~Chapter 5~

Elsa

I couldn't believe how fast the rest of the week went. Anna kept busy with all her details while she didn't let me worry about a thing. 'This is your day' she'd tell me, which I would correct her and say it was Niklas's day as well. He didn't show it, but I could see the nerves in his eyes when we spent time together throughout the week. Since our engagement was made public, Niklas and I had appearances around Arendelle for several days so people could meet this prince from the Southern Isles who would become king. Now it was the day before the wedding and his coronation and it still surprised me how fast it all went. Though if I were being honest with myself, lately it had been getting harder to part ways with him in the evenings. Saying goodnight outside my bedroom door was tiresome, but tomorrow he would be my husband and king. What a delight it was to say those words.

Today I found a journal in the library of my father's detailing his thoughts when he was crowned all those years ago. How I wished I would have found this when I was crowned. Though I think any monarch could relate to the words my father described in his journal. Nerves. Fear. Plans for the future. It was all written here in detail. Niklas and I parted ways early today in preparation and rest for the day tomorrow. He told me earlier today that he was going to spend some more time with his brothers before it got too late. So I wrote him a letter and stuck it on top of the journal sliding it under his door.

My dearest Niklas,

We've been waiting months for tomorrow to come and I can't believe it's finally here. I hope we both get plenty of sleep tonight as we both will need it.

I found an old journal of my father's detailing his early years as king starting with his own coronation day. I thought I'd share it with you to remind you that whatever you're feeling leading up to this day is completely normal. You're human and I want you to feel free to express these things with me, but you already know that. You're going to make a wonderful king and Arendelle is lucky to have you, I know I am.

I can't wait to be your wife. See you at the altar tomorrow!

All my love,

Elsa

The night was still pretty young and my rampant thought processes for tomorrow would keep me up regardless. I didn't want to spend my evening trapped in my room, so I ventured out to the courtyard and through the door that led to the other side of the outer wall of the palace. I picked up the hem of my dress and stamped the ground making an ice slide down the stairs on the other side of the wall. I found myself by the water walking along the beach. The late night air was cool and crisp not that I minded the least. Being beside the fjord was usually a tranquil experience for me. I always liked being by water since it was just a different form of my own power. I made tracks in the sand taking my time out here when my ears tuned to the sound of a beautiful voice. A high soprano echoing notes that seemed to leap across the fjord hitting my ears. Who would be singing at this late hour and so loudly? It echoed again and something inside my body reacted to this call. My instincts wanted to follow this sound even though I realize how ridiculous it sounded. The voice called again and my fingertips began tingling. I looked down at my hands and I was trembling, but it wasn't fear. What did this mean? Maybe a visit to Grand Pabbie was in order, though this was hardly the time. This strange angelic sounding voice continued to call and held myself back from crossing the fjord. Though soon another voice came out from the darkness and it wasn't a song.

"Hello Elsa,"

I spun around and there was a woman a few paces away wearing a hooded cloak. Her identity was a mystery, but I could see traces of a scar on the left side of her face.

"Who are you?" I asked.

"I'm a friend and I'm here to help." The woman replied.

"Help? How so and with what?" I asked.

"I came to warn you of events that have yet come to pass and this was the only way I could reach you."

"What was the only way to reach me? What events? Who are you?" I asked again.

I didn't like this and the woman kept her distance but spoke to me as if I wasn't a stranger.

"I'm sorry my answers are limited." She said, "I'm a traveler and you must hear this before tomorrow."

A traveler? She must have come for the wedding tomorrow, but it didn't explain her strange behavior. Her head turned out to the fjord and then back toward me again.

"Look away: the clocks tick the time away. If you continue on this path you desperately seek, the future will be a catastrophe."

Nausea in my stomach quickly grew. What path was she meaning? My marriage or Niklas's rise to power as king?

"I don't understand. Tell me plainly."

The woman pursed her lips shaking her head.

"I'm afraid I cannot. This interference will already cost."

"Interference?" I asked.

She didn't answer my question but gazed across the fjord again and looked over toward the kingdom. Her body language was stiff and rigid. What had coming to see me tonight cost her? A slowly building fog from the fjord suddenly made this encounter all the more unsettling.

"If you see these things come to pass, you know that I speak the truth." She said.

"What things?"

"The chosen one shall bring forth the death of millions where lightning strikes twice. Alliances shall cause the fall of a kingdom and the rise of nature."

"What do you mean alliances?" I asked, but then it hit me, "You don't mean the Southern Isles, right? I'm getting married tomorrow, what are you telling me?"

"If the dead rise, there will be a shift in power. Where ice and fire collide, a sister will change the line of succession. Two siblings, one to bring about new life, and the other ushers forth an age of pain."

Now, this was beyond me and clearly, Anna was involved. For being a strange sort of warning, I had many more questions than answers.

"You are resilient and you must trust yourself." The woman said.

And just like that she turned to leave. I grabbed the woman's hand to stop her as I still had questions, she was cool to the touch. This was familiar.

"Trust your instincts," The woman said.

She yanked her hand free as she ran off into the night through the fog that had gathered.

"Wait!" I yelled, but it was too late. She disappeared.

I went to the edge of the fjord to splash some water on my face making sure this wasn't a dream. I scooped up the water vigorously getting myself wet. This was real.

I stood there in the sand replaying the last few minutes in my head thinking I might have just zoned out. The night was still and I just might have dozed off, but when I heard the voice again echo out across the fjord, a shriek of fear echoed inside of me in silence. I ran back toward the palace as quickly as my feet could get me there. I got to my room slamming the door harder than I intended breathing heavily as frost was slowly edging outward from my body into my room. I stopped in front of my mirror looking at my reflection sternly telling myself to breathe. In moments the frost disappeared and I regained my composure. My mind reeling with what happened at the water's edge. I couldn't believe it and I refused to. I was getting married tomorrow to a man who has captured my heart. A stranger didn't appear to me tonight, it was all my imagination. I sat down in the chair by my mirror as I brushed my hair before I would head for bed. It was clear I was sleep-deprived if my mind was going to play tricks like this on me. My imagination was having fun at my expense though I had to admit. This woman was my exact height and build. She had a scar and her voice was familiar as well.

My mind was playing up stupid fears in my mind the eve before my wedding. I wouldn't let this consume my thoughts anymore. I crawled into bed trying to focus on my excitement for tomorrow. I looked down at my hand where the woman had touched me and I just had to shake myself out of my musings. I had heard pre-wedding jitters were a thing for some people, but this was a whole different level. Taking in a deep breath, I tried to let sleep take over and as my body drifted to peaceful relaxation, I heard the voice echo out to me again.

It wasn't long before my eyes opened again as Gerda shook me awake gently. My blurred vision blinked into clarity as I slowly sat up.

"Good morning, your highness,"

I yawned three times before I could even get any words out.

"What time is it?" I asked.

"Nearly seven, your highness. Brigitta brought you a breakfast tray while I will draw your bath."

The ceremony was to be at eleven, so it didn't surprise me that I had such an early morning wake up call. Brigitta handed me the tray full of breakfast food. As I began to eat, she also handed me an envelope.

"This was slid underneath your door when we came in," Brigitta said.

My name was penned on the outside and I could recognize Niklas's penmanship anywhere. I quickly began reading happy to receive a note from him this morning.

Elsa~

Thank you for your letter. While I've been spending time with my brothers, I'm distracted with thoughts of you filling my mind. I hope you slept as I only managed to doze off barely able to contain my joy for this day. Bestowing the title of king to me is not one I take lightly. I know the man your father was and I hope to be a strong leader just like he was. Though most important, you and I become one today and I gain the title of husband. We are partners for life today and I know that we can handle whatever life throws at us. Good things will come as will adversity, but I swear to you, you always will have my heart no matter what. I'm a better man since you've been in my life and I hope to make you as happy as you've made me. I love you, Elsa and am so thankful you chose me to share your life with.

I'll see you soon,

Niklas

As I finished reading, my memories rang with worry of what transpired last night with that strange woman with the scar. I had slept on it and I had hoped my concerns would have gone away today, but they weren't. My instincts told me that I needed to share my concerns with Niklas, though not today. Fear would drain today of its joy. I sprung out of bed having eaten my fill. Brigitta took my tray away as Gerda had drawn my bath. The water was a bit hot for my liking as I stuck my hand in, but with a quick release of ice, I brought the temperature down easily. Having this time to myself was great before Gerda was to return with my dress. My mind wandered as I tried my best to relax, but there was no distracting me from thoughts of last night. Why couldn't I let this go?

Gerda fitted me in my dress and was finishing my hair when Anna poked her head in.

"Happy wedding day, Elsa! How are you feeling?" She asked.

"Good. Joyful." I paused, "Tired."

Anna strode into the room and clapped excitedly.

"How can you be tired when the day has just begun?" She teased.

"You'll understand someday soon," I winked.

Anna looked down at her engagement ring smiling.

"Kristoff and I set a date for next summer."

"True, but you got engaged first." I reasoned.

"So what, I'm enjoying every milestone as it comes. Besides as the older sister, it seems proper you should go first and show me how its done."

Gerda excused herself giving Anna and I some time alone together. The ceremony was hours away and yet my sister was completely done up and ready to go for the day. She had a dark emerald green dress with lace sleeves against a fitted silhouette. Fairly similar to my dress form. Her strawberry blonde hair was down and wavy with a baby's breath flower crown perched on her head.

"I love your dress." I pointed out.

"That's my line," Anna laughed, "I brought you something that I thought you might want to wear today."

My sister was grinning ear to ear as she held something behind her back.

"Should I be worried?" I winked at her.

"Oh, ha-ha," Anna replied, rolling her eyes as she presented her gift before me. It was a square jewelry box.

"Anna, this is completely unnecessary," I reasoned.

"Consider it a gift from someone who couldn't be with us today." She nodded.

I curiously lifted the lid of the box and inside was a sterling silver necklace with a sapphire pendant.

"Anna, is this?"

"Mother's necklace she wore to her wedding to father? Yes," She smiled, "Now you have something borrowed and something blue."

Tears soon flooded my eyes overwhelmed with thoughts of mother and how I truly wish she and father could be here. I took the necklace from the box handing it to my sister.

"Can you help me get it on?" I asked.

Anna of course obliged my request and fastened our mother's necklace around my neck falling perfectly down the neckline with my dress.

"They're with you today and every day," Anna nodded.

"Both of us," I smiled.

I threw my arms around my sister holding her tight and she squeezed me back. As we pulled away her cheeks were wet as I wiped them with my thumbs.

"Anna, please, the day is only beginning," I laughed, "How can I keep it together when you're like this?"

"I know," She sniffled, "I'm fine. Promise, I'm just so happy."

I grabbed my sisters' hands in mine as steam immediately released from our magic energies in our hands. Anna laughed.

"Fire and ice, sisters for life,"

"Always," I nodded.

"So, you still seeing Niklas before the ceremony?" Anna asked changing subjects.

"Yes, and clearly you're still not stopping trying to convince me otherwise."

"You know it's bad luck before the ceremony," Anna reasoned.

"Good thing I'm not superstitious. Besides, in some other part of the world, I'll be seeing him at the time of the ceremony, so there's that."

"It's your day," Anna relented with a heavy sigh, "Where are you meeting?"

"The palace gardens."

"I'll escort you," Anna offered.

"It's not for over an hour," I reasoned.

"Well, what do you want to do in the meantime?" Anna asked, with a casual shrug.

I glanced out the window and then back at my sister with a wide smile.

"Do you wanna build a snowman?"

Anna and I avoided the courtyard with all the staff preparing for the reception later on. Though we slipped out the back hall outside through the door beyond the main wall and out near the beach. This was where I was last night and I stopped nervously remembering that woman's ominous words to me. Anna stopped when I did and looked toward me nervously.

"What's wrong?"

I shook my head with a playful smile.

"Nothing."

Anna watched my face as certain expressions would certainly give me away. I blasted some snow right at our feet to distract her and she seemed to not pursue the matter further as we both began rolling snow. Anna suggested making some ice sculptures as her fire could melt down to show off the intricate details. While Anna used her fire, I constantly blasted cool air onto the various shapes to be sure they wouldn't crack or fall apart. Anna began with a small sculpture that eventually melted into the details of Olaf. Then a shape of an animal was formed for Sven. Then finally human shapes. She worked on her and Kristoff while I tackled Niklas and myself. Once Anna and I finished we stepped back to admire our hard work at the creation of our ice family. With the direction of the sculptures and where we built them, the sun would melt them without my power keeping them cold, but it didn't matter. The sculptures paled in comparison to the real people. It was good timing as Anna informed me that it was nearing my appointed time in seeing Niklas before the ceremony. My sister escorted me to the palace gardens and we rounded a corner seeing him circling around the various blooms by the water fountain. Anna stopped us before getting closer as he hadn't noticed us.

"He shouldn't see you coming, I'll have him turn his back." Anna offered.

"Does this really have to be such a big deal?" I complained.

"Yes, presentation is everything." Anna winked, "I should have one of those photograph takers here to capture the moment."

"Completely unnecessary, Anna. I'll just wait here until his back is turned."

Anna nodded looking excited and walked toward Niklas. I could see the concern in his face as he saw Anna approach.

"Where is your sister? Is something wrong?"

Anna put up her hands holding back a laugh.

"Relax Niklas, she's here," Anna replied, Niklas immediately looked up and scanned around as I pulled back around out of sight.

"Face this way," Anna directed, "Elsa will come."

As Anna hurried away out of sight, Niklas called out to her as she turned back around.

"I have many sisters-in-law with how many brothers I have, but don't tell anyone that you're my favorite, Anna." Niklas smiled.

My sister strode toward him lighting up her fingertips in fire-like candles grinning wide.

"You just say that because of my firepower, don't you?" She teased.

Niklas blew out the fires on her fingers and hugged my sister.

"I say that because you are a strong woman who fights for what's right and loves her family fiercely."

I could see the emotion on my sister's face as they parted.

"Ugh, not okay, Niklas." She said wiping her cheek from the tear that had fallen, "See you soon."

Anna walked away as Niklas resumed the direction Anna told him to face. Once his back was to me, I came out from hiding and approached. My heart raced with joy as I walked toward him. From the back, I could see his ponytail had been slicked back for the ceremony. Not many royals had longer hair like him, but it was a signature style all his own. It was unique and I liked the longer hair on him in any case. I reached out my hand placing it gently on his shoulder. He turned around and his smile grew. The emotion in his eyes was hard to hide.

"Your majesty," I bowed.

He pulled me into his arms as we stood there alone in the gardens. This perfectly captured how I wanted to spend this time with him. He pressed his lips to my forehead gently making his way down to my face slowly.

"Leave some for the ceremony, would you?" I said, holding back a laugh.

"You're right, as usual." He paused, "You look stunning."

"You don't look bad yourself," I said, patting the Arendelle insignia beside the epaulets on both his shoulders. My fiance looked handsome in his navy uniform with a gold sash fastened to his belt. Though in the same moment, my mind was pulled back to the stranger from last night. Why couldn't I ignore this? She wasn't real! Suddenly, Niklas's hands cupped my face as he looked at me, his face full of concern.

"Where are you? You seem troubled."

I wish I wasn't so easy to read. I took his hands in mine holding them tight.

"Just thinking about the future and what lies ahead," I replied.

"For the rest of our lives, we're a team." He smiled.

"Always," I nodded.

He interlaced our fingers as we walked together in the garden. This time didn't last the later it got. Anna came to fetch me for other things before the ceremony was to begin and Niklas was pulled away himself by a few of his brothers. It wasn't too much longer now. I saw ships come into the harbor as countless people made their way through the courtyard to the chapel. Gerda touched up on my hair due to all my ice sculpting activity with my sister earlier. Before long, the ceremony was starting. Aria did her job beautifully throwing flower petals down on a blue aisle runner that ran through the middle of the room. Gerda fastened a dark green coronation cloak around my shoulders over my dress as Anna placed my crown upon my head. My sister offered me her arm as I took it and we walked into the chapel. I looked at a few faces in the crowd smiling wide as Anna and I walked down the long aisle. Though I couldn't keep my attention elsewhere long as my gaze was fixed on Niklas. He already saw me today and yet he was overcome with emotion as I drew near. I could tell how hard he was trying to keep it together. Anna and I stopped once we were at the end as Niklas approached us and my sister placed my hand in his as she kissed my cheek before sitting down on the vacant seat beside Kristoff on the pews in front. The minister spoke in Latin for a portion of the ceremony and said a blessing before delivering the rings. Niklas placed a golden diamond ring set on my left ring finger as I slid a gold ring onto his. We took hands as the minister led the vows and we repeated them. The announcement was made as we were officially husband and wife and Niklas wasted no further time kissing me. He pulled away as we turned to face the crowd and they all applauded. I stepped aside as Niklas then bowed his head to the minister as he spoke a blessing holding my father's crown over him. Niklas looked up as the crown was placed and he returned to his feet. He was handed the scepter of Arendelle as I handed him the orb. He held each in his hands as he stepped toward the crowd acknowledging and accepting his role as king.

"Þar sem hann varðveitir hina helgu eign og er krýndur á þessum helga stað, mun ég bera fram fyrir yður, King Niklas of Arendelle."

The presentation in traditional Icelandic was beautiful, but the minister also repeated it in English.

"As he keeps the holy property, and is crowned in this holy place, I will present to you, King Niklas of Arendelle."

All soldiers present in the room did a salute of swords to the side of the room as the crowd cheered. Niklas turned toward me and took my hand as the both of us took our seats on the thrones. The crowd in the chapel erupted in applause as I glanced at my sister who was in the front row of seats in between Kristoff and Olaf. Aria was beside her father and I glanced at Alastor across the aisle who sat beside the rest of his sons. More applause echoed in the hall as the minister announced us.

"Their majesties, King Niklas and Queen Elsa. Long may you reign. Hail!"

"Hail!" The crowd echoed.

The ceremony was grand and triumphant as my husband officially became Arendelle's new king. The reception was a drastic change from the ceremony to a more informal party and celebration, which is exactly what Niklas and I wanted. We circled the courtyard going up to tables thanking guests for coming. From foreign dignitaries who crossed the ocean to be here to our own citizens of Arendelle. Many people to greet amongst the sea of faces. I did spot Aunt Isidora, Royan, and Aksel seated among the tables as well. Traveling from Creawood must have been a journey, but I was happy to see them. Once initial greets were out of the way, Niklas and I made our way to the head table in the courtyard as food began to be served. Musicians played some traditional songs in the background of food service. Long rectangular tables filled the space as Niklas and I looked out among the crowd. His entire family of twelve brothers plus Lord Alastor and Aria took up one whole table on their own. Anna and Kristoff were set up at the closest table to us along with Olaf who was snacking on ice cream. My sister waved to me throughout the evening almost as if to check in with me. I knew she was suspicious of something being on my mind today outside of the wedding. It was hard for me to want to eat.

"So has it hit you yet?" I asked my husband as he finished the food on his plate. I needed to distract myself.

"What are you referring to exactly? The fact that my wife is probably the most beautiful and powerful woman in the world? Yes, it has hit me."

I rolled my eyes playfully blowing a light blast of snow toward him.

"I meant being king," I replied.

Niklas shrugged.

"As a prince, I have been taught manners and etiquette. Though as fifth in the line, I would not rule. A crown and coronation ceremony doesn't make a king. My leadership will reveal itself and will take time."

I took his hand in mine smiling at him reassuringly.

"Time has already shown such things. How you first came here to rectify Han's past on behalf of your family and country. As an uncle, you prioritized Aria's safety and stopped at nothing until you found her. What is that, but not a capable, strong leader? You pursued me even when I tried to push you away."

Niklas gave my hand a gentle squeeze before raising my hand to his lips kissing me softly.

"And I'd do it all over again," He smiled.

The reception celebration progressed forward as people finished the main courses. Dessert was served before traditional dancing would start. Chocolate mousse was served. Anna looked over at me grinning wide as she told me weeks ago that the dessert would be a surprise. People moved to the dance floor as Kristoff got my sister out there. I know it wasn't Kristoff's favorite thing, but he did it because he knew it made my sister happy. I applauded him for that.

After dancing wore on, the color of twilight lit up the sky in beautiful hues of orange and red on the horizon. Even though photographs were the new technology, I wanted a portrait painted of Niklas and I today. This took us away for a little over an hour, but the finished product was worthwhile. Naturally, the painting had to dry before it could be put up in the palace. After sitting still so long for the painting, Niklas took me to the dance floor as we returned to the reception.

"You know I have two left feet. Dancing is my sister's thing." I complained.

"Do you trust your husband?" He mocked.

"Always," I said, grabbing his hand as we made our way to the dance floor. Many people clapped as we came forward and it made me nervous. Niklas grabbed my right hand in his and put his other hand at my waist as I brought my other hand to his shoulder.

"Nobody else exists. This is just you and me." Niklas nodded.

With that, we circled around with my husband leading the steps of a traditional waltz. As usual, he was a good leader. He was easy to follow and learned quite quickly and had fun doing so. After the one waltz, Anna and Kristoff cut in as she wanted to dance with her new brother in law and Kristoff took me for a spin himself.

"Thank you for dancing with her," I told him.

Kristoff shrugged casually.

"It's not so bad and it makes for great exercise."

We switched dancing partners in the middle of the song as Anna and I were twirled back. Aria soon approached Niklas tugging at his pantleg wanting to dance with him. She looked up at me with those eyes.

"May I dance with him, Queen Elsa?" Aria asked timidly.

It's not like I could ever say no to a face like that.

"Of course," I said kissing the top of her head.

As I turned to walk off the dance floor to watch my husband dance with his niece, Olaf stepped in front of me wearing his icicle bowtie.

"May I have the next dance, Queen Elsa?" He smiled.

"You may," I bowed.

Olaf being his short stature skipped around me playfully as I tried to match his silliness, which of course was impossible. My dear snowman wore me out before one whole song had played. We parted as I went to get a drink of water from my water glass back at the table. Aria soon went dancing with Olaf herself and she could keep up much easier than I could. Niklas rejoined me pulling me onto my feet from my seat. Eventually, I noticed that Anna and Kristoff disappeared as it grew late. Torches and lanterns lit up the courtyard now that the sun had set.

"Did you see where Anna went? We should be heading out soon. I'll want to say goodbye."

Niklas took my hands in his holding back a laugh.

"Has anyone told you that you sometimes worry too much?"

I rolled my eyes with a slight smirk knowing he was teasing, not that it wasn't true.

"It is normal for a queen's mind to be preoccupied."

"Well, now you can share that burden with your king."

Smiling warmly, Niklas leaned down kissing my forehead. Soon a flash of fire shot up to the sky as it caught everyone's attention. Anna was standing on top of the wall surrounding the courtyard.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the king and queen will soon be departing, but I wish to close this magnificent day with a gift." Anna paused, as she gestured to her right as Kristoff came toward her giving her a long rope or line of some kind. "About a century ago, the Chinese developed a new fantastical thing for entertainment. Fireworks. As these light up the night sky, I send every blessing and good wish to the King and Queen of Arendelle. Long may you reign."

My sister locked eyes with me before she and Kristoff walked away from the center of the wall as Anna lit that rope with her hand. Several boxes were stacked on top of the wall and soon columns of sparks were sent up and seemed to explode in bright stunning colors. They were loud and beautiful. Anna and Kristoff climbed down off the wall joining Niklas and I. Pulling my sister into my arms, I gave her a tight squeeze.

"I only hope to make your wedding day as special as you made mine," I whispered to her.

"I don't know, Elsa. I'm a hard act to follow." Anna laughed, "Gerda is waiting to get you changed for departure. Your bags are already packed in waiting in the carriage just outside the main gate."

I thanked my sister again and grabbed her shoulder.

"When we return, I have some things to share with you," I said, growing serious.

"Sounds ominous, are you sure it should wait?" Anna asked.

I glanced at my husband who was talking to Kristoff.

"No, I'm not, but it has to wait."

Anna nodded as she hugged me again. Niklas and I departed from the courtyard and we returned to the palace to get changed. Gerda met me in my room as I changed out of my wedding dress and into traveling clothes. She pulled out a deep purple brocade dress and I looked at her curiously.

"I think brocade will be a little heavy, don't you think?" I offered.

"Storm clouds were coming in your majesty settling around the fjord. Thought this would be suitable."

"Thank you, Gerda." I nodded.

I returned downstairs finding Niklas waiting for me at the bottom of the staircase offering me his arm. We marched outside to the carriage waiting out front and Gerda was correct about the storm. It was already drizzling. A footman opened the carriage door as Niklas gestured me in first. As we both sat on the cushioned seats, Niklas knocked twice on the ceiling and the carriage jerked into motion. I looked behind me looking out the window toward the doors of the palace shrinking into the distance as my sister, Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf were waving to us.

"Look," I told Niklas.

He did so and smiled.

"A wonderful day." He nodded.

"As close to perfect as one can get." I agreed.

Niklas leaned toward me pressing his lips to mine as I brought my hand to his cheek.

We were to be gone a couple of weeks to a nearby private cottage save for the guard detail that a king and queen always had for protection. Though cottage was probably an inaccurate term. It was a castle built as a gift from the French called Chateau de Cavelle. I laid my head on my husband's shoulder as we were in for a few hours of travel. Gazing out the window, I stared at the fjord watching the waters move quite wildly given the nature of the incoming storm. Suddenly lightning struck the water sending splashing waves rippling back to shore splashing wildly.

"Did you see that?" I asked pointing toward the fjord tapping Niklas's shoulder.

"What?" He said trying to figure out where I was pointing.

I looked between him and the water.

"I see a storm brewing, nothing else." Niklas nodded, "You sure you're okay?"

Fixating my gaze on the fjord, I watched carefully in immediate surprise as two strikes of lightning slammed down into the fjord. I sucked in a nervous breath as everything from last night with that woman flooded to the forefront of my mind. The warning was clear and the lightning proved a point. No more distractions.

"Elsa-" Niklas pressed.

I pinched the bridge of my nose as I exhaled a sharp breath.

"I need to tell you something,"