Book 2

A/N: I did decide to break this story into two "books" as each book is a different phase of the larger story, but I also didn't feel like publishing three separate books so they are all within this story. This book will feature several large time jumps. This chapter is a little more M rated than previous chapters, three is what hope is classy references to sexual activities but both to explicit. As always I don't own Frozen or any of its characters they belong to Disney. I hope you like this chapter and this book. Please let me know with a review. Thank you.l

Chapter 1: A New Start

May 1843

Arendelle was abuzz for the fourth time in four years. Today's celebration dwarfed even the Queen's Coronation, because on this beautiful warm day in May 1843 Her Majesty Queen Elsa Ingrid Freja Nysno of Arendelle was to wed His Royal Highness Pieter Christian Isaac of Vakretta. The people of Arendelle had grown to like and respect the Queen's suitor, he had taken to joining Olaf at least once a week walking through the town and meeting the people, buying in their shops, and once the engagement had been made last October, the people's concerns. He'd accompanied the Queen on several visits to other towns and villages in the country learning about the different cultures and ethnic groups that made up Arendelle.

The harbor had been filling with royal ships from around the world steadily over the course of the week with the Coronian royal family arriving first giving the people of Arendelle their first glimpse of the Crown Princess's son Prince Stefan Edmund Fredrick. The little blonde one-year-old prince with big green eyes waved shyly to the crowd as his mother carried him towards the waiting carriage.

The Viscount of Bath and Baron of Greenock had been the representatives from the British crown, Crown Prince Charles of Vakretta and Crown Prince Harkon of Norway attended as their nation's representatives as well as stand as groomsmen for their cousin. There were also royal representatives from Russia, Prussia, Saxe- Cobourg, Spain, Chathos, Zaria, and many other countries.

The citizens of Arendelle were all dressed in their Sunday best, the town square had been decorated in blue irises, purple crocus, white calla lilies, banners of the Queen's and Prince's silhouettes alternated with banners of the Arendellian crest. A great feast would be served following the wedding so that the people could celebrate, similar feasts had been arranged in most of the larger towns and villages across the country. The attitude of the country was jubilant and positive, the Arendellian economy had been strengthening since the year after the Queen's coronation, several laws including those for education and social reform had been introduced, and their dedicated young Queen was getting married which meant a new heir could be born in the near future.

In the castle is a large suite overlooking the fjord and northern mountains, the atmosphere was anything but jubilant. Two young women, one red-haired and one brunette, and an older brunette woman stood at larger oak doors, their eyes upon a young platinum-haired woman curled into a ball in the corner of the room. A moderate snowfall fell in the room making the floors slippery.

"Oh, Elsa." Anna's voice broke through Elsa's panicked filled mind but the tightening of her chest ached again and Elsa continued to hyperventilate, she couldn't focus, she couldn't calm. A thud next to her was barely registered, the hands rubbing her back barely noticed. "Elsa sweetheart look at me." Elsa closed her eyes, she tried to find her breath but it wouldn't come.

"Elsa, look at me," thin fingers came under her chin and pulled her head up slightly, teal eyes ducked into her view, "that's it look at me." Elsa hooked onto the familiar calming gaze. A hand took hers gently and placed it upon a chest, then a different hand was placed on Elsa's own chest. "Okay, breathe with me. Slow, feel my breathing, listen to it, try and match it. Focus on my face." Elsa did as instructed, she concentrated on matching her breath to her sister's, her eyes connected with Anna's and slowly she felt her heart rate decreasing, her breathing deepen, and her surroundings sharpen. She felt exhausted and slumped into Anna who began rubbing her back.

"You alright?" Elsa shook her head, she wasn't; she could feel the panic trying to rear its ugly head again. "I can't do this." she gasped.

"Do what Elsa, talk to me." Elsa squeezed her eyes. She could hear the commotion outside, the castle was frantic with setting up for the afternoon wedding.

"What if, what if….I lose it." Elsa gasped out finally.

"Your powers?" Elsa nodded.

Anna was quiet a moment and then she ducked her head again to find Elsa's eyes, " Do you love Pieter?" Elsa shrugged, "I care for him a lot, he's become one of my best friends."

"Okay, so even if you don't love him romantically you still love him, right?"

"Yes," came Elsa's small voice.

"Do you love our people?"

"Yes," her response this time stronger.

"Elsa, we know love is the key when you feel your love you can control your powers, it's the fear that causes you to lose control." Anna said firmly, "what are you fearing that makes you think you'll lose control?" Elsa sighed, she knew what she feared but how could she tell her sister, her aunt, and cousin whom she knew were sitting by her side too.

"Is it the large crowd?" Anna asked though she didn't sound like she thought that was the issue.

"A little," Elsa admitted, she would never like crowds and they would always make her anxious and even set off small panic attacks, but no that wasn't the big problem.

"Elsa please tell us, we want to help." Elsa looked up and saw three pairs of pleading and caring eyes looking at her, she bit her lip, her eyes going to the bed in front of her and then back to her family. "Tonight." was all she could mutter. They all looked confused again until Elsa looked intently at the bed and back to them. Arianna was the first to catch on, "Oh honey, are you worried about tonight, with Pieter."

Elsa nodded. Anna and Rapunzel both gave knowing sympathetic smiles, "Elsa it's alright to worry about it, or be excited about it, or however you are feeling, it is a little scary, but Pieter is a good man, it will be fine, he won't force you to do anything you don't want to."

"I know, he has been such a gentleman with me, we've only kissed a few times, and he's been so patient about it." It was true Pieter had been a saint with her, never initiating or pushing more than what she was willing or comfortable with doing. She knew that compared to Anna and Rapunzel with Kristoff and Eugene she was extremely pious in her intimate interactions with Pieter.

"Then what is wrong?" Anna asked gently. Elsa looked away and then stood and walked to the window, her arms going around her middle. How could she explain herself, they could never understand her fears, they weren't like her, no one was like her. She could feel herself panicking again. Anna was behind her wrapping her arms around Elsa squeezing her tightly. "Elsa, please."

"When we kiss I can feel it, I can feel it stirring, what if what if I can't keep it in." Elsa gasped. She heard her sister's "oh". There were no words, the room was silent.

Then Anna stepped away and new arms turned her, Elsa looked upon her aunt's face the once so similar to her mothers, "Elsa, I don't know how you are feeling right now, none of us ever could, but I know you, and we know that love has been the key to your control and I have to believe that when you and Pieter are in the midst of the truest physical expression of love, that your powers would have the capability to hurt Pieter."

She pulled Elsa into her hug and held her, "Talk with him, if you aren't ready you don't have to do anything tonight. I know there is pressure on you from the council and even the people to produce an heir, it is the burden of all queens regardless of whether they are a regnant or consort, but if you aren't ready that is alright, that part of your marriage will come in time."

Elsa exhaled and melted into her aunt's arms, she was right, Elsa's head knew that, it was her heart that was so stubborn. "Thank you" she whispered.

"Anything for you my dear. Now shall we get you ready to marry?" Elsa smiled and nodded her head, she should be happy today, she was getting married to a man she may not truly love but who she respected deeply and who cared for her strongly, she couldn't have asked for more from a political marriage.

XXXXXXX

The church was splendid, that was the only word Pieter could come up with, the whole church was decorated with large bouquets of white, purple, and light blue flowers, Elsa had sprinkled delicate ice decorations throughout the church the glistened in the sunlight coming through the windows, causing a kaleidoscope of color to dance throughout the chapel. Arendellian nobles and the Privy Council of State filled the front pews followed by foreign royals then foreign dignitaries and notable Arendellians. A lottery had been conducted to allow the general population the chance to attend the wedding ceremony, those winners filled in the back and side pews, Elsa had been insistent that the wedding not only be accessible to the rich. It was just one of the many decisions that revealed Elsa's true character that made Pieter love her more.

Love, it had surprised him how subtly it grew, but Pieter was sure now, that he loved Elsa. It was a few days ago when they'd taken the afternoon off to go on a picnic in the fields that he realized how far he'd fallen for her. They were up in a meadow above the town, the early spring flowers were in full bloom. Elsa had rushed ahead looking for a good spot to set up their blanket, and suddenly she disappeared in the high grasses and wildflowers. He had called to her and rushed towards her when there was no reply. He was almost to her when he heard it, an unencumbered pure effervescent laughter, he was upon on her then and his breath caught; there she was sprawled out on the ground her gorgeous face framed with flowers, her arctic blue eyes twinkling with euphoria, and the most beautiful sound radiating from her plump perfect lips. He was in love, there was no denying it, she had gently with all the grace of a true lady captured his heart. At that moment he wanted to profess his recently discovered feelings, to take her in his arms and kiss her until neither could breathe. Instead, he reached down, took her hand, and pulled her up; cupped her cheek in his hand leaned in, and gave her the softest of kisses, trying to send all of his feelings into her through it. She paused a moment when he pulled away and then gave him a rare but real smile, and he was happy. He knew she didn't love him the way he did her, but he was content with that for now, he knew through her actions if not her words that she had come to cherish his friendship and care for him deeply. She may even love him, though in her limited experiences in life, her stunted emotional growth due to her isolation, she likely didn't know it yet. He would wait because he was marrying her and she would be his to love, care for, support, and protect for the rest of their lives.

"Are you ready cousin?" Pieter was taken from his ruminations by his cousin Charles behind him. Charles was to be his best man. They'd spent most of their youth together, sharing a tutor in their formative years as they were the same age. When Charles turned 11 his training as an heir to the throne began so they spent less time together and by 16 they were following their own paths, but they continued to write to each other.

"Yes and no, is that possible?" Charles laughed at his answer, "I believe so. There is a lot happening today, first, you are getting married, then you will be crowned a Prince of Arendelle. Mother has always said the hardest job is to be a consort, to support and guide, but have no true power, to strike a balance between listening and providing your advice, to know when to push and when to let go, when to help your spouse stay focused and when to distract them for their own good. I imagine it will be the same for you, maybe harder due to your wife's unique gift and the consequences that come with them both good and bad."

Pieter nodded, he'd already had a long conversation with Queen Arianna about the position of consort and what his roles and responsibilities would be in a government that was still an absolute monarchy with the monarch as a woman.

"My mother has said the same." Pieter heard his other cousin, Harkon, reiterated. While they hadn't seen each other daily as Pieter had with Charles, they had spent much of their youth together when Pieter's family would visit their Norwegian family. "You'll need to be careful how you exert your influence, the Queen is not of feeble mind."

Pieter looked at his cousin confused, "What do you mean exert my influence; my job is to support?"

Harkon rolled his eyes, "I don't mean your political influence, cousin, I mean your influence in general, it is well known that the Queen would work herself into an early grave if given the chance. It has only been the Crown Princesses influence that has tempered her work ethic, as Prince consort it will now be your job to do as the Princess had, though I believe the Queen will be less amiable to your interference for her well being as she does her sister, it will take time and a gentle hand."

"Well said, Your Highness." Charles complemented Harkon. Pieter was ashamed to say he was surprised by Harkon's words, Harkon had always been more manipulative growing up and Pieter had assumed Harkon was trying to influence Pieter into manipulating Elsa for Norway's benefit.

"Norway and Arendelle have always enjoyed a mutual existence that is codependent on each other's success, it would do Norway no good for Arendelle to require a third transition of power in six years. Stability of power is key to our nation's survival." There it was the political reasoning for Harkon's words, though that did not make them untrue.

The door to the vestibule opened and Kristoff stepped through. He wore the navy blue uniform of the Arendellian Army with the rank of Oberst. He wore the medal of the Knights of the Crocus which had been conferred upon him by Elsa after his marriage to Anna, it was the highest honor in Arendelle. He wore a sash of green, white, and gold, the colors of the new House of Bjorgmen, as Anna and Kristoff had chosen Bjorgmen as their family surname. He also wore the Queen's Medal which marked him as a direct member of the royal family. "You ready, we are about to start?" Kristoff would be standing as Pieter's third groomsman.

"Yes, we are coming." Together the four stepped out into the chapel. Pieter went and stood before the altar facing with his back to the door, it was a tradition that he would not look back to see Elsa until she was beside him. Charles, Harkon, and Kristoff stood about five feet behind him and over to his right five feet. The Archbishop of Arendelle stood before him. The music began and Pieter could hear the people stand. As Elsa's mother was dead, nor were any of her grandparents alive, there would be no one to proceed Elsa's arrival. Minister Karoline, Rapunzel, and Anna would follow Elsa into the church. Three flower girls and three-page boys had been chosen from the Arendellian nobility and general populace to attend the queen, walking between Elsa and her bridesmaids.

King Fredrick, as Elsa's only male relative, even if not by blood, would be escorting her down the aisle. Pieter could see all of this in his mind's eye, but his imagination was nothing like reality. When Elsa reached him Pieter turned to see her, he lost all sense of time and space. She was radiant. She wore a delicate lace veil embroidered with her signature snowflake on it, it barely hid her stunning blue eyes, her rosy cheeks, and plump red lips. Her platinum blonde locks were pinned up in an elegant braided updo, with a white gold tiara adorned with blue diamonds, aquamarine, and a single large dark blue sapphire at the center. She wore an ivory silk A-line gown that was solid except for intricate ice crystalline rosemaling around the hem and halfway up the full skirt. Just above her bosom the dress was a delicate snowflake and rosemaling patterned lace that came up to just an inch or so on her long neck and continued down her arms in a lace long sleeve. It was beyond words and Elsa was a goddess in it, shining as brightly as the brightest star in the darkest of nights.

Pieter was brought back to reality by King Frederick's voice as he declared that on behalf of the late King of Arendelle and the people of Arendelle that he gave away the Queen to be wed. Pieter took her delicate hands in his turning so they were facing one another. Now that he could really see her, he was taken aback by the myriad of emotions swirling in their depths. She was scared that was clear by how her eyes darted around the room and he could hear her breathing increasing, she was worried and nervous indicated by the subtle biting of her lips. Breaking script Pieter lifted his hand and cupped her cheek, bringing her attention to him, she stilled, her breath held, and he gazed into her eyes, trying to let her know that everything would be alright, he leaned forward and placed his forehead upon hers, "I have you," escaped his lips. She closed her eyes at them, took a deep breath, and then looked at him again. Now he saw lightness in them, excitement, and maybe even happiness.

The Archbishop paused as he saw the interaction, when it was clear that she was ready to begin again Pieter pulled back and nodded to the Archbishop.

"Ladies and Gentleman we are gathered here in front of our Lord God today to witness the union of this man and this woman in the holy sacrament of marriage, if there is any among you who had just reason to object to his union speak now or forever hold your peace." The Archbishop stated and with no objects began the ceremony. It was generally all a blur to Pieter, that was until it was time for the vows.

First, the Archbishop looked at them both and asked, "Your Majesty Elsa Ingrid Freja Nysno and Your Highness Pieter Christian Isaac, have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage?" Pieter could hear Elsa responded affirmatively as he did. It was important to all involved that the Queen had been coerced into the marriage. Then it was Pieter's turn to promise himself to Elsa.

He smiled as spoke each word to her, meaning them all with all his heart. "I, Pieter Christian Isaac, take you, to be my wife, and these things I promise you: I will be faithful to you and honest with you; I will respect, trust, help, and care for you; I will share my life with you; I will forgive you as we have been forgiven; and I will try with you better to understand ourselves, the world, and God; through the best and worst of what is to come, and as long as we live."

After a moment Pieter felt Elsa squeeze his hand as she began her own vows to him, "I, Elsa Ingrid Freja Nysno, take you, to be my husband and these things I promise you: I will be faithful to you and honest with you; I will respect, trust, help, and care for you; I will share my life with you; I will forgive you as we have been forgiven; and I will try with you better to understand ourselves, the world, and God; through the best and worst of what is to come, and as long as we live." Her eyes were twinkling as she finished and she smiled at him, one of those rare but real smiles. Pieter felt his heart quicken at it.

They exchanged their rings again affirming their commitment to one another and then Pieter heard the words he had been waiting to hear all day, "You may kiss the bride." He stepped forward cupping her cheek again he leaned and placed his first kiss as her husband on her supple lips. As always she tasted as he would assume fresh snow would. When they parted he heard the tiniest of laughs escape her. She was happy therefore he was happy.

Normally that would be the end of the ceremony and they would process out of the church arm in arm as husband and wife; however, Elsa in a desperate desire to avoid another larger ceremony and party had insisted that he be crowned prince consort and named the first duke in Arendellian history. Elsa had felt it was important to set Pieter apart from the other Arendellian nobility as her husband, as well as to send a message to the rest of the world, that while he was her consort, he was to be respected in his own right, and much of Europe did not understand that in Arendelle an earl was more equivalent to a duke than in other countries where an earl fell behind a duke and marquess in the peerage. The title would be just that a title, he would be receiving the subsidiary title of Earl of Snodehiem which was where the real land and monies came from.

The Archbishop gestured for the audience to sit, Elsa moved before Pieter, while a servant arrived and helped her adorn her purple velvet with black-spotted white fur-lined royal robe and replace her wedding tiara with her royal crown which was a closed design with a cornet set with alternating blue sapphires, red rubies, and yellow topaz, eight arches of alternating laurel and oak leaves reached to the center where a blue opal enamel sphere sat. Each laurel arch was set with a large amethyst and then increasingly smaller half pearls, each oak arch was set with an emerald and the same decreasing in size of half pearls. The opal enamel sphere's equator and meridian bands were encrusted with small diamonds; at the top, the sphere was an Emerald cross with a yellow topaz center. The crown was lined with purple velvet which was embroidered with gold crocuses and crowns, half pears dotted the velvet and irregular intervals. The circlet was lined with black-spotted white fur.

Once enrobed in her crown regalia Elsa stepped up to Pieter and gestured for him to kneel at her feet. As he did Anna moved towards Elsa stopping a step down on the dais to Elsa's right, she wore her own black-spotted white fur-lined red robe and the Crocus Heir crown. It was of an open design rather than closed with the 12 triangle peaks coming from the circlet. The top of each peak was set with a blue sapphire, below each peak, a set of three amethyst forming a three petal crocus, between each amethyst crocus was large emeralds and between those two half pearls. The crown was lined with a red velvet embroidered with gold crocuses and rimmed with black-spotted white fur. Pieter had learned that the crown had been the original crown of the Arendellian monarch, though upon seeing the closed designed crowns of England and Denmark, Elsa and Anna's great great great grandfather had the new crowns commissioned and the old crown became the first-ever crown for the heir.

The other nobles of Arendelle formed a semi-circle around Pieter at the bottom of the dais with the Earl of Arenfjord closed to Anna, then the Earl of Trollmoen, the Baron of Englefjord, and finally the Barbon of Brikeberg at the bottom of the dais to the left. Each wore their one red robes and cornets of their positions in the Arendellian peerage.

"Lords and Ladies, honored guests, and people of Arendelle, welcome. I thank you on behalf of myself and my husband for joining us on this day to celebrate in our marriage. Today is a day of celebration in all of Arendell however not only because of my marriage fore today Prince Pieter becomes a prince of Arendelle."

She looked down and addressed Pieter. "Do you Pieter Christian Issac come here today of your own free will and choice?"

"I do."

"Do you swear before our Lord God to serve and obey the Crown of Arendelle with honor, chivalry, and sword for all the days of your life?"

"I do."

"Do you swear before our Lord God to protect and defend the people of Arendelle, placing their needs, and well-being before your own for all the days of your life?"

"I do."

"Then I, Elsa Ingrid Freja Nysno, Queen Regnant of the Kingdom of Arendelle hereby confer onto you, Prince Pieter Christian Isaac the titles and stations of Prince Consort of Arendelle, Duke of the North Mountain, and Earl of Snodehiem. May you serve and honor your Crown and Kingdom with honor and humility for the rest of your days."

As she said these words she placed a crown upon his head and then Anna wrapped a black-spotted fur-lined purple robe around his shoulders. The crown, which had been commissioned by Elsa the day after their engagement, was to be the Prince Consort crown alone. It was a closed cornet design like the Crocus Queen crown Elsa wore and the Crocus King crown which would not be worn again until a male heir rose to the throne. The Prince Consort crown was smaller than the king's crown about the same size as the Crocus Heir crown. It's circlet contained four emeralds and four blue sapphires with two opals in between each. There were four half arches, two of laurel leaves and two of oak, each set at the bottom with a ruby and then ascending up the arch with half pearls, at the top was blue opal enamel sphere the meridian and equator bands encrusted with diamonds, on top sat an amethyst cross. The crown was lined in purple velvet and as with the Crocus Heir crown was embroidered with golden crocuses. It was rimmed with black-spotted white fur like the other crowns.

He was then handed the sphere and scepters of Arendelle, Elsa gestured for him to stand, as he did he turned to the crowd, Lord Arendfjord blew the traditional blessing horn three times and then Elsa spoke again. "I present to you His Royal Highness Prince Pieter, Duke of the North Mountain." The crowd cheered as Pieter stood before them for a minute. Once the scepter and sphere were taken Elsa stepped up beside him. The Archbishop once again spoke. "I present to you for the first time as man and wife, Her Majesty Queen Elsa and His Royal Highness Prince Pieter Duke of the North Mountain, Queen and Prince Consort of Arendelle." The crowd cheered even louder and Pieter couldn't help but smile as Elsa took his proffered arm and they moved out of the church.

They were met by a large crowd of citizens yelling and cheering as they saw their Queen and her new husband for the first time. The sound was near deafening and Pieter could feel Elsa tense next to him, he reached over and patted her hand calling her attention to him, when she turned to him leaned down to her, gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek, and then whispered in her ear, "I will always have you."

"Thank you," she replied back quietly.

They both turned back to the crowd and waved before proceeding to the awaiting carriage and heading back to the castle for a night of food and merriment.

XXXX

For the first time since the accident, Elsa was actually enjoying a party. When they'd first prepared to enter the party Elsa had felt a panic attack building, she wasn't surprised, once she had one she tended to be susceptible to more in the near future, but then Pieter was there. He had found her eyes, kissed her forehead, squeezed her hands and she suddenly felt grounded. It was astonishing to Elsa how easily he could calm her, only Anna could do the same. She didn't know what it meant but she was glad. He'd asked Kia to postpone their presentation for five minutes and then taken her out to one of the back balconies that faced the cliffs rather than the town, he had let her breathe, let her meditate, and calm her nerves and magic.

It had been weird being announced with him by her arm, but she instantly decided she liked it, preferred it even, it was fewer eyes on her with him by her side; at her side, that is where he had been throughout the entire evening. They ate together, danced together, and spoke with well-wishers together.

Elsa had enjoyed witnessing Pieter with his parents and siblings throughout the evening. It was refreshing to see how close his family was, to discover that her family's closeness was not a complete rarity in the royal world. She heard hilarious tales of youthfulness from Sophie and Mary. She learned of boyhood adventures from Charles and even Harkon. Prince Isaac and Princess Catherine were reserved yet kind and appeared from the discreet laughter she could hear coming from her aunt periodically, were getting along well with the Coronian King and Queen.

"Your Majesty, Your Royal Highness." Elsa was pulled back to reality by Marius and his wife.

"Prime Minister, I've barely seen you this evening, I hope you are enjoying yourself this evening."

Marius smiled, "Very much Ma'am. Ingrid and I wished to convey our congratulations and best wishes this evening."

Elsa smiled at the older couple, it was always clear to Elsa whenever she saw them together how much they loved each other. Ingrid was a woman of small stature but she held herself high with confidence and grace. "Thank you."

"With Your Majesty's permission we will be taking our leave, and if I may be so bold, perhaps You Majesty and his Highness should consider the same." He bowed and left before Elsa could recover.

"What has you uncharacteristically gobsmacked?" Anna asked, coming up next to Elsa. She looked stunning in her golden off the shoulder dress with emerald embroidery on the skirt and collar line. She wore a golden tiara with emeralds and diamonds.

"Our dear cousin the Prime Minister suggested that Pieter and I take our leave." Anna doubled over in laughter at the astonishment in Elsa's voice.

When she recovered she laid a hand on her sister's arm, "He's not wrong, Kristoff and I were long gone by this time at our reception."

Elsa shook her head, "There are so many people we haven't spoken to yet, and the party is still going on, and…"

Anna reached out and cupped Elsa's cheek in her hand, "and nothing. If someone wanted to talk to you that desperately and hasn't found you in the past four hours then it couldn't have been that important. Wedding receptions always continue after the bride and groom have left, and there are many here who would like to see this night bear...fruit," Anna winked wickedly, "so they won't mind if you left."

"Anna," Elsa said firmly but there was a nervous edge to her voice. Anna gently led her to one of the side balconies.

She turned to Elsa and gave her a big long reassuring hug before pulling away, "You don't have to do anything tonight, this is the 19th century, they won't be coming in the check to see if the marriage was consummated or not. There is however no reason to not enjoy tonight, just let things happen and if you aren't comfortable you can stop, but don't let fear stop you from trying."

Elsa swallowed deeply and then hugged her sister again. As she pulled away she sighed, "Your right I know you are. Thank you."

"Not a problem, what are sisters for, besides the quicker you're with child the sooner I won't be your heir anymore, so hurry up, this job is exhausting."

"Anna!" Elsa yelped at her sister's words. Anna just laughed and headed back into the ballroom.

Elsa took a few more minutes to herself gathering her composure before she returned herself. She found Pieter speaking with the Grand Duke of Tuscany. "Ah Your Majesty, your look radiant today, and may I extend my congratulation to you and His Highness on this joyous day."

Elsa smiled politely, "Thank you, Your Grace. I do hope you and the Grand Duchess have enjoyed yourselves this evening."

"We have. Arendelle is a splendid nation, we've been delighted to find all it has to offer, we would, at your earliest convenience like to engage in talks about a potential partnership between our two countries."

Elsa nodded, "We would be honored to join you in such talks. Please have your ambassador reach out to our Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baron Englefjord, we can let them start the negotiations if that is amicable to Your Grace."

"It is Your Majesty. I will take my leave, I believe my wife is hoping for another dance before we retire tonight."

Once the Grand Duke was gone Elsa turned to Pieter; "Would you mind if we retired this evening," she was shy.

"Not at all. Come My Queen." he offered her arm and she took it without hesitation.

"You know you can call me Elsa now that we are married," she reminded him as they head towards Kia who was stationed at the doors that exited towards the private residency wing.

Pieter leaned down and kissed her cheek, pulling away he paused at her ear, "You will always be my queen." Elsa felt a shiver roll down her spine at his words.

"Kia, Her Majesty, and I will be taking our leave for the night, please ensure we are not disturbed this evening unless it is urgent."

"As you wish Your Highness. May I extend my congratulations and best wishes to you both once again…" Kia paused a moment and Elsa saw a rare glimpse of emotions fill the stoic servant's eyes, "and if you would excuse the informality, I wish for you to know that this old man's heart is lighter this day." Elsa felt her breath catch in her throat and her heartache with love. Kia had been like a second father to her, especially after her parents passed away, he was one of only a few who had known the truth of her powers and had stood beside her as a consistent guide all her life. He so rarely broke from his role as servant first and foremost, so for him to break protocol at this moment meant more to Elsa than she could ever say, so instead, she leaned down to her old companion and kissed his cheek before pulling away and giving him a gentle smile.

The walk down to Elsa's suites was quiet but not uncomfortable, it was a long walk, as Elsa's suites were at the furthest Northwestern corner. The renovations to this side of the castle had been started immediately after the announcement of the engagement. Elsa's small modest suite that contained an average-sized bed camber, a small bathroom, and a small study, were tripled in size. Her bedroom had been expanded as it now contained a King size bed and a small sitting area by the fireplace, the bathroom had been expanded and upgraded with all the newest technologies including a flushing toilet and a running bath. A larger sitting room had been added so that Elsa and Pieter could host private gatherings if they wished. Two offices, one for Elsa and one for Pieter connected to this space, lastly, a second bedroom was created, it was not uncommon for there to be a king's and queen's bedrooms in royal suites, especially when most marriages were political and the couples only shared a bed for the expressed purpose of producing an heir. Elsa was well aware that Kristoff rarely used his own bedroom, the only times had occurred when either he or Anna was sick and didn't want the other to fall ill. Elsa was unaware if her parents slept regularly together or not. All of the rooms except Pieter's office were lavishly decorated in a simple yet elegant way that was Elsa. She had ordered the decorators to leave the office alone, it was Pieter's space and she wanted him to feel as if it was his for it to reflect who he was.

She paused at the entrance to her bedroom, Pieter standing at her side. She could feel herself panicking, her breath rate increasing, fear slowly gripping her heart. She'd never been as close to another person as she was about to be with Pieter tonight. She rarely initiated physical contact with anyone, Anna being the only exception; even with Kristoff Elsa could name the number of times she'd initiated a hug or kiss to the cheek on one hand, and three times had occurred the day he married Anna.

"I can go to my room if you'd like." Pieter's kind understands voice told her. She closed her eyes and shook her head. "No, if I don't do this now, I may never."

Pieter took her shoulders and turned her to face him, his face showed his worry, "I don't want to be with you because you feel you have too, that it is your duty to be with me in order to produce an heir. I want you to want to be with me. I want you to be ready, to not fear me. Whatever you decided tonight I will still care for you" His words were firm yet understanding. He meant what he said and Elsa knew it. It was all she really needed, to know that if she said 'no' he would not be disappointed in her or angry with her. That he would understand her and where she came from.

Elsa leaned up onto her toes, her arms going around his shoulders, and brought his lips to hers, as the touch she spoke, "thank you," and then she kissed him. It was a passionate kiss, one like they had never had before, he reciprocated by deepening the kiss further. Suddenly she felt herself being lifted and cradled in his arms. He pulled away from her, his eyes searching her face, "Are you sure?"

Elsa bit her lip and then nodded, "Yes."

XXXX

The mid-day sun peeked through the curtains of the room, the beam illuminating Elsa's face, causing her to roll away from it and bumping into something. Startled for a moment Elsa shot up and looked down, her groggy brain taking a moment to realize what she had bumped into was Pieter. He was sprawled out next to her, his naked form only partially covered by the sheets. Her gazed caressed the long lean muscles of his back, the tight roundness of one of his butt cheeks, and down the single exposed strong muscular leg. Elsa felt herself blush. Last night had been beyond anything she had ever experienced in her life. To say the night had gone off without a hitch would be a spectacular lie. Elsa's inexperience and fear had reared its ugly head several times as she explored this new aspect of her relationship with Pieter. She'd dropped the temperature of the room causing him to chatter his teeth and his breath to be visible twice, and she'd nearly run away when he'd finished removing her clothing, exposing her to him for the first time, but through it all Pieter had been patient and gentle with her. He had taken her to places physically she'd never known she could go before he ever even thought of allowing himself to be pleasured by her. When he'd finally entered her there was no pain, only shock of the unexpected and then an unimaginable pleasure and desire she was sure could ever be duplicated, of course, she found out she was wrong about two more times that night. She never knew you could simultaneously want something to continue and stop at the same time. As for her magic, it didn't remain dormant per se, in fact, she could feel it buzzing beneath her skin, in her heart, in her mind, as they engaged in the physical expression of love together, but it also didn't escape her in her most uncontrolled emotional moments. Arianna, Anna, and Rapunzel had been right all along she had nothing to worry about. Love was the key to her control, and at that moment as she connected in the most intimate of ways with Pieter, she felt nothing but love for the man who had become her friend and companion in life.

"A krone for your thoughts?" Elsa glanced up to see twinkling his grey-blue eyes; Elsa ducked her head as her cheeks heated up.

"Ahh, I see, last night." Elsa shivered as warm fingertips traced the curves of her naked body from her hips to her breast. He moved so that he was hovering over her, "Would you like an encore?"

Elsa bit her lip, oh did she want to, "As much as that sounds like the most amazing thing, we do have to make an appearance today, there are foreign dignitaries to thank and see off and a few final meetings before we leave."

They were scheduled to take a three-week vacation, the French ambassador, on behalf of his government, had offered them the use of one of the old places in the southern region of the country which was supposed to be gorgeous and pleasantly warm at this time of year. They'd spend the majority of the time on a ship, but since they were to take one of the steamships, not as long as they would have on the Aurora.

"Fine, but I don't plan on letting you leave our bed once we leave." He grumbled. Elsa blushed and laughed at the same time. "You have my word I will submit myself to you every whim once we have left Arendelle."

Pieter raised an eyebrow at her, "Every whim?" Elsa gulped, "within reason" she amended.

The rest of the day had passed in a blur, between her final meeting with the council, her private meeting with Anna to go over everything that needs to happen in the next three weeks as well as covering some situations that could happen but hopefully wouldn't, and seeing off the many foreign royals and dignitaries who'd come in for the wedding Elsa didn't think she'd have the energy to engage in any frivolity that night, Pieter again proved her wrong.

She now found herself on the docks of Arendelle hugging Anna closely, "Don't worry we'll be back before you know it." Elsa was well aware that like herself Anna was not a fan of long sea voyages. Anna shrugged, "I know, but don't come home too soon, enjoy this time together, believe me when you get back, you'll miss it."

"I'll keep that in mind." Elsa then gave her Aunt and Uncle a hug each, "Safe trip to you, please give Rapunzel our love."

"We will. Enjoy your honeymoon." Arianna smiled and shooed her towards Pieter who had finished saying goodbye to his own cousins.

Before she knew it Elsa was watching Arendelle disappearing in the distance, Pieter walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, she tensed a moment and then relaxed. She wondered if she would ever stop doing that. "It will still be standing when we return." Pieter told her as he rested his chin on top of her head, "I think at least."

Elsa giggled. "Come now my Prince, I believe you stated you never wanted me to leave our bed once we left Arendelle." Elsa burst into a loud laugh as she found herself swept up in his arms, "As you wish My Queen."