Some Author Notes at the end.
Chapter V
Found and lost
Desire was new to her.
Yes, she had found some men handsome every now and then; even some of the foreign ladies that visited the castle caught her eye a few times.
It was nothing compared to what she felt now.
It grew like a volcanic force, boiling just below the surface. Her heart felt like it would burst each time she saw Elsa, her soft smile, her lean, agile body, toned from the countless hours she had spent using her powers freely on the forest. Her sister's beauty had blossomed, and she felt fatally drawn to it. So, she prepared; steeled her resolve to take the next step forward. The only thing left was to find the right time. She was afraid, to pour her heart's desires, but she couldn't hide them much longer, either.
Then it all began, inconspicuously, subtly. The first clouds gathering on the sky. The first omens of the upcoming storm.
"Something is happening," Elsa had said. They had been on the edge of the fjord on a calm day of fall. Gale had warned about the visit on the afternoon, and so Anna had waited for her sister behind the night's cover. They both sat on a hidden dock behind the castle's rock formations, with their legs hanging over the wooden boards.
Anna had been looking at the stars, her hand wrapped around her sister's. She looked down and saw the worry on those dazzling sapphire eyes.
"I have felt it these last few weeks. Seeping, tapping into the forest's magic. The spirits feel it as well, and they've grown nervous. Its's like…" Elsa struggled with the words, "a sort of… corruption. It pushes forward, but I can't find the source."
Anna passed her arm over Elsa's exposed shoulders, cradling her. It never ceased to amaze her, how little the cold affected her sister. The skin beneath her fingers was smooth, unblemished.
"I feel its call, somewhere south." the blonde muttered against Anna's collarbone.
"Like Ahtohallan?" Anna asked.
Her sister shook her head. "This one feels… wrong. Darker. I don't know…" Elsa's arms enveloped her hips.
Anna hugged her tighter. They stayed like that for a while, embraced in each other, hearing only the soft rush of wind flying over the fjord's waters.
Neither of them knew where those first, troubling signs would lead, how the world would spin on its axis, throwing everything on its head.
-ooo-
The fight extended for another two days. After their initial attack, the Hanians had rallied their forces, crashing against Lirendelle's defenses with mad zealotry. The long howls and the screaming of men had filled the night, extending well into the next day's morning.
Anna's forces prevailed, barely. The palisade fell multiple times, and every time they retook it and remade it hastily. Now it stood proud once more, a wooden shield that protected the whole northern valley. Before leaving, she had wanted to inspect the war-zone one last time. She didn't know the first thing about fortifications, but her presence could provide a boost of morale.
She stood atop the battlements, looking out towards the northern forests. A few trails of smoke remained, from the towns that had fallen to the raiders. The vistas brought back the travel to Northuldra, many miles to the northwest. She envisioned the long mountain ranges she and Elsa had sorted to reach the forest, the nights they spent cuddled with each other around their tiny campfire.
Now, after her disappearance, the mists had enveloped the Enchanted Forest once again, the spirits lying dormant.
"The spirits will wait for her," Yelena had said after Gale stopped his occasional visits to bring her Elsa's letters. "Right now, that's all we can do."
She walked down the wooden planks of the make-shift stairs of the battlements.
The soldiers presented arms – most of them holding long pikes – as the Queen reached the gates, where Lieutenant Farris waited, standing proudly in a martial pose, hands clasped behind his back. After months of conflict, Anna had begun to realize how war shaped the people caught in them. Men like Farris flourished in it, while others – like myself, she thought grimly – withered slowly while carrying the burden of the fate of dozens of thousands.
"Your Majesty." The officer greeted her. He followed her as she strolled around the barrier. "When are you leaving?" the man asked.
"In an hour, I'm afraid." She answered simply. "I have to go back to the Capital." The message she had received from General Dunarr first thing in the morning left her uneasy. She had wanted to stay, but there were arrangements that claimed her immediate attention.
"Of course, your Grace. It was an honor, to fight beside you." He stated, puffing out his chest proudly.
Anna smiled. "Likewise."
"Will you be able to hold?" she questioned. Sergeant Yudris and the survivors of her Royal Guard stood in line a few yards away, waiting for her.
"Yes, your Grace. They won't take us by surprise this time."
"If anything should happen, send word with Lord Jarwood. I will do whatever I can to send help." She promised before mounting up. Her new steed pranced a little, still not accustomed to her. She patted the horse's neck gently, shushing to calm it.
The man straightened his back, saluting her briefly before walking back to the improvised barracks.
She rode through the main street, her guards in closed ranks around her. Many of the townsfolk saw her leaving, so she waved back at them. The town bore the scars of the battle: some houses had burned, while many others had lost their doors and windows. There was a somber air in the streets, but it was also a peaceful one. Not long ago, the hellish screams of dying men had reigned supreme. She had seen it all: the burning buildings, men and beasts fighting in the middle of night, the tall flames from the palisade casting long, unnerving shadows.
How she wished things could go back to those simpler times. Now, after the battle had ended, it almost felt like the first time she had toured her country after she took the crown.
If there was no assurance for the future, at least her efforts had managed to keep a tiny part of her kingdom standing.
-w-
Over most of the ride back, exhaustion took hold of her, numbing the few hours she spent on horseback. She had even dozed off a few times over the saddle, waking up with a jerk as her body tilted dangerously to one side. With half-lid eyes, she recognized Arendelle's gates, with many of the soldiery peeking curiously over the wall to see their reduced group enter the city.
After conferring briefly with Kai, she retired to her room and collapsed over the soft, alluring bed. Her whole body felt sore, drained. After only a few minutes, sleep claimed her drifting consciousness.
-w-
"It was all a trap, your Majesty," declared General Dunarr, his voice echoing loudly in the War Room. The hall felt particularly cold in the morning, and not for the first time, Anna wished she could crawl back into her warm mattress.
He signaled to the south of the grand map. "While the Hanians kept us occupied on the North, the Usurper began to mobilize his armies on the south. The Coronians have advanced as well, covering the flanks of the main force."
The hall was almost empty. The only members of the council who were still on the Capital were General Dunarr and Lady Varin. Lady Talya sat alone on one side of the table. While not a proper member of the Council, Anna had felt inclined to invite her to substitute her husband.
"Lord Ettan has abandoned the borders, grouping his forces in a defensive perimeter around Orendelle. He burned down the bridges on the Yugarr and the Ofenn rivers, so their advance will be slow, at least for now." The General reported, consecutively pointing the places.
Anna sat upright on her throne, mentally going over her plan. It wasn't very original, but she had to try to make something happen before the forces of the two combined kingdoms overwhelmed them.
'Channel your enemy. Bring them to where you'll have the most advantage.' She recalled Matthias' words once more.
General Dunarr finished his report, sitting down.
"We'll not engage them," Anna said. The General frowned, looking slightly puzzled. "At least not for now. Order Lord Ettan to retreat from Orendelle, to leave in a hurry, so the Usurper thinks we're fleeing." She stood up from her throne, leaning over the map. The southern provinces were mostly on flat ground, their moors and large fields crisscrossed by plenty of rivers, long and small. On its middle, there was a tiny flag, representing her hastily put-together army, and around it were several other flags, black and red, like the open jaws of a wolf… She shivered at the memory.
She wouldn't lie to herself. She may not have much military experience, but even she knew they could not fight such a superior force upfront; but perhaps she could use that fact to lure them, and prepare a trap of her own.
"Our army should stop just outside the central valley and turn back," she explained. She could feel all the gazes over her, even Lady Varin's, who sat on the other end of the table, her face covered in black. "I'll take our last cavalry battalions and attack from the flanks after they have over-extended."
The War Master struck his chin, looking at the map.
"A bold plan, your Grace." He nodded once before countering. "But even if we catch them by surprise, and that's a big if, we cannot defeat them on the field in an open battle. They outnumber us three-to-one, at the very least."
Anna acknowledged his objection with a dip of her head.
"I know. But we still have one last surprise. Rapunzel." She stated.
The General and Lady Talya glanced at her.
"Your cousin, your Grace?" He asked, visibly confused. While the Council's members did know of Rapunzel's survival, aside from Lord Grenn and Lady Varin, the rest didn't know the full extent of the plan.
"Most of the Coronians are not happy after Falax took down the reigning house. The Coronian nobles contained a general revolt by using the mercenaries he provided, but there is much unrest on the country. Most of them don't even know the legitimate Queen is alive and well."
"But Flynn, the King Regent, has been causing havoc behind their lines, spreading rumors and raiding their supply lines. If we choose the right moment, we can present them with their Queen, and break the Coronian army. Then," she pointed to the map were she had moved the little tokens representing the armies, "the Usurper's main force will be trapped in between the turned Coronians and our own forces."
General Dunarr looked over the map.
"Bold indeed, your Grace. I must admit, it's a fragile plan, but it may work. We will need to choose the place of our standing very well," he explained. "Use the rivers of the region to stop any chance of retreat."
It was true, Anna knew. Her plan – the one she had devised the last time she saw Rapunzel's husband – all hinged in the Coronians turning against the Faraxians once they knew their Queen had survived.
Flynn had said a few more months of raiding and rumors were necessary, but now they didn't have that luxury.
All or nothing, Anna thought.
"Lady Talya," she called. The noblewoman turned, her face mild and calm as usual. "Do you think your husband will agree to this? I don't mean to be disrespectful, but…" As the Queen, she didn't need the governor's approval, but his reticence could prove dangerous of left unchecked.
"I know, your Majesty. My husband's temper is well known." She said steadily. "I don't think the orders to abandon his home town would make him happy, but I ask you, please. Do not doubt his loyalty. If given the order, he will do as you command, regardless of his own desires."
Anna nodded, feeling slightly embarrassed.
"I can write to him, your Grace," the lady continued, "so the news don't come so abruptly."
"That would help. Yes, please."
Lady Talya bowed her head, making long strands of black hair fall over her shoulders.
"I will begin the preparations." The General said. "I assume you'll be coming with us when the time comes, your Highness?"
"Yes, General. I will." She replied resolutely, discouraging any discussion on the matter.
"Then, we will need to replace your fallen guards, your Majesty," the man said, his voice showing a little hesitance. "Their ranks are… well…"
Anna agreed with a nod. The ride back to Arendelle had been unusually quiet. She remembered Captain Garmond, his blank eyes… She shut her eyes roughly, chasing those thoughts away.
"We can discuss that later," the Queen ordered. "Lady Varin," she called, eager to change the subject, "any news you need to share?"
The elderly woman interlaced her fingers over the table. "He has made contact with the Faraxian nobility, your Highness. So far, they have not inquired much about his story. Contact will be sparse: we cannot risk to blow his cover too soon."
Anna was amazed at the woman's strength. Her voice didn't wave nor break as she talked about her son's assignment. The young man had to infiltrate the Faraxian court, and send back reports of anything useful for their cause. After losing her husband, she had to put her son at risk. She couldn't begin to imagine the weight the lady carried around. Perhaps that's why she used the black veil: to hide from the looks of pity and sadness everyone threw at her.
"As for your request over the Hanians, I have heard some… troubling notions. Whispers of dark magic, and a pact made from blood. They seem rather determined to help the Usurper, and from what I've heard from your guards, it seems they had indeed some help. The wolves." She finished, her last words hanging heavily on the room.
Anna had thought so as well. Never had they heard of wolfs doing the biding of any human. The tribesmen worshipped them, yes, but the animals had always been wild and untamable, until now. Was this the doing of the Black Sorceress?
She hoped not. If the witch was running free, it meant Elsa had failed. It most likely meant Elsa had…
No. Don't think that, she berated herself. Never think that.
"Is there any chance the Northuldran people could help us? From what we know from Princess Elsa's accounts, they seem to know the most about magic." Lady Varin asked.
Anna shook her head. A few weeks after Elsa's letters stopped, the Enchanted Forest had become unreachable. There would be no help from them.
"None of our envoys have even managed to make contact. For the time being," she declared, "we need to begin the preparations. I'll send word to King Eugene so we can meet to coordinate our efforts…"
They discussed the finer details of the plan for well over an hour before she dismissed the meeting.
For a while, she sat on the throne, alone on the ample, silent room.
Six months, she thought. Half a year since the spirits and the letters had stopped, as well as Yelena's messages. During that time, everything had changed: a bloody war falling over her kingdom. Now, she had seen it up close as well. Unconsciously, she ran her fingers over the scar on her cheek.
The gash itched. She wasn't new to injuries: years of running and riding around the castle's hallways and courtyards, mixed with her natural clumsiness, had ensured her a steady supply of scratches and cuts. She wouldn't dwell on a little scar: it was, in a way, a proof of her conviction. A thousand more she would take, if it could make a difference for her people.
The side door opened suddenly, startling her out of her thoughts. Gerda scurried forward, drying her hands over her white apron.
"Your Majesty, have you eating something yet?" The woman asked firmly.
"No…?" she answered vaguely. Anna could see the scowl already forming on her forehead. "I woke up late! And I had to get ready for the council meeting."
Gerda shook her head disapprovingly.
"I know you're tired and busy, your Highness, but you need to eat properly if you want to keep up." She stated in a matter-of-fact tone.
Anna smiled sheepishly.
"I will, Gerda." She assured her.
The woman nodded. "Good. Now, if you'd follow me, lunch is ready."
Anna jumped off her throne, happily following her servant.
-ooo-
After Elsa's last visit, a message arrived at the castle.
A royal invitation from their cousin, Rapunzel. Apparently, her uncle Frederick had decided it was time for her to take the throne.
Anna informed her sister, and to her surprise, she came back to her the next day.
"I'll come too," Elsa had declared. "The… thing, I have been feeling. It comes from the south. Perhaps if we go closer to it, I may finally understand what's happening. It's getting worse: the forest is withering…"
Even if she was worried, a part of her was delighted that Elsa would accompany her. She made the necessary arrangements and they soon departed on their family ship, accompanied by some of her councilors.
They reached the Coronian coast in a couple days' travel. Rapunzel waited for them on the main docks, Eugene by her side. After being welcomed by her relatives, the four of them spent the night talking and playing charades.
It felt weird to see her sister wearing real, regal clothes. It reminded her of the days past, when she had only been the Princess. A part of her missed Elsa's recent look: the wild flair her white dresses possessed, the freedom it radiated.
On the middle of the night, Elsa came to her. She had seen her worries deepen as the day went by, so her visit wasn't all that surprising.
"It's here," she whispered, both sitting on a little couch by the hearthstone. "Somewhere in the city. I feel it, stronger than ever. After the coronation, I'll go and have a look around the city."
Anna nodded, leaning sleepily over her sister's shoulder. She felt Elsa's hands tug her closer, cocooning her between her arms.
The next day, the ceremony went without a hitch. Her cousin emerged Queen of Corona, her husband Eugene King Regent. As she saw them, Anna pictured Elsa and herself, standing proudly looking over their people, twin Queens, joined in sacred marriage.
It was the first time she allowed those thoughts to be so particular, crisp and colorful. Her heart swelled.
She looked over Elsa, basking in her calm, polite smile as she clapped with the rest of the nobility. Her sister turned, their eyes meeting.
Anna had been afraid, but she couldn't afford to be. After they came back, they would talk. After they came back, she would give in to her heart's desires, whatever the results may be.
-ooo-
At night, the sea was remarkably calm. She could see the crescent moon reflected on the black waters, its edges barely shifting with the soft tide. Over the main deck, the mariners of the Queen Idunn moved with practiced quiet. She stood on the forecastle, with a heavy cape over her shoulders to fend off the occasional current of icy air. Rapunzel stood beside her, keenly scanning the dark waters, her face partially hidden below her black cloak.
The ship had been the last of the vessels constructed under her father's reign: a little galleon, meant to be only used for the royal family's travels. Her fleet had bigger and meaner ships, actually designed to fight on the seas, but she wouldn't risk moving one of those out of their hiding spot. Instead, she took this one, so she could slip out of the fjord without being noticed. If she wanted to pull off her plan, they needed to get Flynn on board as soon as possible.
Rapunzel had agreed to the meeting, of course. Anna knew how worried she was about her husband's efforts, raiding and hunting down whomever members of the traitorous Coronian nobility he could get his hands on.
They waited in silence, hearing only the gentle rushing of the shifting seas.
Eventually, a little dot appeared from the south, slowly approaching their ship. Rapunzel leaned forward, squinting her eyes. The dot grew until Anna could recognize its shapes: it was a little fishing boat, pulled by two men, with a third one standing on the prow.
Rapunzel's grin widened. She ran towards the lower deck, rushing past the surprised mariners. Just as the little boat reached the side of the bigger ship, her head peeked over the rail. Anna put her hand over her cousin's shoulder to keep her from jumping overboard.
The dark figures jumped from their boat and skillfully scaled the ropes thrown on the ship's side. The three men landed on the deck with a quiet, muffled thump and took off their hoods, pale moonlight lighting their factions. Two of them, large, bulky man she remembered vaguely as Flynn's lieutenants. The other man was tall and bearded, with a long sword hanging from his belt. He was wearing thick, black boots, and his whole attire gave him the appearance of a seasoned warrior.
Eugene's crooked smile broadened as he saw his wife rushing to his side. Rapunzel jumped, and they twirled a little before he put her down. The blonde laughed as she rubbed her husband's cheeks playfully. The man laughed as well, and Anna could've sworn she saw his companions roll their eyes.
Well, they're kinda lovey-dovey, she decided.
Anna stood awkwardly a few feet away, waiting. After he finally finished kissing his wife, he stepped towards her.
Flynn's beard had grown much thicker since she last saw him a few months back, on a night like this. He pulled Anna into a brief hug before looking her over with a critical eye.
"It seems scars are in fashion," he greeted with a smirk once he saw her closer. Anna smirked back, crossing her arms over her chest. She could see what he was talking about: there was a black line crossing his right eyebrow that hadn't been there before.
"Eugene…" the blonde hissed, swatting his arm.
"It's all right," Anna answered good-naturally. She looked around briefly before continuing. "We should head inside. You can be all mushy once we have talked."
-w-
"Are you sure it's the right idea? Don't get me wrong, I'm all for it. Living on the mountains had its charm at first, but I'd really like to not have to sneak around all the time. But I thought we'd have more time." Eugene said, sitting on a wooden chair with Rapunzel sitting to his side, their hands joined behind the table.
Anna knew her cousin wanted to sip on his lap, but she contained herself in respect for her, and she was grateful for it. She didn't like it, but she couldn't help to feel some jealousy at their closeness.
Could I ever have that? She wondered, feeling the old sorrow fill her chest for a brief moment.
"We don't." she answered bluntly. "Falax's armies are already advancing, and my own army cannot engage them up front."
Flynn stroked his beard thoughtfully. All three had retired to the ship's main cabin, with Flynn's men guarding the door.
"I know it's asking much…" Anna said. "But if we want to have at least some chance of winning, we have to stop them from reaching Arendelle. If they siege us, we would break in a matter of weeks." It pained her to admit it, but it was the truth. Should they fail to stop them on the field, there was little she or anyone else could do to prevent her kingdom from falling.
Flynn shook his head. "It has always been the plan. I just hoped we could've worked on the people for longer. They're are scared," he explained, "because the lords have them on a tight leash now. They're angry too, and there's many who resent Falax, but they are mostly afraid."
"We'll need to strike fast." He continued. "Hit most of the remaining nobles, so when Rapunzel shows up, the army will flock to our side."
"Can you do it?"
"Not as many as I'd have hoped," he replied. She could see how his jaw clenched. Since the assassination of his parents-in-law, Anna knew he had taken it personally.
Rapunzel leaned on his shoulder, closing her eyes briefly, undoubtedly thinking about what had to be done.
"It all hinges on our army breaking." He stated, breaking the silence.
"Will they?"
"Most of them, yeah. They are the same as Arendelle, loyal to their own. What do you think?" Eugene asked his wife.
Rapunzel nodded firmly. "I believe they will. My parents were beloved by my people, and I think if we give them a chance, they will revolt against the Usurper."
Anna stayed silent for a little bit, thinking. Was it too risky? To expose Rapunzel in the middle of a battle…
"All right." Eugene said, clapping his hands. "How much time do we have?"
"Two weeks, twenty days at most, if Lord Ettan manages to avoid engaging them for that long." Anna grimaced a little, knowing how little their window of time was. Flynn nodded, looking sadly at Rapunzel.
She could see it in his eyes. He had wanted to stay the night, but he would have to leave immediately.
"What'll be the signal?" Anna asked.
Flynn laughed a little. "Oh, you will know when you see it. We will meet with you after we have thrown the countryside into chaos."
Anna lifted an eyebrow.
"It's better if you don't know." He explained. "Just make sure Rapunzel is with you when you make your stand. We will arrive in time, don't worry." He winked at her, his smirk reappearing only very briefly.
"Alright," she agreed, leaning back on her chair.
Rapunzel scooped closer to his husband, sighing quietly.
This is it, Anna thought sadly. The next time they would see each other, their two kingdoms' fate would be decided. They needed to succeed. Failure would mean the deposal of their royal blood, the fall of the livelihoods of her subjects, executions and slavery for many.
All of her life, her parents had taught her the responsibility she carried as the royal Princess. They had groomed Elsa for Queen, but they taught her as well. It felt strange, to be part of such important events, to head them. Her decisions, the decisions of little Anna moved around the lives of thousands. Had she made the best choices? She hoped so. She had prayed for her parents' guidance, but every time only silence answered. For the most part, she could count only on her own wits. Perhaps this whole situation had been forced upon her kingdom, but no one else was to blame for her choices.
She thought of the days her father had taught her Arendelle's history. She found most of it to be only boring, sleep-inducing dates and names, but for the most part, she did learn. What'd history say about her? Would she even appear on it, or would her enemies rewrite it, turning her efforts into a lesson in foolishness?
It really didn't matter. She had a part to play, and she would see it to the end.
-ooo-
The party and ball her relatives threw extended well into the night. She met many nobles from Corona – some of them openly, embarrassingly flirtatious – and she had little time to be with Elsa. Still, she managed to come back to the Royal table after a couple hours. Elsa sat quietly in there, overlooking the party with her brows lightly furrowed.
"C'mon," Anna called. She pointed to the dance floor.
"Anna…" Elsa began, but Anna was faster.
"I know, I know. You don't dance. But I do." She said, smiling widely to her. Elsa's expression softened a little, but she didn't rise.
Anna circled the table, sitting beside her sister.
"Hey… what's wrong?" she asked, covering Elsa's hands with her own.
She shook her head. "I don't know." Her eyes roamed the great ballroom before settling on Anna. "I…" Elsa's gaze fell as she shook her head again.
Anna lifted her chin, locking gazes once more. "Elsa… talk to me. What's on your mind?"
The Princess smiled weakly.
"I think I'm just being paranoid…"
Anna's brows furrowed. "Is it the magic you've been feeling?" She asked, unsure.
"Yes…" Elsa voice quieted. Anna's eyes scanned the party. Her uncle and aunt sat on Elsa's left side, overlooking the celebration with a serene expression. Rapunzel kept Eugene on his tows, dancing endlessly, twirling happily on her husband's arms. The nobility laughed and cheered all around, taking in the feast, celebrating their new Queen.
Suddenly, Elsa rose from her seat. She squeezed the redhead's hand, beckoning her towards the center of the room. Anna realized the bard's song had changed: the new tune was slower, close to a waltz. She could see it on her sister's face: the effort she was doing to appease her worries, to look cheerful for her.
"Let's go," she said, her smile bright and dazzling. "I do want to dance, with you."
Her throat felt suddenly dry as they made their way towards the dance floor. The couples spun slowly to the song's drawn out tempo, both of them joining them with ease. Her heart raced a little as she felt Elsa's hands on her hip. It felt new, a good kind of new.
"You're supposed to lead," Elsa whispered. Her cheeks and ears warmed a little. From the corner of her eyes, she could see Rapunzel looking at them with a cheeky grin.
As she took the initiative, she focused on Elsa's expression. On the little, almost invisible freckles that peppered her nose-bridge; on the subtle blush on her pale cheeks; on the way her deep eyes locked with her own. How easy it was for her to see what they carried. For a brief instant, she saw her own feelings reflected. She brought Elsa's body close to her own, the whole world fading. Instinct carried her as they spun with perfect synchrony.
All too soon, the song ended, breaking their little bubble.
Elsa giggled a little, taking her hand and guiding them back to their table.
The party carried on for hours, slowly but surely winding down as the guests exhausted themselves. She had been dozing off a little when she saw a rush of movement from the other side of the room. A steward ran towards the Royal table, looking disheveled and scared. Anna straightened on her seat, feeling suddenly awake. The servant approached the table, leaning over her uncle's Frederick ear. He scowled deeply as he looked towards the ballroom's gates. Her aunt Arianna reclined to whisper something to her husband, who shook his head in response, clearly worried.
She felt Elsa tense up. She too was looking to the gates, her hands clenching the chair's arms.
"Anna…" she muttered. "Something's wrong…"
With a loud crack, the doors opened violently. The whole room fell silent in an instant. From the dark of the corridor, a group of men, most wearing wine-colored cloaks and cloths, emerged into the ballroom. They were led by a young-looking man wearing a refined military vest.
Her uncle rose from his seat.
"What's the meaning of this?" He demanded with his deep, booming voice. The strangers approached the center of the room. With a hand wave, the former King signaled to his guards, who rushed to surround the little group.
The leader raised his hands mockingly, a confident smirk surfacing on his well-groomed face.
"King Frederick. I offer my sincerest apology for arriving late to the party. Before I came, I had to make a quick stop on your beautiful city." His voice resonated on the ample hall.
Anna saw her sister's eyes narrow. Flynn stood protectively in front of Rapunzel, and many of the guests had risen from their seats as well. The room felt charged with an ominous tension.
"King Falax…" her uncle said. "I did invite your ambassador to this occasion. He excused himself, if I recall correctly."
"By my orders, yes. You see," the young man said, stepping forward, halting just outside the guard's range, "I wanted to congratulate your daughter personally." He made a grand-looking gesture to his retinue.
From her vantage position, she could see the faint glimmer of steel below their capes.
Anna felt a chill ran down her spine. She looked over to Elsa's side and saw, startled, a few trails of magic beginning to form around her fingers.
"Elsa…" she hissed, taking her arm. Her sister blinked, looking back at her.
"And, of course…" the man named Falax continued, "to see it with my very own eyes." He bowed, his smirk widening.
"All of the royal family, gathered here. Including Elsa of Arendelle… Protector of the Enchanted Forest, the all-powerful ice witch." His dark, smug eyes glared at her.
Anna's eyes widened. She heard a few gasps from the guests, almost all of the gazes falling over her sister.
Elsa looked surprised, even scared for just an instant before another expression, one of controlled anger, took over her features.
"Enough!" King Frederick shouted. "I don't know what it is you seek, Falax, son of King Tadeus. My guards will escort you out of the castle's grounds, and out of the city as well."
King Falax laughed mirthfully. "I'm afraid not."
Then, the smirk fell of his mouth, his whole face mutating, darkening in an instant. He snapped his fingers, and a hooded figure, half-hidden in between the king's men, stepped forward. The room seemed to move all at once. Without warning, many of the noblemen present lurched forward, small knives in hand, attacking the Coronian guards. Falax's guards rushed as well, swords unsheathed. Screams and cries ripped the silence, and her uncle's eyes opened wide on shock.
"Beware!" she heard Elsa's shout. The room's temperature fell. She tried to stop Elsa from engaging, but her warning died down on her throat.
The unknown figure stood on the middle of the room, with her king behind her. She took off her hood in one swift motion.
It was an unforgettable face. She was a tiny woman, perhaps of her own age. She had short, brown hair, misshaped and wild. The strangest thing, however, were her eyes, black as night, without any white on them. They were like pits of darkness, unfeeling and unbelievable cold.
The black figure extended her bandage-covered hands to the sides. The light from the torches flickered wildly, and with a loud crash that overpowered even the sound of the ongoing fight, the vast windows of the ballroom shattered all, long streaks of what seemed to be shadows entering through them.
She saw Elsa's hands shot forward, a powerful blast of ice leaving her palms. The shadows rushed to meet it, and the two forces clashed violently, spreading shining shards and black mist in every direction.
-ooo-
The preparations for her departure had begun. Lord Ettan had sent a message through his wife, confirming he would execute her orders. Earlier, she had talked with General Dunarr, going over the details of their plan: where and when they would turn to face the Usurper's army.
Under candlelight, she had been reviewing the orders for the construction of a few more refugee camps outside the wall, while chewing absently on a sandwich. She wanted to finish as much paperwork as she could: soon she would ride south, along with the remains of her army. She made other arrangements as well. Letters for Lord Grenn and Lady Varin, all bearing the royal sign; and another letter, one only Kai knew existed. Instructions for her councilors, in case she fell in battle, and a somber goodbye for Elsa.
She did not intend to die in the field, but the experience north taught her a great deal. Now she knew how truly dangerous it was, and so, she wanted to be ready.
It had been hard for her to find the right words. She found writing an elusive, often frustrating endeavor, sometimes even pointless. She didn't have Elsa's way with words, nor her subtlety. Yet, she wrote, poured her heart as best as she could. A part of her couldn't shake the guilt she felt, the regret. She should've said those words personally. Maybe now it'd be too late.
She sighed. Outside, she heard the faint ringing of the fjord's bells.
That's odd, she thought offhandedly. Perhaps it was a merchant ship coming in late.
She paused a little, rubbing her tired eyelids. Then, she reached for the bundle of wrapped letters she had taken from her room, opening the last one, wrote in a tiny piece of cracked parchment.
'Dearest Anna, it read, I write to you from the foot of the mountain the locals call Ashenpeak. It is a dark, dreadful place, surrounded by shed trees and cracked fields. Once again, I feel the foul, dark presence, stronger than ever. It calls to me. I know the Black Sorceress waits for me. This time she'll not catch me by surprise. I promised I'd be careful, and as I've said, I'm done breaking my promises.
I miss you. Now more than ever before. I think about you a lot. Dream about you, to see you again.
Once I have found the answers I seek, I shall return to you with haste. Wait for me.
This time away from you… I cannot endure it much longer. The things you said when I left, they're all true. Don't feel guilty about them. You were right, I realize now.
I failed to realize a simple fact…'
Anna cringed a little. The memory of that day stung deep inside, even after all those months. She had been desperate: desperate to keep Elsa safe, to keep her from chasing after that dangerous, evil witch.
To this day, she still thought what she could've said to stop her.
She had seen the internal battle on Elsa's face: torn between what she wanted and the duties as Protector of the Enchanted lands and Arendelle. The sadness on her eyes still haunted her. Just for once, she had wanted Elsa to be selfish. To stay by her side…
A loud knock broke the silence. From the great clock on the corner of the room, she could barely make it was well past midnight. Furrowing her brow, she stood up and walked to the door. Not too surprisingly, Kai was outside. Immediately, Anna picked up the anxiety in his posture and his gaze. He even looked to be a little out of breath.
"Kai? What's wrong?" She inquired, suddenly wary. What is it now? She pondered. Was it another attack? Had Falax's armies struck somewhere else, or worse…?
"Your Majesty…" He began, uncharacteristically hesitant. "A ship arrived to the fjord half an hour ago…"
Anna's brow furrowed deeper.
"It's the King Agnarr, your Majesty." He explained, looking worriedly at her.
Anna stood under the door's frame, paralyzed, barely keeping up with her runaway thoughts.
Her father's ship. The twin ship to the Queen Idunn, the one she had sent Matthias in, all those months ago…
Elsa was back.
"Where is she?" she asked loudly.
She could feel her whole body practically vibrate with anticipation. Her steward looked even more worried as he answered, and Anna's raging joy turned to ash, crumbling and tumbling everything inside her.
-ooo-
She ran, not caring about queenly decorum. As she turned the corner toward the infirmary, she saw Matthias, talking quietly with Sergeant Yudris of her Royal Guard. Her General looked at her – his eyes tired and wary – and Anna felt her stomach twist even more in fear.
She walked briskly towards the infirmary doors, but Matthias stopped her.
The Queen looked up questioningly.
"Your Majesty." He began, his face showing a deep apprehension. "I don't know if it's… advisable for you to see her."
"What?" Anna asked, trying to push him out the way. "Matthias!" She demanded, feeling her annoyance turn bitter. "I need to see her."
"I understand your Grace, but…" he trailed off, holding her gaze. "Anna," he called her by her own name, a breach in protocol he had never done.
"You have to know. We found her, but she is…"
Anna didn't hear him finish, for she shouldered her way past him and opened the infirmary's doors. She scanned the room – half-filled with some convalescent officers – and ran towards the end, where she saw the royal physician, standing above a bed, surrounded by the nurses. They all turned, and she saw the head medic pale at her sight.
"My Queen!" he called, stepping towards her.
"Where is she? What happened?" She demanded as she strode towards the bed.
"Your Majesty, I don't think is prudent for you to see her." He said, but Anna promptly ignored him and his plea, passing him. The nurses all parted hesitantly, letting her look at Elsa, her long lost sister. The Queen's breath left. After all those months in harrowing solitude; after all the war and death, she thought she could not shed any more tears, but she had been wrong. So very wrong.
Oh Elsa, she thought as her eyes watered rebelliously. She knelt beside the bed, her sudden sobs beginning to shake her body. Elsa. What have they done to you?
The longing she had felt, all those bleak months, came crashing down on her, replaced by a rotten fear that gnarled and scratched against her chest.
The former queen lay on mattress, with her eyes closed and her hair – cut short and splashed with dried blood – sprayed in every direction against the white pillows. Anna felt sick as her gaze travelled from her head downwards. Twisting around her sister's pale skin, several lines – black and violet – encircled her arm and torso. They advanced through the skin like some kind of devilish vines, covering most of her right limb, spreading up till they barely passed her collarbone, and down just below her ribcage. Several bandages covered Elsa's breasts, but Anna assumed the black lines extended across them as well.
Even in her state, to Anna her sister managed to retain some of her beauty, which made it all the more painful to look at her strange injuries. Elsa's breath was even but weak, barely a breath at all.
She took her sister's limp hand, terrifyingly cold, and wept.
-ooo-
-ooo-
-ooo-
A.N.: This marks the end of the first act. Just an fyi: from here on out, the story is gonna open a whole lot more, with various POV's, starting from chapter six forward. The first act is just a lengthy introduction of sorts, almost exclusively from Anna's POV. Expect the next acts to be lengthier (in number of chapters as well) and hopefully you'll continue to enjoy them. I sure have had a blast writing this story so far.
I'm gonna take an additional week to begin the next act, so I can keep up with the release schedule of one chapter by week, so next update is in two weeks' time (unless I manage to write the next act way faster, but no promises on that.)
Thanks to all who have read, favorited, followed and/or reviewed. I have answered some of the user reviews, so be sure to check out your inbox.
Until next time, cheers!