Erika glanced at the door, "What's taking him so long? He summoned us almost half an hour ago."

"Don't complain," Jack said happily. "We're missing squats and laps. At this point he could tell me I had latrine duty for a week and I wouldn't complain."

"Yeah right!" Kai sniggered. "I haven't even known you a week and you're constantly complaining."

"I am not!"

"I told you," Elsa stepped out of Stick's office. "I don't need a babysitter; it was a freak accident." Elsa glanced at them. "Are you-don't take it personally. I'm sure you're all great guards, but I don't need help."

"Your majesty," Kai bowed. "I'm devastated that you'd reject me in this way."

"Wow, I barely recognize you out of prison attire." She wasn't blushing. She couldn't be blushing. "I suppose I shouldn't call you prisoner anymore. Will you finally tell me your name?"

"You'll have to earn that." He winked.

"His name's Kai." Jack was just tired of Kai; that was it.

"So Kai, everyone, it's been a pleasure, but I can handle myself. Thank you for your concern."

"Your majesty," Stick said gently. "This isn't just for you. The news of the attack has spread; people need to know we've taken steps to ensure your safety."

"Just a few weeks ago they were complaining about my unnatural power, but one tiny arrow scratches me and I'm made of glass."

"Perhaps if you start a blizzard people won't worry." Everyone stared at Jack. "I'm kidding. Get it? Ha, ha funny?"

Stick ignored him. "Regardless, public perception is important. We need to show a solid front." Stick's tone grew serious. "Your powers won't always be there to protect you. If someone catches you by surprise or when you're sleeping you won't be able to fight back. Our security has already been breached once; that can't happen again."

"Fine." Elsa turned back to the guards. "I have to go to my next meeting. If any of you fall behind I will have to leave you. I'm sorry, but I'm too busy to wait for stragglers."

She took off down the hall, her walk more curt than fast. Sanderson and Jack broke off and followed her. Despite her shorter legs, the two men were forced to jog to keep up. Sanderson sent Jack a pained grimace and stuck his tongue at the queens back.

"Why only two?"

"Beg pardon El-your majesty." Jack jogged up to reach Elsa.

"Why didn't the others tag along?'

"We're going to be working in shifts of two. That way we can stay refreshed and limit the amount of people coming into contact with you."

"You can call me Elsa." Despite her words, her tone was curt. "Her majesty sounds far too formal. That goes for you too." She threw back to Sanderson who was maintaining a healthy distance between him and the queen.

"Kai calls you your majesty."

"Yes, but he's joking and I have tried to make him quit."

"You two know each other pretty well?"

"I wouldn't say that; I just helped him get…a job."

Jack nodded and followed Elsa up a flight of stairs. He didn't know why Kai bothered him so much. Maybe it was the insipid smile or the catty jokes. Either way Kai got under Jack's skin like no one else. Maybe he was the assassin. It would make sense; he'd already expressed his dislike of royalty. Oh this was great. Elsa's would-be-murderer was one of her bodyguards. Jack would have to keep an eye out; he wouldn't let Kai anywhere near Elsa.

"I forgot to mention earlier, I won't be taking anymore dance lessons."

Jack snapped out of his reverie. "Why not? You certainly haven't mastered all of the moves. Not that you're a bad dancer, but you can already improve. I was having-"

"It has nothing to do with dancing. Due to my injury I won't be able to dance until after the wedding. It's truly unfortunate."

"I thought you said it was a scratch."

"I was putting on a brave face."

"You could try to learn to dance with one arm. I've seen people-"

"This is the board room." Elsa whipped around, cutting jack off. "You two can wait out here; I shouldn't be more than an hour."

Elsa disappeared into the room, leaving Jack and Sanderson to stare hopelessly at each other.

…

Elsa tapped the desk in frustration. She'd left the papers in a drawer in the library. She could go get them, but that would mean leaving her bedroom and reencountering her babysitters. Not that they weren't good people; Elsa just didn't like having people constantly standing over her shoulder.

No use worrying about her work now. Perhaps she'd finally get a good night of sleep. Her bed did look pretty inviting. She stood up, but one last glance froze her. The journal. How long had it been since she'd read it? She should probably try to read more. Perhaps it would tell her something about Seekren. She swiped it and carried it back to her bed.

Curling under the covers, she cracked the book and began to read.

I feel as though somebody is trying to tear out my guts. My handmaiden has said I'm going into labor, but that's not possible; the baby isn't due for almost a month. I hate to admit it, but I'm terrified. Childbirth is bad enough, but when the child isn't ready for it…

At least if the child was coming on time I could be sure I was leaving my husband with an heir, but now.

I don't care what anyone says. I will have this baby and they'll be tiny, healthy and perfect. They'll grow up to be a fabulous ruler and I'll watch out for them, no matter what happens. I won't let this child die. I will be

I can't write anymore. I'm going to see the midwife.

This is the last thing I'll write. I have a baby now; she can be my confidant.

But before I leave there's one last secret. One thing neither my husband nor this baby can now.

Something's wrong. I don't know exactly what, maybe its just mother's instinct, but I know something is off. When the midwife finally handed me my child for a second I didn't recognize her.

The midwife says it's because I was out for two days and she's probably right. It is my first baby and there's nothing really wrong with her. She just looks a little too large and a little too pale. I was worried she was sick, but the midwife insists she's normal. Apparently I have post-pregnancy jitters.

I shouldn't be so fidgety. The baby is gorgeous. She has such large blue eyes, constantly scanning the world in an obsessive curiosity. Her fingers are always reaching for my hair; she loves weaving strands of it, though sometimes she does pull a little hard.

I love her with all my heart and I will do everything I can to protect her.

Elsa closed the journal and her breath caught in her throat. Even as a baby she'd been different. Had there ever been a point in her life where she truly fit in? Elsa ignored the layer of frost that had settled over the bed and walked to her desk. She was tired, but there was still time for a letter.

She had to find that midwife.