A&SQ 2: Reckoning

by PheonixFrost

Sequel to 'Aaron and the Snow Queen'. The endless winter may have passed but another one could be coming as the world converges on Arendelle. Within its walls Elsa must contend with her growing powers and her role as queen as Aaron learns to live in a new world. All while their pasts demand answers.

6. Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Her name had hardly begun to fade before Kresta strode between the doors into the throne room, her pace determined and her head held high. She'd changed into something more appropriate for the occasion, opting for a violet gown over leggings and heels over boots but that didn't stop her from stalking down the aisle before her with a measured haste. In fact it almost seemed like Zach was having to hurry to keep up with her but she didn't even so much as glance at him.

The room was filled with onlookers, many of whom whispered to one another at her passing, only for her to ignore them as well. She didn't take in the sweeping ceiling high overhead or the vaulted windows along the south wall allowing the sun's rays to come pouring in. All she saw was the raised dais at the far end of the room. There stood three figures patiently awaiting her arrival, two of which she was so desperately eager to see.

However, Kresta hadn't been a princess for so long to put her emotions on display at a time like this, instead adopting a regal calm as she came to a halt at the foot of the dais. Taking hold of her dress with both hands, she sank into a deep curtsey and bowed her head, although her eyes never left the pair as she spoke.

"Your majesty. Your highness. It's an honor to accept your-"

And that was as far as she got before the redhead suddenly rushed from the dais in order to crush her with a hug.

"Kresta! I can't believe it's you!" she exclaimed whilst still attempting to squeeze the breath out of Kresta.

For a moment all she could do was stand there in surprise before gradually returning the hug and quietly gasping, "Alright, that's starting to hurt a little." A light laughter could be heard rippling around the room but when the younger woman took a step back Kresta held her at an arm's length to look her up and down with a scrutinizing stare, shaking her head.

"Little Anna? That couldn't possibly be you." A smile escaped across her lips. "As if that little imp I used to know could have grown up to be a beautiful young woman."

The last time she'd seen Anna she couldn't have been more than six so that made seeing her now even more jarring. Her hair was just as flaming as she remembered, although Kresta did notice a peculiar streak of silver nestled in amongst the red. However, that didn't stop her from admiring just how radiantly the younger woman had blossomed.

"I could say the same about an old crone like you," Anna replied with a mischievous smirk of her own before becoming more genuine. "It's so good to see you again, Kresta."

"Especially after all these years." And that was as far as Kresta got before finally allowing herself to give in to the mounting excitement billowing inside her, or at the very least show a hint of it as she seized Anna's hands in her own and exclaimed, "I can't believe you're getting married!"

"Me too!" she answered with a laugh, shaking her head. "It's all happening so fast, I'm just trying to keep up."

"I'd say the rest of us are trying to keep up with you."

The new voice cut across their conversation and Kresta looked up to see that the other sister had quietly descended to join them. She may not have exhibited the same level of enthusiasm as her sister but there was still a smile on Elsa's face as she patiently waited for Kresta to notice her before adding, "Welcome to Arendelle, Princess Kresta."

Like Anna, Elsa had also changed so much since Kresta had last seen her. With her platinum hair and vivid blue eyes she was just as gorgeous as her sister and stood about Kresta's height. Of course she knew that they wouldn't remain those little girls she once knew forever but she was still pleasantly surprised to see how they'd changed.

Unlike with Anna, however, Kresta felt trepidation rise within her as she faced the other woman. It turned out she'd known what to expect from the younger sibling but the older one offered more of an enigma, especially given their correspondence or lack thereof between now and their last meeting. And so she took a step away from Anna and composed herself, offering another, shorter curtsy with her eyes lowered. "Queen Elsa. It's an honor to accept your invitation and to attend on my brother's behalf."

"And it's an honor for us to have you." As unexpected as Anna's hug may have been, though, Elsa's was even more so as she embraced her with a light laugh. "I'm so glad you could come. It's been too long. Honestly we weren't sure if you would be able to make it."

After getting over her initial surprise and returning the hug Kresta took a step back with a smile of her own. "After I missed your coronation for my own sister's wedding? Not on your life."

"And how is Delphine?"

"Pregnant again."

"Already?" This time it was Anna who spoke as the three of them stood in a small circle, quickly forgetting about the room around them. "Didn't we hear that she had twins just last year?"

The gathered crowd had begun to disperse but Kresta paid them no heed as she rolled her eyes. "I'm afraid so." Then that mischievous gleam snuck back into her eyes as she wryly added, "Ah, it's all so terribly frustrating. She's been blessed with a bundle of darlings all her own while I'm still looking for a man capable of resisting the urge to flout about like a peacock."

"They really do, don't they?" Anna said with a laugh. "But I'm sure you'll find your own peacock, you just have to meet the right one."

Rather than diving into that subject, though, Kresta ignored it, just saying, "Maybe, but I'm in no rush. In the meantime I'll be content with being their favorite aunt."

"Aren't you their only aunt?"

"Semantics."

As they conversed, though, she steadily became more and more aware of her brother lingering somewhere behind her. Neither sister had acknowledged him just yet but for some reason Zach remained silent. Almost as though he was waiting for her to introduce him. If that was the case, though, he'd be waiting a very long time as Kresta said, "But I believe we're forgetting someone important. Where is this future husband of yours?"

"Oops!" A look of sheepish shock flashed across Anna as she cast a glance back at the blond man who was still standing on the dias, motioning for him to join them. "Kristoff!" After a brief hesitation he moved to stand beside her and she then placed a loving hand on his chest. "Kresta, I'd like you to meet my future husband, Kristoff."

Kresta took the man in at a glance whilst placing her hands on her hips, starting at his feet and ending at his face with a smirk. "Oh he's cute."

That got a nervous look from him as he quietly replied, "Thank you?"

Kresta didn't bother to acknowledge his response, though, instead continuing to inspect him with a nod. "Tall, too. And such broad shoulders. Yes, I'm sure he'll do just fine." She then gave a light laugh at the bemused expression on his face before looking back at Anna. "How did the two of you-?"

However, before she could finish her question she was interrupted by an annoyed "Ahem", although she didn't have to turn to know who it was. Instead she repressed a twinge of irritation as she said, "Oh, of course, how silly of me to forget that Charles insisted on not sending me all the way up here alone. Anna, Elsa, I'm sure you remember my brother Zach."

Conversely, if Elsa was offended by the interruption she didn't show it as she turned to face him. "Of course. Welcome, Prince Zachariah. You've certainly grown since we last saw you."

The sour look on his face may have been invisible to others but to Kresta it was clear as day before it vanished with a casual shrug. Whatever nerves Zach must have been feeling had also vanished or at the very least were better hidden as he stepped alongside Kresta, his focus set solely on Elsa. "So have you, Elsa. But I think you'll find I'm nothing like the little boy you used to know."

Kresta had to fight the urge to wince at that one but Elsa to her credit didn't even so much as blink, instead simply nodding and replying, "No doubt. I trust the journey wasn't overly taxing?"

"That short skip across the sea? Hardly. Not even the mightiest squall could keep me from answering your call."

Says the man who spent half the trip retching over the side and the other half passed out in his bed.

"You flatter me. Although of course it's really Anna you're here for. For the honor of attending her wedding."

A slight twinge of annoyance tugged at the corner of his mouth but that didn't stop him from turning to face the happy couple. "Obviously. Princess Anna, forgive me for forgetting myself. On behalf of my brother, King Charles of Maneva, please allow me to congratulate you on your impending nuptials."

Anna, meanwhile, just looked extremely amused at the exchange happening before her, giving an acknowledging nod. "Thank you, Zach, to both you and your brother. And thank you for coming all this way to attend."

"No need to thank me, it's a privilege." With that he promptly forgot about everyone else in the room as his focus returned to Elsa. "And now that introductions are out of the way, Elsa, I was hoping you might give me a tour of your lovely home. My sister as well, of course."

As entertaining as the thought of watching Elsa having to fend off her brother for a prolonged period of time was, Kresta opted to intervene there. For all of their sakes. Okay, Romeo. You'll have more chances later. "Actually, brother, shouldn't you be getting our people settled in first? I'm sure arrangements have already been made for us."

If she didn't know better Kresta would have said that a look of relief flitted across Elsa's face for the briefest of moments at her intervention as she gave a nod. "Of course. What kind of hosts would we be if we weren't prepared? Lord Kai."

A portly older gentleman who was discussing something with his staff off to one side promptly appeared beside her. "Yes, your majesty?"

"Please show Prince Zachariah where our Manevian guests shall be staying," Elsa replied while gesturing to Zach and giving him a smile. "I'm sure we'll have plenty of chances to talk later."

"Certainly, your majesty." The gentleman then gave her brother a humble bow. "If you would follow me, your highness."

For a moment Kresta wasn't sure if Zach was going to protest or not but a brief moment of bitter silence he relented. "Very good. So kind of you to think of us. Until later, Princess Anna. Elsa."

That last name was paired with an ardent glance and a short bow before he finally, thankfully allowed himself to be led from the throne room.

As he went, though, Kresta could see the slight slump in his shoulders as he walked away. Clearly he'd envisioned that going better and was at the very least a little embarrassed. And try as she might, Kresta couldn't stop herself from feeling a hint of pity for him. As far as she was concerned he deserved any woman in the world but she had warned him not to go reaching too far. Why couldn't Charles just let me leave him at home?

Elsa was the first to break the silence as she turned back to face her, clearly fighting back both amusement and annoyance. "Well. He seems… thrilled to be here."

"Honestly, I pictured that going much worse," Kresta quietly muttered back, watching as her brother exited the room.

That got a snort and a chuckle out of Anna, shaking her head. "What, that? That was nothing. You should have been here when one Duke Phillip came to call." She cast a sly glance at Elsa. "I'm pretty sure he called you a moose at one point."

It must have taken a great deal of will to ignore that one as Elsa pushed past it. "Pleasantries aside, we are glad that the two of you could make it. And with your arrival I believe that's all the greetings for today?"

This time she was addressing another man who was waiting nearby, his hand resting on the pommel of the sword hanging by his side. When Kresta glanced at him he had a somewhat frustrated look on his face as he watched them but that vanished the moment Elsa addressed him, replaced by a professional calm. "Yes, my queen."

Anna clapped her hands together at the news, drawing Kresta's attention back to their little group, before entwining her arm around her sister's. "Sounds to me like now is perfect for a little girl time." She gave Kresta a hopeful look. "Care to join us, Kresta?"

Her initial reaction was to say yes but then a thought occurred to her. "Of course, but don't you have a wedding tomorrow to supervise?"

"Oh, I'm sure they can manage without me for a bit. Besides, it's not like we've been preparing for tomorrow for months or I've been losing sleep from worrying all night or I'mjustlookingforalittlebreakbecauseotherwiseitfeelslikeI'mgoingtoburst."

As she spoke Anna's words grew faster and faster until she was talking so quickly that Kresta could barely keep up before ending with a friendly if somewhat frantic smile.

Rather than daring to refuse, all Kresta could do was exchange a startled glance with Elsa while saying, "Girl time it is." However, that didn't deter her from glancing at Kristoff, who, judging from his pitying expression, had witnessed Anna's mania all too frequently of late. "Although I wouldn't object to the groom joining us as well. I'm sure you two have dozens of adorable stories together."

Only it wasn't Kristoff who answered but rather the man Elsa had addressed earlier, cutting in with a quiet clearing of his throat. "Unfortunately, your highness, that won't be possible. There are some rather pressing matters that Lord Kristoff must attend to."

Whilst he was a complete stranger to Kresta, the way Anna scoffed and shook her head suggested a warm familiarity as she chided him. "Pressing matters? You mean cramming in some last minute manly troublemaking before tomorrow."

Before the man could respond Kristoff stepped alongside him and gave his fiance a wearisome look. "Honestly, Anna, I wouldn't mind a little fresh air. Days like today can be a bit much."

Anna regarded the pair in silence for a moment, her lips pursed and her eyes narrowed, before conceding with a shrug. "Fine, but don't go getting into too much trouble. We wouldn't want to ruin your new suit," she said, smoothing out a wrinkle on Kristoff's chest as she did so.

"Heaven forbid."

"Next time then," Kresta interjected, pulling their focus back to her. However, she wasn't looking at Anna, instead settling her gaze on this stranger. "But I don't believe we've been introduced."

"Oh, right," Anna replied, shaking her head slightly before gesturing from Kresta to him and back. "Might as well do introductions all around. Kresta, this is Lord Aaron of Arendelle. Lord Aaron, Princess Kresta of Maneva."

Rather than speaking right away, though, she paused to truly scrutinize him for the first time since he'd spoken up. Standing ever so slightly taller than Kristoff beside him, this Lord Aaron for all intents and purposes looked much like most men she'd ever met. The unusual looking sword strapped to his side and his indigo uniform along with his adorning cape belayed his status but other than that he seemed completely ordinary. Perhaps with the sole exception of the twin shards of amber that were his eyes staring back at her.

And yet she had to admit there was something about him. Maybe it was the self assured set of his jaw and the firm slant of his brow but this was clearly a man brimming with confidence. Or, more likely, it was due to the way that his eyes held hers as he gave a short bow. Most men she met were quick to drop their gaze and stammer off a rush of salutations and yet all he said as he straightened upright was, "It's an honor, your highness."

However, Kresta hadn't come all this way for that so she simply replied, "Likewise. And what is it that you do, Lord Aaron? Are you Lord Kristoff's attendant or something?"

"No, but there's an idea," Anna said with a chortle. "He's the Lord Protector of Arendelle."

"Meaning?"

This time it was Elsa who responded. She'd been silently observing the exchange from the side but interjected to say, "As Lord Protector Lord Aaron is charged with the sanctity and security of Arendelle."

"Among other things," chimed Anna with a smirk.

"Among other things," Elsa replied, giving her sister a glance before gesturing towards Lord Aaron. "It just so happens in this case that he's the groom's best man as well."

Nodding at her comment, Lord Aaron said, "And as the best man I'm sorry to say that he simply cannot neglect his busy schedule. With all due respect, your highness."

A shrewd look had appeared on Anna's face again as she planted herself in front of him, her hands on her hips and her eyes narrowed. "Mhm. I'm sure he can't. And I'm also sure that you're aware of the fact that since my wedding is tomorrow if anyone interferes with that I will hold them personally responsible."

As intimidating as she looked, though, Lord Aaron didn't seem to be even remotely phased by it. In fact he even gave a smile for the first time as he offered her a short bow. "You have my word, your highness. Shall we?"

That last comment was directed towards Kristoff, who nodded eagerly before looking back to Kresta. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Kresta. Hopefully there will be more time to talk later."

"I look forward to it, Kristoff."

With that the two of them turned away from their trio and made for the door without so much as glancing back, talking to one another in hushed tones.

Before they could leave, though, Anna called out after them. "Remember, we're expected to host everyone tonight so don't you dare be late!"

"Wouldn't dream of it!" came Kristoff's reply before they vanished out into the hall.

There was a knowing look on Anna's face as she looked over at Kresta. "Boys." She then gestured towards a much closer side exit. "Shall we?"

After Kresta nodded they made to leave, although Anna then hesitated for a moment before once again wrapping her arm around Elsa's and giving her hand a pat. However, whilst the two of them shared a warm smile Kresta found herself sending one last glance towards the door at the far end of the room where Kristoff and Lord Aaron had gone before promptly forgetting about them once more.

For a moment none of them spoke as they meandered along the hall. The castle had been a hive of activity when Kresta had arrived but for now some of that commotion had faded. That is, within the corridor. She could still hear a bustle humming through the windows and doors that they passed, suggesting droves of activity elsewhere.

She didn't care about elsewhere, though. Her attention was focused on the women beside her as she let her gaze drift down the hall. Just seeing them again had roused a host of memories from the deepest recesses of her mind, many of which she'd completely forgotten about until now. All of them starred a familiar pair, an energetic redhead with an insatiable thirst for mischief and her cordial yet cautious sister, and the adventures they got up to. Given the fact that Kresta was slightly older than both of them her parents had always expected her to keep them out of trouble and yet she was usually the one getting them into it, with Anna all too eager to aid in the scheming as Elsa looked on.

After all, they were always a breath of fresh air into her otherwise stiff childhood. Delphine was thoughtful enough but she never seemed particularly interested in stoking chaos with her younger sister and Charles was usually busy with their father. And Zach was… well, Zach. As such Kresta always found herself looking forward to when the sisters would come, sometimes going so far as to plot weeks in advance. Anything to make the most of the brief sparks of light they brought with them while it lasted.

That is, until they stopped coming altogether.

Shoving that last thought aside with a small shudder, Kresta finally decided the silence lingering around them had gone on long enough, saying, "I don't know if you can tell but I've been dying to ask you how you've been."

Elsa was the first to respond, rising from her own thoughts with a small smile and nod. "I was going to say exactly the same. Honestly, Anna and I have been imagining all kinds of stories that you would tell us." Her eyes turned teasing as she added, "You always were the champion of mischief, after all."

Giving a look of shock, Kresta drew herself up in mock indignation. "Me? I thought it was abundantly clear that you two were the source of all that. I was just trying to reign you in." She then softened her tone whilst glancing over at Elsa. "But seriously. How have you two been?"

"We've been…"

It was only a brief hesitation, the smallest flicker of doubt, but it was there all the same as Elsa paused only to have Anna jump in.

"We've been good," she chimed, pulling her sister closer with a calming glance before looking at Kresta. "There were some rough years but we're actually closer than we've ever been."

"Well good." A small part of her wanted to dig into that pause but she instead opted to gloss over it in favor of returning to her excitement. "I just can't get over how long it's been. Just seeing the two of you makes me feel like a little girl again."

"I know, right?" Anna replied with a grin, clearly reminiscing on memories very similar to Kresta's. "Do you want to go steal sweets from the kitchens or play hide and seek in the gardens?"

Turning her nose up, Kresta feigned poshness. "Please. Now I have people to steal sweets for me."

It was only after she and Anna had shared a laugh at that, though, that Kresta noticed that Elsa was watching her, asking, "But what about you, Kresta? How have you been?"

She'd known the question was coming but still found that now it was her turn to hesitate before brushing the question aside. There were some things she just didn't feel like getting into. "Me? I've also been good. Like you said, there were some rough years but other than that I'm doing okay."

However, Elsa persisted, her expression turning consoling. "We were so sorry to hear about your parents."

"Oh." Kresta hadn't even been thinking about her parents' passing three years prior but quickly responded before arousing suspicion. "Yes, that was hard. Undoubtedly one of the hardest years of my life. But luckily I had my siblings to lean on. I was going to offer condolences of my own."

Fortunately neither of them seemed to notice her misstep as Anna nodded in agreement, although Elsa did give her a lingering look before saying, "Well, like you said, it's hard. But these things do get easier with time."

"Exactly." Looking to flip things around, she quickly added, "But enough dwelling on the past. I simply must know how you and your dashing fiancé met."

That snapped up Anna's attention as she wafted a hand dramatically. "Oh yes? Well let me tell you, ours is a romance for the ages. Full of twists and turns laden with laughter, drama and ultimately true love."

Elsa patiently waited until she was finished to quietly add, "They met in a barn."

"I was getting to that."

"In a barn?" Kresta replied. "Not what I would have expected but alright."

"Kristoff isn't from the city so how else would we have met," Anna replied candidly before she glanced at her sister. "Actually it was while I was out looking for Elsa during the Summer Frost."

"Really? If you don't mind me asking, what was that like?"

She made sure to maintain a calm appearance on the outside but the second Anna mentioned the Summer Frost Kresta was on edge, her mind instantly racing to when the winds of winter had inexplicably come sweeping down from the Northern Sea in the height of June only to recede just as quickly as they'd come. In all their records she'd never heard of such a storm happening in summer, clawing all across Maneva and nearly even reaching the warmth of its southern coasts. It was all she could do to not let all of her focus ratchet onto Elsa as a familiar curiosity billowed within.

However, as tense as she was Elsa was even more so, hesitating whilst glancing down. Her pause only lasted for a moment, though, before she drew a deep breath and looked at Kresta.

"It was a terrible accident but fortunately we appear to have been very lucky. From what we've heard no one was gravely injured or worse before I could make things right." The slightest hints of regret clawed around the edges of her expression. "Honestly I'm just worried that I hurt someone somewhere and don't know about it."

Realizing that if she pushed too hard she could lose the moment, Kresta did her best to appear nonchalant. "Well you don't have to worry about Maneva. The worst that we had was some farmers freaking out at the sight of snowflakes in June." Her curiosity did compel her to risk one little question, though. "And I'm sure you get asked this all the time but how did you even do that?"

To her relief Elsa didn't withdraw, instead just shaking her head. "I have no idea. I'm sure you've heard about what I am."

That had to be one of the most understated comments Kresta had heard in a long time, reflecting on the deluge of tales that had been pouring into Maneva ever since Elsa's emergence. Still not wanting to spook Elsa, though, Kresta shrugged. "I'll admit it gave us quite the shock when the news first arrived. Especially given the time we spent together back then. Honestly I never understood why we never saw you again. I'd always just assumed that it was something we did. I guess now we know why."

"Yes, well, my father determined that it wouldn't be safe for me to be around others until I learned some amount of control."

Well that explains a lot, Kresta thought. But that didn't stop her from glancing down at her own hands. "I just can't believe I didn't know."

"There wasn't much to know back then. At first there was little more than flurries and then suddenly one spring it just began to manifest in ways you couldn't even imagine."

"Still, to go from that to never seeing either of you again was a little jarring."

Once again Elsa hesitated, glancing over at Anna who had been quietly listening to their exchange as they walked. It was only after she got a comforting nod from her sister that Elsa said, "There was an incident and after that we all agreed that precautions had to be taken. Although in hindsight some of those precautions may have done more harm than good."

The shift in tone was all the warning that Kresta needed to know she was at risk of losing her again so she quickly brightened in response. "But just look at you now! Standing tall for the whole world to see. I have to admit I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to reveal myself like you did, to allow everyone to see you for who you really are. It's even a little inspiring."

Fortunately even Elsa wasn't immune to a little flattery. She tried to remain unfazed but Kresta could still hear the lift in her voice as she said, "After the Frost there was no sense in hiding it. I just had to accept myself for who I am and hope that everyone else agreed."

As she fell quiet Kresta decided to let the subject drop for now. However, that didn't mean that she couldn't change tactics. After all, Elsa wasn't the only person she was so eager to know about.

Clearing her throat, she said, "Actually, speaking of which, there was someone else I was hoping to meet while I was here."

"Who?"

"I don't know his name," Kresta replied before giving Elsa a pointed look. "All I know is that he's like you."

That drew a quizzical glance between the sisters, although there was a hint of intuition in Elsa's eyes when she looked at Kresta. "Like me?"

For a moment, though, Kresta was at a loss for words. She'd come chasing rumors propelled by a mysterious clairvoyance to understand a dream. How could she possibly explain any of that? And so, instead of even trying, she went for something simpler. Gesturing at Elsa, all she said was, "Your ice."

That was all the prompting needed for realization to bleed over Anna. "Oh. Well, this may come as a bit of a surprise but you've already met him."

"I have? Who?" That was the last thing Kresta expected to hear as she instantly began cycling through every new face she'd seen today. After all, she'd only been in Arendelle for a matter of hours. Who could she have possibly met? "Your fiancé?"

"Ha! No." That got an amused look out of Anna as she smirked at Elsa. "But can you imagine if Kristoff did have powers?"

"Somehow I don't think Sven would be as fond of him then," Elsa replied with a smile of her own, although her gaze had become guarded.

"Who's Sven? Another friend of Kristoff's?"

"Something like that. He's a reindeer."

"Oh." Shaking her head to refocus, Kresta gave both of them a confused look. "But seriously, who did I already meet?"

..."Lord Aaron."

"Him?" She'd hoped that the answer would help with her confusion but all it did was add to it. Kresta also couldn't deny that she felt a slight pang of disappointment. Here she was searching for a mythical sorcerer who had been invading her dreams with increasing regularity and as it so happened she'd already found him. It also just so happened that he was...

Try as she might, Kresta just couldn't stop some of her chagrin from escaping through her expression as she looked at Anna. "But he looks so… ordinary."

Apparently she wasn't the only one who thought so as Anna nodded in agreement. "I know, right? When I first found him with Elsa I never would have guessed what he could do."

As distracted as she was, there was no way Kresta could let that last comment slip by without arousing her innate curiosity. Giving into a salacious smirk, she glanced at Elsa and asked, "Wait. With Elsa? Am I smelling something juicy?"

To her disappointment, though, Elsa just shook her head. "Hardly. He just so happened to be the first one to find me during the Frost."

"So the only two known people with powers like yours meeting was…"

"A coincidence. Unbelievable, I know."

Kresta might have shrugged the answer off but she didn't buy it for a second. "Not that unbelievable. Life's full of coincidences."

"I suppose so."

However, the more she thought about it Kresta found that some things weren't adding up. "But if you were the one to find him then how did this Aaron end up being your fiancé's best friend?"

"Oh, that's a good story," Anna replied, her eyes brightening at the thought. "I'll tell it. So there I was, boldly venturing into the wilderness to save my sister when I happened across the most adorable little store in the mountains…"

As Anna spoke, though, Kresta found herself shooting a glance over at Elsa. However, even if there was something scandalous dwelling within her it was hidden out of sight. Instead she was just as calm as ever, quietly listening as her sister went on about a snow golem or somesuch. She even noticed Kresta's attention, giving a small smile as Anna's tale came to a close.

Realizing that Anna had fallen silent again, Kresta quickly rushed out a response. "Wow. That's quite the story."

Anna, however, had clearly been too caught up in her own storytelling to notice Kresta's fumble, her eyes distant as she said, "I know, right? There were times I wasn't sure how it would turn out but it certainly was the adventure of a lifetime."

"It would certainly seem so. But that Hans character. What a scoundrel!"

Kresta tried to say it in a way that wouldn't disturb any old wounds but that didn't stop the slightest hint of pain from entering Anna's eyes for the first time since their reunion. Fortunately all it took was a few blinks for it to disappear again as Anna replied, "Yes, well, perhaps my judgment isn't always the best. If only someone had been there to warn me."

"I did warn you," Elsa scolded lightly, although her smirk suggested amusement.

"Well, you should have warned harder."

"I literally triggered an endless winter because of that. What more could you want from me?"

"Really?" Elsa's words were so surprising that Kresta had to speak up, bemused at the mundanity of it all. "That's what caused it?"

It was clear from the look on her face that Elsa regretted her choice of words but that didn't stop her from shrugging. "Technically, although it was more a case of happenstance."

"Huh. Still, Anna. The man who professed to love you betrayed you." The familiarity of it all was a bit much but that didn't stop Kresta from crushing those feelings back down where they belonged. "That couldn't have been easy."

"Yes, well Hans is in my past." Whatever pain she'd been feeling earlier was now gone as Anna lifted her chin and stood tall. "Kristoff will forever be my present and future."

Kresta had to admit she admired her resilience as she placed an arm around Anna's shoulders and gave her a little squeeze. "In that case I'm even more grateful that you found one another."

"As am I," Elsa added, pulling Anna closer so that they were both giving her a hug. "I can't even begin to express how happy I am for the two of you. I'm just so proud of my little sister."

And for a moment they stood there in silence with Kresta just savoring it all. She hadn't realized how much she'd missed these two until she was finally with them again.

But it wasn't long until Anna pulled free, waving them both off with a laugh. "Okay, okay. We all know that tomorrow's going to be filled with tears so I'd rather not start today."

"We'll see how long that lasts," Kresta replied with a laugh of her own before realizing that she'd completely forgotten what tomorrow was. "But speaking of tomorrow, are you sure you don't have some preparations you need to be overseeing?"

That sheepish look returned to Anna's face as she clutched her hands together. "Yeah. I'm just procrastinating because I'm worried something will go wrong."

"Actually, Anna, I'm afraid I forgot to tell you your decorator was looking for you," Elsa said, although Kresta could clearly see that she was fighting back a smile. "Something about a delayed shipment of flowers."

"My Peronian patagonias? Why didn't you tell me sooner!?" Anna exclaimed, her hands flying to her cheeks as she giggled.

"Sorry. Must have slipped my mind. But really, everything's going to be perfect. You'll see."

"I hope so." But then her cheeks started to turn red as she glanced back down the hall behind her. "Actually, I probably should go check on the florist…"

Realizing that she was being serious, Kresta didn't even try to hold back a laugh as she gave Anna a small push down the hall. "Just go already. I'm sure we'll find a way to cope in your absence."

"I'm really sorry. It's just that-"

Before she could continue, though, Kresta held up a hand to stop her. "Honestly, Anna. You're getting married tomorrow. There's nothing to apologize for."

That seemed to finally break through her reluctance as Anna glanced back the way they had come. However, instead of hurrying away she quickly wrapped Kresta in another firm hug and held her close, her voice dropping to a quiet murmur. "It's really great seeing you again, Kresta."

The gesture was nearly enough to melt Kresta's heart as she exchanged a warm smile with Elsa before returning it. "You too, little imp," she whispered before pulling away. Brushing some of Anna's hair back into place, she took both of her hands in her own and gave them a squeeze. "Just remember, deep breaths. Okay?"

"Okay," Anna replied with a nod whilst looking up at her with the warmest smile she could muster. She then turned to leave, but not before glancing back with a quick wave. "Bye." And with that she rushed off.

They both watched the redhead hurry down the hall until she turned a corner out of sight. And then Kresta was alone with Elsa.

For a moment neither of them spoke as they silently agreed to continue their slow saunter down the hallway. There were so many things that she wanted to talk about but for now Kresta found herself hesitating. Even when they were kids she'd always gotten along better with Anna yet that didn't mean she wasn't willing to try. Regardless of what Elsa might have done.

When it was clear that Elsa wasn't going to be the first to speak, Kresta accepted she had to get things rolling again and said, "She certainly hasn't changed at all."

"Honestly sometimes her endless optimism is exhausting," Elsa replied with a nod, her eyes distant down the corridor, before looking over at her and smiling. "And then there are times when I wouldn't know what to do without it."

Kresta may have hesitated but she still returned her old friend's smile. "It's good to see you, Elsa."

She also paused at that, her eyes turning warm. "I've missed you too."

As they looked at each other, though, Kresta found her eyes drifting upwards to look at the crown nestled into Elsa's hair. A delicate gold circlet with a pair of violet and emerald crystals laid into a front crest, it wasn't particularly ornate. At least not compared to the one Kresta's mother used to wear. But that didn't mean it carried any less weight or significance.

Realizing that Elsa had noticed her stare, she nodded towards it. "I can only imagine what wearing that must be like."

Although her expression remained light, the weariness that crept into her eyes suggested otherwise as she replied, "It's heavier than it looks."

"You wear it well."

"Thank you."

As they resumed walking Kresta's curiosity began to creep back in, compelling her to ask, "What's it like, being queen? Is it everything you expected it to be?"

"In a way, yes," Elsa said, her focus drifting back to the castle around them. "But in another there's no way I could have been prepared for it."

"What do you mean?"

For a moment she remained silent, mulling over her thoughts, before speaking slowly. "I was told my entire life that it would be more challenging than I could possibly imagine. Which is true but even then I wasn't expecting it to be quite so… well, heavy."

"Do you regret wearing it?"

That broke through her reflection as she shook her head. "Of course not. There may be some days that are harder than others but all I have to do is remind myself of one thing." Elsa lifted her head higher, her eyes bold as she looked at Kresta. "I was born for this."

And for a moment all of her doubts seemed to fade away, leaving nothing except a proud, dignified woman. A woman that Kresta felt compelled to admire. Wow. With that kind of confidence what couldn't I do?

Even as she thought that, though, some of that luster faded as Elsa gave a meek smile. "And besides. If I didn't do this, who would?"

Taking in her doubt, Kresta offered an alternative. "I can think of one. Anna is your heir, after all."

However, given the way that Elsa's brows furrowed and her lips pulled into a slight frown she clearly didn't consider that to be an option. "I would never want to cage her with the responsibility of the crown. Anna's so much better off being her innocent, wonderful self without the worries of the kingdom weighing her down. No, it has to be me."

It was only after she was done talking that Elsa noticed that Kresta was giving her a knowing smirk. "What?"

"Nothing," Kresta replied with a shrug. "You just remind me of someone else I know."

It didn't take long for Elsa to guess who she was referring to. "And how is Charles? Also chafing under the crown, no doubt."

"You would know better than most. But he's good. His son just celebrated his fourth birthday."

"As challenging as the crown is, I can't even begin to guess what that must be like."

"Agreed. Fortunately for me I'm just the aunt so I get to participate in all the fun while avoiding the real work. But judging from some of the portraits around the palace my nephew is growing into a spitting image of his grandfather."

"It's a shame he'll never get to meet him."

"I could say the same for your future children."

As she spoke, though, Kresta didn't notice the look of surprise and an almost anxious wariness that flickered across Elsa's face. By the time Kresta looked up, she was as composed as ever.

"Yes, well, that particular future is still likely to be a long ways off."

"Even so." She'd glossed over it earlier but now Kresta felt compelled to say something, gently taking hold of Elsa's arm to stop her. "We were so devastated when we received word of your parents."

A dull ache that was all too familiar to Kresta crept into Elsa's eyes and yet she continued to smile all the same. "As were we when your loss came."

For a moment neither of them spoke, both briefly reflecting on past loved ones. Kresta had been sorry to hear of the passing of the sisters' parents. Their mother had always been so kind to her and she absolutely would have been there for them if she could. Had she been allowed.

That distance only hurt more when her own parents suddenly passed a few years later. Nothing could have prepared Kresta for the hole that was violently torn into her family one night and she could have used all the friends she could get. Especially considering all the agony that would continue shortly thereafter. Fortunately, though, she was never alone.

"But that's what siblings are for," Kresta said, swallowing the bitter pain building in her throat with a melancholy smile. "We bicker and fight and yet when we need each other we're always there."

Admittedly she hadn't expected much of a response, maybe a nod or a mm, but when Elsa remained silent she gave her a hesitant glance. "Right?"

Elsa still didn't reply right away, and even though she was looking away it was clear she was wrestling with some pain of her own. Eventually, though, she took a swallow before looking at Kresta, her eyes heavy with guilt.

"Right."

The sudden emotion caught Kresta off guard as she carefully probed forward. "Is everything alright?"

Elsa didn't hesitate to respond, though, blinking her eyes clear and clearing her throat before saying, "Of course." For an instant Kresta thought she might elaborate further but instead all she added was, "Would you like to see the castle gardens?"

Just like that the moment of shy vulnerability was gone and Kresta knew better than to try and pry it back. She would keep that in mind for later, though. "Would I? That sounds lovely."

Before Elsa could start walking again, however, she did decide to be a little bold and wrapped her arm around Elsa's in a manner very similar to the way that Anna had. Elsa hesitated at the gesture but only for an instant before placing a hand on Kresta's arm with a smile, leading her through the door out into the castle's compound.

There was still a slight chill in the air for Kresta's tastes as they strode across the grounds towards the outer wall. They'd exited the castle on the west side so there weren't many other people around but those that were were quick to offer bows and greetings at Elsa's passing. She nodded to each of them in turn, her responses calm and precise. If there was any of her pain left it was buried deep within.

Kresta, meanwhile, was content with walking silently alongside her. She'd spent more than enough time with her brother to be used to others ignoring her in favor of a monarch. Sometimes it was even nice, given the kind of attention her status attracted.

Before long they'd crossed over to a smaller gate situated between the wall's towers. The guards opened it with a salute and then they were alone again, crossing over a bridge to the side of the fjord. There the valley's walls had created a natural enclosure of sorts, perfect for a quiet getaway.

At the other end of the bridge they passed through a small, private gate to find themselves in a verdant oasis. Although the flowers hadn't yet fully emerged from the remaining winter frost the shrubs and trees were quickly putting out new greenery to take advantage of the spring sun. A collection of birds could be heard singing in the canopies overhead but otherwise it was just the two of them.

And even though they hadn't seen each other in such a long time they soon found themselves falling into a familiar rapport. Elsa talked about some of the challenges she was facing as queen and Kresta regaled her with stories from her journeys across Maneva and the continent. All the while they strolled along side by side, savoring the stillness of the glade.

As they walked, though, Kresta found it more and more difficult to resist mentioning what she really wanted to talk about. It had lurked in her mind since the moment she first heard about it and she couldn't deny that it was partially why she wanted to see Elsa again so badly. But now that she had her alone she wasn't quite sure of what to say.

The sun was shining down through the trees around them without a cloud in the sky as Kresta finally decided to pluck up her courage.

"Actually, Elsa, there's something I've been wanting to ask you."

Elsa, meanwhile, had been regarding her own reflection floating on a small pond at the heart of the garden. Looking up, she gave a gentle smile. "Anything, Kresta."

Luckily, in spite of her nerves Kresta always had a talent for appearing calmer than she actually was as she casually said, "I'm sure you get this all the time but it's about your powers."

"Oh." The comment seemed to catch Elsa off guard as she quietly regarded Kresta while replying. "If that's what you think then this may come as a surprise but whilst everyone's undoubtedly curious in their own way you're one of the few to actually have the courage to ask."

"Really? Then again, I suppose that makes sense. You are a queen after all. It can be intimidating for others to speak with royalty."

Elsa's eyes were dubious as she said, "Yes, I'm sure that's it. But what did you want to ask?"

With that the dam threatened to burst into a flood of questions as Kresta strained to hold them back. "Careful. I'm not sure there's enough time in the day for all of my questions."

Even though she continued to smile, Elsa's expression had hardened into an unintelligible mask. "I had no idea you were so interested."

"How could I not be? I hope you don't take this the wrong way, Elsa, but you're quite fascinating."

"I'm not sure how I'm supposed to take that but thank you. And I'm afraid I'm going to disappoint you when I admit I don't know the answer to many of your questions."

"You don't?" That hadn't been the answer Kresta had been expecting. Nor, she realized, was it what she was hoping for.

Looking away from Kresta, Elsa's gaze dropped to her hands. Her eyes were pensive as they slowly closed into fists and she said, "In many ways my gifts are still just as much a mystery to me as they are to everyone else."

In spite of her aloofness, however, Kresta wasn't about to give up. She may have been disappointed by her answers but that didn't mean that this was all for nothing. "Well can I at least see some?"

"Really?" That caught Elsa even more off guard, her poise faltering enough to allow a hint of surprise to leak through.

Nodding, Kresta pressed her point. "Yes, really. I haven't heard all these stories and come so far just to see nothing, have I?"

"Oh. Of course, certainly." By this point Elsa's smile had faded entirely as she gave an uncertain look. "It's just that no one ever asks to see my powers."

"Then that's their loss. I, on the other hand, am dying to see what you can do."

For a moment it looked like Elsa was going to deny her but eventually she agreed with a nod. Stepping down to the edge of the pond, she looked back up at Kresta and said, "Alright. Although I should warn you, it can be startling the first time you see it."

By that point Kresta was feeling far too bold to withdraw as a light breeze rolled through the garden, growing more confident by the minute. After all the stories and all the waiting she was finally going to see what the Ice Queen could do. "Please, Elsa. I'm sure I'll be fine. Now quit stalling and show me."

With that Elsa finally conceded, looking down at the pool before her. Drawing in a steadying breath, she lifted the front of her dress and gently reached out to barely dip the toe of her heel in the water. Rather than breaking the surface, though, the water instantly began to freeze at her touch and Kresta felt an inadvertent gasp slip free.

All she could do was watch in awe as the ice quickly spread from Elsa, spiraling out from her over the water in delicate strands of frost with a weave of icy feathers filling in behind. Before long the entire pond had frozen over with a beautifully intricate pattern of a snowflake delicately embossed onto its surface. But the frost didn't stop there.

It crawled onto the banks of the pool and quickly slithered up the plant life growing there, perfectly encapsulating them in a sheath of glittering rime. By the time Elsa lifted her foot again she was standing in the heart of a frozen oasis, a pristine slice of winter with the ice and snow gleaming in the sun's light.

A satisfied calm emanated from Elsa as she quietly surveyed her work for a moment, taking in the crystalline paradise she'd created before looking up at Kresta. Even so, her confidence faltered when she saw the stunned expression on Kresta's face.

"Kresta? Are you alright?"

Blinking from her stupor, she gave Elsa a blank stare. She couldn't even begin to mask her emotions as she exclaimed, "Am I alright? That was amazing!"

A look of hopeful surprise spread over Elsa as she clutched her hands together. "Really?"

Kresta hardly noticed her, however, gesturing wildly at what she'd just seen. "The way you summoned it out of thin air and the way that it moved… How did you even learn to do that?"

By now Elsa's surprise had begun to fade, thawing into a mild amusement as she shrugged, stepping away from the pond to stand alongside Kresta. "Most of it just comes naturally to me. Usually I just imagine something and my powers make it into a reality. And sometimes… well sometimes they have a habit of acting on their own."

Kresta continued to stare down at the spectacle before her, her eyes settling onto a stalk of grass by her feet. Like the rest it had been gently swaddled by a cocoon of ice, its green leaves showing through its icy mold. Gingerly, cautiously, she stooped down to pluck it from its stem, holding it aloft and twirling it slowly.

The sun's light shimmered off of it like a diamond, dancing across her face as she spun it and asked, "Are there any others out there like you?"

Elsa's voice almost seemed distant even though she was standing right next to her. "Not that I know of. Well, except for Aaron of course." Seemingly catching herself, she quickly added, "Excuse me, I meant to say Lord Aaron."

It took a moment or two longer for Krestato finally break free of the frost's spell, blinking her eyes rapidly and lowering the stalk as she glanced over at Elsa. "Only he's not quite like you."

"Not quite, no. No one's like me."

Giving a grin, Kresta slid an inch closer. "Am I detecting a hint of pride?"

"Maybe. What of it?" Lifting her chin, Elsa gave her a defiant look. "Am I not allowed to be proud of what I can do?"

Kresta's grin turned soft as she gently placed a hand on Elsa's shoulder. "I think pride is exactly what you should be feeling." Her eyes drifted back to the frozen oasis. "If I could do that, the things I would do…"

"So why are you so intrigued?"

Realizing that Elsa had asked her a question, Kresta looked up again with a start, her hand dropping back to her side. "Excuse me?"

Up til now Elsa had been watching her with sidelong looks and the occasional glance but now she was done being subtle. She waved a hand towards the ice, causing it to recede as quickly as it had come. The snow floated upward into the air, dissolving into a glimmering mist that quickly faded from view as the snowflake melted back into the water from which it was carved. Soon there was nothing left but a pristine pond and the surrounding verdance swaying in the breeze.

But Elsa didn't watch any of it. As the snow and ice faded she kept her gaze fixed on Kresta. No longer quiet, she said, "You just seem very interested in my powers and I'm curious as to why."

A faint gust of wind tugged at one of Kresta's tresses as she tried to ignore the tinge of apprehension clawing into her stomach from the sudden scrutiny. Brushing her hair back into place, she simply replied, "Isn't everyone interested?"

Elsa continued to scrutinize her before looking out towards the looming castle that could be seen over the garden wall.

"To an extent, yes. But like they were watching some wild beast. They look at me with awe yet also fear and always from a distance." Her piercing blue stare flashed back to Kresta. "You, on the other hand, don't seem to be afraid at all."

She felt a strong urge to waver under that stare but Kresta forced herself to give a slight smirk. "Should I be? I can trust you, can't I, Elsa?"

"Of course. I'm just saying that you're taking all of this surprisingly well."

"I can run screaming if that would help."

"If it would make you feel better. But seriously, Kresta."

Accepting that levity wasn't going to get her out of this, Kresta grew solemn, matching Elsa's stare with her own. "What is there to be afraid of?"

Unfortunately Elsa wouldn't relent, staring her down. "How about the fact that I'm wielding strange magic that no one truly understands?"

She clearly expected the prospect of magic to scare Kresta but instead all she did was survey the world around them, from the swaying trees to the sun high overhead. As she did so she said, "There's a lot of things I don't understand. But that doesn't mean I have to be afraid of them."

"Just because you're not afraid of something doesn't mean it's not dangerous."

Scoffing, Kresta looked back at her skeptically. "So now you're dangerous?"

Elsa's expression softened slightly, mixing in a hint of pain. "Obviously."

"I think you're mistaking danger for power. You may be powerful, Elsa, but that doesn't make you dangerous."

Finally dropping her gaze, a small frown tugged at Elsa's lips. "If only that were true."

A quiet calm returned to the garden as Kresta regarded her old friend and the struggle that was clearly raging inside her. For all she knew that struggle never ended for Elsa but that didn't mean she couldn't do what she could to alleviate it. "Well, for what it's worth, I think it's true."

Looking away, Elsa softly said, "You don't even know me."

"No, but I used to," Kresta replied, refusing to be deterred. Moving alongside her, she reached an arm around Elsa to give a comforting hug. "And I'd like to think that deep down we're both still those troublemakers from long ago."

That seemed to do the trick, at least partially lifting Elsa's spirits enough for her look at Kresta out of the corner of her eye. "Yeah. Me too."

"Anyway, I don't suppose there's any way that you could show me some more?"

"After everything I just told you, you still want to see more?"

"Absolutely. It's not every day you get to experience something like this."

Conceding once more, she took several steps away from Kresta before turning back to face her. "Alright. This one always seems to go over well."

Her hands came together as a cerulean ball of light appeared between them only to have her launch it into the sky where it burst like a firework, releasing a shimmering flurry of snow that gently wafted down around them like a sparkling fog of frost.

"Beautiful," Kresta breathed with a smile as the mist descended, dusting her with a blanket of chilling pinpricks that instantly faded under the sun's warmth. As she watched the display, though, Kresta snuck a quick glance at Elsa to see that her curiosity seemed to have subsided and she was simply admiring her handiwork. A splash of relief slipped through Kresta as she allowed herself to relax and they both silently watched the falling flakes glisten in the midday sun.