Hello, if this is your first time reading one of my stories centered around Frozen then you should know that this is the only one that matters. This is a rewrite and final draft of a book I've been working on for over a decade, while the original is still on my page I very much consider this version superior and prefer it as my own canon. But if making comparisons between the two is something you enjoy then you are more than welcome to do so.

To those of you who are returning readers from the previous version know this: this version will follow many of the same beats as the original but there will also be a lot of differences and at the same time more substance to the narrative as a whole. Characters may have altered personalities and names while events may play out differently but I hope you'll find there is more to enjoy overall.

As a last note I would ask that any returning readers who see where the story is going try to minimize spoilers for new readers by keeping there questions to private messaging rather than the reviews.

That is all I will say now, please enjoy:

Frozen: The Crocus and the Crow

Chapter 1: A Stranger in Arendelle

Over two years have passed since the Great Thaw and life in Arendelle under queen Elsa's rule has been peaceful and prosperous, as it was under her father before her. Economically the Kingdom thrived despite having broken ties with the dukedom of Weselton, instead securing stronger trade ties with it's other neighbors. The gulf that had separated queen and princess had been bridged, as sisters they discovered the true meaning of selfless love in each other and a place they belonged: home. But now something stirred in the young queen's heart, something she didn't necessarily need but wanted...something she longed for.

Elsa had gained more than she ever thought possible; no longer did she need to hide her power from her sister or fear the ire of her own people. Kristoff, Sven and of course Olaf were like extended family and all around were people who loved and stood by her through trial and peril...what could she be missing?

She stood on the Balcony of her study now, looking out at the city: the feeling gnawed at her mind tirelessly. She was so deep in thought she failed to notice Anna creeping up behind her with a devious expression. Elsa was knocked from her musings when her sister seized her from behind in a tight hug before lifting her slightly off the ground.

After a short gasp followed by laughter Elsa tried and failed to sound annoyed, "Anna! What are you doing!?"

Anna swung her back in forth, "Taking Advantage of you not paying attention so I can hit you with a surprise attack!"

She could no longer contain her own laughter, "Ok! Ok! I'm defeated, I yield!"

They both laughed as Anna relented, setting her back down so they could face one another. With a satisfied smile the princess dusted her hands before resting them on her hips, "Now what are you doing up here all by yourself? The city won't fall apart if you stop staring at it."

She rolled her eyes, "Oh, I'm fine Anna, I was just thinking is all."

"Thinking harder than you usually do, sis?"

Elsa shook her head, "Honestly it's nothing, I don't even remember what it was about."

The princess raised an eyebrow, signifying she remained unconvinced. "Well...I just wanted to remind you that Kristoff, Olaf and Sven will be back today."

"My, three weeks went by fast."

Anna then took her hands in her own, "But. We still have some time before they get back, till then why don't you tell me all about what's bothering you."

"Anna I told you it was-"

She was stopped short by her sister's disbelieving smirk, Elsa knew she wasn't a good liar and surrendered to her sister's persistence. Sighing, the queen smiled, "Very well." she looked off, pursing her lips as she searched how to begin, "Have you ever felt like something inside you was missing, like-...a longing that you feel constantly, in here?" she said gesturing to her chest.

"Of course I have. I felt that way every day since I was eight years old till the day we saved each other, you're half the reason I don't feel that way anymore."

"Half?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah, well...When Hans left me to freeze to death in that room and then Olaf found me I-..." She seemed to struggle, the memory of that terror still haunting to her, "And then he saw Kristoff riding back here for me through-"

"All the devastation that I caused."

She put a hand on Elsa's shoulder, "Well, that's besides the point. He risked his life to find me and make sure I was safe...I think you're longing Elsa is for something like what I have with him."

Elsa smiled, "But I do have that: I have you and Kristoff and the others I-...what more could I want?"

She shook her head, "That's not the same."

Her smile faded, "I know. But what hope is there for me?"

"Are you kidding me, have looked in the mirror lately? You're beautiful Elsa! I mean how many suitors have you had these past years-I mean...you did also turn all of them down-"

"Because none of them knew me! Yes they think I'm beautiful but they don't value me: who I am, all they care about is what I can offer them to further their own positions. The same reason that Hans manipulated you and tried to murder us both!" Anna's own smiled faded as the hurt in her sister's eyes shone clear to her before they looked to the floor, "When I see you with Kristoff, I see something real between you two...something genuine. I'm the queen of Arendelle and I fear the only eyes that ever look to a queen, look also to her throne."

Anna tilted her head and smiled slightly, putting a finger under Elsa's chin to lift gaze back to her's, "Whoever it is that's meant for you will come along, probably sooner than you think and almost definitely in an unexpected way. Just don't make the same mistake I did and rush it, that almost got me killed-almost got us both killed. I know it hurts Elsa...that loneliness, but don't be so quick to give up hope, Ok?"

"Ok." She smiled back

There was a knock on the door that startled them both. Elsa released Anna's hand and cleared her throat before straightening herself, "Come in."

The door opened and the castle overseer stepped through and bowed, "Your majesties."

Elsa smiled, "Kai, is something wrong?"

"Not as yet your majesty but I have received a report from the city watch I feel compelled to share."

She clasped her hands behind her back, "Go on."

"Some hours ago a merchant vessel arrived at harbor and apparently a 'vagabond' disembarked from the vessel, who we now know had bartered for passage here to Arendelle. The man was described to be wearing a hooded cloak that concealed the majority of his personage but the guard could see he was armed with sword at his side."

Anna looked to Elsa who slowly nodded her understanding, "And you believe this man to be a threat to Arendelle's security?"

"I cannot say as to whether or not they are a threat, only that they could be. Perhaps they are simply passing through...perhaps not.

She brought her hands forward interlocking her fingers, "Very well. Have the guards extend an invitation to this 'vagabond', that the queen of Arendelle requires an audience."

"At once your majesty." he bowed before exiting the room.

Elsa inhaled as she turned back to her sister, "Well it seems I must attend to a potential 'ruffian' or some other ilk."

Anna smiled and intertwined her arm with her sister's "Mind if I tag along?" before Elsa could speak against it she held up her other hand, "I promise I'll behave."

"You better." The queen smiled, giving Anna's hand a light squeeze as they left the study to await their 'guest' in the throne room.

OoO

Aldren watched from beneath his hood as the inn keep counted the coins. Finishing, he weighed the money in his hand, "A bit short for one of the nicer rooms and-"

"I'm not picky."

The landlord sneered slightly before pulling a key from his belt and pointing, "Head upstairs, take a left and it'll be the third door on the right, it's a bit run down but it's a roof over your head...might I ask who is staying?"

"You might." he said taking the key and moving past the landlord.

Following the directions he reached the room and as expected it was in need of some serious upkeep but it would do. A simple bed along with a desk and chair were all that occupied the room until he stepped in. Closing the door behind him he stretched his neck from side to side and leaned against the door, breathing in the relief of solitude...

He sat to consider removing his boots when there was a firm knock on the door. Sighing, he quietly spoke aloud, "Oh, for Valhalla's sake!" then standing up he opened the door, surprised to see five palace guards outside his door. He kept his head low but gave them a small smile, "Afternoon."

The one in front stepped forward, an unremarkable looking individual with pale skin, brown hair and eyes, "Afternoon, her majesty Queen Elsa requests your presence at the palace."

Aldren lifted his head ever so slightly towards the guards, glancing up and smirking at the ridiculous hat they all wore, "And what have I done to earn such a privilege in the short time I've been here?"

"Her majesty only wishes to speak with a new arrival in the kingdom of Arendelle." The guardsman's gloved hand moved upwards to the guard of his sword.

Aldren could feel the unease in them as he slowly scanned left to right, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords in the event of potential violence." You don't get many armed travelers, do you?" he stated coyly.

"This way please" the guard replied with a slight frown, gesturing for Aldren to follow.

Breathing out deeply he nodded lazily, "Of course."

The guard in front turned heel, leading the way for Aldren to follow while the others flanked him as they headed out of the inn and towards the palace. Eventually they reached the open gates of the castle courtyard past what looked to be a chapel of some kind. When they climbed the short steps to the palace doors the guard in front stopped and turned, holding out his hand, "Your sword please."

Aldren recognized that this was not a request and reluctantly consented. He reached to his left side, causing the guards to all take a step back and tighten their grip on their own swords. He held out his other hand in an attempt to ease the tension and show his compliance, unclasping the buckles beneath his cloak, then placing the scabbard in the lead guard's hand.

The guard took it in both hands and seemed surprised by how light the weapon was, despite being a fairly large sword. He then partially unsheathed the blade, revealing a series of elegant and foreign runes upon the gleaming blade just above the guard. The cross was made of two edged spikes that could be used for attack as well as defense. The hilt was bound tightly with dark leather while the underside of the guard and the pommel were wrapped in steel sheets shaped in the likeness of black, autumn leaves. As time lingered on and the guard looked upon the blade in amazement Aldren cleared his throat, "Before you kiss my sword you should know that she's seeing someone."

Slightly flustered the guard said nothing as he opened the doors and gestured for him to follow.

Aldren couldn't recall ever meeting this Elsa before she became queen and she was almost certainly too young at the time to remember him if they did, the eldest daughter of the deceased king Agnarr and Queen Iduna. He'd heard a few interesting rumors about her on his voyage aboard the merchant ship: some that she was a sorceress of overwhelming power, others that she was a witch with flesh made of snow and heart of pure ice. Most often these sorts of stories were wild exaggerations or outright lies, but he knew all to well that magic was very real and experience had also taught him to treat both rumors and magic with respect and caution. Either way the truth would be revealed to him soon enough.

As a child Aldren had only ever been inside the castle once, but he'd never taken note of its interior. Now that he was older he noticed the palace itself was surprisingly modest compared to others he had seen, being constructed mainly of wood, an air of humility that still held pride and honor. The door's to the throne room were opened before him and he saw several more guards that lined the hall on the path to the queen's seat.

When he turned his head towards the throne he was caught off guard, the woman that sat there was to put it bluntly: beautiful. Her body which sat tall and erect in a regal yet reserved manner, was wrapped in a sparkling teal dress that fit her slender form perfectly. Her eyes were an ice blue that searched him with curiosity and suspicion. Her skin was white as snow and the length of her platinum blonde hair was bound in a long braid that hung over one shoulder. To describe her aloud would be to embarrass himself like a smitten schoolboy, perhaps there was something to the stories after all. Even if she lacked magical abilities, she certainly evoked the spirit of winter beauty in her visage if nothing else.

So striking was she that he had nearly failed to notice the other two people standing on either side of her, the first to her right was a rather plump man in a green tailcoat: likely the castle overseer. The other, a woman in a long sleeved olive and green dress, her skin was similarly light but not nearly as pale, her eyes more green than blue and her auburn hair tied in two braids rather than one. The differences were subtle as she was nearly the spitting image of the queen, just as beautiful. Too old to be her daughter so he safely assumed them to be sisters, making her the princess.

But he reminded himself; he had seen beautiful before, true beauty could only be judged by the character of a person.

He was halted a distance away from the throne as two guards still watched him from either side. The two monarchs smiled as the queen nodded. "Traveler, I am Elsa, Queen of Arendelle and this is my sister Anna, the princess of Arendelle and we welcome you."

Aldren bowed while keeping his head as low as possible. "Thank you, your majesties. Kind of you to have me brought to the castle with an escort, I've never felt safer."

She smirked sightly, seemingly amused despite the impudence of his comment. She rose from her seat and walked forward a few steps. "Please understand that having you brought here is only precautionary, we don't often receive travelers that we aren't already familiar with...or that come to our city so armed." she said, glancing to the sword her guard held in his hands, "A mercenary I would wager then, yes?"

"My sword is for sale from time to time."

Her eyes narrowed as she brought her hands together, "And were you hired to come here to Arendelle?" her tone less welcoming than before.

"Ah...you wish to know if I'm here on 'business'?" he lifted his head a little higher towards her, "I don't work as an assassin your majesty, and I don't slay the unarmed or helpless."

The queen and her overseer shared a momentary glance, "That was one of my concerns...what is your name?" her tone softening again.

"Aldren, your majesty."

Her eyebrow raised, "Just 'Aldren'?"

He nodded. She looked off to the side briefly before looking back to him, "Aldren...You're Arendellian."

It was not a question, he had tensed enough that she took notice. The smile returned to her face, he could see a sort of pleasure in her eyes from his sudden unease, "How long have you been away from home?"

He lowered his head, "Longer than you have reigned queen I imagine...much longer."

The queen was silent for a moment as she appeared to be contemplating before descending the steps and looking at him directly, "Remove your hood please, I wish to see your face"

His head snapped back up before he sighed quietly, "May I ask why, your majesty?"

She lowered her gaze, "So that I may remember it."

He knew that he had no choice but to comply, reaching up he grabbed the edges of his hood, pulling it back...

OoO

Elsa took in the sight of the stranger; a young man, some years her senior maybe but no more, as tall and nearly as broad as Kristoff now that she was able to properly gauge his size. Skin that was slightly darker than that of most Arendellians; likely an effect brought about by constant travel on the sea. His face was covered by a messy beard in dire need of a shave while his scalp was covered by short unkempt, black hair. But his most prominent feature-one that took her by utter surprise were his eyes. The irises were a bright, deep crimson that pierced through her, yet despite this Elsa couldn't help but peer past the intensity of his eyes and see all too familiar glints of anxiety.

She was caught staring as Aldren smiled bashfully, "I know my eyes are unusual..."

Elsa mentally shook herself from her short trance, "Yes...they are."

His attention was drawn to the princess as she took a few steps forward to stand next to her sister, "Um, you're very tan for an Arendellian too." she said with a nervous smile, trying her best to break up the silence.

He clasped his hands together, "It happens when one spends years away from the long snows of the north. Or when one takes the time to go outside, princess." he said in a slightly teasing tone.

She folded her arms and frowned, "I'm going outside." she muttered to herself.

He loosed a small chuckle and Elsa couldn't help but smile, he looked back to her with a smile of his own, "I hope I've alleviated your concerns about me, your majesty."

She nodded, "You have." Raising her hand, the guards to his sides eased off, standing further back with hands off their weapons.

He glanced to the guard behind Elsa holding his weapon, "May I ask that you return my sword before I take my leave?"

She turned to the guard, "Arvid." he approached and handed the weapon off to her, holding it in both hands she began to transfer it to Aldren's. But just as he was about to grasp the scabbard she withdrew the weapon, denying him. Both he and her sister looked at her confused, Elsa now stared into his crimson eyes with such intent that he recoiled slightly, visibly unnerved as he took a step back.

She closed the distance again when she took a step forward, cocking her head, "Is there something else I should know about you Aldren?"

"Your majesty?" He replied anxiously, taken aback by her suspicious tone.

"Your eyes. Why are they crimson?"

Shocked by her sister's sudden questioning Anna attempted to intervene, "Elsa."

She could see it now in his eyes though he hid it well before, it shone through clearly to her now: the same fear and shame she had once known all too well. She ignored her sister, continuing to press further, it was harsh of her-cruel even but she needed to know, she needed to know if his eyes meant what she thought they might, "Why are they that color? What do they mean!"

His mouth opened, slightly agape as he hesitated to answer to her almost angry questions, "Your majesty please, I don't know what it is you-"

He stopped, suddenly focusing on something else between them, the queen and princess followed his gaze, spotting dust drifting down in front of them. The three looked upwards all of them catching sight of a figure about to pounce down on them from the rafters above.

He shoved them both out of the way and jumped backwards himself, hearing a thunk as a sharp sword bit into the floor where they had been standing. They looked upon a warrior in crimson red armor whose eyes and upper face were hidden by a steel helm while their mouth was exposed. Pale lips peeled back revealing the four canines lengthened into sharp fangs as they snarled first at him and then at the sisters, turning to attack them.

Elsa put Anna behind her, lowering her gaze she raised a hand to defend them but just before she could the sword in her other hand flew from it's scabbard past the attacker. They turned back to Aldren who with a shout struck across the attacker's neck with the gleaming blade. They had little time to process what had happened as the would be assassin fell dead and several more dropped from above, enough to overwhelm the guards around them.

Aldren threw off his cloak, revealing his leather mercenary armor. "Run!" he shouted to the queen and princess as he turned to do battle with two assassins that rushed him directly. Swinging low he cut them both across their unarmored thighs and as they fell he pushed forward, stabbing one through the exposed underarm and slashing the other across the throat before they could react. He struck down the blade of another, then thrust forward with the pommel into the side of their helm, making them turn before swinging upwards across the back of their neck.

Without a second thought Elsa dropped the scabbard and grabbed her sister's arm, pulling her back towards Kai and a pair of guards, "Get her out of here!"

"Elsa what are you doing?!"

"Anna go! I'll be alright!"

As Kai and the guards ushered the princess to the outskirts of the battle, Elsa turned back to the conflict to see one of the assassins break past the defensive line the guards were trying to hold. Narrowing her eyes she thrust her hands forward and a bolt of icy magic slammed into her assailant's chest, sending them wheeling through the air overhead of the fighting before crashing to the floor. She saw an attacker pushing one of her guards to the floor and lifting their weapon to kill them. Elsa fired a bolt of ice and knocked the weapon from his hands, then extended icy spikes from the floor that pinned his body to the wall behind him.

Striding out into the fray two more attackers charged her and so her hands, which glowed with power, thrust outwards once again.

OoO

Anna watched her sister in dread as Kai and the guards attempted to guide her away from the fighting to one of the side entrances. "This way princess!" But just as they would have reached the door another warrior dropped down from above directly in their path, standing a head taller than the guards as they rose to full height and clad in heavy armor wielding a large sickle in one hand. His armor was more worn and faded but the helmet, though largely the same as the others, had the metal forehead extending upward and outward into a single pointed horn.

The first of her guards charged the foe with sword in hand but the warrior simply punched him across the jaw, knocking him to the floor. Kai pulled Anna back as the second guard engaged, only to have his weapon struck away and be slashed downward across the chest. The strike dropped the guard to his hands and knees after which the brute grabbed his head and threw him aside into one of the pillars.

The warrior started to close the distance between him and the princess as Kai shoved her behind him, "Your majesty, run!" As he turned he was back-handed across the face with such force he flew into the stairs at the base of the throne and fell limp.

"Kai!" Anna wanted to go to his aide but the assailant was between her and the overseer. As he stepped closer he drew a second sickle from his back and Anna swallowed hard, frozen in fear despite knowing she should run. As he drew his weapons back to strike, the guard who'd previously been punched to the floor, recovered and with a shout struck him across the shoulder. The warrior growled, stumbling slightly as sparks shot out from the steel. He quickly turned and blocked the guards next strike with both weapons.

Anna was able to shake her fear and began searching quickly for anything she could use to help, she looked to one of the slain guards. Running over to the body she took up their sword as well as their dagger from it's sheath. She turned back in time only to witness the warrior sweep the guards legs out from underneath him with one sickle and pin him to the floor through the chest with the other, then roar savagely into the face of the dying man.

She let out a shuddering gasp and the killer turned back to her, removing his weapon from the dead guard and striding towards her again. She held out the sword and dagger, unsure of how to wield them as her arms noticeably shook. The assassin smiled cruelly and laughed before easily knocking the sword from her grasp with his own weapon, leaving her with only the dagger, "Truagh! (Pitiful)"

As she backed up she bumped into someone and looking over her shoulder she saw another crimson armored enemy. Noticing her he attempted an awkward swing in her direction but she ducked past him and ran into the crowd. This one gave chase and as she managed to weave her way to the other side of the battle but he caught up and tripped her to the ground. He grabbed her arm and raising her to stand he pulled her close, drawing his weapon back to strike. In a split second reaction Anna cried out and stabbed her dagger into the attacker's neck with as much force as she could manage. As his grip on her arm failed she released the dagger, falling back on her hands she breathed heavily as she watched him stumble back and grasp at the knife in his throat.

Before he could fall dead he was pushed out of the way to the ground by the larger one who had followed as well. Anna tried to crawl backwards away from him but he was quickly upon her and raised his foot up to crush her beneath it. Anna could feel her desperate breaths and raised her arms though knowing it wouldn't save her.

Suddenly the warrior was thrown to the side when someone shoved him away and Anna saw that it was Aldren who had saved her, now standing between her and the enemy. The assassin wheeled back around in a downward strike that Aldren side-stepped, then ducking the second strike that came for his neck. He responded with a swift upward slash across his opponent's breastplate and a second hard strike into the lower abdomen, the impact making the warrior stumble back and double over in pain despite not piercing the armor.

While there was an opening Aldren looked back to her, "Hide!"

She obeyed, scrambling to her feet and running to take cover behind one of the pillars at the sides of the throne room where she would be hidden. She watched as Aldren and her attempted killer began trading blows.

OoO

A red armored enemy was struck in the chest by magic that encased him in ice, Elsa then used the wind to throw him upwards into the rafters-the ice around him shattering before he fell back to the floor. She peered behind her and gasped in horror when she saw Kai unmoving on the floor near the throne and the two guards dead. She did not see Anna and frantically she searched the fighting for some sign that her sister was still here, that she was alright.

She found Anna but her fears were not alleviated at the sight of her sister watching from behind a pillar as Aldren dueled with an assassin who was much larger than the others. Without a second thought she ran into the fray, pushing past anyone that was in her way. Before she made it through one of them took a swing at her and she jumped out of the way, taking several steps back before firing two bolts from her hands. Her attack anticipated this and was able to avoid both projectiles, they then rushed forward - kicking her in the stomach. The blow knocked the wind from her, forcing her backwards and to her knees as the enemy raised his sword to bring it down. In a desperate move she spread ice across the floor underneath him causing him to lose his footing and fall forward.

Now it was a race for who could make it to their feet first, Elsa struggling past the pain in her abdomen whilst her assailant slipped and flailed against the ice. She was up first while the assassin manged to get one knee under him and swung forward, but his arm was stopped dead - caught in her grasp. Gritting her teeth, ice spread from her hand across his gauntlet-freezing the armor before she squeezed down hard causing the frozen metal to crack and bend. He cried out in anguish as his grip on the weapon failed, only then she released his arm and he fell forward still moaning. She huffed angrily and swiping her arm sideways, a gust of wind tossed him away from her.

She immediately turned her focus back to reaching her sister across the room.

OoO

The brute swung down with both sickles and Aldren's blade met them before pushing back and swiping across his breast plate. His opponent attempted several frenzied strikes that he simply avoided, the last of which he caught against the end of his sword-allowing him to twist the weapon from their grasp. He struck down on the warrior who blocked his sword with the remaining sickle. Aldren then wedged his guard against the curve of the weapon and wrested that one from his grasp too. He drew back to thrust and finish his opponent but the assassin managed to catch the blade under one arm and punched Aldren across the face before throwing the sword from his grasp.

Both unarmed now the brute grasped Aldren's neck and head butted him before seizing his head in both hands and hissing, attempting to squeeze the life from his skull. Aldren growled slightly before slamming both his arms downward on their forearms and uppercutting them. The foe lost his grip with one hand allowing Aldren to draw a dagger from his hip and slash at the hand as it reached for his head. As they reeled back he drew a second dagger and slashed at the hand still around his head. Free from their grasp he leaped forward and stabbed down into the brute's shoulder-forcing them to one knee. He drew back with the other blade and aimed for their throat but was thwarted when they lunged forward anyway and tackled him to the floor.

The dagger was knocked from his grasp and his enemy bared down on him with a snarl, trying to strangle him. Unable to loosen the tightening grip around his throat Aldren reached for the dagger still in the warrior's shoulder. As he grimaced his crimson iris's smoldered like hot coals within flame, the blade of the dagger in the brute's shoulder began to glow hot orange and they shrieked in pain from their flesh being seared. It was enough to allow Aldren to push them off and land a kick to their face.

He was getting to his feet when suddenly the brutes back arched from bright blue glow that exploded behind him and sent him flying over Aldren's head towards the room's entrance. His gaze followed the warrior's body as he rolled harshly against the floor. Slowly he looked up from his place, shocked to see queen Elsa breathing heavily, she gripped his sword tightly in her hands with both the blade and guard emitting a bright blue glow that slowly dimmed.

With Aldren and Elsa's combined strengths and with that final stroke, the battle in the throne room had been won. Aldren's eyes remained locked on his sword in her hands but then his eyes shifted and his mouth fell agape at the further evidence of her power around the room. He looked back to her in awe at the realization that it was true, it was all true...that she-...that he was not-

She looked away from him, running to her sister with his sword still in hand, "Anna!"

The princess slowly emerged from her place behind the pillar, horror in her eyes and still clearly shaken from the experience. Elsa looked her sister over for any injuries, "Are you hurt?"

She shook her head, "No...no I'm okay Elsa. You?"

"I'm fine Anna." Elsa pulled her close with her free arm and breathed a sigh of relief. She then turned to the remaining guards, "Bring reinforcements and get aid for the wounded!" At her command two of the guards quickly left the room to do so.

The sisters shared another look of relief before they turned to Aldren who had gotten to his feet. Elsa eyes narrowed at the sight of the dagger in his hand, she looked back to him, "I didn't know you had those."

He looked down and wiped either side of the blade against his steel bracer, "With respect your majesty, your guards should have searched me better."

This comment evoked looks of offense and shame from Arvid and the remaining guards. Elsa then turned her attention to Kai who walked uneasily towards them while holding a hand over his injured eye and bloodied nose, "Your majesties are you alright?"

She scoffed and approached, putting her hands on his shoulders, "We're fine Kai but you're going to see the physician with the others."

"Please your majesty I insist I'm fine-"

"And I insist that you take care of yourself." she stated firmly.

"Go Kai. We'll be alright." Anna added.

The overseer nodded reluctantly and a guard came to help him. Aldren couldn't help but smile at how kindly the sisters treated their servants, he sheathed the dagger and walked towards them, "You're both uninjured, that is good."

He reached out to ask for his sword but she drew it back from him, his hand recoiled and he looked back to her with his smile fading. She only held his gaze as one of the guards brought her the weapons scabbard, taking it she sheathed the weapon before handing it back to the guard. She brought her hands together, "Please find suitable accommodations for our guest to wait until I'm ready to speak to him again."

She placed her hand on Anna's back and started to lead her away, Aldren grimaced as two guards started to flank, he took a step forward, "Am I your prisoner?"

She stopped and looked back to him, her face giving no tells, "Not yet."

"Hmph." he drew out his remaining dagger and handed it over to one of the guards before allowing them to lead him out of the throne room giving her one last glance over his shoulder.

The sisters watched him leave with the guards and as soon as he was out of ear shot Anna spoke out, "Elsa he saved my life! You wouldn't have reached me in time if it wasn't for him."

Elsa looked down as she considered before meeting her sister's gaze again, "That may be Anna, but until I know what role he may have played in what happened here I won't allow him to leave nor walk the castle grounds armed. I'm doing this to keep us safe Anna, that is always my first concern."

"I know but-"

"Please. Just let me handle this for now, trust me." she took her sister's hands in hers, looking her in the eye.

"I do Elsa."

Elsa motioned to a trusted guard and he quickly approached as she spoke to him, "Arvid, take five men and go to the ports to meet the ice harvesters when they return. Bring Kristoff, Olaf and Sven to the palace and if he argues tell him it is his queen's command, go."

He bowed and left her presence. Elsa turned toward the throne when they all noticed one of the assassin's start to rise from the floor still alive. Three of her guards drew swords and prepared to finish him off but she recognized this was the last that attempted to attack her directly, .

"Stop!" she held out her hand, "I want him alive, take him to the dungeons and put him in chains."

Sheathing their swords they grabbed the injured enemy by his arms and began dragging him from the room. Their attention turned back to the entrance when the large brute also stirred, crawling towards them to reach one of his sickles on the floor. She lowered her gaze and approached him with a guard on either side and, just as his hand grasped the weapon, he looked up at her bared his teeth and growled. In response she made a ball of ice the size of a boulder and slammed it down into his head, the object shattered and left the warrior unconscious.

She kicked the sickle away from his hand, "Him too." she sneered.

She walked back to Anna, having given her last order for now, her eyes softened and she pulled her sister into embrace, "It'll be alright Anna, I won't let anyone hurt us." she held her tighter, "I swear it."

Anna squeezed her back as her eyes started to water with tears. Despite the conflict being over her heart still continued to race, she was no fool...she knew deep down their troubles had likely only just begun...