A/N: I am sorry, I know it is taking me a long time to get these updates up, I promise I am trying. Work and family always take precedent and unfortunately have been overwhelming as of late. We are almost to the end of Book 2! Just a chapter or two more. I am debating if I should continue with Book 3 on this thread like I did Book 2 or start a new thread. It will be very different from the last two books. Thoughts?

I wanted to express my appreciation to all of you who have stuck with me through this long journey, even with the long breaks between chapters. I will try to do better this summer, I should have more time to write. THANK YOU all again and please continue to let me know your thoughts.

Turning Point

August 1846

Elsa's Security Council; Admiral Pedersen, Minister Christianson, Minister Englefjord, and General Evensen sat around the table in Elsa's office. General Evensen was a new addition to the Security Council, he was in his 50s with graying blonde hair, a thick well-groomed mustache and beard, a tall and stocky build, and stern brown eyes that were ever aware of his setting. Elsa had decided after her niece and nephew's attempted kidnapping that another point of view and resource would be beneficial. It appeared she'd been correct in her assumptions as the man stood and pointed to a small village in the north of Arendelle boarding the plateaus the Northunda inhabited. "My colonel reports much discontent in the fringe villages along this strip of our border, in particular this village. The people believe that the crown cares not for them and solely cares for their taxes."

Admiral Pedersen continued where the General left off, " The county is a crown county, with no Baron or Earl overseeing it, the Thor's Hunting Lodge is within the county. The steward is Crown Representative."

Elsa knew of the steward but she had not been to the royal hunting lodge since she was a child. "I had planned to spend the summer there, until the kidnapping. I called off the vacation to be close should developments arise in determining who set up the kidnapping."

Minister Christianson cleared his throat, "Ma'am, I've been over the criminal records for the county, and there seems to be a discrepancy." Elsa arched an eyebrow, she didn't like the way Fredrick said discrepancy, "Discrepancy?"

"The county has the highest rate of crimes in the country by 30%, most of the offenses are petty crimes punishable by fines. The fines being levied are also above the average for the country."

Elsa's heart was sinking as she leaned forward, she felt her magic swirling inside her, her face remained stoic; however, "how much higher?"

Fredricksen looked away a moment as if he was gathering his nerve, "Fifty percent Ma'am. As you know, each misdemeanor and felony offense has a specific punishment assigned to it, with a range of severity that is decided by the magistrate in the county. It would appear that the fines for misdemeanors in the county are regularly higher than what is given in other counties, in particular for first offenses."

"Are they within our suggested range?' Elsa asked, while this was disconcerting information, there was nothing illegal about a strict and heavy-handed magistrate.

"They are, but they are not within the highly suggested range laid out for each offense. Higher penalties are usually set aside for more egregious and repeat offenses. That is not the problem; however."

Elsa knew they were trying to break some type of bad news to her gently but she was tired of the tip-toeing. "Just tell me what the problem is, Minister."

It was Minister Englefjord who responded, "The monies being levied through fines do not match the financial reports being reported by the steward. The money that makes up the difference between the national average and the amount the magistrate is setting is missing."

Elsa was shocked but did not let it show, she needed to remain calm and in control of the situation. 'How long has this been going on?'

"Minister Brikeburg is still going through old tax records but from what he's been able to ascertain is approximately 5 years, the quarter after you announced your engagement to His Highness," stated Minister Christianson.

Elsa stood up suddenly, "Five years, how has this been going on for five years and we are just learning of it now?"

Admiral Pederson spoke next as both Minister Christiansen and Minister Englefjord looked too shocked by Elsa's outburst to respond. "The criminal records and the fines levied from misdemeanors and felonies are not usually cross-checked with the financial reports sent by the crown representatives for each county. It was only after General Evensen heard of the discontent in the region over the income gap between those who worked for the crown and the general citizens did anyone think to look at the records in such a manner."

Elsa stood and walked across the room and looked out towards the fjord, the sea birds were sweeping down to the surface of the water one after the other, a bait ball was clearly in the harbor. The wind blew a warm breeze across her face, she took a deep breath. "I want a full audit of the financial reports from each county going back twenty years, I want them cross-referenced with every other report we receive that brings in revenue. I want any discrepancies noted and investigated."

She turned to look at her council, they were shocked by her order, such an audit was unprecedented. "It is clear, though you have not said it to me in so many words, that you believe that kidnapping plot was domestic in nature and was funded by ill-gotten gains funneled from a scheme devised by someone in my government potentially the steward of Thor's Hunting Lodge or the magistrate, or perhaps both of them." She moved from the balcony to the map of Arendelle before, "Furthermore, the kidnapping was likely devised to keep me from traveling to the royal hunting lodge and discovering the discontent within the county and therefore discovering the racketeering or if that is not the case there is a domestic group who wishes to hurt the royal family likely because they are not satisfied with their Queen."

If Elsa was not so irate she would have noticed the pride in both Admiral Pedersen and General Evensen's eyes; however, she was seething with anger and disbelief. "General please coordinate with Captain Knutsen, I wish to travel to Thor's Hunting Lodge as soon as possible. We will get to the bottom of this situation immediately. I will also hold a three-day Royal audience with the people to hear their grievances, and visit each of the villages that have expressed their discontent with the Crown."

General Evensen stepped forward, "Ma'am I don't believe it is safe to go to this region at this time. Please allow us time to do a formal inquiry and bring the leaders of both the kidnapping and the fines scheme to justice."

Elsa paused, the General was being reasonable, but Elsa felt it in her gut that she needed to visit the region, it had gone neglected for too long. She had managed to visit at least once all the other seven counties during her reign, it was time she showed her face to her people in the most remote region. "You have a month, then I am leaving."

The General bowed, "As you wish Your Majesty."

The four men filed out of the office leaving Elsa to her ruminations. The prospect that the kidnapping was a domestic job was disconcerting on many levels. Elsa knew from the moment she took the throne that there were areas of Arendelle, especially the towns and villages on the periphery, that felt neglected by her father. It was why, despite her discomfort, she'd begun visiting the counties and villages in the different regions of Arendelle when she took the throne, she had just never made it to the far north-central villages and towns. They were remote and difficult to get to. "I have to fix that," Elsa said to herself as she pulled the map of Arendelle closer to her. Her mind began wondering if a railway from the capital directly to the region was a possibility.

"Kai," she called out towards the door where she knew Kai would be waiting patiently to be needed.

He promptly opened the grand door, "Your Majesty?"

She glanced up from the map, "Please inform the Prime Minister as well as Ministers Johanson, Karldotter, Brikeberg, and Gundersen that I would like to discuss in depth the feasibility of building a railroad from the capital to" Elsa paused and looked at the map again, "Either Knabe or Eikerapen. I want to know the pros and cons of a private company or the Crown constructing the rail line. Furthermore; I want to know the impact on the environment in the area and how many spurs to other towns would be possible along the route."

If Kai was surprised by the request he did not show it he simply bowed and left. Now that that brain bug was out Elsa refocused on the information she was just given.

She walked back out to the balcony, the sun was beginning its descent; however, at this time of year, there would be no true night, just twilight for a few hours. Elsa missed the stars this time of year, their warm glue in the night sky had always been like a beacon to her, that there was something more outside her room, an entire cosmos to discover. Instead of making her feel insignificant, it made her hopeful for what lay beyond her bedroom door, the castle gates, and the boundaries of Arendelle.

Elsa had traveled beyond her door, that castle, and even the boundaries of Arendelle and the world she found was both more extraordinary and terrifying than she had ever dreamed. The world was no more ready for her gift than Arendelle had been. Now she faced enemies both foreign and domestic.

The situation in the North she prayed was unique and not a microcosm of how the rest of Arendelle was feeling. Could there be other terrorist groups in the country? Elsa rubbed her face with her hand; she wasn't entirely convinced that whoever was behind the financial fraud in the north was also the mastermind behind the kidnapping. The plot had been so secretive; the assailants were foreign and paid with money other than Arendellian. It was so professional, and while Elsa tried her best not to underestimate anyone, it seemed too clean to be run by a steward and a magistrate.

Elsa's head began to hurt, her thoughts brimming as if they would explode out of her cranium. The sound of little feet followed by larger ones drifted towards her.

"Mama."

"Mama."

"Mama."

Came three tiny voices followed by a desperate-sounding Nanny Tara, "My little princess and princes, your Mama is working, we need to give her time, come now, Olaf is waiting to tell you a story in the library."

Elsa laughed to herself, all three of her children had learned to walk since their birthday two months ago. Now at 14 months, they were tearing through the castle uttering one of the three words they had in their tiny repertoire, Mama, Papa, and Off ( which meant Olaf).

Knowing she needed to continue her work but at that moment needing her little loves more, she crossed the office quickly and threw open the doors just as Nanny Tara and an overwhelmed-looking guard had managed to get all three children into their arms.

"Mama!" they yelled in unison.

Elsa laughed as they squirmed free and toddled over to her, "Did I hear Olaf is going to tell you a story?" Aren nodded to her happily, Elsa leaned over and kissed the tip of his nose, "well then let's go hear it." She proceeded to lift Solveig and Haakan into her arms while Nanny Tara lifted Aren. A story from Olaf was just the medicine Elsa needed.

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September 1846

The seventh grandchild and fourth granddaughter of the late King Agnar and Queen Iduna came roaring into the world in the early morning hours of a mid-September day. Freya Helene Aslaug Bjorgman it seemed was determined to grant her Aunt's wish and arrived the eve before Elsa was due to travel north to Knaben. She was smaller than her brother and sister had been at birth but still larger than the triplets had been. She had a small tuft of auburn hair upon her head and her eyes were already green. The triplets were a little confused by the sudden presence of the new baby but seemed generally happy. Renee instantly began acting like a little mother to her baby sister, insisting the nurses get more blankets. Christopher was the most hesitant. Kristoff didn't blame his son, he'd gone from being the only baby in the family to one of six in five short years.

He decided his son needed some time alone with him so after wishing Elsa goodbye the next day he took his son on a long horseback ride through the fields and orchards. Kristoff decided to keep silent as they rode, allowing his son to speak if he wished in his own time. They'd reached the end of the apple orchard and were preparing to turn back when his little prince finally spoke.

"You don't have any brothers or sisters right, Papa?"

Kristoff nodded, "That is true, my parents died when I was very young."

Christopher nodded before continuing, his gaze in the direction of the castle, "and Tante Elsa is Mama's only sister."

He was stating the obvious, but Kristoff let him go, he was clearly talking himself through his thoughts. "Tante is the oldest and is Queen, I am older than my sisters and all of my cousins, but I will not be king. Aren is the Crown Prince, but Mama was Crown Princess before he was born."

"That is true."

Christopher bit his lip, "Tante takes care of everyone and protects everyone, as Crown Prince Aren should take care of everyone, even if he is younger than me?"

Kristoff was losing his son now, "Chris what are you asking? What's wrong?" Chris shrugged his shoulder and then let out a huff. "I don't know Papa, I just feel like I should take care of everyone, protect them, I am the oldest, but Aren is Crown Prince, and one day he will be King, and that means it's his job to take care of everyone just like Tante."

Kristoff smiled at Chris, his son had such a big heart, but the complex nature of titles and politics was confusing him. "I don't know what I'm supposed to do," Chris cried, a little tear coming down his cheek.

Kristoff dismounted his horse quickly and went to his son, pulling him off his poney Kristoff wrapped him in a big hug. "You have a big heart my son, never lose that," Kristoff said as he sat them on the ground. Kristoff brushed Christopher's hair from his eyes, he'd have to get the royal barber to cut it. "Christopher, Tante doesn't take care and protect everyone just because she is Queen or because she is the oldest, she does it because she loves her family and her country. Mama takes care of Tante in return and I look after them both. There is no rule saying just because you are a king or queen or the eldest in the family you have to be the family guardian, we all take care of each other, and that is what family does. You are the oldest cousin, your sisters and cousins will all look up to you and you should look out for them but you should let them look after you in return."

Christopher thought about Kristoff's words for a little while longer, "I think I understand, but how come when we get announced at events Aren is always presented right before Tante?"

Kristoff laughed despite himself, "It's politics and tradition my son, and despite my best efforts I still don't understand; something about the order of precedence. When Tante Elsa gets home, ask her about it, not your mother, she gets just as confused as I do. The important thing to remember is that in this family there is no hierarchy, we are all equals in this family, and our titles and duties only matter when we are working or at royal events. Does that make sense?"

Christopher scrunched his face, "I think so, but doesn't Mama have to ask Tante's permission for a bunch of things, like getting married to you?"

Kristoff rolled his eyes and his shoulders slumped, it was going to be a long ride home, perhaps it was a good idea to brush up on his royal etiquette skills.

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October 1846

Thor's Hunting Lodge could be considered a modest manor home compared to Arendelle Castle and the Summer Palace yet it was still a sight to be seen. The 20,000-acre estate encompassed the main house, stables, two chapels, a royal cottage, several small cottages for staff, and four villages as well as farmland and forest. The manor house was three floors with an additional attic where servant quarters were found. There was a library, saloon, ballroom, large dining room, and kitchen on the first floor; the second floor contained a small dining room, parlor, game room, and two larger suites that each contained a bedroom and sitting room; the third floor consisted of all bedrooms. It was shaped like a U with entry from the main gates into the courtyard at the front. The outside was all white and it shone brightly in the sun. The four-acre manor garden consisted of native plants, flowers, and trees, sculptures from famous Arendellian and Scandinavian artists, and a large lake stocked with native fish. While Arendelle Castle and the Summer Palace displayed a mixture of Arendellian, Scandinavian and European art, architecture, flora, and fauna, Thor's Hunting Lodge was a display of all things Scandinavian and Arendellian; it was a celebration of their ancestry and history.

It was quite a beautiful place, the steward had done a magnificent job maintaining the property, and it was ready for the royal family to return at a moment's notice; unfortunately, the steward had conspired with the local magistrate to improve their lifestyles. They had readily admitted to swindling the Crown out of the funds gained from the high fees they levied for misdemeanors and felonies in the region. They however denied orchestrating the kidnapping.

This made Elsa nervous, the evidence for racketeering was abundant, yet no evidence had been found to charge the two with masterminding the kidnapping. Either the two had been extra careful to cover their tracks or they were telling the truth and the entity behind the kidnapping remained in the shadows. Elsa was growing tired of being outmaneuvered and in the fog about those who wished her and her family ill will.

Speaking of ill will, the people of the region had much towards their Monarch. Elsa had just finished her fourth and final audience this month. The people were none too pleased to learn that their crown representative and magistrate had managed to fool the Crown out of thousands perhaps hundreds of thousands of kroner for five years. Elsa was stunned to see the state of some of the villages in the area, they were among the poorest in the nation, and it did not sit well with her.

Elsa decided that she would sit resolutely through each audience, listen to her people, and do her best to help. It would take years to repair the damage that had been done due to decades of neglect and scandal.

She now stood with a man by the name of Otto, who had been chosen by the leaders of each village to be their new Crown Representative. The search for a new magistrate was still on, but at the very least, the Crown was to be represented by a man that was held in high regard by the people of the region.

"While it will be an arduous task, we will determine each individual who was given a fine larger than the national average and provide compensation. Compensation shall be the difference between the average fine for the crime and the amount that was levied." Elsa told the man of the first step of her plan. Minister Brikenberg scowled but Elsa ignored him. He had told her quite frankly that making up the difference would cost the country too much money; Elsa didn't care, the people of this region had been miss treated by those representing her and she would do her best to repair the strained relationship.

"Secondly, we will begin a large-scale infrastructure project, the main roads of every village will be paved, this will provide jobs for many of the men in the region, at least for the time being. Finally, a schoolhouse will be built in each village. The school will be funded by the government. The cost will be covered by the local government and the Crown."

Otto nodded his head to each step of the plan but said little else until Elsa had finished. He then looked up at her, his eyes searching her own before nodding once again. "These initiatives are all well and good Your Majesty. We have been asking for such things for many years now; however, more will need to be done if Your Majesty wishes to regain her people's trust."

Elsa wanted to sigh but resisted, she was this man's Queen and she needed to be above such demonstrations of emotions. "I am aware of this Master Otto, the process of regaining the people's trust can not be completed in short order nor with a few social projects. I promise this region will not be overlooked again and we will continue to support the people. To show our appreciation and dedication to the region, the Royal Family will visit on an annual basis each year so that we may learn about the rich culture of the region. Thor's Hunting Lodge shall not remain dormant for such a long time ever again."

Otto gave Elsa the briefest of smiles before leaving to begin his job as Crown Representative. Elsa turned to Lief, "Minister Brikeberg, how long until you will have the final totals for these initiatives?"

Lief didn't respond immediately, instead, he appeared briefly disappear into his mind before responding, "Six to eight weeks Your Majesty. As I mentioned already, between the audit you have requested, the investigation into building a railway, and these projects, my office is stretched thin." He paused for a moment as if he was deciding whether he should continue his thought. "Ma'am, I know that what occurred here was an atrocity, I feel for the people, but I do not believe we can afford to complete all of these projects in addition to the other social projects we are undergoing. We are still building schools in many other villages in the country, as well as installing more telegraph lines across the country. Then of course we are still budgeting for the cast-iron pipelines you've requested we install in the capital for firefighting."

Elsa gave her Minister a small smile of appreciation, "I understand your concerns, Minister, I know that I have asked much of you this past year. I am aware that my ambitions for our country do not always align with the funds we have available. I would never want to put Arendelle in debt and I appreciate your guidance. I am asking that these three requests become our new priority. We have no matter how unintentional, through gross negligence done our citizens here a great disservice, we must begin reparations immediately or the ramifications may be more costly than we could imagine. If the start of the rail line or the completion of the telegraph lines must be delayed due to insufficient funds; then so be it."

Minister Brikeberg nodded, "Yes, Your Majesty."

It was at that moment that Kai's assistant Matthew, a man in his late 30s, average height and build with blue eyes and caramel blonde hair, knocked on the door before entering. "Your Majesty, you have an urgent message."

Elsa took the letter and opened it quickly, when she read the contents her heart stopped a moment and her head swam."

"Your Majesty?" She heard Minister Brikeberg call for her. She suddenly realized that it had begun snowing in the office. She waved her hand dispelling the snow and then directed her attention to Matthew. "Matthew, inform everyone that we leave for Arendelle immediately."

Minister Brikeberg called her name as soon as Matthew was gone. "Ma'am, what has happened?"

Elsa glanced at the note in her hand, her throat squeezed shut for a moment, "The King of Norway has died."

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