slightly miffed that she didn't have to see the doctor again except when she was sick. She was worried when Anna was born that Dr. Nilsen would take Anna for a visit all the time like he did with her, but that never happened. She had a small feeling on why, but never voiced her suspicion to anyone.

So while Elsa knew she was cool, and Anna has always been warm to her, like the warmth of the sun in the middle of winter, this was different. Anna was like a small fire in her arms. It scared Elsa at the idea that Anna might not be okay. Elsa didn't know what to do, so once the three of them finally got back to the girls' room she spoke up.

"Anna are you okay? You feel warmer than normal."

Gerda immediately rushed over to the girls and asked Elsa if she could sit down on Anna's bed with her. Elsa immediately complied while Anna fussed that she was fine and nothing was wrong. Anna panicked for a moment when Elsa put her down on the bed, but quickly settled back down once Elsa herself climbed on to Anna's bed behind her. Anna curled up in Elsa's lap, and Gerda came and sat on the edge of the bed to feel Anna's head. She quickly removed her hand from Anna's head,

"Goodness gracious child! You are burning up! I have to go and find Dr. Nilsen! Princess you are not to move from this bed, do you understand me?"

"Don't worry Gerda I'll make sure Anna doesn't move. I got her. Please go and find Dr. Nilsen quickly for Anna."

Gerda sent a quick smile, "Thank you Princess. I'll be right back."

Gerda was then gone leaving the two girls alone in their room. Elsa was worried senseless over Anna. How did I not notice that something was wrong? How long has Anna been like this? Oh why do I have to be so different? I should have caught this sooner…

"Elsie stop making that face. I'm fineeee. The good 'ol doc is gonna come in and say 'Oh look at that super duper healthy girl'"

Elsa immediately broke out into a laugh at Anna's words and attempt to lower her voice to sound like Dr. Nilsen.

"Anna you know Dr. Nilsen wouldn't say that! Nice try at his voice though. Just sit still for him this time though, please. Gerda and I just want to make sure you are really okay."

"Fineeee… I'll be good THIS TIME. No promises on not running off the next time though."

Anna flashed Elsa her cheekiest grin causing Elsa to laugh once again.

"Was my impres… imprass… umpress… ampress…"

Elsa giggled as Anna tried to use a larger word she had heard Elsa say before. She thought it was so cute and a little funny whenever Anna was fishing around trying to remember the word.

"It's impersonation Anna."

"YEAH! THAT'S THE WORD! You're the smartiest person in the whole world Elsie! Arendelle is so lucky that you are going to be Queen someday! Anyways was my impersonation of Dr. Nilsen that bad? I thought I did good!"

Elsa blushed at Anna's words. Anna's faith in her was something she didn't think she would ever get used to, but she wanted to do her absolute best because she wanted to be as amazing as what Anna thought her to be and never let down. She grinned at Anna though at her drive to do impersonations as well as her. Anna really was trying, but she really just managed to make funny changes to her own voice.

"Well it wasn't the best, but you are definitely getting better at it. You'll get it, I know it! You're the incredible Anna princess of Arendelle and the second best chocolate eater in the whole world!"

"Wait only second?! Who can beat my chocolate eating abilities?! I DON'T BELIEVE IT!"

"ME OF COURSE! I'M THE BEST CHOCOLATE EATER!"

This sent the girls into a fit of giggles that ended with Elsa almost crying when Anna snorted loudly. This is how Gerda and Dr. Nilsen found the girls. A small smile took over their faces at seeing the two girls so happy.

"God morgen Princesses! Now I heard our dyrebar lille rod is not feeling quiet well. May I check and really make sure you are okay princess?"

Anna glanced at Elsa then nodded at Dr. Nilsen. He the went over to the bed and got situated by the girls and opened his bag to grab all of the instruments he needed to check on Anna. After a few minutes of checking multiple things and Anna being a well behaved and pretty good sport about it all. Dr. Nilsen looked at the three females.

"Well lille rod, it seems that you had a fever that was quiet high, but as I was checking you it was going down rather quickly. I assume that it was going down like that before I got here. I really don't know how high your temperature really got, but it was quiet high when I was checking you, almost alarmingly high. Your temperature is back down to normal range now, and quiet honestly to all of you I do not know why or what exactly just happened. I have a feeling I know, but I think it might be best for all of us to forget what happened and not tell your parents of this strange event. No need to needlessly worry them when our dyrebar lille rod is perfectly fine and will be fine."

Elsa was quite confused at the looks Dr. Nilsen and Gerda were exchanging. What does he mean? So Anna is fine? We are not to mention this, and by their behavior especially to our parents.

"But Anna's okay right?"

That was the only thing she really cared about. She pulled Anna closer to her. Elsa didn't really care anymore if they kept this doctor visit from their parents as the worry of Anna's well being started to consume her. She wasn't sure what she would do if anything happened to Anna. Nothing could take Anna from her… She was pretty sure that was something she couldn't live with. She stared down Gerda and Dr. Nilsen waiting for them to answer her question.

"Princess there is no need to worry lille rod is going to be just fine."

Elsa felt a wave of relief wash over her. Anna was going to be okay. Everything was okay. It was all going to be fine. She felt her body relax, was I really tense? I didn't notice. She didn't noticed that she pulled Anna closer to her in her realization.

Anna was concerned about Elsa. She never saw her get upset or worried like this. She was always the calm and steady one. An easy balm that soothed her. Most of the time she didn't even need Elsa to do or say anything just her presents near was enough. There was nothing to fear if Elsa was there. Elsa made everything okay. Anna did not like this feeling. Knowing Elsa was uncertain and afraid terrified her more than anything she could think of, like chocolate disappearing from Arendelle. Anna grabbed Elsa's hand and held on tight with her own two little hands. It helped her feel better, and hoped it would make Elsa feel better too.

Elsa quickly glanced down when Anna grabbed one of her hands with her two smaller ones. A grin slowly creeped across her face. Anna was alright. Now she needed to politely than Dr. Nilsen and Gerda for their help. While Anna played with her hand she addressed Gerda and Dr. Nilsen,

"Thank you both for your help. I really cannot thank you both enough."

Both adults gave a slight smile at the young princess addressing them with more compassion never mind maturity than a girl her age usually had. Elsa was such a sweet girl and it marveled them so knowing how neglected and mistreated she was from her parents. They had no authority on how the King and Queen should treat their own children, but it killed them to watch helplessly. So for them to see this quiet and sweet young girl show such compassion it filled them with hope for her future. Part of them acknowledged that a good deal of influence on Elsa was having Anna around. That girl had enough fire in her to keep Elsa's going never mind her own, but Elsa did help to keep the raging inferno that was Anna in check as well. Both Gerda and Dr. Nilsen knew from experience from the one time that Elsa was sick for about a week and Anna was left completely alone and was kept separate by order of the King and Queen while Elsa was sick was almost the worst week of the staff and Anna's life. Anna was an uncontrollable force without Elsa's presents. Anna was terrorizing the staff with her stunts that Gerda finally got Anna to admit to why after she fell off of the roof and had to be taken to Dr. Nilsen. Anna was trying to find ways to get into Elsa's room or get her attention not knowing why they were separated. They both had to explain to Anna for one why she shouldn't be trying to climb onto the roof of all places, and two why she and Elsa were separated. That was not an easy conversation to have with a four year old. It ended when Elsa heard that Anna had gotten hurt from one of the maids that went into her room to check up on her. Elsa quickly left the extra room her parents moved her to and went to find Anna. The change was almost instantaneous. The moment that Anna saw Elsa she immediately mellowed down and quickly dragged Elsa back into their room. Gerda thought it was cute that Anna was trying to help and take care of a sick Elsa.

Both Gerda and Dr. Nilsen assured the girls it was no problem and a pleasure to help them. Before they both left the girls alone they made sure the girls understood to find them if they needed anything. Both girls grinned at them and gave their thanks one last time before the door closed behind the two weary adults.

"Erik do you think that…"

"Yes Gerda I believe that might be the case, and I fear what will happen if this revelation comes to light or is proven to be true. It is best for this to be forgotten and never spoken of again. It is quiet possible that the princess was just a little warm."

"Well then it's up to us to keep an eye on those girls. I'll tell Kai about this as well, you know as well as I do that he will do anything to help those girls as well. Between the three of us hopefully we can run enough interference."

Dr. Nilsen nodded his head, "I hope so too Gerda. I just worry it will not be enough."

With that the two weary adults left to carry on other tasks they needed to attend to throughout the rest of the castle.

Back inside of the girls' room, Elsa was still fretting over Anna.

"Elsie I'm finnnee… I promise! No need to worry yourself through the floor!"

"Anna I don't like that they were almost talking in code about what happened to you. I know they said you were fine, but I want no I need to know what they were worried about! Your my little sister and I have to keep you safe! If something is wrong I have to know! What would worry and make them so secretive that they wouldn't want our parents to know?"

"Who cares Elsie, I'm all good, Dr. Nilsen said so himselfs! So I'm telling you as your right hand not to worry about it!"

She bounced over to where Elsa was pacing and grabbed her hands with a giant grin on her face. It got Elsa to finally stop pacing and her worried triad.

"How do you always manage to do that?"

"Well you have your magical powers, and this is one of my many powers!"

Elsa giggled, "Oh just one of many? How magical is my little sunshine?"

Anna flashed her sister her cheesiest grin as she giggled back, "Oh sooooo many powers you can't count that high! I've got my Elsie powers, my chocolate powers, my amazing snowman building powers, my super secret ninja powers, my super knight skills, and many more!"

Elsa couldn't help but to really laugh at her little sister. Sometimes she was so silly, but at times like this Elsa needed it like she needed air to breath. It kept Elsa from worrying herself to an early grave.

"What would I do without you?"

"Welp you would be very bored and probably worry more than you should you stinker. But who cares cause we'll always be together! Cause you're the future Queen and I'm your right hand! SOOOO you are stuck with me!"

"So true Sunshine! So what should we do my faithful right hand?"

"Come on Elsie! I've got an AWESOME idea!"

Soon Anna was dragging a laughing Elsa behind her to go off on the next adventure Anna had dreamed up this time. Elsa smiled and ran after her little sister and acting her age for a bit with her little sister.