Chapter Four

The Queen with Two Crowns

ELSA

Elsa emerged on the other side of the Crossing Point to find herself in a fancy well lit hallway, and assumed that Tracy had sent her to the right place. If not, this is going to be awkward. She hurried to the door, where two other League members, Jordan and Vonco, were waiting alongside the other foreign escorts belonging to the Confederation representatives. They were accompanied by Colonel Frederick Valquerson, the Royal Family's most trusted friend and officer.

"Pardon me for saying so, Your Majesty." Frederick glanced at Elsa. "But you look like you could use some tidying up."

"I know, I know." Elsa said hastily, opening the door for herself before anyone could help her, and walked into the grand ballroom without hesitation. The voices died down upon her arrival and the Confederation representatives all turned their attention to her.

She immediately felt extremely uncomfortable and self-conscious as she attempted to take steady strides towards the table where the conversations were being held at. The feeling reminded her of her coronation where she had been the centre of attention when her powers had been revealed. It was not a good feeling.

"Queen Elsa, I presume?" the Duchess of Xerflorn asked in a pompous, affected voice.

"Yes. My sincerest apologies for being late." Elsa took her seat at the table beside her sister, the eyes of everyone still on her.

"Pardon me for asking, Your Majesty, but may we know why you were late?" The Grand Duke of Archdan asked.

"Yes, pray tell, Your Majesty." The King of Rafrantar added in a disapproving tone.

Elsa glanced at her sister, who gave her a reassuring look. She turned to the Confederation representatives and opened her mouth to speak.

"Before you say anything, Your Majesty," The King of Molcorra stopped her. He was by default the Head of the Confederation owing to the fact that he was the most senior member in attendance and he certainly had a most unpleasant demeanour about him. "I'll like to point out that this -" he gestured at Elsa's attire. "- is not exactly what a queen should be adorned in for a formal occasion such as this summit."

Elsa looked at her clothes. The man was right. Her lightweight jacket, casual top and leggings with boots certainly did not fit the occasion, but she hadn't thought to change in her haste to make it to the summit as quickly as possible. With the flick of her wrist, a formal light blue dress made out of ice promptly replaced her functional attire. She combed back her messy blonde hair with her hand and cleared her throat.

"Again, I offer my apologies," Elsa started. "As you all might be aware, I am the Head of the League of Sorcerers, an organization that seeks to serve and protect civilizations from crime and terror. Just this morning, the international terrorists known as the Warmongers were trying to hijack a train headed for Molcorra which was carrying weapons and supplies for the Molcorran army."

"And did they succeed?" The Molcorran King looked disturbed.

"No, Your Majesty." Elsa said and he visibly deflated. "We managed to stop them. The passengers on board are safe too, and the Warmongers involved in the heist have been apprehended."

"And all this," the Duke of Archdan waved his hand in a dramatic manner. "This was done by the League of Sorcerers?"

"Yes, Your Grace." Elsa replied.

"Oh, we've heard about the League of Sorcerers." The Duchess of Xerflorn said. "The stories have been on the rise ever since you took the League of Sorcerers public. What is it they call you again? The Pilgrim?"

"It's nothing more than an honorary title." Elsa's cheeks coloured a little.

"Sounds to me like this League is a cult worshipping you, the self proclaimed Snow Queen." The King of Rafrantar said.

"It's not like that!" Anna stood up from her seat fiercely.

Elsa put a hand on Anna's arm, and she sat back down.

Anna composed herself before continuing. "My sister's not a cult leader. She's just doing the best she can to make the world a better place with the help of the League."

"And who gave her the authority to do that?" Duke Helmsley asked.

"If you ask me, it sounds like vigilantism." The Duchess of Xerflorn said disdainfully.

"Correct me if I'm wrong," The Grand Duke of Archdan drawled. "Before the League of Sorcerers stepped out of the shadows, they were accused of destroying civilizations and bringing kingdoms to their knees. Or have I gotten it wrong?"

"I-"

"And only after you revealed the existence of the League of Sorcerers, these wizards and witches suddenly decide to turn over a new leaf and become heroes?" The Grand Duke continued, his head cocked. "It's a little suspicious, don't you think?"

"I understand all your concerns. I really do." Elsa explained. "But please hear me out-"

"Honestly, Your Majesty," King Uxzas of Molcorra stood up, after having heard an urgent message from his servant. "I think we've heard enough. My messenger has just informed me of the carnage in the city square. I thought you said you handled the crisis?"

"We did, Your Majesty." Elsa said, desperately trying not to tear up in frustration. "We evacuated the civilians in the area because the train was about to go off the rails. The Warmongers destroyed the braking system and we were forced to act according to our best judgements."

"Your best judgements left my city in chaos." King Uxzas snapped angrily, his face growing red. "And you claim to be an organization that upholds justice? You bunch are nothing more than a menace to the entire world."

"That's not true." Elsa held back her tears, keeping her voice from quavering. "Please, Your Majesty. We saved a lot of lives today."

"May we just remind you, Your Majesty," King Uxzas said. "The Confederation came to an agreement that any action that took place before the League of Sorcerers revealed itself have been waived. There was simply no way to ascertain whether the League of Sorcerers was truly responsible for all the horrors told in the myths. But any action that takes place now that you have so graciously revealed yourselves will be closely watched."

"We're all watching you and your precious League." The King of Rafrantar added. "So far, in spite of the messes you have all made, we cannot deny the statistics that show that crime is being steadily dealt with across the continent because of some…unexplainable intervention."

"But the moment your precious League slips up and commits a crime," The Duchess of Xerflorn added. "The Confederation of the North will immediately issue a global order to have every member of the League of Sorcerers hunted down and locked up without question."

"And without mercy."

Rattled, Elsa glanced at Anna, who looked indignant and furious. She gave a small sigh and looked round at the Confederation representatives.

"I understand." She said shakily. "Thank you."

"Perhaps we should move on to other matters." The Prince of Vjor said uncomfortably, to Elsa's relief. He and the Prince of Eliqnoir had been quiet throughout the entire debate, and she guessed that they didn't agree with the rest, or at the very least they were neutral about the whole thing.

"Yes, of course." The King of Molcorra said, still a little red-faced. "Is there any other pressing concerns that anyone would like to raise before we conclude our annual summit?"

"I have something I would like to bring up."

Everyone turned to look at the Queen of Exon, who was seated at the far end of the table. She had not spoken a single word or contributed to the fiery debate, and Elsa had not noticed her presence at all.

"Queen Eleanor, am I correct?" Duke Helmsley asked.

"That's right, Your Grace." Queen Eleanor said.

Elsa looked at the Queen of Exon. Deirdre had been the Crown Princess of Exon before her sister had exposed her secret to her parents and she had been secretly exiled by her parents. Was this Deirdre's sister? Queen Eleanor looked like she was roughly Anna's age, with unsettling green eyes, red wavy hair and pale skin. There was no way she could be Deirdre's mother. What had happened to her parents?

"Ahh," The Prince of Eliqnoir said. "Our deepest condolences, Your Majesty. I understand that you're here to replace your parents as the Confederation representative."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Queen Eleanor said.

So her parents had died too, Elsa thought to herself. First Deirdre, and then her parents, which conveniently left Eleanor as the last surviving member of the Tal Yin family, as far as the new queen was concerned. However, no one knew that Deirdre was still alive, and Elsa decided to keep it that way for the time being. There was something fishy about Eleanor that unsettled her, but she couldn't put her finger on it.

Queen Eleanor cleared her throat. "I have a request. As you all know, the war of the kingdoms in decades past ravaged our continent. At the end of the war, this Confederation was founded to keep the peace between our kingdoms, and a peace treaty was put in place to satisfy all parties. However, Exon has been suffering due to the numerous economic restraints as a result of the treaty. We have been at a severe disadvantage, and unfortunately, my father and grandfather never addressed these issues. That is why I'm here today to appeal to all of you. I urge you all to redraw the treaty that is oppressing my people."

"Ah." King Uxzas said impassively. "That is…rather unfortunate."

"I'm afraid we can't do that, Your Majesty." The Duchess of Xerflorn sounded almost apologetic. "You have to understand, the treaty was established to satisfy all parties. We all lost something to gain peace between our kingdoms."

"We all have to make do with the limitations and restrictions placed upon our own people." Duke Helmsley added. "It's a necessary evil to hold war at bay."

"War?" Eleanor looked amused for a second. Then she smiled. "I understand. Thank you all, nonetheless."

"Right." The Grand Duke of Archdan looked round. "Is there anything else that needs to be brought up before we conclude our annual summit?"

An uncomfortable silence hung over the grand ballroom.

King Uxzas stood up. "If not, then this meeting is adjourned. Thank you everyone."

The representatives from the various kingdoms began to shuffle away from the table, talking together in a few separate groups around the ballroom. Refreshments were provided, and the room was soon filled with quiet, polite conversations.

"Well that went well." Anna said.

Elsa sighed. "I don't know how else to make them understand."

"I think they're adamant on seeing the League as a force for evil." Anna said. "There's nothing we can do to change that."

"Queen Elsa?"

Elsa turned to see the Queen of Exon walking towards her with a champagne glass in hand. She put on a polite smile.

"Queen Eleanor." She stretched out her hand, and Eleanor shook it. "This is my sister, Princess Anna."

Anna smiled warmly. "Hi. Nice to meet you." She shook Eleanor's hand as well.

"Our condolences." Elsa added. "I never knew your parents personally, but I'm sure they were great leaders."

"Oh, don't stand on ceremony." Eleanor waved her hand dismissively. "Everyone knows they were terrible leaders. That's why Exon is in economic shambles right now."

"Ah. I'm…sorry to hear that." Elsa slurred awkwardly. It wasn't very often that one would slander their parents after they were dead, especially not if they were royalty. Not to mention rude too.

"Well, I have to admit I wasn't surprised that the treaty wouldn't be lifted." Eleanor replied, shrugging. "But it was worth a shot."

"If it were possible, Arendelle would be happy to lend you our resources." Elsa said. "Unfortunately, the Confederation disagrees."

"Looks like we both have common enemies, don't we?" Eleanor smiled. "I must say, I'm in awe to meet you in person. The legendary Snow Queen. I've heard a great deal about you and I'll like to think that I'm a fan."

"Ah." Elsa's cheeks began to redden. "The stories about me are greatly exaggerated, really."

"But not the stories of the League of Sorcerers." Eleanor said. "You recently ascended to the title of the Pilgrim, didn't you? That's quite an accomplishment, don't you think?"

"I suppose so."

"And I heard how the Confederation representatives reacted to that," Eleanor continued sympathetically. "That was rather harsh."

"It was, right?" Anna agreed.

"Yes." Eleanor set down her champagne glass and drew herself up. "May I offer you some humble advice? Queen to Queen?"

"Of course."

"You can't be a Queen with two crowns." Eleanor said. "You have to choose one or the other. Otherwise, if you hold on to both, the League as well as your people will suffer from unfocused leadership. Just some…friendly advice."

"I'll think about that." Elsa said politely. "Thank you for the advice, Your Majesty."

"Please," Eleanor waved her hand. "Call me Eleanor. We're all friends here."

"Thanks, Eleanor." Anna said. "But please excuse my sister and I. It was good to meet you. I hope to see you again sometime."

"Likewise." Eleanor smiled.

"She's right, you know." Elsa said when they were safely out of the ballroom and walking to meet up with the rest of their friends who were waiting for them by the pier.

"What do you mean?" Anna asked. Frederick and the two League members were accompanying the two sisters at a respectable distance, to keep up appearances of an entourage.

"Queen Eleanor. She was right." Elsa continued as they arrived at the pier. "I can't be a Queen with two crowns. I have to choose."

"Choose what? What's going on?" Melody asked as the two sisters met up with the rest of them.

"It's either Arendelle or the League." Elsa went on, brows furrowing.

"You're talking in riddles. I'm confused." Tracy said.

"Yeah, what are you talking about?" Jade asked.

Elsa took a deep breath and looked round at the Warriors and the League members. "I think I've known for a long time. It's just that now I realise I have to face it."

"Face what?" Maui asked.

"The truth." Elsa explained. "I can't be both the Queen of Arendelle and the Pilgrim at the same time. It's too much. I have to keep splitting my focus between Arendelle and the League."

"What are you saying?" Deirdre asked.

"I'm saying I need to step away." Elsa concluded apologetically. "My first priority will always be Arendelle. I swore to do what's best for my people, and I can't break my promise."

"What about us?" Jade said.

"The League is in good hands." Elsa glanced round at the Warriors. "I'm confident you can all do this without me."

"Elsa, are you sure about this?" Melody looked taken aback.

Elsa nodded and turned to her League members. "I'm sorry. But I have to leave. I need to be a queen to my people. You've all come a long way since we stepped into the light, and I know that you'll continue to serve justice the right way."

"What about us? Your pals?" Tracy looked dismayed.

Elsa sighed. "The Warriors will have to go on without me too. Look after the sorcerers and train the newer ones. Work together with the League to protect the innocent."

"We will." Maui said reassuringly. "Don't worry, Elsa."

"What about you, Anna?" Melody turned to her. "You're one of us too. What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to follow my sister." Anna said without hesitation. "She's right. Our first duty is to our kingdom. You'll all do fine without us."

"We're going to miss you both." Maui enveloped Anna and Elsa in a bear hug. "Things won't be the same without you two."

"We'll miss you all too," Elsa said and Anna nodded in agreement. "But for now, this is goodbye."

Author's Commentary:

Politics can always be such a sticky situation. I hoped to convey a little bit of that sentiment as our main characters try to tread carefully. Importantly, I didn't put this chapter here for nothing. It's going to come into play much later in the story, a thorn in our heroes' sides which will come back to bite them.

And honestly, one of the only reasons why I had Elsa and Anna part ways with their friends is so the timeline can be kept intact. The stories of Frozen Fever and Frozen 2 are isolated back in Arendelle, where the two sisters continue to live their lives, so it only makes sense that they don't really come into contact with their former friends or go on more adventures.

However, Anna and Elsa's allies will return after the events of Frozen 2, as you will see in the rest of the story. Stay excited, I have some pretty interesting chapters just waiting to be released :)