~Chapter 1~

Marcus

There had been a massive turn of events in recent weeks. It was safe to say Elsa and I both had been on a bit of a learning curve. Though unlike my wife, I felt like a fish out of water with my new role. Embracing and learning about her powers was her challenge even now. Arendelle citizens loved her and weren't afraid of her powers. Anna and I just constantly had to keep reminding her that love was the key. After all, love is more powerful than fear. We proved that time and time again.

My challenge was scraping together history of my own fallen kingdom of Kalde. I wish I could have seen it in its prime before war tore it up from the foundation. The rubble found beyond the north mountain of Arendelle was a place I often visited. Kristoff and Sven would tag along with me as they were the fastest sled team that I knew of. Though gave me my space as I went to talk with the remaining people still within Kalde. Reuben was so kind and patient with me answering any questions I might have. Every time I came, I would offer to them to come back to Arendelle every time I left. Reuben denied my request every time. Unknown to Elsa, I went to Kalde often just out of sheer desperation to find out more about my past. Though I wondered if at some point I would regret making this decision, but in life sometimes the best choices aren't always easy ones. Especially keeping secrets from those you love most.

On this particular day the ride up and around the mountain beyond the borders where the Kalde ruins stood was particularly rough. For weeks I came up here still keeping it from my wife and she never pushed me to know more. Maybe once I found out more about my family and my family's kingdom, I would inform Elsa about everything. Though for now, I know I needed to do this myself. All she knew was that I was going for a ride with Kristoff and Sven.

"So Marcus, how many more times are you going to keep coming here?" Kristoff asked me casually as he drove Sven forward. I glanced at him knowing what he was insinuating. It wasn't the journey he was referring to, but the secrecy of everything.

"As much as I need to…" I shrugged, "I'm sorry Kristoff. I know this means keeping it from Anna as well."

"You and I both know what secrets have done to this family..." He said looking at me seriously.

"I know-" I cut him off abruptly, "But as the only heir to Kalde, I have a duty to find out what happened. I owe it to my parents and their people."

"They're your people now." Kristoff corrected grabbing my shoulder, "Besides, you're a king to two kingdoms now. How does that feel?"

"It's quite a responsibility, but Elsa has been teaching me and I have plenty of support."

"That you do." Kristoff smiled.

I honestly hated the burden that placed on me. Kalde was a fallen realm now. Once I found all the answers I needed, I could put it behind me and put my focus and attention fully in Arendelle. A divided focus never did anyone any good.

We reached Kalde before midday and Reuben greeted me as he always did somehow always knowing when I was coming.

"Your Majesty..." Reuben smiled bowing politely.

"Please…" I said pulling him up quickly, "No formalities." I nodded, "I remind you that every visit."

"And every time, I know my place and still show you proper respect."

I turned to tell Kristoff how long I'd be this time. Keeping my visits short, usually about an hour or so. Reuben walked with me around the ruins like we usually did as I always came prepared to slam him with questions. The mood was somber and solemn as we walked. It was hard to even put into words being in this place. I had no memories of it, but it still felt right being here.

"Are you well?" Reuben asked.

My stomach was a mess of knots and tension, but I just ignored it.

"It was a long ride." I nodded.

"Always is." Reuben replied.

We continued through the ruins and Reuben told me more details about the kingdom. Within our own borders, people were split into three clans based on any particular skills or facets of knowledge they possessed. There was the Rhoan clan who were gatherers of plants and hunters of animals. They would use such items for alchemic purposes. The Crona clan were efficient farmers and kept the land fertile and the marketplace full of goods to sell. Then finally there was the Ashen clan, which were our elite group of warriors who strived to protect Kalde. Reuben informed me that the night of the siege, the Ashen clan died protecting my mother as she fled with me as a baby in terror. Crona clan were wiped out quickly due to their lack of defense. All the survivors along with Reuben are all from the Rhoan clan. Trying to get my mind off the casualties from the siege, I asked Reuben about my father and who he was as a king. Not wanting to feel pressure to be like him as a king, but I just needed to hear it from someone who knew him.

"Reuben, how was my father? You know, as a king?"

Reuben paused glancing at me as if recalling the memory was troubling for him. He took in a heavy breath and continued walking.

"King Zane of Kalde was a wise and fervent ruler. He made time for small issues as well as the larger ones. He could be stern at times when making a ruling, but he was fair and just, even when it came to difficult decisions."

"I could only hope to be a king like that…" I muttered.

"You will learn your own way, your Majesty. Don't try to be your father." Reuben smiled.

"I know. You're right." I nodded, "So tell me more about my family? Were they all from Kalde?

"You know your grandfather is a duke...he abdicated his throne with no desire to be king giving it to a reagent until your father came of age to rule."

"I'm not on the best terms with my grandfather...he tried to turn Arendelle against their queen."

"Treason."

"I just sent him packing back to Weselton to where he belongs, though not before I asked him some family related questions. He didn't have a lot to say about his son."

"Either son?" Reuben asked curiously.

"My father has a brother?"

"He did."

"This is the first I've heard it."

"His name was James Terryn and he was the younger of the two so he was the heir of Kalde until you were born naturally."

"What happened to him?"

"He disappeared during the night of the siege that tore our kingdom apart that horrible night. I still have nightmares about the days and events leading up to it." Reuben said glumly.

"I wish I could ask him questions...I desperately want to learn more about my family."

"I've done my best, your Majesty."

"You've done plenty, Reuben, thank you." I nodded grabbing his shoulder, "Though I wish you would reconsider joining us in Arendelle. You know you're most welcome there."

"Thank you, your Majesty, but our place is here in the lands of our forefathers…"

"You don't deserve to live your life in a graveyard. Please, come to Arendelle." I begged.

"A kingdom of wonderful people...Arendelle." Reuben replied with a slight nod, "You know, your great grandfather ended a horrific war between Weselton and the Southern Isles by reaching out to Arendelle for aid becoming close political allies in the process ending the war."

"So Kalde and Arendelle have a long history?" I asked curiously.

"Oh yes, Agnarr and your father were close friends."

"I owe so much to Agnarr…" I muttered as my voice trailed off.

Reuben grabbed my shoulders with a warm smile.

"May he and his queen rest in peace."

I nodded growing quiet. Reuben then pointed out where we were in one of the main hallways of the old palace and then he pointed to fiery remains where a throne once stood. I closed my eyes trying to picture everything Reuben was describing. He spoke with such specific detail I could see it quite well in my minds eye. As I tried to focus, I heard a sound whispering in my ear what I thought was my name. I opened my eyes nervously wondering what I heard.

"Did you hear that?" I asked Reuben suddenly scanning around the area.

"Your Majesty?" Reuben replied looking confused.

I swear it was like someone was standing right behind me whispering to me. I didn't hear it again and just ignored it. My mind was playing tricks and I think it was time to return to Arendelle. Though while I waited for Kristoff to show up with my ride back home, I walked up toward the rubble where Reuben said the throne once stood. The remains of burned red velvet and gold interlays were unrecognizable, but I could picture it. I bent down picking up broken bits off the ground. Memories good and bad were buried in this place. I desperately wish I was old enough to remember, but maybe it was better this way. I never knew my birth parents, but my adopted parents, Pieter and Rebekka, raised me as if I were one of their own. It was thanks to them that I became the man I am today, but even so, somewhere inside I wondered if my birth father King Zane would be proud of me. Could I be a great king that loyal Kaldian people just Reuben would remember me long after I'm gone? A king's legacy was everything and I wanted to be a great king for both Arendelle and Kalde. Making a promise right here in the remains of the Kaldian palace, I would accept my role with pride and live up to the Terryn legacy.

I brushed my hand across the ground saying a quick prayer for the lost souls. I did this every time I went to leave, but something different happened as I touched the ground. There was instant tingling in my fingers and I felt warmth began to emerge from the depths of my core. At first I wondered if I ate something during the ride up here that didn't agree with my stomach, but no, it wasn't that. All the emotion built up to head today after all the visits in the past accumulation of weeks. I heard someone call my name again and it wasn't Reuben's voice and he was the only other person here. Muscles in my arms began to tighten as I felt the need to stop whatever was happening. My heart was racing by now as the warmth inside me increased. Was I having a heart attack? Suddenly a huge light enveloped me from the ground bursting out surrounding me in a bright spotlight. My palms began to sweat as I gritted my teeth trying to contain whatever was happening with me. Then as soon as the light came, it vanished and all the muscle tension in my body dissipated. I looked up at Reuben who looked very intrigued.

"Your Majesty, are you quite alright?"

"D-Did you see that, Reuben?" I asked quickly still feeling like I had to catch my breath, "The light and that voice calling my name?"

"No such thing, but you did freeze up for a minute or two staring blankly. I waved my hand in front of your face and you didn't react at all. Your eyes looked strange though."

"Strange, how?" I pressed.

"They were glowing…"

I was definitely curious about what had just happened, but if Reuben didn't witness anything, maybe it was all in my head. I think it was time for me to head home and moments later, Kristoff and Sven showed up in perfect timing like they could read my mind.

"Need a ride, Marcus?" Kristoff greeted.

I appreciated that Kristoff never used formalities with me and he never even tried to. I was always Marcus which helped me still cling to my upbringing as a servant to the crown in the royal guard. Nowadays, two crowns were a bit weighty. One for Arendelle and one for Kalde. I'm glad my wife knew of no such pressures.

I hopped into Kristoff's sled, but before we left, I thanked Reuben again for everything. As Kristoff was getting ready to take off, Reuben grabbed my arm.

"Take care, your Majesty. Don't carry on alone. Your greatest enemy is fear itself. Be on your guard."

I nodded as Reuben released my arm and Kristoff snapped the reins to get Sven going. As we took off descending down the mountain path, I looked back at Reuben who held a very concerned expression on his face. As I turned back around, I heard that voice again calling my name and it was leading back behind me to Kalde, but it sounded even farther away. How was I hearing such things? I chose to ignore it. This trip was really getting to me. I had been given many warnings about altitude sickness and maybe this was it.

I lounged back in the sled as the soft winds hit my face the faster Kristoff urged Sven forward.

"So, how'd it go today?" Kristoff asked looking at me curiously as he drove, "Have you heard everything there is to know about Kalde and your family history?"

"Not even close…" I shrugged, sitting back up, "But I did find out I have an uncle."

"Interesting, what happened to him?"

"Reuben wasn't sure because apparently he disappeared, but that doesn't mean he's not alive. If I find any leads in further visits, I'm going to do everything in my power to look for him."

"Further visits?' Kristoff repeated, raising a curious brow, "We can't keep lying to them like this. Besides, we'll be in cold water if Elsa finds out we kept this from her."

"I know...I'll tell them both eventually. It will be soon, I promise."

"Brother to a brother, promise?" Kristoff urged, giving me his pinky finger.

I grabbed his pinky giving it a firm shake.

"Brother?" I smiled.

"Well, you might as well be the first human to know...I already told Sven. Marcus, I'm proposing to Anna tonight."

"Really?" I asked taken completely by surprise.

"Check it out." Kristoff grinned pulling a beautiful ring out from his pocket.

A stunning ring with an amber colored diamond in a white gold setting. On the inside of the band, it was engraved and it said: My true north.

"I'm excited for you both." I smiled knuckling him in the shoulder.

"I love her and I just want her to be in my life until I draw my final breath. I didn't know I needed someone like her in my life until she came to me needing to find her sister. She's changed my life."

I smiled as he continued.

"Well, add a 'will you marry me' to the end of all that and I think she'll scream in excitement…" I smirked.

Kristoff put the ring back in his pocket growing suddenly serious now that he snapped out of his romantic daze. He coughed nervously.

"And I thought asking Elsa's permission was going to be hard…"

"I thought you said I was the first to know…" I accused, crossing my arms.

"Y-You are." Kristoff insisted, "I asked Elsa, but I couldn't get the words out in the right way and then as I fumbled over the words, she was called away quickly. So, I'm not entirely sure if she knew what I was asking…"

"Well, tell me what you said…" I urged.

Kristoff scratched his head trying to recall the details.

"I think I said that I loved Anna wanting her to be happy and I would be here for her...uh, I told Elsa I wanted her to know that and wondered if it was okay…"

"Did you even say anything about marriage or wanting Elsa's blessing?" I asked, trying not to laugh.

"Uh, don't think I got that far…"

"Well, then you should probably clarify when we get back…" I smirked.

"Do you think she'll refuse?" Kristoff said growing suddenly nervous grabbing my shoulder, "I hardly know your wife as well as you."

"You're an idiot if you try to propose to Anna without Elsa knowing." I smiled, "I'm sure Elsa will be overjoyed. Surprisingly enough to some, Elsa has a romantic side that began to show after she overcame her fear and took down her walls."

"Well, guess that's my first order of business when we get back…" Kristoff shrugged.

I nodded patting Kristoff's shoulder as we continued our descent back into Arendelle borders as I spied the kingdom down below us.

Kristoff pulled us into the main gates unbridling Sven from the sled at the stables. Several citizens gathered around greeting me with all the formalities. I don't think I'll ever get used to it. As Kristoff hung the reins on a hook turning to leave, Olaf popped out of a hay pile.

"Marcus! Kristoff! Sven! You're back! We've missed you!" The snowman greeted with a wide, toothy grin.

"Hey Olaf." Kristoff said casually after gripping his chest clearly surprised by his sudden hiding place reveal.

"Where have you three been? Anna and Elsa have been asking after you…"

"Where are they, Olaf?" I asked bending down to his level.

"Right here…" The all too familiar voice of my wife replied.

We all turned around and there was Elsa and Anna both with crossed arms looking stern.

"Kristoff…" Anna said scrutinizing him from head to toe.

Kristoff gulped nervously clearly wanting me to lead into an explanation of our whereabouts. Elsa stepped toward me taking my hands in hers.

"Marcus, you've been gone all day disappearing like a thief in the night and all you leave is a note saying 'be back later'? Where were you?"

I glanced back at Kristoff who clearly wanted me reveal what I had been up to, but now wasn't the right time, but nonetheless, I told the truth or semi truth at least. I returned my gaze to my wife whose probing eyes were wanting an answer.

"Kristoff and I went for a ride patrolling the borders." I shrugged, "Nothing special."

Elsa sighed heavily, but smiled tucking a loose strand of hair dangling across my forehead back in my hair.

"I know there's more…" She leaned forward, pressing her lips against mine not lingering and pulling back quickly, "But for now, you're home and dinner's ready in the great hall."

"Great, I'm famished." I nodded.

She squeezed my hand smiling broadly as we all headed toward the palace together. Elsa could read me like a book and I knew that tonight I would let my wife in on my secrets, though I still struggled with not wanting to burden her. She already had plenty to deal with.