~Chapter 19~

Elsa

I couldn't believe my ears when Niklas told me I was to become a mother. With all the stress on my body, it's a wonder how a baby survived especially during my travel through time. My first thought was of the joy on Anna's face in knowing she would be an aunt. Then I thought of my parents and how I wished they could have lived to be grandparents. My duties didn't cease just because I was pregnant. Niklas was being overly cautious as usual.

I made sure to explain to him what happened in the basement. What my sister did, though not in her right mind and how Elris protected me. After I shared what happened I wanted to give her a proper burial, but when our guards went to fetch her remains, all the guards returned with was the cloak I covered her in. Her body was gone.

The doctor insisted I rested up due to the recent traumas my body had endured. I hated sitting idle especially when I was needed. A bandage was dressed on my cheek from the burn that Anna inflicted and it still hurt since the day she laid her firey hand on my face. It had been a week since then and I could still feel the pain from her touch. Anna had been missing from Arendelle since that day and Niklas sent out search parties every day. Surely it wouldn't be hard to find her especially with her change in behavior and callously using fire how she was. Though every day the search parties returned with no leads. Kristoff had been missing since then too. I could only hope he managed to follow her though was that even safe for him to do so. Sven grew very sad without his best friend to visit. I made sure to spend time with him and feed him carrots every day.

Once I got more strength back, Niklas escorted me to the shores of the fjord. The alternate vile version of me had conjured up this horrific storm, so I was more than capable of breaking it. Stamping on the frozen surface of the fjord, the ice began to retract and free up the water across the fjord releasing the icy hold. As the ice began to lift, magic from my hands went airborne as the snowflake in the sky began to glow. I swirled my hands around my head before breaking them apart watching as the snowflake in the sky disappeared. Though the sun didn't come out afterward nor did the grey clouds dissipate. Time would tell if the temperature improved. I felt faint after withdrawing the storm, Niklas scooped me off the ground as I was a bit unsteady. Why did something so simple wipe me out so drastically?

As king, Niklas had to occasionally deal with legal matters of state and address our citizens concerns considering their queen just tried to send them into another ice age. While he was putting out proverbial fires in the kingdom, Olaf kept me company. Touching my belly at random times though I wasn't even close to being far enough along to feel any movement yet. The doctor surmised I was maybe eight weeks along give or take. It wasn't until I was back home did I even start to feel sick.

After visiting my mother in the past and learning all that I did, especially in regards to the Fifth Spirit, I wanted to follow her instructions to return to Ahtohallan. Answers lay there and especially during this busy time of pregnancy, I wanted to pursue things that could help me get stronger. It would be easier to get to Ahtohallan sooner than later. Anna was still missing along with Kristoff, for all we knew they could already be out there waiting for me to follow them. Even after removing the storm I created, our Arendelle autumn was quickly becoming our normal winter. There already was a chill in the air that didn't dissipate. Ever since I came back and had my behavior change, I hadn't stepped into the main village across the bridge. No memories of what happened, but Niklas filled me in and our citizens were afraid of me and they had every right to be. Someone they trusted tried to do them harm by way of a magical storm. I think that's why I wanted to venture to Ahtohallan, it wasn't Arendelle, where the population was afraid of me. Kai often went to town for me to get me anything I needed and sometimes even Olaf offered. Though Olaf often came back with more stuff on his trips than I asked for. Neither of them knew about the reason for these trips.

If mother was correct about assuming I would take her place as the Fifth Spirit, I had to try to wake up Aunt Isidora and the others. Before leaping in time, I tried what I could and nothing came of it. Though now I had new information or maybe mother planted a sort of wisdom on me that could bestow me with the power of this Fifth Spirit. Niklas informed me about his family losses and how Aria is the future heir of Isles. My pregnancy was distraction for him, but I didn't want him to be distracted. He needed to grieve and process. With winter in Arendelle well on its way, I suggested that Niklas and Hans get a hunting trip in. The woods around Arendelle were always well stocked with deer and rabbits. Niklas didn't want to leave me alone.

"You're fending for two," He told me on the courtyard steps as Hans was finishing saddling up his horse behind us, "This is hardly the time."

"I'll be fine." I reassured him, "Please, don't worry so much unless you wanna drive your wife crazy." I laughed, playfully kissing him.

We hadn't made any sort of announcement to anyone yet. Niklas swore the doctor to secrecy until we were ready. Besides it was early, anything could happen in the coming months and I wouldn't dare worry Niklas.

"Should I tell Hans?" He whispered.

"Only if you want to," I glanced up at him with his horse, "I think your brother could hear some good news."

"True," Niklas nodded.

I threw my arms around my husband's neck as he leaned down pressing his lips to mine sweetly. Hans casually cleared his throat behind us.

"Sorry to break up the love fest, but we should go before we lose daylight." Hans urged. Niklas and I parted as I hugged him again before he climbed into his horses saddle.

"Be safe," I looked at both of them.

"We can handle this, Elsa." Hans nodded.

"I have no doubt." I agreed.

With a snap of his reins, Hans took off in a full gallop as Niklas brought up the rear charging after his brother, but not before turning around to wave to me. I waved back with a bright smile. Once I was alone, I ventured upstairs to the room where my family lay sleeping, frozen in time. I had to use my shoulder to bang against the door to break the icy seal that had grown since the last visit. We had moved everyone to one room just to maintain the spread of this ice. Isidora. Royan. Aksel. Pabbie. Aria. They all were here and sat with them awhile not like the cold bothered me. I spoke to them as if I would if they were awake reassuring them I would free them.

"I also have exciting news. I'm gonna have a baby."

I spoke to them briefly about traveling to the past and seeing both my parents.

"I also can train to become the next Fifth Spirit," I glanced at my sleeping aunt, "You know about that don't you Aunt Isidora?"

My hands clenched into fists as I circled the room.

"When I first came to Creawood and met you that first time, why not tell me then? It might have saved us some headaches."

I couldn't be mad at her especially since I wasn't fully aware of her side of the story. Maybe mother didn't tell anyone about her desire to pass on the powers of Fifth Spirit. Besides, I had no access to them unless finding those animal spirits. Yura and the Nokk for earth and water were the only ones I was aware of at this point. Glancing at the bed across the way was where Aria laid. Taking her hand in mine, she was freezing to the touch as I assume they all were. I was running out of time.

"You're the heir to the Southern Isles, Aria. You're young, but I know you'll do great. I know what it's like to inherit early, though much later than you."

I leaned down kissing her forehead and the moment my skin touched hers I felt a slight electricity zap my skin. It didn't hurt, but it got my attention. Something within her was resisting me. I remembered what mother said when she changed the mind and heart of that thief. Though I didn't know how to venture into the mind, my expertise revolved around ice and snow, that's it. It was intimidating to me to try and learn and control any other ability. If I was the only person who could do this, I had to try. I placed my hands on both sides of Aria's head unsure of how to proceed. Closing my eyes, I tried to release my energies though not through ice. Speaking her name in my head, I saw flashes of memory with her in my mind. Before I even told myself what to do, I began to sing the tune I heard mother sing in the past. Suddenly I looked around and I was in a room and it was pitch black. Though turning around I could see myself still holding onto Aria. I was doing it, going inside her mind. I kept singing and the more I did, the darkness began to dissipate revealing a door that was half the size it should be. I'd have to crawl through. As I got down on my knees, I opened the door I was met with a icy blast of wind with a voice accompanying.

"Get out!" A man's voice yelled as the door slammed shut.

This voice was deep and gutteral sending a chill down my spine. Almost haunting in his warning, but I wouldn't let that stop me. I heard crying on the other side of the door and I began to sing again much louder and longer. Reaching out my arm to guide myself forward, a small light began to envelop the darkness from my fingertips.

"Aria?" I called.

My light swallowed the darkness and as I walked across the room, Aria was in fetal position in the corner sobbing. She didn't move even though the darkness was gone. I knelt down beside her tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. Grabbing her shoulder, she looked up at me with tear stained cheeks.

"They're all gone."

"I know, sweetie" I told her, "It's okay to be sad about it, but can I get you out of here?"

Aria sniffled.

"He doesn't want me to go."

"Who, Aria?"

"The man who was here with me this whole time. I wasn't alone."

"Aria, that man is not your friend. Come, take my hand. There are people who want to see you. Can you stand up?"

It took her some time to rise to her feet, but I didn't let go of her hand, not for a second. I kept singing as I walked her out the door. As we came through the door, I returned to myself opening my eyes and seeing Aria staring back at me from her bed.

"Auntie Elsa?" Aria mumbled.

I hugged her holding her tight still in disbelief this actually worked. Either I had the power to free her all along or mother did something to help while in the past. Regardless, I was elated.

One by one, I ventured into all their minds. How? I wasn't sure. Focus and concentration I suppose. Mother could have given me the insight in the past to help me in my present. They were trapped in fear this whole time. All of them grieving in various ways, which made them susceptible. Aria grieving her family loss on the ship that almost took her own life. Isidora, Aksel, and Royan still grieving Colin's death even after all these years. My wedding near the date of the very day it happened. Pabbie was here too, but his sleep wasn't based off of grief, I wonder if he was deemed a threat, so whoever conjured the ice spell made it leech onto him. Once they all were awake, they each were dazed and confused unsure what had happened. Aksel was the first to sit up looking at me blinking blankly a few times.

"Aksel, it's so great to see you awake," I said, grabbing his shoulder.

"Elsa?" He muttered, "What happened?"

"I'll tell you everything soon. Let's focus on getting your strength up. You need anything?"

He blinked once.

"I'm hungry," He nodded.

Aria was the next to sit up and once they all were standing on their feet, I helped escort them to the dining hall. I could have sent for Gerda or Brigitta to get food, but it was probably good for them to walk and get blood flowing into their limbs. Aria being so young was the first to the stairs and she slid down the banister. Though I heard a thump come from the bottom. By the time the rest of us came downstairs, Aria was in a lump on the ground rubbing her tailbone.

"Ouch," She said, through gritted teeth.

Upon hearing the thud, Niklas joined us in the hall with Hans right behind him. They both looked stunned at seeing everyone awake after so long.

Niklas blinked a couple times trying to comprehend the sight before Hans pushed passed his brother to scoop up Aria in his arms. Hans held onto her for a moment or two before Niklas did the same. The sight brought a tear to my eye. Hans took Aria's hand as he escorted her to get some food and Niklas stood next to me.

"What did you do?"

"Mother shared some things with me about a newfound power I can possess should I choose to." I said glancing behind us where Royan and Aksel were escorting Aunt Isidora down the hall. "More on that later." I told him.

Niklas went on into the dining hall as I strode up to Aunt Isidora who still walked stiffer than the others.

"I need to talk to you. May I?" I told her.

She nodded as Royan and Aksel released her arms.

"Frankly, I'm not at all hungry." She glanced at my cousins, "I'll catch up with you."

Royan and Aksel moved along down the hall as Aksel turned and waved.

"Don't keep mother too long, Elsa." He said.

"She needs to recoup her strength." Royan added.

Once Aunt Isidora and I were alone, we stopped to sit on a pair of cushioned chairs beside an end table in the main hall.

"How are you feeling?" I asked.

She exhaled a sharp breath glancing up at me.

"Aches here and there and tired mostly. How long were we like that?"

"Several weeks," I replied.

"If it hadn't been for you, it would have been longer, so thank you, Elsa. I've never been prouder of one of my nieces before. I haven't been around you enough and for that my heart is full of regret. My sister raised two beautiful daughters."

I took her hands in mine giving them a gentle squeeze.

"I understand why you and mother were estranged for so long. Niklas and I sort of saw it when it happened."

Isidora lifted her head cocking it to the side curiously narrowing her gaze.

"What do you mean you saw it?"

"It's a long story, I can fill in details later, but basically Niklas and I traveled through time to see your past in Ahtohallan. I have to say Aunt Isidora, you and I are more alike than I realized."

She smiled weakly.

"Ahtohallan," She repeated, "Brings back many fond memories and not so fond ones. Though I'm more intrigued by the time travel aspect. How?"

"I'll tell you more later." I nodded, "Listen, I was there and I wish I could have done something to help Colin, but it wasn't anyone's fault, especially mother's."

"I know, Elsa." She paused, stopping me, "I know I don't need to lecture you on what a powerful emotion grief can be. When you're that hurt, sometimes you blame others for things that you have no right to." Her voice trailed off, "My biggest regret was not mending my relationship with Iduna sooner. Treasure your sisterhood with Anna, don't do what I did."

"Anna have some wasted years during the time we grew up, but as adults, we're closer than ever." I nodded.

Aunt Isidora smiled giving my hand a squeeze.

"I'm happy to hear that. Speaking of which, where is Anna? I haven't seen her once."

Sharing what happened with my aunt was more unsettling than I anticipated. Anna protected me from myself and when I came to, she tried to kill me without a single hesitation. Though it was troubling that she was still missing along with Kristoff. I wondered if they were together, if Kristoff was trying to get her home.

After everyone ate their fill, Aria wanted to play a game of charades in the library. Olaf was on one team with Aria and Hans. Aksel, Niklas, and I were on the opposite team. Royan and Aunt Isidora just insisted on spectating. I wish Anna was here. She loved charades. Once everyone was tired from the games, Niklas and I shared our happy news with them. They were all overjoyed for us. Shortly after dinner I was feeling fatigued needing to get off my feet and Niklas had the doctor summoned just as a precaution. More of an overcautious husband if you ask me.

"You do realize women have been giving birth for centuries, right?" I mocked.

"True, but not all babies are born from a magical parent."

"Touche," I smirked, "But still, can you ease up?"

"I'll try my best," Niklas smiled, coming over to sit next to me.

"That's all I ask,"

While we waited for the doctor to come up to our room, I was sitting on the end of the bed with my hand on my stomach. I leaned against Niklas's shoulder as he rubbed my back gently.

"If our child has powers," I began to say, "They will grow up embracing and loving themselves, so they won't be fearful."

"With two loving parents and extended family, how can they ever be fearful?" Niklas nodded.

A knock was heard at our door and it wasn't the doctor, but the captain of the Arendelle guard giving us an update on the search for Anna. Nothing still. No leads. Niklas thanked the officer and he went on his way. I rose to my feet heading toward the balcony door that led outside.

"Elsa?"

I opened the door and looked back at him.

"I just need a minute." I said.

I wanted to have this moment alone and he knew that. The crisp late autumn air hit my lungs and I breathed it in deeply as I rested my arms on the balcony railing. I missed my sister. I hoped she was alright regardless of her perceived mindset she broke me free of. Then a glimmer of a memory rang off in my head. Remembering Royan teaching me how to use my snowballs to see people, I had to try that again. I stupidly forgot about it until this moment. I closed my eyes and blasted a large snowball in front of me. My mind was somewhat distracted as I tried to visualize my sister until I finally did. Unable to see a background location to pinpoint, but I saw her face at least and she looked fierce with those Iris colored eyes.

"You took my punishment upon yourself, why Anna?"

"To protect you," I could almost hear her say in my head.

I went back inside and the doctor was patiently waiting inside the bedroom with Niklas.

"I'm sorry, were you waiting long?" I asked.

"Not at all, your majesty." The doctor nodded, "The king was just telling me how you've been feeling as of late and that your missing sister is causing some stress. Shall we begin?"

The doctor had me lay on the bed as he examined me. Niklas watched from the corner of the room giving the doctor plenty of space because otherwise I know he'd no doubt be hovering. Taking a stethoscope to listen to the baby's heartbeat, his exam took no more than five minutes. The doctor stepped back putting his hands behind his back as Niklas drew closer once the doctor was done.

"So, is she okay?" Niklas asked, nervously.

"As healthy as any expectant mother can be," The doctor nodded, "I seemed to have missed something during my last exam that I caught in this one."

"Is something wrong?" I asked nervously.

"Quite the contrary," The doctor replied, "I believe congratulations are in order for two. I detected a second heartbeat during my exam."

"What?" Niklas questioned.

I just stared blankly in disbelief at the news.

"I apologize for missing it the last time." The doctor said, "You're fending for three now and I know your sister is a distraction, but it would be wise to watch your stress."

"Thanks for coming," Niklas said, shaking the doctors hand before he left us.

I had been speechless the past few minutes trying to wrap my head around the news. I was overjoyed, but surprised and I think Niklas mirrored those same feelings. He came over sitting beside me on the bed seemingly dazed.

"Well, there's something you don't hear every day. What are you thinking?" I asked.

Niklas look my hand in his bringing it to his lips kissing my hand gently.

"I'm thinking that I'm the happiest man alive right now. I owe Elris everything for protecting you that day."

"You owe, me then?" I laughed.

"You're going to be a terrific mother." He whispered, "Not many kids can say their mom has ice powers."

I smiled briefly before my face fell. I thought of my sister and how I could tell her this news. She shouldn't be missing this, she should be here.

"I want to join the search for Anna," I told him.

"Elsa, you heard the doctor, no stress."

"Waiting around here is causing me more stress than helping would. It's early in my pregnancy with plenty of strength. I have to do everything in my power to find her."

"Elsa-"

"Niklas," I interrupted, "I have to do this. Please."

He sighed pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Aright, but only during the first trimester."

"Anna will be found in no time. I'll have Bruni help too."

"So long as you're safe and careful."

"Safe and careful is my middle name," I winked, "I must go to Ahtohallan first thing tomorrow. Mother said answers would be found there."

"We'll go first thing, but after some rest and maybe a quick discussion."

"Discussion of?" I questioned.

"Baby names." He smiled, taking my hand in his.

I sat up more immediately even more excited.

"Well, if one is a girl, I'd really like to name her Lillian."

"You thought that one up fast." Niklas teased.

"It was easy, Lillian is mother's middle name."

Niklas smiled bending down pressing his lips to my forehead sweetly.

"Lillian," He whispered, "I like it, but I also like Talia."

"After your mom? I also love it. Well, if we have two girls we already scored two incredible names. I've got no ideas for a boy, if they are we could decide when they're born just by looking at them."

"Sounds good to me. Though I do have an idea."

"Let's hear it," I urged.

"Alexander after my grandfather. As a boy he brought me to Arendelle and I always admired the kingdom since that visit. The atmosphere, the food, and most especially the people. Who knew my wife would be from there."

Niklas put his hand on my stomach as I leaned against his shoulder holding him close. I wanted to be joyful in this moment, but a dark cloud overshadowed the moment. My thoughts drifted to Anna and how determined I was to find her and bring her home. Changed personality or no, I swore I would get her back.