Chapter 4

They had been flying for some time, through the clouds, out of view of the world below. The world above the clouds was sparkling, shiny, and new, a promise of another tomorrow, yet hers were numbered. A daughter for an alliance, a princess for a kingdom, a fate of many born into such a role. Yet, hers was ensnared by fear and hatred of her people, who wished nothing more then to be rid of her presence, of her terrifying powers.

In her head, she'd played out the scenario many times, she'd march into the throne room, in front of her parents and advisors, "I object to this marriage." She'd be fuming, outraged, but quickly it would die away, and she'd once again, be the scared princess, fearful of her own abilities. She'd put her parents in a terrible position, put their status as king and queen at risk if their people were to rebel out of fear of her, she'd put her entire family at risk. A deep seeded part of her nearly wanted everything to fall into chaos, to demand her freedom, to run away from Arendelle, the world.

But then there was Anna.

She loved her sister more then anything, more then anyone. How could she destroy her future before it had begun? Anna had a lover, a life, a future here. She would be queen one day. That was now her future and not one Elsa could jeopardize, would not. For everything terrible that had happened in her life, Anna had been her shining beacon of light in the dark. If she could not fulfill her role as heir, she would uphold her role as a big sister.

Elsa sighed heavily; her heart felt heavier. She wanted to hate them, the people of Arendelle for casting her out, turning their backs on her, shipping her off to Berk to become a broodmare for a barbarian chief of Vikings. But she couldn't, she still cared for her people. Maybe she truly was beyond all help.

"That's a heavy sigh," A voice behind her spoke softly. Elsa blinked, once, twice. She'd nearly forgotten all about her hero. "Is everything okay?" Hiccup had felt her body grow tense at his words. He quickly backtracked, "I mean, you don't have to talk about it if you really don't want to…" He began to ramble awkwardly, Elsa smiled faintly, it was an endearing trait she admitted.

Elsa looked up at the clear, blue, pristine sky. "Do you ever feel like you have no control of your life?" Her voice was thick, hollow, icy all at once. It spoke volumes of a raging storm silently brewing beneath the surface of her skin. "You have no choice, everything is decided for you, and for the sake of duty and honor you must do what is asked of you. Even if every fiber in your being is screaming to say no, but you can't." Elsa tuned and looked at him, she felt a nervous flutter in throat at the sight of his expression. A strange combination of surprise and resentment resided on the dragon rider's face, it was only for a moment, and quickly it was buried away and a composed, stoic expression emerged.

"Yeah, I do." He sighed, equally as heavy hearted. "I've had my fair share, believe me."

Elsa looked at him, her expression regrettably sharp, worried more words would pour out. Words that should not be spoken, but buried away, concealed, not shown or expressed. "Any advice?" Her voice was small, sad.

Hiccup offered her a slight smile, apologetic. "Unfortunately, no. I haven't exactly figured out what to do in those circumstances." He looked thoughtful for a moment. "I'm kind of stuck myself, to be completely honest."

Elsa nodded slowly, "Maybe if you figure it out one day, you'll let me know."

Hiccup chuckled and nodded, "You'll be the first." He promised, Elsa returned her gaze to the sky. "We should be reaching the castle soon."

Elsa blinked, suddenly very aware of her surroundings, her soon to be surroundings. "Why the castle, why was that your first instinct to go to?"

Hiccup looked sheepish, "Uh, I kind of have some business there to attend to, and I'm running very late." Elsa furrowed a brow at this. "And, I'm not very familiar with this land, I would think there would be medical assistance offered at the castle to one of their people. I wouldn't expect the king and queen to turn away an injured villager."

Elsa chewed her lip thoughtfully, "N-no of course not." She stammered out, her mind was reeling, thinking of a plan, an escape, anything. "I think making such an entrance with a dragon may frighten the civilians. People of Arendelle are very mistrusting of dragons… and…"

Hiccup didn't need her to continue, "Vikings." He finished for her gently. Elsa looked at him apologetically over her shoulder, and gave a small nod.

"I'm sorry."

Hiccup chuckled, "Don't be, it's not the first time my people have been discriminated against and it won't be the last."

Elsa's gaze was downcast, "People discriminate against things they don't understand, out of fear."

"For most, yes." Hiccup agreed quietly. He sighed, "What do you suggest? I don't really want to cause a commotion."

Elsa nodded, thinking to herself. "There's a quiet area just behind the castle we can land, it's hidden from view, not many will wander over there." Hiccup nodded and followed Elsa's directions once the castle had come into view upon the horizon. Skillfully, and silently, Toothless made his descent. Just as she'd said, there was no one there, it was just on the edge of the forest treeline behind the castle, a small meadow of a clearing. Toothless flapped his wings as he landed gently, being mindful of their injured passenger. Hiccup dismounted, before Elsa could react, he hoisted her into his arms. Elsa blushed brightly as he set her gently onto her feet. She wobbled, trying to regain her footing. Hiccup steadied her and chuckled admirably at her.

"Ah, sorry about that, should've warned you." Hiccup told her, holding her hand in his. "First time after a flight walking on ground can be an odd experience."

Elsa laughed, "You're not kidding. I still feel…" She tried to think of the correct word. "Light."

Hiccup smiled, "That's normal, I promise. It'll fade once you start walking around a bit."

"Thanks," Elsa nodded as she glanced down at their joined hands and then back up at him. "I think I'll be okay now." She told him with a faint gleam to her eyes.

Hiccup awkwardly released her hand and rubbed the back of his head sheepish as he laughed, Toothless tilted his head and twitched his ears as he studied his best friend acting out of character. "Ah, sorry about that."

Elsa looked down and twisted the tip of frayed braid between her fingers, "It's okay." She looked up at him, "Thank you again for saving me." She looked at Toothless, "Both of you." Toothless offered her a gummy grin.

"Don't mention it," Hiccup smiled at her brightly. "It was our pleasure, right bud."

Toothless warbled, his tail flicking back and forth like a puppy. He walked over and circled around Elsa and nudged his head under her hand, she blinked at him curiously before reaching out a hand to scratch him behind his ear. Toothless melted into her touch.

Hiccup looked slightly surprised, but also relieved to see a citizen of Arendelle befriending a dragon. "He really likes you."

Elsa laughed, looking down at Toothless warmly, "The feeling is very mutual." Toothless crooned happily.

There was a sound voices in the distance, "Where did he go?" It was familiar, annoyed voice, Snotlout. Hiccup shook his head, running a hand over his face, of course it was his cousin, only he could be so loud.

Elsa looked up startled as the voices got closer, there was a female one pipping up now, "Hey, I see a black blob over there."

Another voice groaned loudly, "That's not a black blob, idiot, it's a dragon."

Elsa quickly disentangled herself from Toothless, the dragon watched her curiously, Hiccup was fully turned to his approaching friends. Elsa glanced around, she limbed, but hurried away while Hiccup was to preoccupied running over and calling out to his friends to get their attention.

"Hey guys!"

"Hiccup, there you are!" Fishlegs shouted as they approached.

"Where've you been man, your dad is furious." Snotlout shook his head disapprovingly. "We've been looking for you all morning, what gives, did you get cold feet already?" He teased snidely.

Hiccup ignored him completely, "Sorry guys, I went for a flight to clear my head and we found someone in trouble."

Snotlout rolled his eyes, "Likely story, off playing hero."

Hiccup glared at him, "I'm not lying, I'll introduce you to her."

"Oh, it's a her." Tuffnut teased. "Already trying to get some action in before the big day huh, nice."

"W-what, no, stop," Hiccup snapped, pinching the bridge of his nose to stop the headache he felt coming up. "It's not like that at all."

"Uh huh, sure man, whatever you say." Tuffnut nudged him in the rib.

"Would you cut it out," Hiccup pushed his arm away.

"Whatever, introduce us to this damsel you saved." Snotlout appeared unconvinced. Hiccup rolled his eyes.

"She's right there," Hiccup turned, his friends followed his line of vision.

Ruffnut looked at him, then back again at the sight before them. "Um, I'm no expert, but that's a dragon, specifically yours."

"She was just there, I swear." Hiccup told them.

"Yeah, right," Snotlout shook his head. "You're not convincing anyone buddy, just hurry up and find your dad, he's been expecting you for sometime now."

Tuffnut sighed exasperatedly, "Not cool man, I was hoping to find a hot Arendelle chick to bring to the wedding. They're way different then Viking women, that's for sure. They're more, delicate. I like it."

Hiccup sighed, "Shut up, Tuffnut."

"Whatever," The blonde Viking turned and followed after Snotlout.

Fishlegs paused for a moment, expression kind. "I believe you."

Hiccup offered him a small smile, "Thanks, Fishlegs." The large Viking nodded before hurrying off after their friends. Astrid was back at Berk, it was for the best, everyone had been in agreement.

Toothless wandered over to his side, warbled gently, "Where did she go?" Toothless looked at the castle, Hiccup followed his gaze. "The castle?" He murmured to himself. "Maybe she works there." He sighed, ruffling his tousled hair. "We better go get cleaned up boy, my dad's going to be so mad." Toothless warbled sympathetically to his friend's plight.

Somehow Elsa managed to make her escape and make into the security behind the castle walls. She could not risk her identity being discovered. As she limbed through the palace walls, it was not long until someone found her, and it was Gerda and Kai of all people. She flinched when she heard their dramatic gasps as they took in the sight of their crown princess.

"Princess, what on earth happened to you?" Gerda demanded, though her eyes shone with the utmost concern. At least someone cared about her. Besides Gerda and Kai, majority of the royal servants walked in pins and needles around her, fearful of her powers and her inability to control them.

"Who did this to you princess?" Kai looked close to bursting at the seams with indignation.

"I…" Elsa began

Kai cut her off. "Was it those Vikings? How dare those barbarians lay a hand on a maiden, no less the princess of Arendelle, when your father hears of this…"

"No, just listen," Elsa looked at them desperately. "No one did this to me, I did this to myself. I went for a walk into the forest to clear my head and I fell… a lot."

"Princess, you mustn't be so careless!" Gerda chided her with tender disapproval in her gaze.

"I know, I'm sorry." Elsa whispered sadly.

"And at such a time, your highness." Kai sighed scoldingly. His words held a weight. And at such a time, her pending nuptials would be tomorrow, in a matter of hours she was to meet her intended, her Viking husband to be. Her heart plummeted at the thought alone.

"I'm sorry," Elsa apologized again. Gerda and Kai exchanged looks, they'd never seen their princess appear so defeated, her sparkle was gone, a shell of her former self.

Gerda sighed, she touched Elsa's head comfortingly, "Come my dear, let's get you washed up." She told her sweetly, Elsa only nodded slowly. Gerda began to guide her towards her room. The older woman cast Kai a gentle look. "Inform the king and queen, the princess has been located safe and sound. I will attend to her highness."

Of course," Kai nodded, his gaze upon the pretty blonde was sympathetic at best. "Pardon me, your highness." He walked off down the hallway.

Elsa limbed along Gerda who walked slowly, "What were you thinking my dear child?"

Elsa looked down calculating each footstep precisely so not to hurt her ankle more. "I was thinking I want to run away." She told the older woman with cold, quiet truth.

"Your highness," Gerda looked taken aback.

"I know," Elsa sighed. "I'm here, aren't I?" Her tone was flat, void of emotion.

Gerda nodded, "Yes my princess, you are." She wrapped an arm around her shoulder and offered it a squeeze of condolence. "Arendelle could not have a more noble princess. A princess who put her duty before herself."

Noble. Elsa scoffed at that word. Being blindly noble was nothing to find pride in. Being blindly noble to duty was even worse. The moment you chose to be noble above everything else, you shackled yourself to that word, you relinquished whatever freedom you once had. She was not a noble princess, she was not blindly bound to duty, no, she was merely a daughter, a sister, who worried for her family suffering the consequences of her choices if she were to run.

Elsa was led into her room, Gerda quickly began to run a hot bath for her, moments later she was stripped of her tattered gown and ushered into the steaming tub. Elsa sank into the hot water with a soft hiss, her ankle throbbed, but she pushed the pain away into the back of her mind. Gerda fussed over her, her mind was completely blank for a time as Gerda ran a brush through her hair, scrubbed her pale skin of the dirt, blood and grime the forest and wolves had left on her. She could hear the older woman murmuring to herself as she worked her magic.

After sometime, Elsa was hurried out of the tub, as Gerda and other servants had arrived by this time with her clothing and were helping to dry her and prepare her. She was dressed in a green, black dress, with gold detail and delicate embroidery, a purple cape, green gloves adorned her hands up to her elbow. Her hair was fixed into an elegant bun and a delicate crown set into hair, portraying her status of crown princess. For a moment they left her in peace. Her ankle throbbed, removing her glove, Elsa touched her ankle gingerly, from her hand a coldness seeped through, settling into her skin, numbing the pain. Elsa quickly pulled her hand back and studied it, it was there she caught herself in the mirror. She glanced at her appearance in the mirror, cold beauty, as the citizens of Arendelle called it stared back at her.

"Come princess, your parents are waiting for you." Gerda took her hand and began to lead her to the royal throne room.

Once there, Elsa was immediately greeted by her parents and sister, her mother embraced her, a small smile lit her lips, but her eyes shone was sadness. Her father had difficulty meeting her gaze, guilt flooded every fiber of his being. The advisors stood, dressed regally, they bowed at the entrance of their princess.

"Elsa, my child," King Agnarr spoke gently. "The Vikings chief and his son will be arriving soon. We wanted you two to meet before you were to…"

"Marry." Elsa finished for him. King Agnarr looked at his daughter guiltily.

"Yes," He sighed softly, Elsa only nodded and looked away. Her gaze fixated on the throne entrance. King Agnarr watched her in all her cold, detached beauty. He knew as a father he'd failed to protect his daughter.

Queen Iduna looked at her daughter, "Elsa…"

"I'm fine." She told them firmly. She felt a hand reach out and take hers and squeeze it, Elsa glanced to her side to see Anna looking at her with all the love in the world. Elsa smiled softly in return.

Agnarr and Iduna exchanged saddened glances at their daughter's dismissal of them. Before either could speak a word, a horn sounded, signalling the arrival of their esteemed guests. The doors opened, revealing Stoic, Valka, Gobber, his advisors, and the dragon riders of Berk.

"Are you okay?" Anna whispered to her sister, while Stoic, Valka, Agnarr and Iduna all greeted each other.

"No, I'm not." Elsa sighed. "But just like father said, conceal it, don't feel it, don't let it show."

"Elsa…" Anna whispered, but both daughters looked at their father when he spoke up.

"Your son," King Agnarr began.

Anna glanced through the faces and grimaced, "Please don't tell me its that pompous, black-haired Viking."

Elsa followed her sister's line of vision and nearly felt sick to her stomach. He reeked of an air of arrogance. "No…"

Stoic sighed, annoyed. "He's running late."

King Agnarr and Queen Iduna exchanged glances, "I see." The king spoke respectfully.

Valka offered a smile, "He'll be here any moment."

Iduna smiled, "Of course."

Elsa and Anna both released a breath of relief, they'd been scrutinizing the young male Vikings in the throne room, none eased Elsa's concern. It was then the door to the throne room burst open; a flurry of gasps was heard as a large black, batlike creature rushed in.

"What on earth?" The advisors shouted in fear.

"Hiccup!" Stoic demanded, his voice loud and fierce.

"Sorry, sorry," A voice called out, Elsa's ears perked at the familiar sound. A figure hurried in front of the black dragon. "Toothless wouldn't take no for an answer." He looked apologetically at everyone in the throne room, his family included. "I'm very sorry for the rude entrance, your highness." He bowed immediately in apology to the king and queen.

Elsa's eyes widened, he was wearing a more ornate version of his dragon armor, but was a thick fur pelt hanging from his shoulders as a cape. Anna nudged her sister gently, "Well, he's not bad looking. What do you think? I think he'd pretty cute." Anna giggled gleefully. "I mean not as cute as Kristoff, uh, don't tell him I said anything actually. He won't take it well. He's so soft, but he is my softy." Anna trialed off as she gushed quietly about her boyfriend.

"Anna," Elsa hissed at her, quickly gathering her sister's attention.

"What?" Anna was immediately alert as the one named Hiccup formally greeted their parents and the advisors.

"I met him already," Elsa hurriedly told her.

Anna's eyes widened, "What, how, when…? What? Why am I only hearing about this now?" She whispered angrily.

"It happened when I ran off to get some air, I ended up further in the mountains then I intended to be and he saved me." Elsa explained in a shortened version.

Anna was reeling, "Oh my god." Before she could speak another word, King Agnarr has turned towards them.

"I'd like to introduce my daughters, Hiccup. This is Princess Anna," King Agnarr spoke proudly as he gazed at each daughter. Hiccup slowly followed his gaze. "And this is Princess Elsa."

Brown locked with blue, and the entire world seemed to stop for a moment.

Hiccup stared at her, dumfounded, speechless for a moment, before he abruptly spoke, "It's you!"

"It's me," Elsa spoke slightly awkwardly.

"Hiccup," Stoic chided his son.

Hiccup blinked, and looked around at the curious stares, he laughed awkwardly, "Sorry, that was meant to be in my head, not out loud."

Anna turned to her sister; brow furrowed. "Okay, he's cute, but really weird."

Elsa ran a hand over her face and sighed, "Anna, you're not helping."

"Oh," Anna was immediately apologetic. "Sorry, sorry."

Iduna looked between Hiccup and her daughter curiously, "You two have… met?"

Elsa looked at Hiccup, crystalline eyes wide and frantic. Hiccup noticed immediately and cleared his throat, "Uh briefly, while was talking a walk with my dragon in the courtyard."

Iduna looked at her daughter, Elsa nodded promptly, "Yes, I was just getting some fresh air when he and his dragon stumbled into the courtyard, they'd gotten lost and needed some assistance. I just never realized he was the future chief of Berk, he forgot to mention that little detail." Her brow arched; eyes narrowed coolly onto him.

Hiccup easily picked up her subtle, accusing tone. "Likewise, she failed to mention who she was, otherwise I would have been more courteous of a woman of her status. My apologies, your highness."

Elsa was floored, her blue eyes narrowed coldly. Stoic and Valka, Agnarr and Iduna, exchanged glances. Agnarr offered Stoic a faint smile, "Shall we give them some time alone to get acquainted?"

"Yes, that's a fine idea." Stoic nodded, he nodded to his son. Gradually the Vikings and royal family shuffled out of the room, Anna looked sympathetically at her sister, her was too busy levelling the Viking heir was a frigid stare.

Once the door shut, Elsa and Hiccup continued to stare each other down. Elsa was the first to sigh. She looked apologetic, worried her sudden outburst had changed the atmosphere for the worse.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have spoken like that." Elsa said quickly, wincing.

Hiccup studied her for a long, shadowy moment, his face etched with a kind of emotion she could not pinpoint. A trickling sense of fear was travelling through her bloodstream, and she started to wonder where all the encompassing annoyance she'd felt earlier had gone.

Suddenly Hiccup burst out laughing, Elsa's expression shifted again, it was cold and humorless, while Hiccup's laugh was bright and warm. He quickly took noted of her unamused expression and coughed. "Sorry, I'm not laughing at you, just at the situation." He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "I was not expecting this. I wasn't expecting you to be the princess."

Elsa's eyes narrowed, "Excuse me? What is that supposed to mean?" She sounded irately offended.

Hiccup quickly held his hands up in defense, "No, no, that's not what I meant either. Don't get me wrong, you're beautiful, more then beautiful, what I meant was…"

This time Elsa laughed; it was a sweet, musical sound. "I'm sorry, your rambling, it's charming. I promise."

Hiccup raised a brow in good humor, "Uh huh, sure." Her laughter died down a few moments later. Hiccup looked at her, studied her more intently. He sighed, "So you're Princess Elsa."

"And You're Hiccup, the future chief of Berk." Elsa nodded, both had suddenly grown serious, a heavy weight hung in the air.

"Why didn't you tell me who you were back on the mountain?" Hiccup asked her curiously.

Elsa winced, "I… I couldn't…" She trailed off as he looked at her in blatant confusion.

"Why not?"

"Because you were a Viking," Elsa murmured, and he immediately understood. "I barely knew you, and if I told you who I was and you decided to take off to who knows where and hold me captive… I didn't know what your people were capable of."

"You thought if we took the crown princess captive, we could break our agreement and still get our way with your kingdom. The king and queen would be desperate to get their daughter back." He spoke her thoughts into reality. Elsa nodded guiltily. It was Hiccup's turn to look offended, he looked furiously annoyed and frustrated by her thoughts. "We would never do that, contrary to what you and your people may think."

"That was before I got to know you and Toothless a bit," Elsa told him quickly. "I was wrong, that's why I said what I did about discrimination, I knew I had been guilty of it myself. I was terribly wrong, I'm sorry Hiccup."

Hiccup sighed, "I guess I can't fault you, many nations in the world think of my people as ruthless barbarians. But we're not like that at all, we're just protecting ourselves and our dragons."

"I understand that now," Elsa said woodenly, her mouth dry.

Hiccup raked his hand through his hair while Elsa stood, frozen, every one of her muscles seemed locked in place. This was her intended, her future husband to be, the Viking prince, Hiccup.

His face greatly softened, "We're getting married tomorrow." He suddenly spoke solemnly.

Elsa looked at him, feeling as if she'd been slapped by reality again. And then there was a peculiar tightness beneath her eyes, and she knew whatever tenuous hold she'd had over her wildly vacillating emotions had disappeared completely.

She shakily answered, "Yes."

End of Chapter!

I hope you all enjoyed and please leave a review with your thoughts; I hope this chapter answered some questions. I hope the characters were canon, I'm trying to get back in the swing of it.

Thank you for your patience and understanding and I hope you'll continue to enjoy this story!

Sky