The next five days went by in a blur for the Queen, as she was kept busy with the preparations for the training of her army, and the day-to-day business of running a Kingdom. She didn't see her sister at all in those days and her heart remained grieved for the loss. But what Elsa didn't know, was that Anna was miserable without her, as well. The princess was experiencing her own sorrow, but for entirely different reasons—reasons that she chose to remain in her heart, as she did not speak to anyone, not even servants, at that time. She would show up in the kitchens for meals, and then retreat back into her thoughts and bedroom after she was finished. Elsa glimpsed her once during this time, when Anna wasn't aware she was being watched, and did not try to engage her.

Elsa sat in her study working on the plans for the latest round of training drills for her army when there was a knock at her door. She looked up in expectation. "Come in."

Master Kai came into the study wheeling a cart in front of him. It had a tray with a pot of coffee on it and some pastries. He stopped at Elsa's desk, then turned back to shut the door. "You requested to see me, Your Majesty?"

The Queen poured herself a cup then placed a few pastries on plate. She sat back down. "Yes, I did, Master Kai." After taking a sip of the hot drink she indicated for Kai to sit down. "First of all, how are you, Kai?"

Kai poured himself a cup then sat opposite the Queen at her desk. "Fit as ever, Your Majesty." He took a long sip of coffee. "But as you can see, I favor the pastries a bit too much."

Elsa chuckled. "You look fine to me, Master Kai." Her smile faltered. "Have you seen the Princess?"

"I've seen her about the castle, Your Majesty. But I haven't talked to her."

Elsa nodded; Kai was being tactful, as always. "Well, Kai, I'm glad to have this time with you, as there is something on my mind."

Kai took another long drink and eyed the Queen. She was looking a bit stressed, ill at ease. "How may I ease Her Majesty's mind?"

The Queen put down her cup and sighed, not saying anything for a few seconds. Then she looked pointedly at the older man. "I am going to confide in you, Kai, news that may be hard to take at first. But once my tale ends the truth of it will be plain to see."

The Master put down his own cup, seeing the dead seriousness in his Queen. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

Elsa sat back in her chair and folded her hands in front of her. "Do you believe in the old tales, Kai?"

There was a knock at her door.

Elsa stood. "Excuse me a moment, Master Kai." She went to the door and opened it. "Yes?"

A guard stood at door, and then began to fidget. "Forgive the intrusion, Your Majesty. But I was sent to inform you that a tall ship bearing the flags and standards of Weselton is heading towards Arendelle harbor."

The Queen's eyes went wide. "There is? When will it get here?"

"I wasn't given that information, Your Majesty, I'm sorry."

"Well, send someone here who knows what he's talking about, will you?" Elsa snapped before closing the door.

Kai smiled knowingly at his Queen when she sat back down. "You were a bit hard on that boy, don't you think?"

Elsa looked up and smirked at the man; he was perhaps the only person in the Kingdom that Elsa let talk to her in such a manner. "Was I?"

Kai nodded. "Pay it no mind, Your Majesty. There is something bothering you, isn't there?"

The Queen stood and began to pace in front of the fireplace. "There is, indeed, Master Kai. There is, indeed."

Anna slowly walked around Elsa's bedroom, taking note of everything there was to see. The Queen's bathroom was meticulously neat in appearance, so much unlike her own, which had towels thrown everywhere, clothes on the floor, and makeup left open on the counters. But the blonde's bathroom—towels neatly folded, bottles lined up on the shelves where they belonged—was spartan in appearance, nothing out of place. Her walk-in closet was the same. Her dresses were hung neatly by function first and then by color. Ball gowns in one corner and everyday wear in another; and then there were her new clothes hung in the very front of the closet—her father's old uniforms that she had tailored for herself. Each uniform had a matching pair of boots next to it. Anna walked out of the closet and into the bedroom. The bed was made—probably by Elsa herself and not the maids—and everything was in its place. She noticed Elsa's diary on top of her bureau, and was tempted to look inside it, but her sense of propriety was greater.

Anna was looking for answers, something to illuminate the truth for her. But so far all she learned was that her sister was obsessive over simplicity and elegance. But it was something more than just neatness; there was order in this living space—an order that spoke of the way Elsa's mind worked, which was so unlike her own. Anna went into the parlor and was struck even more by Elsa's mindset. Even the books on her bookshelves were categorized by subject; there was a precision to everything that was Elsa; and in that precision there was also openness. Elsa's personality was all over her chambers with nothing kept secret or hidden away.

Anna closed her eyes and groaned out her frustration at herself. You have been acting like an insolent child. She felt this keenly at the moment and knew in her heart that Elsa was attempting to reach out to her with honesty, and at the heart of that verity was love. Everything the Queen did since that stormy night not too long ago was done with love, there was no guile or subterfuge in her. That was not who she was. To put it simply, Elsa really loved her. And how do repay that love, you idiot, but with a slap to the face. Anna sank into Elsa's favorite chair by the fireplace and cried.

Elsa buttoned up her shirt and then turned around to face the astonished man. "As you can see, Kai, I told you the complete truth."

The Master sat, dumbfounded, and then swallowed hard. "I think I need a drink."

Elsa reached over and poured whiskey into the man's coffee. "I always find that whiskey does the trick when I need to relax."

Kat downed the beverage in one swallow then handed the cup back to the Queen for more. "No coffee this time."

The Queen filled the man's cup then added the liquor to her own coffee. "I don't suppose you have any questions?" Elsa drank half of her cup.

"Actually, I have about a million questions, but where to begin?" Kai put down his cup. "What do you need for me to do, Elsa?"

Elsa smiled weakly. "I need for you to stand ready, Kai, and prepare the castle for an invasion, if one comes. General Urban is running drills with our troops, but he thinks it's a training exercise. I'm expecting him at the castle tomorrow and I will tell him exactly what I told you, nothing barred. I can only hope he will have the same understanding as you, Kai."

"You don't think it will come to an invasion, do you, my Queen?"

"I hope not, Kai. But that depends on how well General Urban can prepare our soldiers."

"Are you going to show him your wings, Your Majesty?" Kai asked.

Elsa sat back and chuckled. "That depends on him, I suppose—if he believes me or not. He may just think that I've lost my mind."

"It crossed my mind, Your Majesty." Kai smiled at the Queen, and they both had a good laugh. "Is there anything else that I may do for you, my Queen?"

"Stay on guard, Kai, and keep your eyes open for anything out of the ordinary. There is just no knowing exactly how the war is going to start, only that it will."

"Very well, Your Majesty. If there is nothing else."

Elsa returned to her seat, once she escorted Master Kai out of her Study, and poured herself another cup of coffee with whiskey. She drank leisurely and was very pleased with how well her conversation with Kai went. She knew he believed her, and only showed him her wings as a last confirmation; the man was no fool, not like… Elsa frowned and put down her cup …not like Anna. Elsa's good mood faltered at the thoughts of her sister, and she blinked back tears, willing herself not to break down. There was simply too much to do.

Elsa slowed down as she passed by Anna's room and tried to listen for any sign of her presence. But she didn't hear anything so she continued to her own chambers, intent on a change of clothes before the evening meal, as she was certain to be hosting a few nobles for the evening. Elsa paused at one of the windows in the hall, and noticed that the wind had picked up since the afternoon, and she wondered if a storm was blowing in.

The Queen opened her door and reflexively locked it behind her.

"May I speak with you?"

The blonde jumped, and hit the back of her head on the door. "Oww…"

Anna started for her but stopped when Elsa held up her hand.

Elsa leaned against the door and rubbed her head. "Anna… what are you doing here?"

If Anna was expecting a friendlier greeting she was disappointed. "Please, Elsa, I don't want to fight with you. I was hoping we could have a polite conversation."

"That's all I ever offered you, Anna. But you choose to reward my civility with derision." Elsa felt defeated, and continued to lean heavily against the door. "I don't have the energy anymore."

"For me?"

"In a sense," Elsa stated matter-of-factly. "I don't have the wherewithal to go through any more drama with you, Anna. It takes too much energy out of me; and I need all my energy focused on the war ahead. Do you understand?"

"Perhaps I could help you?"

"But Anna—you slapped me, when I was vulnerable! How do you expect me to react to that?" Elsa could feel the tears again.

"You have no idea how upset I am over that. I know what I did, and I am so, so sorry for it." Anna took a tentative step forward, but Elsa recoiled slightly.

"You have said 'I'm sorry' before! Only to come back to me with a another slap to the face, so to speak."

"What can I say then? These are the only words I know!"

Elsa groaned and closed her eyes. "Look, Anna, I've got the weight of the world on my shoulders, I really do, and I don't need any more difficulties!"

"Is this all that I am, a problem to you?" She tried again to take another step forward.

"Please don't come any closer, Anna." Elsa stopped leaning against the door and stood up. "Now, if you please, I must change for my dinner guests."

"Don't you mean our dinner guests?" Anna was devastated by the slight.

Elsa started for her bedroom. "Please, Anna, don't make this any more difficult than it already is." She made it to her closet, and was startled that Anna had followed her.

"Please don't shut me out, Elsa, it hurts too much," Anna pleaded, a desperation flowing over her like none other.

Elsa took off her jacket and hung it up, and didn't turn to face her sister. "What do you think the past five days has been like for me?" She knew if she looked over her shoulder at Anna she would be lost.

"Do you want me to go?" Anna's voice was tiny, pathetic.

It was too much for Elsa; she turned around. "Of course I really don't want you to go!" She grabbed Anna and shoved her against the closet wall. "But I don't know what else to do right now, Anna, other than to shut you out and take care of business." Her expression softened when Anna began to cry. "I really wish that you could be a help to me now, and be present for me, just as I have been here for you."

"I want to help you, Elsa!" Anna sobbed. "I know how idiotic I have been acting—and selfish! I've thought only of myself and not you. But I'm determined to change this, Elsa, I truly am. I mean, my god, I don't know how to go on without you." She broke down completely.

Elsa tentatively reached out, and touched Anna's cheek. "Please don't cry like that. My heart can't take it." She reached out with her other hand and gently brought Anna over to her, and cradled her in her arms. "Come on, snowflake, everything will be alright, I promise."

But Anna only cried harder, such was her grief and sorrow. "Elsa, I'm sorry, oh so sorry…"

"I know." Elsa leaned her forehead against Anna's, and finally allowed her tears to fall. "I need reassurances from you, Anna—I need to know that I have a partner in all this mess, that you will be here to support me in the things I must do."

Anna lifted her head and nodded. "I promise to do all that and more." She reached into Elsa's pocket and retrieved a handkerchief. "Please don't abandon me now, I need you, more than ever…"

Elsa raised her hands and gently took Anna's face in her hands. "Anna, we are going to be parents," she whispered.

Anna nodded, and briefly touched her belly, as if in confirmation. "And it scares me, Elsa. I'm so sorry if my fear hurts you."

Elsa nodded. "I'm afraid, too. Your fear doesn't hurt me—only your irrationality."

"I have been an idiot, haven't I?"

"You have been many things, Anna, and yes, an idiot is one of them. But can we move on, now? I have no more desire to go over your many faults."

Anna cleared her throat and finished wiping away her tears. "Certainly."

Elsa started to unbutton her shirt. "I… um… want to change before dinner."

"Do you mind if I come with you… I mean, to dinner."

The Queen was a little taken aback in her vulnerability, and nodded. "Only if you want to, Anna. I don't want you coming to dinner just for me."

Anna stood back and thought about it, did she really think she could handle guests tonight, and make small talk when all she wanted to do fall into Elsa's arm? "Maybe I ought not to go, then. I don't think I'd be very good company."

Elsa smiled and stroked Anna's cheek. "You see how easy that was—making a good decision?"

"Something I promise to do more often, I swear it." Anna turned to go. "Will I see you later?"

Elsa paused, did she really want to spend time with Anna after her guests, or did she want to go directly to bed, and hopefully get a good night's sleep? "I think I'd prefer to sleep right away after dinner, Anna, if you don't mind."

Anna tried to hide her disappointment, but failed. "If you need me, I'll be in my room."

"Okay. Good night, Anna."

Elsa awoke, as per her usual habit, just as the sun peaked over the eastern mountains, almost at dawn. The first thing she noticed was that Anna had entered into her bed sometime during the night and was sleeping soundly, her arm wrapped over her waist. Elsa closed her eyes, savoring the contact, and was secretly glad for the intrusion, even though she would have to talk to Anna about privacy at breakfast. Elsa turned Anna over on her side and cuddled behind her, wrapping her arm around her waist. I do love you, snowflake…

Elsa could feel tears prick at her eyes, and scooted closer to Anna. Do you really love me, too? A part of her wanted to believe it, without question. But her hurt over the last couple of days caused her to harbor a small amount to doubt. Elsa turned over onto her back and rubbed her eyes, feeling torn, and she certainly didn't want to be. Anna was pregnant, and she needed to do anything and everything to make sure she remained safe, even from herself, if need be. She realized she was going to be Jörmungandr, but she had no inkling of what that looked like. Would she resemble herself as she was now, or was she going to go through even more physical changes, perhaps to the point where she didn't look like herself anymore? Would she lose who she was to be this avenging angel? Would her people support their defender, or would they try to crush—a monster.

Anna could feel Elsa's anguish, and turned around in her arms. "What is it, Elsa? Oh, I'm sorry—I'll go if you don't want me here."

"No! Don't leave…" Elsa turned Anna back around, and wrapped her arms around the younger woman. "I'm scared, Anna. I'm afraid of losing myself to this creature I must become. I don't know how to do it alone…"

"You won't be alone, Elsa. I am here."

Elsa couldn't fault Anna for not really understanding her dilemma. She had no frame of reference to go by, no one did, truth be told. The only person that could possibly have really understood was dead—and Elsa was angry with him for exiting this world in favor of another. "Anna, please, don't go, I need you."

Anna tried to turn around again but Elsa's strong arms stopped her. "What…is wrong…?"

Elsa pressed her lips to Anna's neck and inhaled deeply the perfect scent that was Anna. It was calming for her soul, a balm, and it almost hurt to hold her as she was, so deep was her feeling for the younger woman. "I love you more than ever."

Anna's breath hitched, and she reached back to touch Elsa's cheek. "You do?"

"Yes…" Elsa ran her lips to Anna's ear, and she tentatively touched it with the tip of her tongue. She whimpered as her body responded to the contact. "I need you, Anna… please?"

Anna closed her eyes, and clutched at Elsa's arms around her. "Like…this?"

"Yes, please?" Elsa was completely undone by her lust for Anna, and this was another thing that worried her. But at moments like this it was so easy to ignore her trepidations, and give herself over to desire. She hiked up Anna's nightdress while quietly panting in her ear. "Oh, god…"

Anna didn't know what to do with her hands, so she grabbed the blankets and held on tightly as Elsa easily entered her from behind. She grunted as Elsa moved in and out of her.

Elsa wanted more, something more, and she pushed Anna onto her stomach. "Ah…yes…" She crawled onto Anna's back and thrust into her again. After a short while her hunger grew, and she grabbed onto Anna's hips and pulled her up until she was resting on her hands and knees. "Good god…" Elsa's head fell onto Anna's back and she squeezed her eyes shut.

The princess gasped and grunted, startled by the amount of pleasure this new position afforded her, and clutched at the blankets below. "Elsa…"

At that moment there was no past or future, no tenderness or anger, only the present moment of lust and carnal desire. It was a moment that they both fell into without remorse or regret, because they needed it.

Elsa looked up at the ceiling, absentmindedly running her hand over Anna's back, who was pressed into her side. "Anna, what are you feeling?"

The princess sighed, "I'm feeling very sore."

The blonde cleared her throat and blushed. "No, not about that. I mean—well, how do you feel towards me?"

Anna lifted head to look Elsa in the eyes. "I love you, Elsa. What kind of question is that?"

"We have a—decision to make, and I'm loath to do it on my own." She turned her head and looked up again. "Someone needs to know you are pregnant, someone that we both trust with our lives."

Anna blew out a ragged breath "Oh, god, Elsa—I mean, what do we tell?"

Elsa turned on her side to face her sister. "What would you like to say? How are we going to explain your pregnancy?"

Anna's eyes went wide. "Do we have to say anything about—the father?"

It was a strange thing to hear, Elsa admitted, but there was also a certain feeling of… "People will talk, Anna. I'm worried about your ability to take criticism because of your condition."

"My condition? Well, when you put it that way it doesn't sound so good. We can tell people it's none of their business, that's what." Anna worried for a moment. "I mean, do you feel the same way?"

Elsa offered her sister a weak smile. "Yes, I do. If you are sure you can handle the gossip that will arise, then I will support you on this." She leaned forward and placed a sweet kiss on Anna's lips. "Anna, I told Master Kai about the Fimbulvetr."

"All of it?"

"I did not tell him about this; I didn't want to do it without your knowledge beforehand." Elsa reached up and caressed Anna's cheek. "I was thinking we could confide in him and Gerda. We would tell them that you are pregnant, but offer no other explanations, and secure their loyalty to you and the baby. You will need their help when the war starts."

"Don't you mean, we will need their help?"

"Anna, I don't know if I'll be in Arendelle when this war begins. I might be Jörmungandr when it starts, and I'll be fighting with our soldiers—at least, this is what I think will happen. The problem is that I don't really know, only Pabbie knew, and he took this knowledge to his grave."

"Oh my, Elsa, really?" Anna frowned and clutched Elsa's hands in hers. "What can we do?"

"I don't know if we can do anything, Anna. I must somehow figure out what he knew, though I doubt Hølje will be much help. I don't have a lot of confidence in him. I'm hoping Kristoff might learn something useful as he explores Yggdrasil and the myths."

"Kristoff is at the great white tree?"

"Yes, and I hope to hear from him soon." Elsa noticed the strange look on Anna's face. "Anna, what is it?"

"Elsa, do you think we can confide in Kristoff?"

The blonde shook her head. "Do you really think that's s good idea, Anna?" Elsa then realized that Anna may not know about the mountain man's feelings. "He's in love with you."

"But, he told me he wasn't…" Anna's voice trailed off.

Elsa placed a finger on Anna's lips. "Please, Anna, the man confided in me about—everything."

Anna looked away. "I guess I've always known. But I haven't always wanted to believe it." She turned back to Elsa. "But I'm more worried about what you just said about the Fimbulvetr, and fighting in the war. Are you certain about the fighting part?"

"That's the question, Anna, that I want the answer to as much as you do." The blonde brought her hands up to cup Anna's face. "I am worried that I won't be able to protect you; I worry about exactly when this war will start—I need to know these things so I can plan accordingly. There are too many variables for me to try to wrap my mind around." She placed a gentle kiss on Anna's lips. "This is why I was so upset with you, Anna—when you, acted irrationally. You struck me with more than just your hand."

Anna sighed, mortified once again at her behavior. "Elsa, please forgive my—I don't even know what to call it—stupidity, childishness. Do you forgive me?"

Elsa kissed Anna again. "I must be the biggest fool because I do." Elsa snuggled into her bedding and wrapped her arms around Anna. "I'm a fool—a fool in love, I think."

Anna opened her eyes and saw Elsa's pained expression, and felt her words very keenly. They were, in a sense, startling to hear, and she realized that Elsa may not have fully understood what she had just said. But Anna understood, with a seriousness she never fathomed before, because life had never in the past been this staid or friable.

This chapter was Elsa/Anna centric because they needed to grapple, and come to terms with, their relationship, however flawed it might be…the next chapter, Elsa's second transformation…Also, I may take a few days for myself to recharge the batteries, so to speak. I just realized that I've cranked out nearly 60,000 words since July 20th and I'm a little tired, and school begins again after Labor day. So, don't panic, I'll be back as soon as I can. Thanks again for all the reviews and support.