AN: I remember what I was going to say last time I posted.
First: I'm going to slightly advance 1800s Arendelle's knowledge of medicine and mental health. Why? Because reasons that have nothing to do with anyone being seriously injured or stabbed through the chest. And it's easier to keep people from dying when your answer to everything isn't bleeding them out.
Second: I figured out what I'm going to do with the Frozen two storyline, it came to me while attempting to fall asleep. I'm pretty excited about it but it means this train is going off the cannon rails. Right about *points to outline* here. So all bets are off. ;P
There was something else. I got the Covid vaccine. Didn't gain any superpowers though, so slightly disappointed.
Oh! NoriChan did an amazing drawing inspired by the conversation between Anna and Elsa and it's amazing. Also I sometimes try to post updates on twitter pertaining to writing, both original stuff and fanfiction. So feel free to follow if you like?
twitter dot com /Nova_41822/status/1350906613008252928
Captain Jogeir was silent during the reminder of the ride back to camp, giving only brief responses to direct questions. Anna assumed he was mulling over the idea he mentioned if it got them closer to bring her sister home than she was more than happy to leave him to those thoughts. She, of course, had been in favor of dragging Elsa out of the Keep regardless of her opinion on the matter, and nearly did just that. It was only the Captain's intervention that stopped her.
Anna had been furious with the man, until he calmly and quietly explained to her it was clear Markkus wanted Elsa to stay, and Elsa herself wanted to stay. If they tried to remove her forcefully, they would be met with resistance from the Vindarr guards and soldiers. They were a group of one Princess, and two guards, it was a fight they would not win.
Walking away from Elsa, leaving her in Hasvik, was easily the hardest thing she'd ever done, and she sincerely hoped that life would never offer the chance to top it.
Jogeir's statement rekindled her hope that they could bring Elsa home. She was still scared for her sister, but felt lighter as they rode into what had once been the Sirma camp.
The moment they reached the command tent, Captain Jogeir called for a meeting, requesting the tent emptied but for a handful of specific people. They made official plans on a need-to-know basis, but when the Captain had Erik moved to another tent and kicked both Alarik and Kristoff out, her excitement and nervousness morphed into a whole new brand of anxiety.
In the tent were only Anna, Captain Jogeir, Admiral Naismith, and—to her surprise—the Royal Physician Malthe. The group sat around the large map table, a heavy silence weighing in the air.
"All right, Jogeir. You have the floor."
Jogeir folded his arms over his chest. "The Queen has decided to remain in Hasvik and seems very firm in her decision."
"She stated as much in her last letter," Naismith said, sighing. "But seeing as you emptied this tent before sharing that information, I assume there is more?"
He nodded. "The Queen orders are for us to return to Arendelle, and for you to stand down the Navy. But the Princess believes there is something wrong with Queen Elsa-"
Anna's head snapped up, being brought unexpectedly to the center of this meeting.
"-and after watching her in Hasvik," Jogeir continued, "I'm inclined to agree with her."
Malthe nodded, then turned to Anna. "Naismith mentioned that the Queen sounded off in her first letter, as well."
Anna shifted uncomfortably but nodded. "She seemed really . . . compliant, in the letter. Just doing what she was told. Which, considering I can't even get Elsa to stop working late into the night, I'm not sure how someone she just met could convince her to remain a captive."
Malthe rubbed his chin. "I see. And when you were at Hasvik, what exactly seemed wrong?"
Everything. Anna let her eyes fall shut as she replayed the conversation, the small hints and glaring tells she had noticed in her sister's behavior. "She seemed unfocused," she offered finally. "Like she was having a hard time concentrating."
Malthe shifted his gaze back to Jogeir. "That's not a lot to go off of."
"I know." Jogeir leaned forward in his seat, resting his forearms on the table. "But I have worked closely with the Queen for the last three years, and from what I saw in Hasvik, her words were not her own. At least, not entirely."
"But in those three years, you never knew she possessed magic, correct?"
Jogeir's jaw clenched. He sighed and shook his head.
"It's not that I don't believe you, Captain," Malthe breathed, "but the Queen spent thirteen years isolating herself from everyone, avoiding as much contact as she could. So much so that only seven people in the entire kingdom knew that she had magic." His gaze dropped to the tabletop as a look of regret crossing his features. "I'm not opposed to the idea, but are we sure we know the Queen well enough to make a decision like this? You know what will happen if we're wrong."
Anna watched as the two men went back and forth, her eyebrows furrowing, her hands folded tightly in her lap as she tried to figure out what exactly was going on. The conversation taking place was obviously serious, with heavy implications. Jogeir wouldn't have kicked everyone out of the tent if it wasn't, but the two men seemed to be speaking in riddles and vague suggestions that she was having issues deciphering. She hated to show her ignorance, but couldn't pretend to understand when she didn't. There was too much at stake. She held a hand in the air, halting the conversation. "What sort of idea or decision are we talking about?"
Jogeir and Malthe exchanged glances, a faint shadow of guilt crossing their faces.
Naismith finally broke the tension. "Captain Jogeir is suggesting that the Royal Physician declare the Queen to not be of sound mind," he said. "It would mean that her orders are invalid, and the rule would shift, temporarily, to the Queen's Regent."
"Oh," Anna breathed. She suddenly understood why Jogeir had asked everyone else to leave the tent. She didn't need her sister's education to comprehend the gravity of such a declaration. "What happens if we're wrong?" she asked, certain she already knew the answer.
"That would depend on the Queen and the council," the Admiral answered. "But this isn't a simple matter of going against orders. We'd be declaring Queen Elsa unfit, with no proof other than instinct, defying three separate direct orders. Then in order to remove her from Hasvik, would mean starting a war with people the Queen has essentially allied with." He gave a moment for his words to sink in. "If we do that and we are wrong about the Queen's state of mind . . . well, exile would be the best-case scenario. Ever for her sister."
"Even if we're right," Jogeir said, "we'll still have to justify our actions to the council."
Anna suddenly felt nauseous, her chest tight. She could hardly wrap her mind around what was being suggested, having a hard time believing that they had come to this. Having a conversation that she could never have imagined having. She rubbed her fingers against her temple. "Who is the Regent?"
The room grew silent once more, and Anna looked up to find all three men looking at her with curious expressions.
"What?"
"Your Highness," Jogeir said slowly, "you are the Queen's appointed Regent."
Anna jerked her head back. "Wait, what?" That couldn't be right; she may not know as many laws and rules as Elsa, but she was not ignorant. "I'm only eighteen," she protested. "The Regent has to be at least twenty-one years of age. The only reason Elsa could act as Regent was because of a decree Father wrote before . . . and even then, the council could have fought it."
"It is the same sort of decree your sister wrote shortly after the events of the Queen's Winter," the Admiral stated softly, "and much for the same reason your father did."
Anna was brought up short by the comment. For the same reason their father did? She had been under the impression that it was so Elsa could gain experience dealing with the council on her own. It wouldn't make sense for Elsa to do the same for her—which could only mean that Father had other reasons.
"It is a conversation for another time," the Admiral added, as though reading the questions on her face. "The important thing, Your Highness, is that ultimately, the decision is yours. If Malthe declares the Queen's judgement compromised, it will be on the word of yourself and Captain Jogeir. After that, our next move will be on your orders."
Anna's stomach fluttered. She knew she could trust the men in front of her, that they would never use any information against her or her sister in a harmful way, but at the same time she couldn't help but feel uneasy talking about Elsa in such a way.
"The decision shouldn't be made in haste, though we can't waste much time debating it." Malthe turned to Anna and Jogeir. "You both had a long trip and would benefit from a good night's rest. I think our best course of action right now is to take the night to think this through from every angle and come to an agreement tomorrow."
Naismith nodded. "Whatever choice you make," he said to Anna, "I think I speak for all of us when I say that we will follow you. We will do whatever it takes to protect you and the Queen. Even if it means protecting her from herself. But . . . " The word hung heavy in the air as he collected his thoughts. "We must be sure and committed to whichever course of action we choose. We will not get the opportunity to change our minds."
Anna's stomach twisted painfully. She couldn't help thinking back to Malthe's question. Did any of them know Elsa well enough to make this sort of decision? To risk everything on a feeling? On her instinct?
Anna wandered aimlessly through the camp, making sure to stick to the north side. Tucked against the mountains lining the southern end of the camp was the area the Sirma soldiers were being kept. When the Admiral first took the camp, there had been a heated debate over what to do with them. Eventually they sectioned off an area of the encampment to keep the soldiers until they could make a more permanent arrangement. An arrangement that would largely depend on what Elsa wished to do with the people who had kidnapped them both, then forced her to fight in their war.
For now, Anna kept her distance, trying not to think about the people who were ultimately the reason she was here instead of home, where she could be discovering new and entertaining ways to draw that frustrated but amused expression from her older sister. That one that always held a spark of mischief and promised some form of revenge.
Anna came to the outskirt of the camp and stopped, sighing heavily as she rubbed her gloved hands over her forearms and tried to stay warm in the face of a snowy night. Her mind continued to wander, drifting back to the earlier meeting, the gravity of the situation they were in. She was still having a hard time wrapping her head around what Jogeir was suggesting—what it meant for them, and for Elsa. In Arendelle's long history, no sitting monarch had ever been declared unable to execute the duties of their position. Even when Elsa had been suffering from a severe concussion, she'd still been able to perform her job, and when she had finally been relegated to bedrest and Anna had quietly stepped in to help, she still performed her role as Queen by proxy. Anna worried how such an action would impact her sister, if it would shake the people's confidence in their new Queen. If it would shake her confidence in herself.
She felt nauseous and wondered how her sister could make decisions that affected so many, and seem so calm and unbothered while doing it.
"Anna?"
She startled, twisting toward the voice. "Kristoff." She tried to smile, but knew it probably appeared more of a grimace. "Hey," she breathed.
Kristoff closed the distance between them, placing a hand on either of Anna's arms to rub some warmth back into them. "It's freezing out here. Is everything okay?"
"I'm fine," she replied automatically.
Kristoff raised an eyebrow. "You sound like Elsa."
Anna snorted. "I wish."
Kristoff's face twisted with disapproval, but he made no comment. He didn't have to; she already knew what he would say.
"Sorry," Anna said, sighing. "It's just . . . " She wasn't sure if she should tell Kristoff what they said in the meeting. If they went through with this plan, and things went sideways, she didn't want him taking the fall with the rest of them. Though, it would be nice to have someone to spend the rest of her days in exile with.
"You don't have to tell me what happened in the meeting," Kristoff said, like he could read her mind. "I know it's not really my business. In fact, this whole thing is so far over my head . . . " He rolled his lips against his teeth, then sighed. "But if you need someone to talk to . . . someone who's not an Admiral or Guard Captain, I'm here."
This time Anna smiled for real. Kristoff's presence and offer were like a balm for her frayed soul. She opened her mouth to thank him while declining, but reconsidered. Kristoff was good at viewing things from a logical standpoint, something he and Elsa had in common. Maybe that perspective was what she needed right now.
She looked around. "Not here." She wrapped her fingers around his arm and led him to a nearby hill that offered a raised view of both the camp and the river running along its base. It was private enough for them to talk freely while allowing an unobstructed view of anyone approaching. Anna lowered herself to the cold ground, her gaze drifting over the area, the mountains and star-filled sky. She wondered what Elsa was doing right now, if she was okay.
Kristoff's shoulder bumped hers as he joined Anna on the ground. He remained silent, allowing her time to gather her thoughts. A long moment passed, in which Anna allowed herself to simply draw comfort from his presence, before she finally let everything out.
She told him about the meeting, about her fears, the weight of the decision crushing her shoulders. It came out in a rush, much less eloquent and coherent than she had wanted, and when she finished, she just sat still, breathing deeply and staring at the flickering lights of the camp as she gave Kristoff time to process.
"I assume there's no way of going after her without . . . " He rolled his hand in the air, as uncomfortable as Anna at saying the actual words out loud. It felt too much like betrayal.
"Not really," she answered honestly. "No matter what we do, we are going against a direct order. It's that or leave her there, and hope Markkus is as trustworthy as Elsa seems to believe."
"You don't believe he's being honest?"
Anna shook her head. "There's something about him. Like someone trying too hard to."
Kristoff nodded. "And Elsa?"
Anna wrapped her arms around her legs, drawing them close to her. "I know something is wrong with her. Something is just . . . off."
"Then you have your answer already, don't you?"
"Sort of." Anna sighed, her shoulders slumping. "It's up to Malthe to decide if Elsa is compromised. But he would do so on mine and Jogeir's judgement, and I can't help but keep thinking—what if we're wrong? Elsa spent thirteen years hiding everything from everyone. Even with her magic now exposed to the world, she still spends more time hiding herself. Maybe not on purpose, but. . ."
"You don't think you know your sister well enough to tell?"
"Elsa can be the most stubborn person I have ever met," Anna said. "When she gets an idea in her head, she latches on tight, and it's almost impossible to dissuade her, especially when it comes to her magic. She seems to have this idea that if she doesn't have perfect control, then she is failing in her duty as Queen." Anna's breath hitched. She pressed shaky fingers against her forehead and tried to tamp down the frustration and worry that were threatening to drown her. "There is a lot riding on this one decision," she continued, forcing her voice to remain steady. "And, yeah, I'm scared that I don't know my sister well enough to make the correct one. What if we don't go after her and I'm wrong? She could be hurt or worse. If we do go after her, and I'm wrong . . . no matter how forgiving Elsa wants to be, it's treason."
"What does your gut tell you?"
Anna chewed the inside of her cheek. "That there is something wrong with my sister, and that Markkus is going to hurt her. But—"
"Anna." Kristoff turned to face her fully, his eyes locking on hers. "When Elsa froze Arendelle and fled up the North Mountain, your instinct told you to go after her."
Anna huffed. "And I pushed her into another panic attack, causing her to freeze my heart."
"You didn't know your sister very well then, but your instinct was still correct. Elsa didn't mean to hurt anyone, and you knew that."
Anna's lips twisted into a frown. "My instinct also told me I could trust Hans, and I remember that ending pretty poorly."
"Maybe it's that exact experience that is allowing you to see now what Elsa can't. That her overwhelming desire to control her magic is keeping her from seeing Markkus for who he really is." His gaze softened. "The same way your loneliness allowed Hans to manipulate you."
The night passed restlessly, as Anna turned over the conversation she had with Elsa, the meeting, and what Kristoff said until she finally drifted off into an equally restless sleep. When she woke the next morning, she still worried that she'd make the wrong decision, but felt committed to her choice.
There was a brief discussion over breakfast, Jogeir, Naismith, and Malthe all appeared to be in agreement. For better or for worse, Malthe declared the Queen temporarily compromised, and Anna gave Admiral Naismith the order to extract her by any means he felt necessary. They further agreed that it was in the best interest of all involved, including Elsa, to keep Malthe's diagnosis private, until he could assess the Queen himself and determine the level of influence Markkus had wielded over her. The only thing anyone needed to know was the Queen was being held in Hasvik, they were going after her and would bring her home.
Once the decision was made, the camp exploded into action as the soldiers prepared for a fight. Inside the command tent movements were less hurried, but no less calm. Anna stood in front of the large map table, surrounded by the three ship captains, Kristoff, Alarik, Jogeir, Admiral Naismith, and Malthe.
"Between Captain Alarik, and I, I'm fairly confident we can navigate the fog." Jogeir gestured toward the map. "The path seemed straightforward, though we'll have to take it slow. The fog breaks about a mile out from the island."
"We can put the Gambit in the lead," Lisbet added. "She's smaller than the Dagny or the Snow Squall, and it'll be easier for her to make last second heading adjustments. We can use a lantern to signal to the following ships."
Naismith folded his arms over his chest and dipped his chin sharply. "It's not ideal, but if we unload the cannons and keep the crew to a minimum, making the ship as light as possible, it could work." He turned his attention to Alarik and Jogeir. "What did you discover at Hasvik?"
Jogeir looked down at a rough sketch Alarik had drawn up soon after they returned to the camp. "Judging from the path we took from the harbor to where they're keeping the Queen, I believe she is in this main tower here." He tapped his finger against a spot on the map. "On the north side, a few floors up."
"What about the Keep itself? What kind of structure are we looking at?"
"An impressive one, clearly built to withstand attack and siege." Jogeir straightened, folding his arms over his chest. "There's a long path that leads from the harbor to the outer gates. It's narrow and exposed—attacking from there would be suicide. There's a beach on either side of the path, that would be a better option if not for the fact it would require scaling the cliffs. Which would leave us just as exposed."
"But like every good impenetrable stronghold, " Alarik said, "there's a chink in the armor, and this one has two. Along the western side of the beach is a cave entrance hidden among the rocks, that leads into a large courtyard. The courtyard is usually empty, except for one week every two months when the Vindarr hold an open market."
"And the last market?" Naismith asked.
"Two weeks ago. Which means it should be clear."
The Captain of the Dagny spoke up then. "You mentioned two weak points?"
Alarik nodded. "The other one is on the north side, a large opening in the wall that allows water into the Keep. It's like a man-made river that runs along the bottom level until it opens into a small lake."
The Admiral didn't seem satisfied. "Any idea how deep this river is?" he asked, frowning.
"Not deep enough for a ship," Alarik answered. "But perhaps a row boat. I didn't see the tunnel myself, only the lake, but from what I understand it's not very wide nor high. They use the lake for fishing, so it has to be deep enough to allow fish to move freely in and out of the area."
Captain Lisbet tilted her head. "That's some pretty sensitive information you managed to collect on your tour, Alarik."
Alarik lifted a shoulder, a grin spreading across his face. "What can I say? Some smooth talking, a light touch, and an open ear, and women turn to putty in my hands."
Lisbet rolled her eyes. "Okay, Don Juan."
Anna frowned thoughtfully. "The guard who escorted you around Hasvik," she said, speaking up for the first time since the meeting began. "Wasn't it some really big, muscle-bound guy?"
Lisbet's gaze snapped from Anna back to Alarik as the man's face turned bright red. "Alarik?"
"Look," he said, holding his hands in the air, "the details of how or who isn't really that important. The important thing is that I got the information."
"Of course." Gunnar sniggered. "So, what else did you and your buddy discuss on your tour of the dark, lonely corners of the Keep?"
"Don't be jealous just because you the last time you charmed someone, dinosaurs still roamed the earth."
"Funny-"
Naismith held up his hands, bringing the conversation to an abrupt halt. "I think we are getting off-topic."
A smile stretched across Lisbet's face. "I just have one more question." She leaned in, placing her hands on the table as she looked at Alarik. "Were you the big spoon or the little spoon?"
As the mood in the tent lightened considerably with the banter, Anna couldn't help the chuckle that escaped her lips as the other captains sniggered along.
"First off, there was no spooning. If there was, I have no shame in being the little spoon."
"All right," Naismith said, raising his voice. "That's enough. I'm not sure everyone here is mature enough for this conversation."
"I'm eighteen," Anna protested.
"Mm." The Admiral folded his arms over his chest. "I was talking about the captains, but it's also not an appropriate conversation for a lady, much less the Queen's sister."
Anna twisted her lips into a pout but made no further comment or complaint. The conversation shifted back to tactics and planning, most of which Anna only vaguely understood. Strategy and tactics had been one of those classes that had been only lightly touched on when she was growing up, and one she never had a genuine interest in. The meeting went on for some time, before a voice from the far side of the room interrupted the discussion.
"I would like to help."
Anna turned to find Erik standing next to the pole, a determined look on his face. They had moved him back into the command tent just before the meeting, as the Admiral claimed to feel better keeping the man where he could see him.
"I think you've done more than enough damage already," Jogeir said, narrowing his gaze.
"I know." Erik shifted, his own eyes dropping to his bound hands. "You wouldn't be in this situation if it wasn't for my brother's actions, and my inaction. I know I can't make up for those mistakes, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't try.
"How do we know you won't turn on us?" Jogeir persisted. "Use the battle to gain your own freedom?"
"I know you have no reason to trust me, but I will follow whatever plan you come up with. The Vindarr's magic will make them a tough opponent, but the Sirma are familiar with their tactics. We don't have ships, but we have fishing boats that could help lead the larger ships through the fog. Maybe even draw the Vindarr's attention away from your people."
Admiral Naismith pressed his lips into a thin line as he considered the offer, but ultimately shook his head. "Why? Why try to do something to help now?"
Erik smiled sadly. "All I wanted was to protect my brother and my people."
"You can't protect both your people and Tyr," Anna said, just loud enough to be heard. As she felt the eyes of the others in the tent on her, she shifted her shoulders and stepped toward Erik. "I know you want to protect your brother and, trust me, I understand. But Tyr kidnapped someone who has never and would never intentionally harm another living thing. One of the kindest and most caring people I know. He stole her from her home and used her like weapon in a war that we had nothing to do with. He forced her to use her magic to end lives. I know my sister, and I know that is something that she will carry with her forever." Anna took a deep breath, keeping her attention focused on Erik, needing him to understand. "What sort of mercy do you think he deserves? He kidnapped a Queen—what do you think the punishment for that should be? If he comes out of this alive, his only real options are life in prison or execution."
She drew her shoulders back and lifted her chin, channeling the confidence she often saw her older sister display when confronting someone. "Tyr has sealed his fate," she said firmly. Your inaction is inexcusable, but you still have a choice, Erik. You can either stand next to your brother and share his fate, or condemn him and his actions , help us in this battle, and maybe you'll give Elsa a reason to show you and your people mercy when the dust settles."
The silence in the room grew so thick that Anna was sure she could cut it with a knife. She watched Erik's face as he debated the options. She knew it wasn't an easy choice; despite Tyr's many horrifying mistakes, they were still brothers, and it was hard to turn your back on family. Especially when they were all you had left.
"You told me you would protect your people at any cost," Anna breathed as Erik's silence went on. "My sister paid the cost of your war. Now, it's your turn."
After another long silence, Erik finally gave his answer. "I'll need to address my people," he said shakily. "The soldiers here."
"How loyal are they to Tyr?" Gunnar asked. "Will they accept what you say, or will they resist?"
"My father was a brute prone to violence," Erik answered. "Tyr was only fractionally better. They followed him because he is my father's oldest son and in comparison, seemed better of the two. But in the short time he has been leader, he has lied to our people and committed crimes they are not aware of. He is the reason the Landvættir's blessing has left us. Once the people know that, and the truth about Queen Elsa's magic—that she didn't steal it, but was born with it—I believe they will follow willingly."
Satisfied with his answer, Admiral Naismith turned to Anna. "Your Highness?"
Anna rolled her lips against her teeth, wondering what Elsa would do in this situation, what decision she would make. Her sister had never been too proud to turn to those more knowledgeable than her, and Anna would follow her example. "I leave the decision to you. Admiral."
Admiral Naismith took a deep breath and turned to Erik. "Very well," he said. "But if any of my officers catch even the smallest hint that you may betray us. . ."
"You'll kill us all?" Erik offered a tense smile. "Probably fair."
Naismith narrowed his eyes at the man, then gestured to a guard to unchain him.
With Erik now at the table, the group started adjusting their battle plan and accounting for the increase in soldiers. The discussion lasted for well into the day, the sun beginning to set as they finished up. Alarik, Jogeir, and another guard escorted Erik to talk to his people, while the three captains went to make sure their crews and ships would be ready for the upcoming battle.
Anna waited in the tent until only she, Naismith, and Malthe remained. "Admiral Naismith."
The older man stopped, giving her his full attention. "Your Highness?"
She needed to request something, but the very thought of what she was about to ask turned her stomach and made her want to curl into a ball and cry. But she knew she had to make this request, this order. She had to protect her sister in any way she could. She took a deep breath, hoping to settle her nerves. "Elsa has been through enough," she said, "and not just in the last month. It feels like her entire life has been one sort of battle after another. I know she's strong—one of the toughest, most stubborn people I know. But . . ."
The Admiral waited patiently, his head tilted to the side. Malthe was still standing at the table, but Anna knew he was listening. She was okay with that; she trusted the man and knew he would understand.
"If you find Tyr at the Keep and he is still alive. . ." Her heart thudded painfully against her chest as she sent a silent plea to her parents not to judge her too harshly for what she was about to say. "I don't want the order for his execution to be another weight placed on Elsa's shoulders."
She knew from the expression on the Admiral's face that he understood exactly what she was asking.
Consciousness returned like a creeping storm, slowly and then all of a sudden. Pain crashed over her in a flash, searing through her head and down her spine like a raging forest fire, spreading until it had consumed every inch of her body.
Elsa pressed her head back against the pillow, trying to breathe through the haze of pain demanding her attention. It was all she could do not to panic, as she focused on just breathing. Her fingers curled around the blanket covering her body, as she distantly felt tendrils of frost crawl across the cloth. A faint pain in her left arm told her that the cuff was active and absorbing the magic as it reacted to her distress. She drew in a few shallow, shuddering breaths as she fought to settle her magic. It wasn't immediate, but in less time than it would have taken just a month ago, her magic calmed and the light from the cuff faded to a passive, dim glow.
She remained still as she waited for the aches and pounding in her head to shift to a manageable level. Once her head cleared enough to think, Elsa took stock.
Every muscle ached, an overall soreness that usually came from overexertion or illness. But those pains paled compared to the agony in her head, which felt like someone shattered it with a mallet, then tried to piece it back together with broken glass and acid.
Elsa tried to recall what had happened, why she felt this way, but her memory was frighteningly blank. She gritted her teeth, pressing her hands against the bed, and gingerly shifted until she could lay the back against the headboard. The movement brought about a fresh flare of pain and she squeezed her eyes shut, breathing through it. Once the wave of pain receded, she peeled open her eyes.
She was in her room at Hasvik. A fire danced in the hearth, warming the dim room. A faint wash of light spilled in from the window, though she didn't know whether it was from a rising or setting sun. Elsa bit her lip and contemplated getting out of bed, trying to make sense of what could have happened to put her in such a state, but her body ached and just thinking about moving was exhausting. The gap in her memory was concerning, and even though thinking made her head hurt, she needed answers. She took a deep breath and prepared herself for the inevitable task of moving her limbs, but a knock on the door stopped her before she could move.
It was Ray, Elsa couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, both from the familiar face of the girl who may have the answers she needed, and the knowledge that she would not have to get up to search for them.
Ray's eyes lit up. "You're awake!"
Elsa managed only a hoarse sound in response, the effort grating against her throat. She tried to clear it, but the air caught, sending her into a coughing fit that lit up the pain in several places. She flinched at the feel of a hand against her back, the cool rim of a cup pressed to her lips. The water was cool and refreshing, going to work immediately to soothe the fire in her throat. She settled back against the pillow, pressing her hand to her aching forehead.
She tried again to ask Ray what had happened to her, but all that came out was a wet, rock salt rasp, "wha?"
"Here, drink this first." The girl picked up a steaming mug from the laden tray she had brought in and set on the nightstand. "It'll help."
Elsa eyed the drink warily but took the cup. She sipped the hot liquid carefully, tasting mint. After only a few moments, the numbing effects of the tea went to work to further ease the pain in her throat.
"What do you remember?" Ray asked as she perched on the edge of the mattress. She wore a concerned frown, like she worried that Elsa might shatter into pieces at any moment.
Elsa pressed her lips together as she struggled to recall the slightest hint of what must have transpired, but once more, the harder she tried, the sharper the pain in her head grew. Finally, she pressed her palm against her head. "I don't—" Her voice croaked painfully, and she took another drink of the minty tea before trying again. "Waking up. Breakfast. Leaving the room. Then—nothing." She winced and cleared her throat.
Ray's frown deepened. "That was two days ago. You really don't remember anything that happened after that?"
Elsa's heart thud against her ribcage as the ground dropped from under her. She was missing two days? Her fingers curled around the cup; she could feel frost crawl across the cup and took a slow breath. "What happened?"
"You got hurt," Ray offered in a soft voice. "Markkus said there was a training accident, and you took a blast of magic in the courtyard. Then, knocked your head really hard on the way down. They had you in a private infirmary room for two days and wouldn't let me see you until this morning when they brought you back to your room. The apothecary said you're lucky to be alive."
Elsa stared down into her empty cup as she fought to calm the increasing pressure in her chest. "I don't—I don't remember any of that."
Ray reached forward and gently took the frosty mug from her hands. "The apothecary said that the blow to your head might cause some memory issues."
Elsa frowned. Something about the girl's words, the apothecary's warning, felt wrong. This wasn't the first blow she'd taken to the head; in fact, there was probably some cause for concern for the number of times she'd hit her head over the past few months. But that also meant that she was uncomfortably familiar with the unique brand of pain that came with a concussion. The hollow ache that twisted the stomach and left you feeling dizzy with the slightest movement. This . . . this was different. This felt as though someone had shoved multiple daggers through her skull and twisted deeply, the jagged edges catching painfully within her head. This was not a concussion. It also didn't account for why everything ached so badly, why even her jaw hurt like she had clenched her teeth for too long.
A blast of magic.
Markkus used lightning magic, and a strong enough hit could cause Elsa's muscles to seize, but that only left her with more questions than answers. To this point, they had focused their training on Elsa learning to connect with her magic through blocking light shocks. Why would he throw something so strong her way? Why would he keep Ray from seeing her?
Elsa remembered that she had planned on talking to Markkus about the letter from Anna and requesting to go home. She hazily recalled a conversation about the letter with Ray. Why would she and Markkus have even been training? Did he give her a believable reason for his deception and convince her to stay at Hasvik?
And even if he did, why couldn't she remember anything that took place after she left her room?
She pressed her palms against her eyes as the pain in her head increased to the point she could barely think straight. She pulled her knees up against her chest and curled in on herself, her breath cutting across her lips in stuttered pants.
A hand touched her shoulder. "Here."
Elsa cracked open her eyes enough to see a blurry cup in front of her face, containing a dark liquid.
"The apothecary said you'd probably be in a decent amount of pain," Ray said, "and that this would help with that."
Elsa hesitated. She hated taking anything medicinal under the best of circumstances, something that had put her at odds with her parents, her sister, and the physician on multiple occasions. But right now, her head felt like it was going to split in several places, making the concussion she received in her ice palace feel it had been a minor bump.
She wrapped her fingers around the cup, and the bitter, earthy smell of its contents turned her stomach.
"He said it would help dull the pain," Ray added encouragingly.
Elsa closed her eyes, exhaling through her nose before downing the contents. It tasted exactly as it smelled, but soon a warm fuzziness spread through her body, pushing the aches and pains away. She sighed in relief as her muscles relaxed and a not completely unpleasant buzz filled her head.
As the buzzing grew, she had just enough time to realize there was more than a painkiller in the brew. There was a strong, fast-acting sedative mixed in.
