"Why are you making him wait?"

It was cold, and the sun had just broken over the horizon.

Hans sat down at the dining table in his personal naval vessel, and looked over an expense report, written for the acquisition of new rifles. "Because the longer he waits, the more eager he will be to tell us the truth."

Roman took the chair opposite his brother and poured himself a cup of coffee. "But we've been here two whole days, don't you think that is long enough?"

Hans put down the document and looked closely at his older sibling. The man was visibly sweating, and obviously very upset at the whole business. "Look, you practically begged me to bring you along and now you're acting like you don't want to be here. Either way, it doesn't matter to me which you choose. But if you don't want to help me then just go, and leave me alone."

"Of course I want to help you."

"Really, now?" Hans looked over to his sheathed sword, which was lying on the table. "Are you ready to cut his fingers off one by one? Or, if that doesn't work, you could always lower his pants and—"

"Hans!" Roman jerked away from the table, and stood abruptly. The very thought of doing such things to an innocent man, and he knew he was guiltless, was reprehensible to him. He turned around, facing a porthole, and looked beyond the docks to stare at the troops as they trained in the distance. "Whatever you need me to do, I'll do it."

Hans sat back in his wooden chair and looked closely at his brother. "I still feel that you are not fully appreciating what I'm trying to do?"

"I sincerely hope you are not referring to how you tortured your own brother!"

The Prince lowered his head, his mouth working into a small smile. "For years the Southern Isles has remained an insignificant kingdom, mostly due to incompetence, I think." He reached over and ran his hand slowly over his sword. "Now I have a chance to rectify that situation, and to raise our stature. All of Europe will take notice."

"Of what? That we bullied into submission a weaker, peaceful kingdom such as Arendelle?" Roman sat back in his chair, trying not to look as defeated as he felt. "Is this what you want our legacy to be?"

Hans blinked, a bit taken aback, and really contemplated Roman's question. "My personal motivations are secondary to what is best for the Southern Isles." His eyes wandered to the decanter of cognac on the desk. "I'm doing this for you, too, Roman. Don't you want your sons to be truly proud to be a Westegaard?"

There it was. Roman knew then that there would be no dissuading Hans from his perceived purpose. "Of course I want my sons to take pride in themselves. But not at this price. Please, Hans, put away this madness."

Hans continued to stare at Roman, a small voice in the back of his mind telling him there was just something not right about him. "I'm glad I can count on you." He turned back to the document and poured his own coffee. "How is poor Ingleif, by the way?"

Roman poured some cognac into his coffee. "How would I know."

"You did visit him before we sailed, didn't you?"

"What did you expect me to do? He's my—our brother, and I won't abandon him, no matter what he did."

Hans turned around in his chair to face a small wood burning stove, and warmed his hands. Roman's fraternal concern annoyed him, especially since none of it was directed at him. "His misguided zeal against me could have altered the outcome of the upcoming war."

"Speaking of the war… why are our troops still training? Fingaard tells me that everything is proceeding ahead of schedule, so why not get on with the thing."

Hans sighed deeply in an attempt to ward off his own uncertainty. The truth was that the Southern Isles was prepared, he was sure of it. The only obstacle at this point was Weselton, and their apparent silence as of late. He was counting on General Voljor's complicity, and wondered why he had not heard from him. "Fingaard says many things, Roman, not all of them are true."

Roman stared a Hans, his eyes betraying nothing. "Did you know my wife is pregnant again?" His words stung, just as he hoped they would.

"No, I didn't." Touché, brother. Hans wondered how Roman was able to figure out this one weakness—what he considered to be his only flaw. It didn't matter, though. Victory in this war would be his, and his alone. Arendelle and Weselton be damned. "Are you sure you want to stay?"

"You couldn't drag me away in chains."

Hans thought about it then, and how satisfying it would be to do exactly that. "Leave me now." When Roman was gone he slumped in his chair and closed his eyes for a brief moment, wishing at that moment for the war to be already over.

Elsa wrote the official declaration of war in less than an hour, and had it sent out by messenger to the respective kingdoms, bypassing the advise of her Privy Council, and the nobles in general. She thought about the ramifications of her actions all night, staying in her parlor by the fire, unable because of her emotions to join Anna in bed. The brandy felt good as it rolled down her throat, coating her insides, warming her, as the fire couldn't. The gentle knock on her door at dawn startled her somewhat.

Elsa stirred in her chair, and put her empty glass on a side table. "Come in."

A page opened the door and Master Kai pushed a small cart into the room, it was laden with food and a pot of hot tea. Kai excused the page and then lifted the cover off of one of the dishes. "I know you didn't have dinner, Your Highness, so I took the liberty of having a hot breakfast made for you."

Elsa looked at the plate of scrambled eggs and potatoes and her stomach growled. "Thank you very much, Kai. Come and have a cup of hot tea with me. There are a few things you need to know—is there bacon?"

The Master of the Castle removed the cover off of another plate; this one was piled high with sausage, bacon, and ham. He portioned out a generous helping onto the Queen's plate and then covered her lap with a napkin before handing her the plate.

"There is also toast with jam, and a large assortment of other pastries, my Queen."

Elsa nodded as she ate rather ravenously, suddenly realizing how hungry she really was. "Thank you, Kai."

Kai poured two cups of hot tea and set down one on the table next to the Queen. He cradled his own on his lap as he sat down on the chair next to Elsa's, patiently waiting for his Queen to begin the conversation.

Elsa put down her plate when it was half empty and drank a large swallow of tea. She glanced at Kai before picking up her plate again. "I can assume that whatever I tell you will be handled with the greatest discretion, will it not, Master Kai?"

Kai sat up and nodded. "Of course, Your Majesty."

The Queen noted the man's stiff posture and his formal tone. "Kai, please, may we speak as friends?"

The older man turned his head and openly looked at his Queen. "I have always wanted to be thought of as your friend—Elsa."

"I'm glad, because I have felt the same." Elsa put down her plate and turned to face Kai. "Ever since the death of my parents I have felt a special bond with you."

"And I with you, my Queen."

"Kai, does it vex you terribly to know that Princess Anna is pregnant?"

Kai sat back in the chair, careful to keep his expression neutral. "I suppose it does surprise me, but I do not harbor any ill feelings towards her. The princess' business is her own. But…"

Elsa felt the dragon stir slightly. "But what?"

"I am disappointed in Master Kristoff, as I thought he had better sense than that." Kai reached over to pour some brandy into his tea.

The Queen was at first irked, but then she realized that Kai was only making what he believed to be the logical connections. She had to hide a small smile, and made the decision to confide completely in the man. "Kristoff isn't involved, Kai. Do you remember our prior conversation about the Fimbulvetr and the other prophecies—about Ragnarök, and my involvement in them?"

"Of course, Elsa. But… Ragnarök? I think I remember most of what we talked about—especially your part in the prophecies." Kai sat back again, thinking. He knew Elsa was to be Jörmungandr, but beyond that, he wasn't making any connections.

Elsa started to blush, but she tried not to. "Do you remember the part about Líf and Lífprasir?"

"After you explained everything to me I took the opportunity to read about it for myself." Kai looked at Elsa, a dawning realization slamming him hard. "Is Anna pregnant because of the predictions and events in the Vafþrúðnismál?"

Elsa wondered then why she had not done the same thing. "Well, both yes and no. I can't expect you to fully understand everything that is happening, because I still don't."

"So are you saying the Princess is bound by the prophecies, as well, my Queen?"

Elsa lowered her head for a moment, fighting the urge to just scream it out and be done with it. "Yes, in a way." She wondered just how much of that simple statement was actually true. Was Anna's pregnancy part of the Fimbulvetr, or was it simply a product of the dragon's overwhelming urge to procreate. Or maybe it was none of that, and was her own selfish urges finally brought to the surface? "But you must know that Anna is pregnant because of me, and no one else. She is carrying my child, as fate and circumstance may have it."

Kai reached over and poured himself a glass of brandy alone, absorbing the Queen's declaration. He drank the glass in one swallow before turning his attention back to Elsa. "I don't know what to say, except—well, I believe you are telling me the truth." He lowered his eyes, unable to meet Elsa's frank stare. "I'm somewhat at a loss for words."

"I can imagine." Elsa poured brandy into her cup of tea. She knew the feeling completely, as she had experienced the same thing when first learning about the prophecies and her involvement in them.

Kai looked up just as the Queen was putting down her cup, and noticed her wan expression. He put his cup down and sighed. "How may I help you, Elsa?"

Elsa let out a deep, cleansing breath. It felt good to have a confidant, and not to have to shoulder this burden completely alone. "Please keep this to yourself—not about the pregnancy, but about my involvement in it. I'm sure Gerda and a few other staff already know she is pregnant, even though no word of it is official. I will not stand by and allow my sister's reputation to be tarnished."

"You cannot control what people think, Elsa. Not even as Queen."

Elsa sat back in her own chair and picked up her plate again. "I know that, Kai. But I can make it a crime to openly talk about it, and I have a mind to do so."

"What will you do?" Kai picked up an apple and began to munch on it.

"First of all, as Master of the Castle there is something else you need to know. I've officially declared war on Weselton and the Southern Isles—I sent out the declarations earlier this morning. Which means there are a few things you need to do immediately. All the delegates in Weselton's embassy need to be ushered out of Arendelle as soon as possible, see that this is the first thing you do. They will have to be escorted to Weselton's border, to insure their safety. Have Captain Gunnar assigned to this task." Elsa finished her meal, and then put her plate back on the cart. "After this, have a decree drawn up concerning Princess Anna—we are officially in a state of war and I will not tolerate any sort of idle gossip concerning her, especially now."

Kai stood. "Is there anything else, my Queen?"

Elsa looked over to her clock; it was only just after six in the morning. "I need to get a few hours sleep before I do anything else. Please have Gerda see that I'm not disturbed until noon." She stood up and walked Kai to her door. "Oh, and one more thing. Inform Admiral Crispin that I will meet him at the docks sometime after lunch."

"Of course, Your Majesty. Would you like me to assign a patrol to you and the Princess?"

Elsa held up her fingers and wiggled them for emphasis. "I don't need one—my ice magic. But have one assigned to Anna, for when she visits the city. See you later, Kai."

The Master of the Castle bowed before leaving.

Elsa opened her bedroom door and quietly entered, as to not disturb her sleeping sister. She removed her officer's coat then stretched out her wings, but the left one was still hurting somewhat, and it wouldn't unfold to its length. After trying again she felt a noticeable pop, and her eyes widened at the sensation, because then the appendage hung loosely at her back. "Anna!"

Anna sat up abruptly and rubbed her eyes, completely startled. "What?"

Elsa moved quickly to her. "What is happening with my wing?"

The princess blinked several times in an effort to fully wake up. After a few moments she ran her hand over Elsa's left wing. "It's very hot again, like it still has an infection. Why is it hanging like that?" Anna lifted the leathery wing just slightly, but it was enough to jar it completely off of Elsa. She shrieked and dropped the appendage on the floor.

Elsa felt the blood pouring out of the new wound, and she fell to her knees. "It came off? Did you pull it off, Anna? What did you do?"

"It fell off in my hand!" Anna ran to the bathroom and grabbed a few towels. When she was back she placed them over the open slit, soaking up the blood. "I didn't do it on purpose, it was an accident!"

Elsa felt the slit close, and she turned her head towards the princess. "What about the other one? It doesn't feel hot like that one did."

"You want me to touch it?"

"Yes, snowflake. Now, please."

Anna tentatively reached out and touched the other wing. Elsa was right, it wasn't hot at all, nor did it appear to be loose. She lowered her hand. "Can you stand up?"

Elsa tried to stand, but was immediately made wobbly because of the now uneven weight at her back. "I can't walk like this, Anna! What am I supposed to do?" She felt the keen presence of the dragon, as it stirred in its annoyance.

The princess took a step back. "I don't know… do you want me to tug on it?"

"Can you try?"

Anna reached over and grasped the wing with both hands, then she yanked on it with all of her strength, but nothing happened. Elsa was caught off guard by the pain, and she raised her head and the dragon roared its frustration. Surprisingly, there was an immediate response just outside her window, in the first floor gardens outside. Elsa gestured to the window and Anna let go of her wing to go see what had happened.

The princess opened the window and saw the stag, Duneyrr in the garden below. "What are you doing here?"

The animal shook his antlers. "Am I not your protector, Princess Anna?" When Anna nodded Duneyrr stepped closer to the window. "I heard Jörmungandr scream—what has happened?"

Anna heard Elsa groan behind her. "Her infected wing fell off, and now she can't stand up."

Duneyrr knew it wasn't an infection that caused her wing to dislodge. The Queen was mutating again as the dragon, and was drawing closer to her final form. "Can the great wyrm come to the window?"

Elsa dragged her body over to Anna. "Help me stand, snowflake." She groaned again when Anna's arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her into a standing position. "What now?"

Duneyrr moved over so that he could maneuver his head towards the open window. "Turn around, Jörmungandr."

Elsa now faced away from the window, and she yelped when she felt the stag's warm tongue on her new wound. The creature licked the slit for a few moments, then moved his head so that his tongue licked the other wing where it was attached to the Queen's back.

Anna looked on in wonder. "What is he doing?"

Elsa felt the change in the other wing immediately, as it now felt heavier, like it was just hanging on. She grabbed Anna's hand. "Tug on it now, Anna—please."

When Duneyrr moved away Anna pulled at the wing again, and this time it came off cleanly; the slit closing immediately, without blood.

The force of the pull sent Elsa sprawling forward to land on her hands and knees. With a loud groan she rolled onto her side, her eyes wide in astonishment.

Anna gasped and dropped the wing as if it was on fire. "What…" She whirled toward the open window. "Duneyrr, what did you do?" But the animal was gone, nowhere to be seen. As she turned back toward Elsa she noticed that both the wings were starting to glow. "What on earth…"

Elsa started to crawl away from the wings. "Snowflake, get away from them!"

Anna and Elsa were just able to get to the other side of the bedroom when the light coming off the wings became unbearable to watch. They shielded their eyes as the appendages flashed, and then with a crackle they disappeared. Anna's legs gave out and she landed on the bed, her mouth hanging open, and in a daze.

Elsa stood up and went over to the spot on the rug where her wings once were. There was no trace of them, not even a little bit of ash remained. It was as if they never were. The blonde turned back to the princess. "Anna?"

"What just happened, Elsa?"

Elsa flexed her back muscles. "I don't know, but—I feel less hampered." She closed her eyes and let out a deep moan, feeling the dragon's power more clearly than before, but none of its burden. "Oh, I don't have to hide in those heavy coats anymore."

But then suddenly her eyes snapped open and she turned back towards Anna, who was coming out of her stupor. "But, without the wings, how am I going to convince my Council that Ragnarök is near, and that I'm part of it?"

"I don't know." Anna stood up and walked over to Elsa, all the while rubbing at her swollen belly. "Does this have anything to do with how you lost your horns?" She took hold of Elsa's hand and placed it on her stomach. "Maybe you are done with being Jörmungandr, and can just be Elsa now."

The blonde took a step back and locked gazes with Anna. There was a part of her that was very thankful the dragon was part of her, as she felt it could only help her in the war to come. She was growing accustomed to the strength it afforded her, and, to a certain extent, her newfound virility. "I need to check, you know, to see—if…" She blushed a deep red then peered inside her pants. "I don't think I'm done with the dragon, yet, Anna."

Anna blushed, as well, realizing what loosing the dragon would mean. "I didn't think so, Elsa." She took Elsa's hand again and led her to the bed. "I thought I heard you talking with someone earlier."

Elsa sobered, and sat next to her sister on the bed. "I sent the declarations, Anna. Arendelle is now officially at war with Weselton and the Southern Isles."

"I'm not surprised." Anna rested her head on Elsa's shoulder. "I suppose it had to happen sooner or later."

"Yes." The Queen sighed, her eyes drooping as she did so. "There is so much to be done. But, I need to rest, Anna, and get a few hours sleep." She glanced at her sister. "Are you up for the day?"

Anna yawned. "I had planned to sleep some more."

"Then come." Elsa leaned down and removed her boots, then she scooted back onto her bed and lifted up the blankets, silently beckoning for Anna to join her, which she did. For the first time in almost three months, she was able to comfortably settle on her back without any discomfort; perhaps it was a good sign.

"This is outrageous!" Harold Halfdansson sat at the large ornate rectangular table in the Queen's Privy chamber and looked again at the copy of the Declaration, his eyes not quite believing what he was reading. But there could be no denying it, the Queen declared war without consulting him or the rest of the Privy Council.

The large mahogany paneled room on the first floor of the castle was adjacent to the castle's copious dining room and was just as ornately decorated, with enormous candelabras placed on the rectangular table, and a smaller sitting area next to its rather large fireplace. Portraits of the prior rulers of Arendelle graced the paneled walls, and at the wall opposite the fireplace a rather large, framed map of Arendelle and the surrounding kingdoms had been hung, and was used by both the Queen and her nobles in planning strategy.

At the moment, Harold was sitting in the room with the young Earl Malkolm, who was a General in Her Majesty's army. Unbeknownst to Harold, Malkolm was a lanky ambitious killer, or so he wished to be, and was his de facto protégé.

Earl Malkolm took a large swallow from his tankard of ale. "Calm down, Your Grace. You already guessed correctly about this situation." His bright blue eyes were cold and hard.

"I beg your pardon, my Lord. The Queen cannot declare war without the vote of the Privy Council!"

Malkolm rose from his chair and walked over to the large, framed map on the wall. His eyes coolly raked over the image before him, eying the territories of Weselton and the Southern Isles with a cold detachment. "I'm not so much worried over Weselton, it's the Southern Isles' navy that presents the real problem."

Harold eyed the younger man. "Are you not at all concerned over that the Queen did this on her own, without us?"

"She is our monarch, after all, Your Grace. I am confident she knows what she is doing."

"Are you, now?" Harold stood as well, and was just about to speak further when the double doors to the room opened wide and the Earl, Hålogaland entered with a flourish, a young page at his heels.

Hålogaland stopped abruptly at the liquor cabinet next to the fireplace and poured himself some cognac. "I take it you gentlemen have heard the news?"

Earl Malkolm eyed his contemporary with a certain disdain. It was his habit to look down upon the other nobles, as he felt they were of an inferior stock. "Of course we are aware, my Lord."

Harold Halfdansson ignored the man, and addressed Hålogaland alone. "Were all the necessary letters sent out to the other nobles?"

"Completed." Hålogaland sipped at his cognac. "I expect it ought to take a few days to receive responses back, if that is what you are worried about."

Malkolm openly sneered. "A few days? For all we know Weselton and the Southern Isles could already be on the move! Do any of you know if we've sent out spies, or scouting parties of any kind?"

"Watch your tongue, young man!" All the men turned towards the door to find Master Kai standing there, carrying a certain air of authority. Kai's frown turned into a smile immediately after he cleared his throat. "I have come to inquire if my Lords wish to have the midday meal brought to the Queen's Privy chamber?"

The Chieftain hesitated for a few moments before finally speaking. "That would be fine, Master Kai. Have lunch brought to us as soon as it's available."

Kai looked at each man in turn. "Alright, then. My Lords, your Grace." He nodded before turning around and leaving, a satisfied smile on his face.

Earl Malkolm's eyes hardened even more. "That man seems to think he outranks us."

Hålogaland shook his head. "He does, my Lord, in a sense. He is the master and mayor of Arendelle, is he not?"

Malkolm continued to stare at the spot where Kai had stood, his thoughts souring even more.

Anna slowly opened her eyes to a room that was dimly lit. She sat up immediately, thinking that they had slept through the entire day and it was now twilight. Just as she was about to shake Elsa's shoulder she noticed that the curtains had been drawn, and that is was still daylight. Someone, most likely Gerda, had entered the room and closed the drapes while they slept. After sighing, Anna plopped back down onto the comfortable mattress and turned her head towards her sister, who was still sleeping, rather soundly. She reached over and gently stroked Elsa's cheek, feeling an overwhelming sense of love towards her.

The Queen stirred slightly, slowly batting away the offending hand. "Go away."

Anna chuckled. "Sorry, but its time to get up, Elsa." She reached under the blankets to tickle her, but when her hand rested on the Queen's taut stomach, she stopped all movement.

Elsa's eyes snapped open immediately, and she quickly placed her hand over Anna's. "What are you doing?" she whispered.

"I… I was just going to tickle you, I promise." Anna felt Elsa's stomach muscles flex ever so slightly. With Elsa's hand still on hers, she slowly began to caress her stomach, her hand slowly descending as she did so.

Elsa's breath caught, and she looked up into Anna's eyes, a helpless look gracing her features. "You've never—touched me before, Anna." She settled back onto her mattress and closed her eyes.

Anna's hand stopped just short, and she swallowed hard. "Are you sure?"

Elsa's hands grasped the sheets beneath her. "Yes…"

A knock at the door startled them both, and Anna whirled around, clutching the blankets around her.

Elsa growled, and sat up on her elbows. "Yes, who is it?"

"It's Gerda, my Queen." The Head of Household's voice seemed a little strained.

Elsa picked up on this, and swung her legs over the side of the bed. "Is there something wrong, Gerda?"

There was a momentary pause. "No, nothing of importance, Your Majesty. Lunch is in fifteen minutes, okay?"

Elsa frowned somewhat. "Okay, thank you, Gerda. You may go." She couldn't help feeling that Gerda wasn't being honest with her, and she wanted to know why. "Anna, what—" Her voice cut off abruptly when Anna pressed herself into her back, and an arm slowly wound around her waist. Anna tentatively brushed her fingers over Elsa's warm flesh, and it stiffened at the soft touch. "We… don't have time…"

Anna's hot breath ghosted over Elsa's neck. "You can't leave me aroused and do nothing about it…" She whispered. The next thing she knew she was on her back, and she groaned, spreading her legs apart.

Elsa slipped inside easily, and then she stopped moving. "Anna?"

Anna, eyes closed, pulled at the Queen's hips, forcing a deeper penetration. But when Elsa didn't move she opened her eyes. "What… oh, god, Elsa, please move…"

"Anna…" Elsa lowered completely onto Anna, breasts touching, bodies fitting together perfectly. The strain of not thrusting was becoming too much, but she needed to find her voice. "…do you ever wonder…?"

Anna panted slightly. "Wonder what?"

"…I wonder… ah, unh… what women do to make love?"

Anna stopped moving her hips, and stared intently into Elsa's eyes. "I… I don't… know what women can do." A small smile touched her lips. "Except what you did before, with your fingers."

Elsa began to thrust her hips very slowly, as her erection was beginning to hurt. "I wonder, Anna." She lowered her head onto Anna's shoulder. "Good god, you feel so good around me, Anna."

The Queen's grunts filled Anna's ear, causing her to grab at Elsa's bottom. "Deeper…"

Elsa felt the pull of the dragon, how it crept easily not only into her bones but her mind, as well. There was nothing human or sane about Jörmungandr, and its appetites to feed and mate demanded to be recognized, and satisfied. She was slowly slipping away, her body moving out of instinct rather than desire or love. Her normally gentle touch was replaced by an overtly firm grip, as the beast forcefully held Anna to the bed. Jörmungandr growled deep in its throat, startling the woman below.

Anna looked up into the shadowy reptilian eyes, and tried to find the essence of Elsa in those dark orbs. Instead of giving in to fright, Anna raised her hands and gently cupped Elsa's face. Elsa fiercely shook her head, but Anna held on, never breaking eye contact. "You can't make me fear you, Jörmungandr. Because you and Elsa are one, and she would never hurt me." Her breath hitched as she was abruptly turned onto her stomach and Elsa's flesh roughly entered her from behind.

The dragon's excitement grew as Elsa's hips slammed furiously in the woman below, the low growl replaced by an animalistic grunting that was loud enough to be heard outside the room. But Elsa fought through the libidinous haze, just as the dragon was drunk with pleasure, and focused her eyes on Anna's wobbling belly, and remembered the baby. Her hips slowed, and she gently rolled Anna onto her side. After a short while, she stopped moving altogether, the quaking lust tempered by parental concern. "Anna…?"

The princess laboring breath calmed a bit, and she closed her eyes in relief. "My god, Elsa… I've never felt you so unhinged." Her hand went to her stomach as her whole body shuddered.

Hot tears flowed down Elsa's cheeks. "I'm sorry—oh, god, Anna, I'm so sorry." She tried to withdraw, but a warm hand on her hip halted her movement.

Anna turned her head to the side and reached behind to pull Elsa's head to hers, and tenderly kissed her cheek. "Please don't berate yourself so," she whispered. "You did nothing wrong—all you did was startle me, I'm not hurt Elsa, and neither is the baby."

Elsa rested her head on Anna's shoulder. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I wouldn't lie to you, Elsa."

"I know." Elsa grimaced slightly, as it was becoming a strain to hold back. "I need, Anna, please…"

Anna smiled to herself as Elsa began to slowly move inside her. "Elsa?"

"Yes?"

"Don't stop."

The Ninth Duke of Weselton looked up from the ledger he was writing in and scowled at the intrusion. "Come in."

The door to the duke's private study slowly opened, revealing a royal messenger from the Southern Isles and two of his own guard. One of the guards nodded to the messenger and he stepped forward warily.

"I bring an urgent message from His Highness, Prince Hans of the Southern Isles."

Magnus waited. They young man bringing the letter was obviously nervous, and he wished to have a little fun with him. But the presence of his wife sitting at the hearth and knitting stopped his acid reply. "Oh, and how fairs our dear cousin?"

The courier bowed awkwardly before replying. "His Highness is well and wishes to express his utmost love and admiration for your Grace. To this message thus I have been charged—greetings and felicitations; high regard, fair health, and esteem to your Grace."

Magnus briefly glanced at Berith, and then offered the courier his most insincere smile. "Do you know what is in that letter, dear boy?"

The young man shook his head. "No, I do not, Your Grace. Please accept my apology."

The Duke raised his hand in apparent placation. "No apologies are needed, young man. But I would wager you that it is a most hastily written letter—one that almost demands that we rise against Arendelle at once."

Berith looked up from her sewing, noticing the chill in her husband's voice—the one that most others failed to notice. She cleared her throat in an attempt to get Magnus' attention.

Magnus didn't need to look at his wife to understand the meaning behind her small gesture. But he stood and quietly walked over to where she sat. "As you can see, my wife is concerned over my well being." He looked down at his wife's swollen belly, and his demeanor softened. "How is my child?"

"Sleeping, I think." Berith smiled, and then went back to her knitting.

The Duke briefly touched his wife's cheek, and then turned to the befuddled messenger. "Hand me the note."

The courier took a few tentative steps forward and handed the letter over. "Your Grace."

Magnus took the letter and tossed it on his desk, and then he walked over to his liquor cabinet and poured himself a drink before sitting back down. He pulled his ledger towards him and began to scribble into in again, taking careful note of the uneasiness in the room. After a short while he looked up. "Is there anything else?"

The young courier shifted on his feet. "No… no, Your Grace. I would like to take my leave, if you don't mind."

"I don't mind at all. You may send our warmest greetings to our dear cousin, and tell him that patience is a virtue. We will move on Arendelle in one month, and not a minute sooner. I expect his fleet to rendezvous with ours at precisely that date and at this hour. Do you understand?"

The courier nodded and silently left the room, the royal guards in tow. Magnus continued to stare at the spot where the young man stood, and ran his hand through his dark black hair.

"Are we really ready, Magnus?"

The Duke jumped slightly, as if torn from a reverie, and glanced at Berith. "For war? Of course we are, I just didn't want Prince Hans to know that now—you know, leave them guessing as to our exact circumstance."

Berith lowered her knitting onto the table before her, and slowly got to her feet. Magnus practically jumped up to stand at his wife's side, supporting her, and gently rubbing her back.

Berith looked up at him gratefully. "You really do care about me, don't you?"

Magnus frowned. "Of course I do, and our child, as well."

The Duchess wound her arm around her husband's waist and waddled out of the room. "I'm glad. Because I think you're going to see him real soon."

Elsa finished her lunch and neatly folded her napkin into its original shape before pushing herself away from the table. Just as she was about to get up one of the junior chefs called out to her from the kitchen door. "Will you stay for dessert, Your Majesty?"

Anna forked her last bit of potato into her mouth and smiled in ecstasy. She made sure to swallow all her food before speaking. "Come on, Elsa. Please stay for dessert; I'm sure its some sort of chocolate."

Elsa cleared her throat, and put on her officer's jacket. "I'm sure it is, but I must go and have counsel with a few of my nobles, Anna." As she turned to go she could not help notice the look in Anna's eyes. "On second thought, please come with me, Princess."

Anna took note of the formality in the Queen's tone, and thought that it would be better to agree to go. "As you wish, my Queen."

Elsa extended her arm and Anna took it. As they left the dining room she bent down to whisper in Anna's ear. "Here is your first lesson in diplomacy, Anna."

"What do I need to do?" Anna looked up into Elsa's eyes.

Elsa smiled as they strolled down the busy hallway. The servants and guards nodded as they passed them. "For now, don't say anything, just watch."

Anna frowned. "But you know me, Elsa. My mouth tends to speak at times when it shouldn't."

The Queen coughed into her hand. "Well, we'll just have to keep that mouth of yours busy, now. Won't we?" Elsa suddenly stopped, realizing what she said, and blushed a deep red. She cleared her throat. "That didn't come out right, did it?"

"It doesn't matter, Elsa. I promise I won't disappoint you."

"You haven't, yet. But be cautious with Harold Halfdansson, Anna, and don't let him or his words get to you."

"Who is—this guy?"

At that moment Elsa realized just how much their upbringing had been different. "He's Arendelle's most powerful noble, Anna. But don't worry, I'll try to deflect his attention elsewhere, and away from you."

"I can take care of myself, Elsa."

They resumed their stroll towards the Privy Chamber in silence, each young woman lost in her own thoughts. As they approached the double doors Elsa gently squeezed Anna's hand. "Are you ready?"

"Lead the way, Elsa."

Elsa winked at Anna before grabbing onto the handles of the doors.

If they had been more aware of their surroundings, they would have seen the curious stares of Captain Gunnar, who, while clutching his new orders in one hand, was on his way out of the castle. He stopped and took notice of Anna's extended belly, and his eyes went wide while coming to the obvious conclusion. Gunnar looked at his new orders for a few moments before carefully folding the paper and putting it into his jacket pocket. After looking around he turned abruptly and went in search of a nice place to hide.