Chapter 5: Three Years Later
"I will send a battalion of my best soldiers to guard your fields..." Elsa was promising one of her subjects. The wolves were really bad this summer, wandering down from the mountains to threaten some Arendelle farmers' crops.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," the farmer bowed his head gratefully.
Kai suddenly entered the throne room from a side door and whispered in the Queen's ear. "If you'll excuse me," Elsa apologized. "I must have an audience with my niece."
Most everyone present in the throne room was dismissed. Then a nurse entered, holding the squirming toddler in her arms. "She's been asking to see you all morning..."
Sierra scampered over to the throne. "Auntie Elsa!"
"Hi, sweetheart!" Elsa beamed with love. Sierra scrambled into her aunt's lap. She adored Elsa, and Elsa doted on her.
"Auntie?"
"Yes, baby?"
"When will Daddy be home?"
"He's still harvesting in the mountains, honey. But I imagine he'll return soon." Kristoff was required to hike high up the North Mountain during the summer months. It was a particularly dangerous season, as the heat of the sun loosened the snow on the peaks, increasing the risk of avalanches.
"And Mommy?"
"Mommy's ship will be docking the night after next." Elsa had sent Anna as an ambassador to the nearby Spanish kingdom of Corona, to discuss trade routes with their cousin, Rapunzel. Elsa smiled as she squeezed Sierra close. "Until then, you belong to me."
Sierra giggled. She did not yet know that it was her aunt who had carried her in her tummy, who had brought her into the world. That was a story she would be told when she was older, and the whole kingdom had done well to keep this secret, upon the whole story coming out at the announcement of the little Princess's birth. In the ensuing three years, Elsa had offered to go through the pains of labor again on behalf of her sister. Kristoff and Anna had gently refused, saying that Sierra was all they needed. Her parents were so grateful for her, but they feared that a second pregnancy would put Elsa in even more danger.
And Elsa was content in this decision, as Sierra asked her, "Do the magic! Do the magic!" Elsa rolled her hands, conjuring the ball of ice into thin air.
"Ready?" Elsa grinned.
Sierra nodded, and Elsa sent the magical flakes into the air. As aunt and niece played in the conjured snow, Elsa was at peace in the knowledge that her family was complete.