~Chapter 12~

Anna

It had been a long night already, but it was far from over. My sister revealed what happened to Niklas, but honestly, I refused to believe such a tale. There had to be more to the story. This growing frost was effecting Pabbie, how long would it take to spread to the rest of us? Was it like an illness? The more I learned about this mysterious frost, the more my instincts were telling me to clear out Arendelle for everyone's safety.

"Anna?" A voice called to me.

Kristoff put his hand on my shoulder as I was sort of in a daze.

"I'm sorry, what?" I replied, shaking myself out of my musings.

"Are you going to do anything about her?" Hans said, practically shouting, "She just admitted to murdering my brother and the king of Arendelle. Surely that won't go unpunished!"

I was so nauseous I wanted to vomit. Hans was understandably worked up, but something in my gut told me there was more to the story. My sister from the future hadn't shared the full story. Before I could make a decision, I was spared by a knock on the door. Brigitta poked her head in before bowing politely.

"Pardon the interruption, your highness," She said.

"Is Aria in dry clothes and warmed up?" I asked.

"Yes m'lady, though the poor thing was so tuckered out. She fell asleep shortly after getting dressed."

"Whatever happened, she can tell us later. We all need rest." I nodded.

"I'll go keep watch over her for a while," Hans said, as he headed to the door before looking back at me, "You should make a decision about her, Anna." He said gruffly, gesturing to Elsa. My sister didn't say anything, but just sat on the floor looking dazed staring out just ahead of her.

"Elsa, do you want to move to-"

"Call me Elris please, I'm not her, at least, not the same her you know. I'll stay here if you don't mind, goodnight, Anna."

I felt awful for her and I didn't know how to help. So many questions with no answers for any of them.

"I'll have Olaf spend the night in Aria's room, I bet she'll like to wake up to his company," Kristoff suggested.

"Great idea," I nodded.

We left Elris in the guest room where Pabbie, my aunt and cousins lay frozen and asleep. I didn't know how long they could live in such a state. To keep Hans off my back, I did have a pair of guards posted outside the room. She wasn't a prisoner, but I didn't want her to leave suddenly without any explanation she might have. Elris had met with Elsa on a few different occasions and I hope that her being here wasn't harming my sister. Kristoff and I said goodnight outside my bedroom door before leaving me alone for the evening. Well, I wasn't alone, Bruni hadn't left my side. He curled up next to the fireplace in my room which he lit himself by standing on top of the logs. Once they were lit, he laid down curling in a ball. I laid down with my head against my pillow thinking of my sister. All our lives I had followed her lead and relied on her strength, but now she was missing, and strange circumstances were clouding Arendelle quickly and with great frequency. I wish I knew what to do. If this is what it felt like to be a leader over a whole country, I wasn't sure I would ever desire such pressure for myself. My mind was awake for over two hours as I saw the clock in my room tick away. Sleep took me eventually during the early morning hours before being stirred awake that Elsa needed me. I shot up from my pillow in a cold sweat startling Bruni as he looked up at me curiously. There was a weird smell that hit my nose as I looked down and I had gripped my bed covers so tight that I had singed them a bit.

It was sunrise, but I couldn't sleep a wink. Throwing on some clothes for the day, I combed my hair, braided it, and then went to the guest room where Elris stayed last night. The two guards posted outside the door appeared like statues. I could barely notice them breathing.

"Morning, your highness," One greeted.

"Is she still sleeping?" I asked.

They exchanged glances shrugging quite nonchalantly.

"We assume so, it's been quiet."

I went inside only to discover a vacant room and Elris was nowhere to be found. What was found was the bed stripped of its sheets and covers all tied together and thrown out the nearby window. Hans would relish the fact that he was right about an attempted escape. Though before alerting the guards, I scanned outside the window and saw bootprints leading toward the fjord. Then I saw her unmistakable blonde hair resting on her back right along the shoreline. I didn't alert the guards but went down to greet her alone. It was easy to tell she was scared. Body language sometimes spoke louder than words ever could. Instead of climbing out the window like Elris did, I thought it more prudent to go the long way downstairs and outside to join her. Besides, I knew my arm strength was lacking for such a climb. The debris that washed ashore last night littered the shore. This would be cleaned up before the day's end. I approached Elris from behind quietly, but she had to know I was there. She suddenly stepped out on the surface of the water, but it didn't freeze beneath her feet. She tried to go further out before I grabbed her arm.

"Where are you going?"

"It's dangerous for me to be here, I warned myself about that. She didn't listen."

"So what you were just going to swim off into the fjord?" I challenged, raising a brow, "Why is it dangerous, Elris? Please, tell me."

"I-I'm sorry, my responses are limited." She muttered.

I pulled her back out of the water glancing at her boots.

"Why didn't the water freeze?" I asked.

She pursed her lips looking at her hands.

"After Niklas," She paused, "I didn't want my powers anymore. It was too much and I didn't know what to do, so I got rid of them."

My eyes widened as I heard her words.

"H-How? Is such a thing possible?"

"I found a way led by sheer desperation,"

"Elris, what did you do?"

"I-I can't say how it happened. My memory of the experience was taken once it was over."

This woman was such a different person from the sister I knew. Sure she was older from what future, I wasn't sure, but she was hardly Elsa and I had to remind myself of that fact constantly. Though I didn't want my sister to be driven to such things, but she wasn't here right now for me to warn her. I knew she'd be okay and take care of herself, but I was still worried nonetheless.

"We should get back inside," I told her.

"Yeah, it's pretty cold this morning,"

Never thought I'd hear those words ever from her.

"But Anna, I should stay away from you all. I'm a danger to everyone by being here."

"You're not going to be a prisoner in your own home," I insisted.

"I'll return to the guest room and that is all."

"Elris," I muttered.

"Anna, I mean it. Stay away from me."

She stomped off in a hurry without another word and I knew I couldn't talk her out of it. I followed her back upstairs as she shut the guest room behind her. I felt suddenly thrown back into memories of childhood with Elsa behind closed doors. The guards posted outside looked at me curiously.

"Check on her every half hour," I told them.

"Yes, your highness." They bowed.

It was still early morning and breakfast wouldn't be served for a couple of hours. I ventured into the gardens outside where I found Olaf by himself wandering around.

"You're up early, Olaf." I greeted

He laughed as he ran toward me with his branch arms extended for a big hug.

"All the morning hugs for my favorite Anna,"

"Do you know another Anna?" I teased.

"Nope," He laughed, "So you're my favorite,"

He took my hand as we walked in the garden though my mind was a bit distracted and Olaf suddenly stopped.

"Hey Anna, why are you so sad?"

"Am I?" I shrugged.

"Well, you certainly don't look happy." He reasoned.

"I'm just processing, Olaf. There's stuff happening that I don't think we're meant to understand." I said.

"I'm sad too," He said.

"Why Olaf?"

"Because after I rode with Sven to bring Elsa and Niklas home, they disappeared and if I hadn't brought them back, they'd still be here."

I picked Olaf up bringing him to my eye level.

"Olaf, I asked you to bring them home. It's nobody's fault what happened, got it?"

"O-Okay, Anna." Olaf nodded, "I just miss them. Half of our family is missing."

"I know, Olaf, but don't you worry. They'll be home soon."

"How do you know that?"

"Because I know my sister." I nodded.

The morning sun came out for mere minutes before being overshadowed by dark, thick cloud cover. An ominous sight to behold this morning. After making a few laps together in the garden, I was halted in my tracks after hearing a shrill scream. It came from inside the palace, there was no mistaking it. Olaf and I dashed back inside curious as to who had made such a terrible cry. Kristoff was already there and ran to me as soon as he saw me.

"Anna, you okay?" He asked looking me over.

"It wasn't me,"

Hans suddenly ran into the foyer joining us his boots practically sliding across the polished wood floor.

"Anna, it's Aria. She wants to speak to you."

"Was it her just now?" I asked him.

He nodded.

"She's terrified, but won't talk to me. Maybe you can get something out of her?"

"I'll certainly try," I nodded, glancing at Olaf, "You come too Olaf, she's fond of you."

"I can cheer her up," He clapped determinedly walking ahead of me.

Hans and Kristoff brought up the rear down the hall as I followed after Olaf. He burst into the guest room as I told the guys to wait outside. Aria had been through something terrible and the fewer people crowding her, the better. I knocked on the door frame since Olaf already burst into the room. Aria was tucked under her bed covers with a fixed gaze on the nearby window overlooking the fjord. She didn't even look at Olaf or myself.

"Aria, sweetie?" I called to her, "Can I come sit with you?"

She nodded without removing her gaze from the window. Hans set up a cushioned chair beside the bed and as I went to sit down, Aria finally looked at me.

"Can you come closer?" She asked, timidly.

"Just tell me where," I smiled.

Aria patted the spot right beside her on the bed and I quickly sat down beside her. I could feel her body trembling through the bed. She took my hand clinging to it tightly. The poor girl.

"Aria, can I help?" Olaf asked with a bright smile.

Aria sat up looking at Olaf unable to find a smile from his presence. He had never failed to make her smile, at least until now. Her other free hand she offered to Olaf as he too held her hand.

"You're okay," Olaf nodded.

"Aria, can you tell us what happened yesterday? We need to know so we know how to help you."

Aria searched my eyes before looking back out the window to the fjord sighing heavily.

"I was on the ship headed home with daddy and the rest of my uncles except for Uncle Hans and Uncle Niklas, of course."

"Did something happen to the ship? I found you floating on debris."

"W-Waves appeared out of nowhere," Aria muttered, "Daddy moved me below deck and told me to stay there." Aria paused, chewing on her lip trying to find words, "It was so loud, Anna. The winds and water knocking the ship. I have never had such an experience on the water."

"So it was a storm?"

"It didn't last long. I moved back on deck and went to find daddy, but I was alone. I screamed for help when the ship struck something breaking apart. The ship sank in a few minutes and I was left clinging to a chunk of the ship using a broken piece of wood to row myself to shore. Daddy taught me some navigation and I knew what direction to find Arendelle, but I got so tired."

I put my hand to her cheek as they were wet with tears by this point.

"You're a brave little girl, Aria."

"Daddy…" She muttered, "H-He's gone and so are my other uncles. They weren't swimming among the debris or anything. I was thankful she didn't have to look upon any remains of anyone, especially her father. Aria began to sob and her head nestled against my chest as she clung to me. I'd have our soldiers scout the waters of the fjord to be sure there weren't any other survivors, but it didn't look good. There was only open water between Arendelle and the Southern Isles. Olaf stayed with Aria while I left the room to tell Kristoff and Hans what I found out. After I explained, Hans stared at me blankly.

"She's a little girl, the situation was traumatizing, of course, but to know for sure they perished in the storm-"

"I'm going to get confirmation," I nodded.

"I'll go help the soldiers scout for survivors," Kristoff added.

"My brothers need me, I'm coming too," Hans declared.

I summoned all available guards for this task as Kristoff went with them. I paced around the palace trying to distract myself over the course of the day while I awaited news. Aria hadn't eaten all day even though I tried to get her to. She could barely manage water. Just after dinner, Kristoff and Hans returned meeting me in the palace foyer.

"Anything?" I asked Kristoff.

He took my hands in his looking solemn.

"Only debris of a ship washed ashore. We found no one alive."

"My niece is the sole survivor of this tragedy." Hans muttered, "I have to talk to Aria."

It was strange seeing how different people react to grief, but Hans reacted sort of how I figured he would. Putting on a brave face and focusing on the task at hand.

"We must have a memorial service," I insisted.

"But it was a Southern Isles ship that went down, they aren't your kin," Hans reasoned.

"So what? I wish to honor the lives lost at sea. I'm thankful I even got to meet them." I shrugged.

"I should take Aria back to the Isles to her mother. Father must know of this tragedy."

"I'll come too," I nodded, "To show Arendelle's support."

"Anna," Kristoff interrupted, "With your sister and brother gone right now, Arendelle needs you here. The frost grows every day and has already claimed Pabbie along with your aunt and cousins. We have to be smart about this, people are scared."

"Your fiance is right, Anna." Hans agreed, "I'll just leave and get Aria back home to the Isles."

With a plan in motion, we knew what we had to do. Before parting ways, Kai joined us bowing toward me.

"Pardon the interruption, your highness," He said.

"What's the matter, Kai?"

Kai had been employed by my family the whole of me and Elsa's lives, I could read his face like a book and I knew something was wrong. As if we needed something else to deal with.

"We have a visitor from the Southern Isles here, he says it's urgent."

This was bizarre as I certainly wasn't expecting anyone, especially someone to brave the fjord so soon after a rampant storm claimed a ship yesterday.

"Very well," I said, "Send them in,"

"M'lady, this is a dignitary from the Isles. All matters such as these must be addressed in the throne room."

"I'm not the king or queen," I replied, "Bring them in, Kai."

"As you wish, your highness." He said.

Kai disappeared for a few minutes before he returned with a stranger walking behind him right toward me. I was sandwiched between Hans and Kristoff as we all faced the newcomer. Kai bowed to me again and quickly stepped aside as this man from the Isles approached. He wore the colors of the Southern Isles along with the insignia on a golden chain around his neck. His face was etched with signs of fatigue like dark circles under his eyes and yawning a few times before he spoke a word to me.

"Princess Anna, good evening, I apologize for coming without warning today, but it is a matter of urgency. I'm chief magistrate Myles Nilsen from the Southern Isles bearing news I wish to present to the king and queen."

"I'm happy to hear you out, sir, especially since the king and queen are not here now."

"This is grave, your highness. I must speak with them. I know they came back early from their trip after their wedding."

"And how would you know that?" I narrowed my gaze.

"It's not important. I'm desperate and here on behalf of my homeland. That which I love."

"Then please," I nodded, urging him to continue.

"Fires have been spreading throughout the land and are destroying everything. Food, homes, wildlife."

"Sir, I'm sorry to hear this terrible news. What does Lord Alastor ask of Arendelle? I imagine that's why you're here." I said.

"That's just it, your highness, it grieves me to say that Lord Alastor's life was claimed by the fires. As magistrate, it's my duty to name a new heir, our people need hope."

I glanced at Hans next to me upon hearing this news and he stood there his mouth agape.

"Are you sure about this?" I said, growing quiet.

"I saw the body myself." He muttered,

"I see." I paused, "You should also be aware that there was a shipwreck yesterday of the ship carrying the eleven other princes back home. Aria was the only survivor."

Magistrate Nilsen stared at me before blinking his mind into clarity as his eyes widened.

"My word, this changes everything. Our people don't need any other tragedies. What a grave loss."

"Arendelle is happy to offer any support that-"

"Refuge, princess." The magistrate interrupted, "We need refuge and a new heir to name. Niklas is king of Arendelle, so that leaves-."

He stopped himself as he glanced at Hans.

"What are you looking at?" Hans asked.

"It must be you, son." The magistrate said.

"That would probably violate my father's wishes. Besides, I don't want the throne-not anymore." Hans muttered.

How much this man had changed since we first met. Hans glanced at me and then Kristoff before excusing himself. Hans disappeared down the hall as the magistrate watched him leave.

"Of course, he can abdicate, but the Southern Isles still needs an heir." Magistrate Nilsen said.

"Who would be next in line?" I asked.

"Lady Aria." He nodded.

That little girl has been through so much in such a short time and now was about to inherit an entire kingdom. What a weight to put on a young girl.

"Magistrate Nilsen, Arendelle gladly opens its doors for anyone of the Southern Isles to seek refuge until the fires are under control."

"I'm glad to hear because there are many ships approaching the harbor as we speak."

Very presumptive to have people already coming near our port, but if things were as bad as he spoke of, all survivors had to flee. Arendelle was the closest port after all. I tell Kai to head to the harbor with some guards to get every person coming to us on record. This all had to be done in an orderly fashion. As Magistrate Nilsen left with Kai, Kristoff pulled me aside privately.

"Anna, with the frost around here growing, are you sure it's wise to have so many visitors?"

"What else can I do? Elsa isn't here to put out fires on the Isles and obviously, I'd be no help. Believe me, I understand your concern."

"We just need to be careful," He nodded, pressing his lips to my forehead.

"I know," I sighed.

He put his arm around the small of my back as we made our way down the hall to make our way to the harbor. We were stopped by Hans who was panting and out of breath with beads of sweat dripping from his brow.

"Hans? What's wrong?" I quickly asked.

"It's Aria." He said between breaths, "She's sleeping, but I can't wake her. I found that frost coming in from the ceiling!"

I now fully regretted inviting refugees from the Isles here. Places around the fjord were growing more dangerous by the day and I didn't know what to do to stop it. Niklas…Elsa, where are you?