~Chapter 17~

Marcus

A burst of energy purged my body from deep within. I wish it felt like I had just woken from a deep sleep, but I felt groggy and disoriented. I recognized my mother's face sitting beside me as my eyes blinked themselves into clarity. Reaching out I grabbed her hand as she looked at me startled before tears flooded her eyes.

"Marcus! Oh thank the heavens!" She cried, throwing her arms around me.

I retraced my memory not sure how I ended up here. Something sparkling hit my eye out of my peripherals. A familiar ring that belonged to Elsa was sitting on the nightstand.

"What happened?"

"We nearly lost you. You almost faded away out of existence."

Hundreds of questions flooded my head, but the most important one now I had to ask.

"Where's my wife?" I asked.

"Easy son, all will be explained, but please wait here. I must go get your father and Reuben."

My mother kissed my cheek before leaving me for a few minutes as I laid there in bed still trying to get feeling back in my body. I felt as limp as a boned fish. Though the first major feeling that returned as a swelling of heat beginning to emanate from my palms. A good sign indeed. Soon my mother returned along with my father, Pieter, and my old friend Reuben.

"And here I was afraid Rebekka had wished it and woken from a dream." Father said, "Welcome back, son."

"How long have I been like this?" I asked.

"Coming up on six months." Reuben answered.

"What?" I asked in disbelief.

I knew it must have been a decent amount of time judging by how I was feeling, but surely not that long. What had Elsa been doing all this time? Worried and on the search for something to break the spell I could imagine. Did Grand Pabbie have any insight or even maybe Yelana from the Northuldra? Though if either of them knew, I think I would have woken sooner.

"Where's Elsa? I need to see her...talk with her." I urged quickly, throwing off the blankets covering me sitting up putting my feet to the floor.

"Easy does it, son." Dad said grabbing my shoulder.

"I'm afraid you can't see Elsa now." Reuben added.

"Why?"

"Because she's not here and neither is Anna." A new voice from the door piped up.

It was Elsa and Anna's cousin from Corona, Rapunzel. I had only met the woman once, but she was always a kind, generous spirit.

"Can someone please tell me what's going on?" I begged.

My father started the explanations beginning with the confrontation with Elsa in Ahtohallan.

By the time explanations were done, full feeling had returned to my body, but with those feelings from my nerves came weakness from every bone. Though was I really surprised having been lifeless for all these months? I threw the blankets off me pushing my legs over the side of the bed. My feet touched the floor and with fierce vigor, I lifted myself up scorching the top blanket with my fire.

"Easy does it, son." Dad said grabbing my shoulders to steady me.

"With a little practice, I know I can do this." I replied with a nod.

My parents helped me walk around the room and an hour later, I scooted my way down the halls. I had to keep my frustration in check so my fire power wouldn't accidentally destroy something. Too bad Elsa wasn't here, she could make me a cane of ice, but I'd only melt it. I made my way out to the courtyard no longer needing assistance. Once outside, I realized where we were, the old ruins of Kalde. Reuben explained to me that Anna knew that this was the right location to move Arendelle. It was a thoughtful gesture that I'd be giving my sister in law a hug for later. I kept a steady pace around the grounds and suddenly looked up and was thrilled when I saw Anna, Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf riding up toward the front gate. Though behind them on an additional horse was Hans of the Southern Isles. What had happened while I was unconscious?

"Marcus!" Anna cried hopping off Sven running to hug me. "You're awake!"

"Better late than never." I smiled.

As she pulled away, Kristoff was next to greet me warmly as Olaf clutched my leg.

"You were missed." Kristoff said.

"I see that." I smirked looking down at Olaf.

I glanced back and forth between all the faces and I had concerned questions regarding Hans, but there was one face that I didn't see and immediately grew worried.

"Where is my wife?"