As soon as they passed the border to the Valley, the winds picked up, blustering all about, blowing leaves and twigs all around the wagon as the horses plodded along the path to Arendelle. The dense conifers were gone and replaced by the beech and horse chestnuts, and scattered bushes hugged the grassy border of the path. Anna pulled her blanket tighter around her, but it wasn't enough to keep out the cold, and she began to worry about the baby. She stopped the horses under a large beech tree and tied the reins to the bench, and then she went inside.

Elsa was still asleep, so Anna crawled under the blankets with her and tried to get comfortable. But the howling winds unsettled her, and her instincts told her they needed to get back to Arendelle as soon as possible. Elsa mumbled something in her sleep, and rolled over onto her side, wrapping an arm around Anna, and then snored softly in her ear. The princess stared at the torn remnants of the wagon cover, and realized this situation was unacceptable; they needed to start moving in order to avoid the worst of the weather.

Anna gently shook Elsa's shoulder. "Elsa… its time to wake up."

But the blonde only snored louder, and she draped a leg over Anna's thighs, trapping the princess beneath her.

"Please, Elsa, we really need to get back to Arendelle." Anna closed her eyes and sighed; the blonde was warm, and her presence very comforting. "Elsa…"

Elsa squirmed a little, and then mumbled. "Hmmm… what?"

"I need for you to wake up, Elsa. A storm is coming."

Elsa opened her bleary eyes, feeling as if she could sleep for a week. "Anna, I'm so worn out and tired." She stretched and rolled away from Anna, and then slowly sat up. "Why are we not in Arendelle?"

"The horses keep slowing down. I think the impending storm is frightening them."

Elsa turned her body slightly to the right, and when she did her left wing brushed against one of the boxes; she winced. "Can you please look at my wing again, Anna?"

The princess crawled over to Elsa's back and gently grasped her wing; it was quite warm to the touch. "Does it still hurt?"

"Yes."

Anna stretched out the leathery appendage and looked closely at it. "I can see the infection Dáinn mentioned, there is a large reddish area, and its oozing brownish blood—its no wonder you are so tired and sluggish."

Elsa lowered onto the blankets and rolled onto her side. "Do you really need me to help with the horses?"

"I'm afraid so, they aren't following my lead." Anna wiped her hands on a cloth, and then regarded her sister for a moment, noting her wan expression. "Well, let me see what I can do first. If I need your help, I'll come and wake you up."

Elsa merely nodded and closed her eyes, asleep within moments.

The morning was unusually cold, and the citizens of Arendelle wrapped themselves in heavy coats or blankets as they made their way around the town. Fires were lit in heavy metal cans and were spread out along the marketplace and merchants huddled over them, hoping to warm their hands until the next shopper came. Horses pulled wagons about, the aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastries emanated from several storefronts, plus the bustle of bodies everywhere were more than enough to entice the senses.

Master Kai walked out his favorite pastry shop, coffee in hand, and made his way onto the main dock at Arendelle harbor, and received the few nobles who had gathered to greet the flagship from Weselton. He sipped his coffee while looking at the ship. "Why do think they're just sitting there?"

Admiral Crispin looked through his spyglass, observing the activity on board the ship. "It seems they're content to just watch us for now. They are watching the countess' ship very closely, looking for any sign of activity." He lowered his scope. "Ought we to send a small ship out to them, and demand they leave our harbor?"

Harold Halfdansson, Arendelle's most powerful chieftain and duke, walked over to the admiral and patted his shoulder. "We don't want to provoke them unnecessarily."

"Unnecessarily?" Crispin scratched his rather large mustache. "They have been sitting out there since yesterday, partially blocking the harbor entrance for larger ships."

Hålogaland, a younger earl with striking green eyes, moved over to Master Kai. "A good lob of cannon fire ought to get a reaction from them."

Kai and Crispin shared a meaningful glance, each knowing the reason why the ship from Weselton was in their harbor. Kai turned towards the young earl. "I don't think the Queen would approve of that tactic, my Lord."

"Well, she isn't here, is she? By the way, where is our illustrious monarch?"

"Please don't talk to me like—"

Kai didn't get a chance to complete his sentence, as a few royal guards came running towards him. They didn't stop until they were practically on top of him. One of the older guards drew in a deep breath and attempted to speak.

"You're never going to believe this, Master Kai…"

Kai tried to hide his impatience. "Well, what is it, young man?"

"There are four giant deer at the city border, Master Kai, and they're screaming your name!"

Kai's eyes went wide, and he almost dropped his coffee. It was one thing to be accepting of the Queen's magic, and to be aware of the existence of the trolls, but something like this was completely new to him, and he momentarily felt a little fear and uncertainty. But then it occurred to him that perhaps the Queen had sent these creatures to him. "Have them escorted to me at once. Now, please."

Winded, the guard groaned before he saluted. "As you wish, Master Kai." He took off running towards the western border of the city.

Harold Halfdansson stared at Kai, wondering how the Master of the Castle could not be nonplussed about the prospect of talking deer; and it was not just that. The presence of the flagship from Weselton bothered him—his intuition telling him something wasn't right. "How can you be so nonchalant?"

Kai continued to sip his coffee. "About what?"

"The flagship from Weselton, for one thing." Harold blinked in surprise. "What aren't you telling us, and why isn't the Countess Weselton here with us to greet this ship?"

"Master Kai!" Admiral Crispin continued to look through his spyglass. "They are lowering a small boat into the water. Two—no, three—sailors in the boat, and an officer."

All the men now turned towards the tall ship, each squinting to get a better look.

"Let's see." The admiral continued. "They're not heading towards us, but—they are preceding in the direction of the Countess' ship." He lowered his scope and turned towards Kai. "We can capture them once they board it."

Harold Halfdansson adjusted the sword at his side. "Give me the chance to do it." His gray eyes were hard, and he rather enjoyed the prospect of a confrontation.

Kai shook his head. "Again, I don't think the Queen would approve of such a blatant hostile act."

"You still haven't answered my question, Master Kai," Hålogaland interjected. "Where is the Queen?"

Exasperated, Admiral Crispin eyed the young earl. "You are out of line, my Lord!"

Kai was just about to speak when he was interrupted by the thunderous sound of hooves heading towards them, from the far side of the docks. When he had imagined giant deer he had not had these creatures in mind. They were gigantic, as far as animals were concerned, and easily as tall as any giraffe could be.

As the stags approached, Harold drew his sword. "What devilry is this?"

Kai held up his hand in protest. "No, your Grace. Please, let us find out if they are sent from the Queen."

All four stags stopped ten yards from the men and eyed them warily, and for many moments there was nothing but silence as the animals sniffed at the men before them.

Finally, Dáinn stepped forward and lowered his head. He noticed Harold Halfdansson's sword, and a low growl erupted from deep in his throat. "Put your weapon away." He hoofed at the wooden boards of the pier.

Kai slowly walked toward the animal, his hands before him, indicating no weapon. "My name is Master Kai, and we…" He indicated himself and the other men. "…mean you no harm."

Dáinn shook his antlers "You are the one that Jörmungandr told me to find. I bring news and orders from the great serpent."

"Great serpent? It doesn't sound like the Queen sent these beasts." Hålogaland stepped towards the Chieftain, and kept his hand on the hilt of his sword.

Dáinn raised his head towards the sky and roared, a loud terrible sound that startled everyone within the city. "Queen Elsa is Jörmungandr! How dare you question her, or any of her envoys!" He whirled towards Kai. "General order number five!"

All the men stood and gaped at the giant stag, all but Kai, who understood immediately. "What has happened… I'm sorry, but what do we call you?"

"I am Dáinn—and these are my brothers, Dvalinn, Duneyrr, and Duraþrór. We have come on the Queen's behalf, and to deliver urgent news." The stag proceeded to convey all that the Queen had told him, every single item, and the necessity of the message was understood by all, even by the Chieftain and Earl. He ended by saying, "This is the message from Elsa of Arendelle."

Kai had to take a step back when the stag was finished, as all the news was almost too much to bear. "So, it has begun. First of all, gentlemen, are we in agreement as to what 'general order five' is?"

Harold sheathed his sword. "Yes, we are. It states that in the Queen's absence you are to become Regent of Arendelle until Her Majesty's return, among other things."

The Earl held up his hands, his confusion evident. "Wait. This can only be enacted in a time of war. What war?"

"You don't really think General Urban is involved in just training exercises, do you?" Harold looked pointedly at Kai. "Am I right, Master Kai?"

Kai wasn't sure how much he should reveal to those assembled. "I would normally defer to the Queen to answer such questions. But on the other hand, the Queen does want certain preparations finished before she returns. We have a few sources that have revealed the ruinous plans of Weselton and the Southern Isles. They plan for war against us."

Hålogaland gasped. "Why am I just finding out about this now? This is outrageous, Master Kai." He took a wary step closer to the Master of the Castle. "Are all the nobility left as ignorant as I am about this?"

Kai hesitated in answering, wondering himself at the Queen's motives for keeping the war secret from Arendelle and its nobility. He had never questioned her purposes before, but it had been three days since Captain Gunnar had released him from prison, and she had yet to return. "I cannot say what I don't know, my Lord. Are you not the Secretary of the Queen's Privy Council?"

"Yes, what of it?"

"Then you have a job to do, my Lord. The letters need to be written and messengered out immediately, as per the Queen's instructions." Kai held the Earl's stare.

Hålogaland stared at Kai for a few moments, a bit uncertain about everything. Finally, the young Earl relented. "Of course, I will see to it immediately."

Kai waited. When it was apparent that the Earl wasn't going to move he gestured towards the castle. "Well?"

Harold turned towards Kai once the Earl was gone. "You handled that pretty smoothly, Master Kai. One would think you really had ambitions towards the Throne, if you know what I mean."

"I most certainly know what you mean, Your Grace, and for once you are truly wrong. I do my Queen's bidding for her pleasure, not my own. Harold Halfdansson?The Chieftain blinked, and then he appeared to inspect his sword. "Yes?"

"I believe you have a job to do, as well. Will you recall General Urban back to Arendelle?"

"And how do you propose I do that? I'm not a messenger, nor am I an errand boy for anyone, not even you!"

Dáinn and his brothers slowly approached Harold Halfdansson, their heads lowered, antlers pointed at him. Kai immediately stood between them and the nobleman, and raised his hands in a gesture of placation. The stags stopped moving, but continued to stare with open hostility at the Chieftain, who backed away from them so suddenly that he almost tripped off the dock and into the water.

Harold glanced over his shoulder before turning back to Kai, his expression unreadable. "What do you need me to do?"

"Personally see that the General comes back to the city at once. I don't care what you do or how you do it. Good day, Your Grace." Kai moved away from Harold and went back over to stand next to Admiral Crispin, who was trying not to smirk. Together, they turned their attention back to observing the flagship from Weselton.

The Chieftain walked away without saying a word, and gave the stags a wide berth as he walked around them. Dvalinn tried to nip at his heals, but a pointed look from Dáinn stopped him.

Admiral Stinus' arm dropped to his side in astonishment at the appearance of the giant stags, and his spyglass fell out of his hand and landed hard on the wooden deck, breaking the lenses. "Oh, my god…" His eyes widened even more when it seemed as if the animals were talking to the men on the docks.

Several sailors turned from their duties to curiously stare at the admiral, and wonder what was going on. Gardbrand, a Captain of the Elite Guard who had accompanied Stinus on this voyage, calmly walked up to the distressed man.

Gardbrand looked over at the docks and saw the enormous animals. "My god, indeed. What are those things?"

Stinus looked down at his broken scope. "They appear to be deer, but I've never seen red deer as big as these creatures. Also…" His voice trailed off, as he didn't want to seem to be crazy.

The Captain glanced sharply at the Admiral. "What are you hiding?"

"I'm not, per se, hiding anything. But for a moment those animals appeared to be—to be talking to those men on the dock."

Gardbrand now fully turned to face the Admiral. "What? You can't possibly believe that, let alone say it."

Stinus didn't look at the Captain, but continued to stare at the dock. "Haven't you heard the whispers regarding Arendelle and its Queen? That there is magic here, and the Queen wields it?"

"A man of my position, listening to old tales and superstitions? I have neither the time nor the patience for such nonsense. I know what Magnus says his father told him, but I care little for such things." Gardbrand walked over to where one of small boats was being prepared. "I plan on boarding the Countess' vessel—care to come with me?"

Admiral Stinus shook his head and went back to looking at the docks. "My duty is to this ship. Go on without me… and please report back immediately what you find."

"Someone needs to make contact with those representatives on the docks."

Aggravated, the Admiral turned back to Captain Gardbrand. "As soon as you come back, we will both go." That answer seemed to satisfy the Captain, as he nodded and turned back to preparing the small boat.

Anna sighed in relief when the wagon passed the western border to Arendelle proper, and they were within the city limits. A cobblestone road replaced the dirt path, and a guard post was about two hundred yards in front of her, and beyond that the first houses. After veering the horses off the path she guided them under a very large tree to rest. She slumped on the bench and rubbed her eyes, to rid them of dust, and for the first time, felt her weariness keenly. She heard Elsa stir behind her, and suddenly two arms wrapped themselves around her waist and pulled her down so that she was on her knees, bent over the bench.

Elsa's hot breath delicately caressed Anna's ear. "Anna…" She pressed her body flush against the young woman, her arousal clear.

Anna felt Elsa's thighs pressed against her own. "Please Elsa, someone could see…" A gasp was torn from her throat as her skirt was hiked up beyond her waist. "…us."

Elsa grabbed at Anna's hip, and worked at unclasping her pants, but her hands were shaking, making it an impossible task. The dragon growled in frustration as Elsa tried to focus on her sister's words. "Anna, please, I need—this."

Anna reached behind and grabbed the hand that was on her hip, making a necessary contact with the dragon. "Please listen to me, Elsa. There is a guard post ahead, and I'm sure we've been spotted. We don't have time for this, I'm sorry."

Elsa felt the warm contact of Anna's hand in her own; and it grounded her to the present and enabled her to really hear the princess' words. After a moment she scooted back and broke contact with Anna's body. "I'm sorry… I'm sorry."

Anna turned around and saw the evidence of Elsa's aroused state; she felt her desperation. "Why—I mean, why now?"

"I… the call of the dragon… oh, Anna, I'm frightened by its intensity." Elsa shrank back and covered herself, her cheeks flushing a deep red.

"It must be strong to frighten you so much." Stirred by compassion, Anna moved closer. "What can I do?" she whispered. She blushed at the hunger in Elsa's eyes, but didn't turn her gaze away.

"No…" Elsa looked up, a deep fire in her eyes. "I'm afraid I'll hurt you."

Anna sat back on her heels and regarded the blonde, who was in such obvious distress. There was no way they were going into the city with Elsa in such a state. She looked over her shoulder and noticed that there was no movement in the guard shack beyond. Turning back around she took Elsa's hands in her own. "Come, Elsa, will you let me help you?"

Elsa grabbed Anna's shoulders without hesitation and spun her around, bending her over the bench again and pulling up her skirt. Her hands shook again as she pressed her hips up against the princess, and she succeeded this time in unhooking her pants. She grabbed Anna's hips and pushed deeply inside of her, causing both of them to gasp and groan. Elsa fell over Anna's back, her nipples touching warm skin.

Anna's knuckles turned white as she grabbed at the bench, and her breath quickened in anticipation. But the blonde stilled her body. "Oh, god, Elsa—please move." The flesh inside her was so hard that it brought tears to her eyes.

Elsa lifted slightly, her hands moving to Anna's shoulders, and slapped her hips against Anna's, filling her thoroughly and completely. Her vision left her, and was replaced by a plethora of sparking stars every time their hips met. The serpent growled, head thrashing about at such an erotic coupling. The wagon shook with the power of her thrusts.

Anna felt like her body wanted to explode, and she whimpered when Elsa's hands left her shoulders and grabbed again at her hips. "Elsa… oh, Elsa… I'm—" All coherent thought left her with the power of her release, her entire body jerking forward until her legs gave out.

Elsa caught her before she could collapse, and continued to pound into her. "Anna… Anna… my mate…"

Anna felt her whole body tingle and then go limp with the power of her release, and she looked over her shoulder at Elsa, and marveled at her stamina. After awhile she tore her eyes from her sister when her body began to tighten again around the hard flesh inside her. Panting, she lifted her head to gaze outside the wagon and her eyes fell upon movement at the guard post. "Elsa, please stop, the guards…"

Elsa looked up, her eyes glazed over with lust, and growled at the possible intrusion. Her pace quickened, and she stiffened beyond credence, to the point of agony. "A n n a…"

For the first time in their lovemaking Anna felt the presence of the dragon. It was a primal and unyielding manifestation, one that ought to have frightened her. But instead of fear Anna was overcome with the rawest desire she had ever felt, and it sent her over the edge again unexpectedly, her body convulsing, writhing with pleasure.

When Anna tightened around her again Elsa lost control. Her body seized, one spasm after another, her seed releasing into Anna again and again until she collapsed, utterly spent.

Anna opened her eyes when Elsa stopped thrusting and saw two horses approaching in the distance. Her hands clutched at the bench and she groaned in frustration. "Please, Elsa, they're coming."

Elsa lifted her head at the remark, and released her own ragged breath. "But—I'm not ready."

"Jörmungandr!"

The blonde's eyes snapped open and she immediately withdrew, but her eyes raked over the naked form below her. "Anna—your skirt."

The princess got up and fixed her clothes, her hands a little unsteady. When she was done she turned around and saw that Elsa was far from being appeased. She reached down and pulled up Elsa's pants, her hands shaking as she worked at the buttons. "Elsa, listen to me. You need to come back to yourself—now!"

But the dragon was still in control, and it, at first, backed away from Anna with a growl. Elsa struggled with Jörmungandr, and after a long moment of staring into Anna's eyes, was finally able to bring herself together. "I'm here, Anna."

Anna glanced over her shoulder again and saw that the horses and their riders were closer. "Soldiers are coming, Elsa." She began removing lids from boxes. "Is there a shirt in here somewhere?"

Elsa stopped Anna's frantic search. "Hold on, please. I can fold my wings and wrap a blanket around me, Anna." She smiled.

Anna relaxed a bit. "I suppose that will do for now."

The Queen took Anna's hand and guided her outside the wagon. Both sat on the bench and waited for the soldiers to arrive, and after a few minutes, they did. Elsa stood up when the soldiers were close enough to recognize her. They immediately saluted and one of them guided his horse over to the wagon.

"Good afternoon, my Queen, I am Corporal Fanuel . We were not made aware that her Majesty was out for a ride. May we escort you back to Arendelle Castle?"

Elsa processed what the soldier's words indicated. Apparently, not all of the guards or soldiers were made aware that she and Anna were away from the castle, or that anything was out of the ordinary. She was puzzled by this, as she thought Master Kai would have added extra security around Arendelle as per her instructions. She casually sat back down and smiled at the man. "Of course, Corporal. We are a bit anxious to get back as soon as we can."

"Then let us lead the way." Fanuel took off his helm and bowed at the waist. "Your Majesty." He spurred his horse around and joined the other soldier who was already a good few yards down the cobblestone road.

Anna took the reins and guided her horses about twenty yards behind the others. When they were moving along she turned her head to watch Elsa, who was wrapped securely in a blanket and was pensively silent. "Are you alright, Elsa?"

The Queen had her head down, as her wing was still bothering her. "I'm fine, Anna—it's the wing, again."

Anna nodded, then chuckled a bit. "It didn't seem to bother you ten minutes ago."

"Can we not discuss that with those soldiers so near?" Elsa coughed, then reached around to pull Anna closer to her. As they began to pass the first houses and shops she glanced at Anna, a small amount of fear welling up from deep within. "I—I'm a bit afraid, Anna."

"Of what?" Anna turned in her seat to watch Elsa. "Are you afraid of Jörmungandr?"

"No, not of the serpent—but what the beast will do now that he's so very much a part of me." Elsa sat up, her neck craning as if to see something. "There is trouble at the heart of the city, at the docks. Anna, please, can the horses go faster?"

"Are you sure?" When Elsa squeezed her hand Anna manipulated the reins to cause the horses to gallop at a medium clip. They quickly passed their escorts, who reined their own horses in order to follow the wagon. "Is there danger ahead, Elsa?"

The Queen glanced at her sister, knowing the meaning behind the simple question. Anna was concerned about putting the baby at risk. "No, nothing of that sort, Anna. I would never put you or the baby in a perilous circumstance. But there is a possible diplomatic situation that needs my immediate attention." She turned around and went back inside the wagon, looking for suitable clothing.

Dáinn and the other stags stood next to Master Kai as he watched the men from Weselton board the Countess' ship. After a while his head snapped up, and he sniffed at the air. "Jörmungandr!"

The other creatures had the same reaction, and they writhed about in anticipation. Kai and the Admiral whirled around at the same time to gape at the deer, each wondering what was wrong, and if they were in danger.

"What is it, Dáinn?" Kai took a wary step back and eyed Crispin as he did so, getting the Admiral's attention. But before he could say anything there were a few screams from just beyond the docks, as a few citizens had to hurry away from a fast approaching wagon.

The stags seemed to jump in anticipation of its arrival, and this startled the people who had gathered around them in curiosity. Dvalinn reared up and barked out a greeting as the wagon slowed and stopped just thirty yards from them. There were two riders on horses behind the wagon, and they were surprised by the sudden stop; the horses stopped abruptly just behind the coach, one horse close enough to the side of the dock, sending the soldier flying into the chilly sea water.

Elsa emerged from the wagon, dressed in gray pants and black boots, and with an oversized officer's coat on. She saw the soldier flail about in the water, and she jumped down immediately to give orders to the other soldier and surrounding citizenry to help the man out of the water. After she was sure the soldier was okay she turned around and walked over to the excited stags.

Anna dropped the reins when she was satisfied that her own horses were calm, and called over to the Master of the Castle. "Master Kai!"

Kai, who had been helping the almost drowned soldier, stopped what he was doing and trotted over to the wagon, along with Admiral Crispin. "Yes, Princess Anna? How may I be of service to you?"

The princess smiled down on the man. "Will you please help me down, Kai?"

"Of course, Your Highness." Kai took hold of the princess' hands and guided her off the wagon. He was about to say something when he glanced down and noticed her swollen belly; his eyes widened and he could not hide his look of surprise. He heard a low growl behind him and turned around to find the Queen very close and the four stags at her heels.

Elsa shot Kai a warning glance. "Not a word, Kai."

Dáinn poked his head over Elsa's shoulder and glared at the man, his eyes challenging defiance. Kai closed his mouth and nodded at the blonde while Admiral Crispin slowly backed away from the large animals. The four stags immediately surrounded Anna, their eyes darting to and fro, on the lookout for trouble.

Elsa's expression softened, and she looked down at her feet for a moment before catching Kai's attention. "Please, Master Kai… I apologize for sounding so gruff. But before you say anything, yes, Anna is pregnant—and that's all you need to know about for now, we will discuss it later. For now…" She glanced over at the newest tall ship in the harbor. "…is that the Flagship from Weselton?"

Kai nodded. "Yes, it is, Your Majesty. They've been here since the early morning two days hence."

"Hand me your spyglass." Elsa took the instrument from Kai and looked out to the enemy vessel in her harbor. "What are they doing here? Have they come on an errand of peace?"

Admiral Crispin stepped up to his Queen. "We don't know anything for sure, Your Majesty. They have yet to send out any envoys." He pointedly glanced at Kai. "And we haven't, either."

Elsa turned her head towards the two men in astonishment. "What? Why have we not contacted the commander of that ship? Admiral?"

Crispin reddened, his face twitching. "I… I don't know, Your Majesty."

The Queen glanced at her sister before turning towards the Master of the Castle. "Master Kai?"

Kai lowered his voice. "Your Majesty, we have not known what to do." He nodded towards the red deer. "They only arrived a few hours ago. Up until then, I've been at a loss as to how to take care of the kingdom."

Elsa stared at Kai for many long awkward moments. "When did Captain Gunnar release you from prison?" she whispered.

"Three days ago, Your Majesty." The man whispered back.

Stunned, Elsa turned away from Kai, careful to keep a neutral expression on her face. She blew out a long breath and brought the spyglass up to her eye again in the pretense of watching the ship. "Master Kai?"

Master Kai stood straight up. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Have the nobles been summoned as per my instructions?"

"Lord Hålogaland is taking care of it as we speak."

Elsa nodded and lowered the scope. "And General Urban?"

"Harold Halfdansson is personally seeing to it." Kai dusted invisible lint off his jacket.

A half smile formed on Elsa's face. "How did you get His Grace to agree to do it?"

Kai visibly relaxed. "I believe it was "general order five" that convinced him."

Elsa noticed that a good number of Arendelle's citizens were gathering at the docks, curious as to what was going on, and a little curious to see their Queen, and that there were few guards to keep them back. She nodded at Kai before moving over to Anna, who was looking a bit self-conscious. "What is it, Anna?"

Anna indicated the growing crowd. "All these people, Elsa—I'm beginning to feel uncomfortable out here."

"Okay, snowflake." Elsa briefly grasped her sister's shoulder. "Admiral Crispin?"

"Your Majesty." Crispin took the spyglass that Elsa handed to him.

"Have a field tent erected right here and set up a watch. I want that ship watched day and night—and the Countess' vessel, as well, and notify me when and if they make a move towards the docks. Can you do this right away?"

The Admiral nodded vigorously. Of course, my Queen. How many guards would you like posted here?"

"As many as can be, Admiral—and have fires lit, its cold out here." Elsa noticed that her presence was attracting more royal guards, and they were busying themselves by keeping the townspeople away from her. To her chagrin, she noticed Captain Gunnar leading a few of the guards in her direction so she stepped in front of Anna, to keep him from seeing her.

The Captain's eyes wandered to the stags for a moment, and he watched them curiously before turning his attention to the Queen. "May I be of service to you, Your Majesty?"

Elsa gestured towards the growing throng. "Yes, you can disperse the crowd, Captain Gunnar, and clear a path towards the Castle."

"Is that all, Your Majesty? Perhaps, I can escort you back to the Castle?" Gunnar idly played with the sword at his side.

"Captain!"

Both Elsa and Gunnar turned towards the sound of the deep voice of Lieutenant Lindar, a tall blonde man, and twin brother of Ingarth, who was being held prisoner at Jonvar. He approached the Queen and bowed, then turned his attention on Captain Gunnar. "I believe Her Majesty has given you a direct order, Captain. See to it."

Gunnar hesitated for only a moment, then he bowed towards the Queen before leaving.

"Thank you, Lieutenant." Elsa looked over and watched as Gunnar glanced back at her before attending to his duty. "That man does not hold my confidence."

Lindar followed his Queen's glance. "I can demote him, if that would please Your Majesty?"

"No, but perhaps you can keep an eye on him for me. He has taken an interest in the Princess, and she does not return his attention."

Lindar nodded, and then smiled. "I see. I will adjust his assignments to keep him away from the Castle." He nodded towards Elsa. "My Queen." He was just about to walk away when his expression changed to one of worry. "May I ask a question, Your Majesty?"

Elsa nodded. "Of course, Lieutenant."

"I don't mean to bother—and I'm sure Your Majesty already knows this. But I was wondering if you knew that my brother, Lieutenant Ingarth, is missing. His wife is very worried." Lindar turned away from Elsa. "We all are."

Elsa processed the information in only a few moments, quickly thinking about her spy Zander and his decision to take Ingarth with him to the Southern Isles. But something inside was telling her not to divulge this information to Lindar, as it was still a mystery to her. "I did not know this, Lieutenant." She shook her head. "Thank you for telling me."

Lindar watched as the guards slowly dispersed the crowd of people. "Thank you for listening, Your Majesty. Until later." He nodded again before taking his leave.

Elsa watched as the tall man walked away from her, his shoulders slumped. Anna noticed the peculiar look on her sister's face, and a tiny flare of jealousy took hold of her. "What was that all about?"

Elsa tore her eyes away from the Lieutenant, and strolled over to her sister, her expression neutral. "Nothing, Anna." She turned her attention towards Dáinn. "What will you do while Anna is secure within the Castle?"

The stag shifted on his hooves, a bit agitated. "We will patrol the city boundaries, and keep a constant watch. Jörmungandr?"

"Yes?" Elsa adjusted her coat, as her wing was beginning to bother her again.

"Keep your guards away from us, as we will not allow them to interfere with our duty."

The blonde abruptly looked up at the animal. "What does that mean?"

Dáinn lowered his antlers towards Anna. "Princess Anna and her unborn baby are our charge, and we will kill anything or anyone who keeps us from her." He gently touched Anna's belly with his nose.

Anna glanced at Elsa before lifting her hand to scratch at one of Dáinn's ears. The other stags nodded at the gesture, and stood closer to the princess.

Elsa blinked, then nodded. "I see." She tried to adjust her wing to make it more comfortable, but couldn't. "Are you ready to go back to the Castle, Anna?"

"Sure." Anna turned to go, but then stopped. "Are we going to walk, or take the wagon?"

"Well, that depends on you. Remember that I will proudly stay at your side if you choose to walk."

Anna ran her hand through her hair. "Can we take the wagon?"

Elsa watched the sunset from the warmth of her personal study. The heat from her fireplace seeped into her weary bones, and helped to relax her just as much as the brandy did. After sighing, she settled back onto her favorite chair and watched the flames flicker, her eyes slowly closing. Her eyes immediately snapped open at the quiet knock on her door, and she wished to send away the intruder at once. "Come in."

"Am I bothering you?"

Elsa turned her head at the small voice, and noticed her sister standing timidly at the door. "No, not at all, snowflake. Come and sit by me." When Anna didn't move she slowly stood up. "What is it, what is wrong?"

"I don't want to be a nuisance, Elsa."

"What?" The blonde was confused. "Have I done something to make you feel this way?"

"Well, no." Anna wrung her hands. "Oh, I'm just being silly again, I think." She took a tentative step towards the large chair Elsa was standing in front of. "You didn't come down to dinner—and I thought to myself, 'you've done it now, Anna' and that you were mad at me—were you, I mean, are you?"

Elsa stood silent for a long moment, her jaw slack, as she realized her sister was right—Anna was being silly, again. "Anna?"

"Yes?"

"You are being silly—come here."

Anna flew into Elsa's arms. "Where were you at dinner time?"

Elsa rested her chin on Anna's head. "I'm really not in the mood to answer unwanted questions."

Anna sighed. "What questions?"

"I'm taller. Someone sooner or later is going to notice and I'm not sure if I am willing to answer those questions right now." Elsa closed her eyes and ran her hands over Anna's back. "I'm not sure if I can hide these wings too much longer—or even if I want to."

Anna snuggled closer into Elsa's arms, pressing her body fully into the blonde's.

Elsa's hand drifted over Anna's protruding stomach. "Did anyone say anything to you about this?"

"Who would dare? Not after that lecture you made earlier to the whole staff, threatening death should anyone look in my direction."

"Well, I didn't actually threaten death, if you remember correctly." Elsa chuckled, her hands wandering from Anna's stomach to her back. She sighed and pulled the princess closer to her, melding their bodies together. Her left hand drew lazy circles on Anna's back until it drifted to her bottom, and a slight whimper was torn from her throat. "Anna…"

Anna closed her eyes, her body slowly igniting at the insistent caresses. She lifted her hands and undid Elsa's plait, causing her hair to cascade over her shoulders. "I like it when you hair is wild, like this."

"You do?" Elsa's voice cracked, her hands moving to the ties of Anna's dress, and slowly undoing them.

Anna sensuously grabbed at Elsa's hips, then she turned in her arms so that she was facing away from her. "If I remember correctly—you like it like this."

Elsa's lips found the back of Anna's ear. "Anna…"

And then Anna felt it, the evidence that her simple seduction was working. She chuckled low in her throat, her hips grinding back onto Elsa's hard flesh. "Oh, yes…"

Elsa growled, then turned around and walked them until Anna was bending over one of her couches, their bodies firmly attached. Her hands shook with need, to the point where she couldn't work at the ties to Anna's dress, and her own flesh was pressing painfully against her pants. "I—I can't…"

"Inside…now…my Queen." Anna rubbed herself on Elsa's still clothed form, teasing her mercilessly, and aching for a deeper contact and penetration.

The Queen was finally able to undo three buttons, her breath coming out in short pants, her mind lost in a primal frenzy as she pushed Anna's dress up and entered her fully.

The embers burned low in the fireplace, their orange glow casting the room in an ethereal light. Elsa sighed and begrudging got up from their makeshift bed on floor and added more wood onto the dying flames; the night was cold, even for her. The candles in the room had long since burned themselves out. Elsa turned and regarded her sister for a few moments, then grabbed another blanket from the couch and draped it over her. Anna was sleeping soundly, her expression serene. The blonde sighed, realizing that sleep was going to elude her this particular evening, even though her body was exhausted and well spent.

Elsa stood and stretched her wings until they could go no further, then she stretched her back, feeling her joints pop back into place as she did so. It felt so good to be out of her confining clothes, and she felt a small amount a freedom in her naked state. She glanced at Anna's peaceful face again and then sat back down next to the growing flames, trying to warm away her growing melancholy. She needed to be strong, not only for Anna, but for her whole Kingdom, as well. War was at hand, its first skirmish already happened with Arendelle sympathizers slaughtered. There was a certain part of her that took personal responsibility for that—in other words, she ought to have acted sooner, at least sent a centuria of soldiers there to guard the simple farm workers.

Elsa jumped at the small knock on her parlor door. After wrapping herself in a blanket she cautiously walked to the door; she did not open it. "Yes, who is it?"

"It is Master Kai, my Queen."

"What is it, Kai?" The blonde wondered what could have stirred the Master of the Castle into coming to talk to her at such a late hour. "Can it wait until tomorrow?"

"I'm afraid not, Elsa. A package arrived for you about an hour ago, and—well, you need to see this."

A warning flashed in the back of Elsa's mind, and a chill was sent up her spine. "Give me ten minutes. I'll meet you downstairs."

"Who sent this?" Elsa looked on, horrified, her stomach rolling, nauseated.

A royal guard put the lid back on the box and then turned away. He stepped back a few yards and turned around and fell to his knees, vomiting all over himself.

The rain clouds overhead built up and rolled all around Arendelle, releasing the first real snowflakes of the season. They flitted down slowly, and soon fell upon the cobblestone entrance to the castle where Elsa stood along with Kai and several of the Royal Guard. The carriage that brought the box stood about twenty yards away, its driver currently standing prisoner between two guards.

The soft flakes fell onto the wooden box that the driver delivered, soon to become red as they soaked through with blood.

Elsa looked up to stare at the carriage driver, her eyes hard. "What does he have to say about this?"

Kai stepped up to his Queen's side. "He claims to know nothing—was paid a small fortune to deliver this to you personally. I'm inclined to believe him."

"Have him arrested anyway." Elsa turned away from the bloody box and its hideous contents, her concern immediately turning to Anna. "Have these—heads—buried outside the city border. But do it in a respectful way, as to honor those fallen." She closed her eyes briefly in an attempt to drive away the sight. "Bother me no more tonight, Kai. I'm tired."

The Queen knew some of those who had been killed, and she was sure that the Ninth Duke of Weselton was the one who had them decapitated and had their heads sent to her as a warning. Elsa, in a flare of anger, turned around abruptly and raised her hand; shards of ice flew from it to smash into the side of carriage, sending it careening and breaking it in half. "Guards!"

Two Royal Guards immediately opened the doors to the Castle and Elsa marched inside. She stopped in her downstairs office and poured herself a generous portion of brandy. The libation burned as it seeped down her throat, and she welcomed the sensation. Weselton had sent her a message—clear and unambiguous. She sat down at the desk and took up her writing paper and pen, planning an appropriate response.

At that moment Queen Elsa of Arendelle officially declared war on the Duchy of Weselton and the Kingdom of the Southern Isles.