The winds picked up, blowing leaves and twigs everywhere, as the storm that had been threatening for the last few days finally brought forth an extremely cold rain. Sleet mixed in with heavy raindrops swirled about the city, and Arendelle itself bore the brunt of the ominous storm. The outdoor market was closed, along with several storefronts, and the only activity at the docks was the patrol of the Queen's soldiers. The usual busy activity in the castle, however, increased as more nobles arrived for the Queen's war preparations, and the Privy Council chamber was occupied to capacity. The entirety of the guest rooms in the castle were claimed, so some of Her Majesty's subjects had to settle for accommodations in the city itself.

Elsa sighed in contentment, the warmth of the fire heating her back, cocooning her in a haze of tranquility. Her bedmate rolled onto her side, facing away from her, and scooted back so that their bodies were flush against each other. She closed her eyes. "Anna?"

Anna yawned, and absentmindedly rubbed her swollen belly. "Yeah?"

Elsa paused for a few seconds, a bit unwilling and loath to break the serene moment, so she tried a diversion. "How are you feeling?"

The princess opened her eyes and blinked. "I feel bloated, and I've got a huge craving for sausages. But other than that, I feel fine."

Elsa wrapped a protective arm around Anna's waist, and cradled her stomach. "How is the baby?"

"Fine." Anna took Elsa's hand in her own. "You're stalling, aren't you?"

"Yes, I am." Elsa gently turned Anna onto her back, and reached up to caress her cheek. "The business of the realm is calling, and I have to go."

Anna stretched and yawned again. "Will you fetch some food for me before you do?"

"But, Anna, the castle is well staffed. Any of the servants can retrieve a meal, if you so desire one."

The princess winked. "But they aren't you, are they?"

Elsa sat up in her bed and crossed her legs. "What does that mean?"

Anna playfully reached over and pinched the Queen's derriere. "Well, I believe a certain someone owes me a tremendous favor, don't you think?"

Elsa smirked. "Oh, and why would a certain someone be so indebted?"

Anna flattened her palm and began to rub the spot where she pinched. "A certain someone was being far too flirtatious yesterday with a strapping young Earl and—"

Elsa leaned forward, her face a mere inches from the princess'. "You don't have to do this, Anna," she whispered. "I'll do anything you ask of me."

Anna pulled Elsa down on top of her and then sensuously moved her body, touching her older sibling in all the right places. "Really?"

But Elsa only chuckled. "Not this time, Princess." She was able to wiggle away from Anna's embrace even though a part of her didn't want to. "I think you ought to join me again, and learn the ways of governance."

"You mean the ways of boredom, don't you?" Anna turned onto her side as Elsa hopped off the bed and moved to a nearby chair. "I don't want any of your nobles to look down on me."

Elsa pulled up her pants. "Why would they?"

Anna indicated her belly. "This is why."

Elsa fastened her belt and then sat down to put her boots on. "I've made it a crime to gossip about you, Anna. Every noble in this castle knows this by now." She stood up and grabbed her shirt.

Anna sat up, and then swung her legs over the side of the bed. "I know that. But someone is going to slip up, I know it." She frowned. "You know how badly I felt yesterday."

Elsa straightened out her officer's jacket. "I'm sorry about that, Anna. Please believe me." She sighed before turning to her bureau, unwilling to let Anna see her pain.

But the princess did see it, and padded over to where the Queen was standing. "Stop berating yourself, Elsa." She wound her arms around Elsa's waist from behind. "That's my job."

Elsa chuckled again. "Are you hungry, Anna? Let's see what the cooks have prepared for lunch."

Anna rested her head on the Queen's shoulder. "I am hungry. Hmmm—what to do, what to do…"

The blonde was about to respond when she felt Anna's hand wandering down her stomach. She quickly snatched it away. "Oh, no, please. I don't think I can right now." As soon as the words left her mouth she cringed, as she felt as well as heard Anna's laughter. "What?"

"Oh, Elsa—I think I'll keep you. Yes, you definitely are a keeper."

"I'm glad I can keep you amused."

Anna smiled, and hugged her sister even tighter. "You do so much more than that, Elsa."

Elsa sighed deeply, willing away any and all worry. She turned in Anna's embrace and returned the affectionate hug, then ran her fingertips slowly over Anna's naked back, eliciting a shiver from the younger woman. "I love how responsive you are to my touch."

"I thought you didn't have time for this."

Elsa reached down and wrapped her arm under the princess' knees, easily lifting her. "Well, as Queen of Arendelle I am able to alter my schedule should the need arise."

Anna smirked and tossed her head back. "Well, has the need risen?"

"Believe me, it is rising as we speak." Elsa easily put Anna back on the bed, then removed her officer's jacket and tossed it back on the chair. She crawled up Anna's body, hands making quick work of unbuttoning her pants, and exposing her desire.

"Keep your clothes on."

Elsa shoved her pants down to her thighs, her body already on fire, and grabbed Anna, lifting her to her hands and knees.

Both the Queen and the Princess entered the Royal Dining Room and took their appointed seats, Elsa at the head of the table, and Anna at her right. Elsa looked around and was pleasantly surprised to see General Urban seated at his usual spot.

Elsa picked up her napkin and placed it on her lap. "Welcome back to the Castle, General—although I do wish it was under different circumstances."

Urban took a large sip of his tea. "So, it is official, then, Your Majesty?"

The Queen nodded and two servants approached to give her and Anna their meals. "Yes, I'm afraid so, General. I trust the Army has been well prepared?"

Urban was about to speak when the doors to dining room opened and Harald Halfdansson and Earl Elisar entered with a flourish, the Chieftain limping somewhat.

Elsa looked at him and frowned. "Did you not see my royal physician, Your Grace?"

Halfdansson winced as he sat down. "Yes, I did, Your Majesty. He assures me I ought to be just fine in a few weeks."

The Queen nodded, genuinely concerned for the Chieftain. "That cannon fire could have killed you, Harald."

The Duke looked up when the Queen addressed him by name, having not been the recipient of such graciousness from her before. "Ah… thank you, Your Majesty. But, you will find the House of Halfdansson a sturdy stock."

Elsa smiled at that, and chuckled. "I'm just glad that you are. Were you able to gather any information from the commander of the Weselton ship—what was his name—General Stinus?"

The Duke snapped his fingers and a servant placed a meal before him. "I'm afraid my attempts to speak with him have not been successful. He is currently under house arrest at the Weselton embassy, as per Her Majesty's orders."

The Queen nodded. "What about the crew, Your Grace?"

"Sent to the General Urban's camp, Your Majesty—under strict guard, of course."

Elsa smiled, very much please at the way her subjects were performing their duties. "Shall we dine, my Lords, Your Grace?"

Anna picked at her food, somewhat ill at ease. "Excuse me, Your Grace?"

Elsa picked up on the tone in Anna's voice and pointedly looked at her, in the hope of drawing her attention away from the Chieftain, but it didn't work.

Harald Halfdansson turned and smiled at the princess, looking upon her as one might regard a small child. "Yes, Your Highness?"

"I am wondering… why were the crewmembers of that ship sent to our army camp?"

"This is just a standard procedure, Your Highness. No need to worry yourself over matters of state."

Elsa put down her fork. "Yes, Princess Anna. These matters need not be a concern of yours. But, perhaps we can—"

Anna bristled at the way she was being treated, especially by Elsa, who had promised not to treat her with disregard. So she ignored Elsa for the time being and turned to face the Chieftain. "But it is such a simple question, Your Grace."

Harald briefly glanced at the Queen, then turned his full attention towards Anna. "Well, Your Highness, according to the Decrees of the Kingdom, all prisoners of war must be settled within the boundaries of a camp, where they will serve out the remainder of the war as… indentured servants."

Lord Elisar was now openly gazing at the Queen, an amused look on his face, while General Urban seemed oblivious as to what was going on, and continued to eat.

Anna sat back in her chair. "Indentured servitude?"

"Yes, Anna," Elsa began. "These laws were written hundreds of years ago, when Arendelle became a united kingdom, under the rule of an absolute monarch."

"But doesn't that mean they are treated as slaves?" The princess' tone was incredulous. "Elsa, we can't treat people like this."

Elsa stared hard at her sister, not quite believing what Anna was doing—questioning her rule, as it seemed. But then she remembered her promise. "I can assure you, Anna, that those men won't be treated as slaves. They will be well cared for, won't they General Urban?"

Urban looked up from his meal. "Of course, Your Majesty. We will adhere to the strict reforms of you father, wise man that he was."

The Queen looked down for a brief moment and cursed herself for not immediately knowing what those reforms were. Luckily, her sister spoke up before she could declare her ignorance.

"What reforms, General?" Anna now began to eat again.

"Well, Your Highness, your father amended the Decrees to change how prisoners of war are treated—affording them certain rights. Among those rights are proper shelter and three meals every day. He was apparently suspicious of the Eighth Duke of Weselton, and had convinced himself the Duke was soon to war with us."

Anna's eyes widened. "He really thought that—amazing. I mean, his insights were truly amazing. Did you know this, Elsa?"

Elsa remained silent for an agonizing moment, completely ignorant as to Urban's revelations. "Yes, I did, Anna. So, you see, there is no reason to be so concerned

as you are."

The princess was apparently satisfied, so she nodded. "Thank you, General."

"My pleasure, Your Highness." Urban returned his meal.

Lord Elisar knew Elsa too well, and knew she was lying to her sister, although he did not know the reason why. He carefully studied her as he ate, briefly looking over and noticing her stiff posture and rigid movements as she concentrated on her meal. After pushing his plate aside, he rose to his feet. "If you will excuse me, Your Majesty, as I have left some unfinished business in the Privy Chamber. Good day."

Elsa paused, her fork almost in her mouth, and watched as the Earl made eye contact with her before leaving. She would have immediately disregarded that look if it came from someone else, but this was Lord Elisar, who had once been a good friend to her deceased father. When the door clicked she quickly finished her lunch, then folded her napkin before rising to her feet. "If you will excuse me."

Everyone else rose to his or her feet when the Queen did, as did Anna. She was just about to say her own good-byes when Elsa stopped her with a look. "Please, Princess, I have some private business to attend to. But I will see you later. Good day."

"We were correct in assuming Weselton would betray us, eventually. It was only a matter of time." Elisar ran his gloved hand over the large map in the Privy Chamber, and then turned to face the Queen. "But the Southern Isles? Our cousin Edvardt is surely the fool."

Elsa folded her hands in front of her and regarded the older man. "So this is not something completely unexpected?"

Elisar nodded. "Like I just said, Your Majesty, it was only a matter of time. Agdar knew this."

The Queen sighed and made her way to the liquor cabinet beside the fireplace. "He never got the chance to discuss the matter with me." She poured a glass of whiskey. "Which begs the question—why you never mentioned it." After sitting down next to the fire, she indicated the seat next to her.

The Earl poured his own glass before taking the seat next to the Queen. "My Earldom is far to the north, Your Majesty, and I have little time—or care—for matters of state."

"I see." Elsa took a long sip of her drink. "You used to be a stronger man, Elisar."

"I know." The Earl squirmed a little, even though the chair was comfortable. "I miss my friend, Queen Elsa. Agdar was my best friend, and confidant."

Elsa swallowed back the lump in her throat, and wondered why it never occurred to her that others missed her parents as much as she did. "I'm sorry, Elisar." She wanted to say more, but the words failed to come.

Both were distracted by the knock at the door. Elsa stood and put down her glass. "Come in."

Master Kai quietly entered the chamber. "I don't mean to bother you, Your Majesty. But I have some pressing news."

Elsa briefly closed her eyes, still feeling a bit at a loss. "What is it, Kai?"

"Captain Gunnar did not report to his post, Your Majesty, and appears to have abandoned his commission."

"How do you know this?"

"Lieutenant Lindar, his immediate superior, is in the castle, Your Majesty, and requests to have an arrest warrant drawn up immediately."

The Queen nodded, remembering Gunnar's keen interest in the princess, and now he was disobeying her direct orders. Her eyes widened as she realized the implications of his disappearance. "Of course, right away. See that the warrant is released at once." She went to the liquor cabinet and poured herself another drink. "Kai?"

Kai went to stand next to the Queen. "Your Majesty."

Elsa glanced at Elisar before lowering her voice. "This is a delicate matter, Kai—if found, this man, Captain Gunnar, is not to be trusted. Need I say more, Master Kai?"

"Rest assured, Your Majesty, I understand completely." Kai bowed before leaving.

Lord Elisar looked up when the door closed, his glass still in hand. "What was that about, Elsa?"

Elsa noticed the use of her given name, and sighed deeply. "I'm sorry if I insulted you, my Lord."

"I'm not insulted, just slightly drunk." The Lord frowned "Were you talking about Gunnar Andal with Master Kai?"

Elsa blinked. "Do you know him?"

"I know his… family. Yes, that's it—his family. A worthless lot, all of them—they're wealthy but not of noble blood. Gunnar is the youngest."

Elsa was hoping for information that could have helped her. "Are they trustworthy?"

Lord Elisar was silent for many moments, the alcohol taking possession of him. "What?"

"I asked if they were trustworthy people?"

"You can ask him yourself, Your Majesty, he's in the castle."

A mild frost projected from Elsa's hands. "What?"

"I saw him going up to the second floor residences, Your Majesty, perhaps—"

But Elsa was already out the door, and Jörmungandr sprang to life, and roared in frustration.

Anna heard the roar from her room, and was immediately on her feet, her book cast aside. "Elsa?" She made for her door, but stopped suddenly when she heard a crash in her closet. "What…"

The door to her closet opened, and Captain Gunnar emerged, a strange look on his face.

The princess frowned. "What are you doing in here?" There was a certain hard steeliness in her voice. "How dare you—"

"I saw."

Anna's tirade stopped abruptly, and noticed the look of horrified disgust on the man's face, and her resolve faltered. "What… what are you talking about?"

"I saw you… and the Queen. I saw what she was doing to you!" The Captain pointed to Anna's belly. "And you are pregnant by…oh, my god, Princess Anna." Gunnar took a tentative step closer to the Princess. "Are you a prisoner here, Princess Anna? Because I can get you out of here…"

The door to Anna's bedchamber slammed open so hard that the door splintered, and what Elsa had become slithered into the room, growling and spitting. Both Anna and Gunnar looked on in horror as the dragon bounced onto its hind legs and then leaned forward, jaws jutting out in anger. At that moment the Captain screamed and the dragon opened its mouth and released a putrid sheet of ice. It slammed into Gunnar and sent him into a nearby wall, killing him instantly. Anna covered her mouth with her hands, and had to use all her will to prevent herself from screaming as the Captain did, and then she realized she had to think fast.

"Go to your room!"

The dragon fell to its belly again and then eyed Anna with suspicion, its jaws snapping as it growled.

Anna used her most commanding voice. "Elsa, I said go to your room! Now!"

The creature quickly slithered away, as if sensing the urgency in Anna's voice. After it was gone Anna swiftly went to the shattered remains of her door and looked on as about ten royals guards came rushing in her direction, led by Lieutenant Lindar and Master Kai. Then she saw a much-welcomed sight; Kristoff was following the royal guards, albeit slower because of the armor he wore. She rushed into his arms as the tears began to flow.

Lieutenant Lindar stopped at the door and looked inside. He calmly assessed the situation then turned to Anna. "Princess Anna, we heard your scream."

Kai walked past Lindar and entered the room, his eyes roaming about.

Anna disengaged from Kristoff's arms and furiously wiped away her tears. "I came to my room after lunch to get a book and I saw… saw this!"

Kristoff wandered over to the doorframe and carefully avoided the shattered wood as he entered the room. He watched Master Kai, and took note of his expression. "What is it, Kai? You look like you just saw a ghost." He moved further into the room. "Why is the carpet all wet, and what is that smell?"

Kai remembered what Elsa told him concerning the prophecies, and came to the right conclusions, although he did not share it with Kristoff, so he acted like he knew nothing. "Why would someone kill Captain Gunnar, and in the Princess' bedroom?"

"Why, indeed."

Both men turned to see Lieutenant Lindar entering. Kai was hoping he wouldn't ask too many questions. "Is the Princess okay?"

Lindar dusted off his hands. "She is shaken, so she went to Queen's chambers to rest."

Kristoff fiddled with the sword at his side. "Where is the Queen?" He did not let on he had reliable notion as to what the Queen was, thanks to Hølje.

Kai's head snapped up at that, and he scrutinized Kristoff very closely. "I will find her and let her know what happened. In the meantime, I want this mess cleaned up and the Captain's body removed. When the Princess returns to her room there ought to be nothing here to remind her of what happened. Agreed?"

The Lieutenant nodded. "Of course, Master Kai. Guards!"

As Kai turned to go he noticed the strange look on Kristoff's face, and wondered if the mountain man knew what was happening.

Kai quietly knocked on the Queen's door and waited. The door opened slowly and Anna gestured for the Master of the Castle to come in.

When Kai was in Anna soundlessly shut the door behind him. "Kai, what is happening out there?"

The older man looked over to the fireplace and noticed that something appeared to be sleeping in front of it. "Is that… is that the Queen—or Jörmungandr?"

Anna looked over to the sleeping form. "It's Elsa. She apparently transformed immediately after—what happened." She held back her tears. "What do the others think?"

"I left Lieutenant Lindar in charge of the investigation and clean up. Princess, I've got to ask you a question. Does Kristoff know about Elsa's transformations?"

"Kristoff?" Anna ran her hand through her hair. "I don't think so. I mean, I don't know if the trolls have revealed anything to him. Why?"

"He was looking at me strangely, as if he was figuring out what was going on." Kai looked over to the sleeping Queen again. "What are we to do, Princess?"

"What evidence is there in my room, Kai, to speak of the dragon?"

"Nothing really, Your Highness—except for the bad smell. Nobody is running through the halls screaming that they just saw a dragon, so I think we're in the clear for the moment."

Anna nodded. "That's good to hear. I think it best we just go on normally, don't you think? If we start to act differently it will just draw attention to ourselves."

"I agree, wholeheartedly. Now, will you be requiring anything, Your Highness?"

"Not right now, Kai. Tell everyone that I'm resting in the Queen's chambers and I don't want to be disturbed, not even by Kristoff—let people know that Elsa is with me, okay?"

Kai bowed. "As you wish, Your Highness."

Anna locked the door after Master Kai left and quietly tiptoed back to where Elsa was lying in front of the fireplace. As she approached her she noticed that her sister was whimpering in her sleep, her body covered in a light sheen of sweat. Anna tentatively reached out to touch Elsa's shoulder, and yelped when Elsa's hand shot out and grabbed her by the wrist.

Elsa growled deep in her throat, her mind not quite herself, yet, and still part of the dragon. She easily flipped the princess over and then crouched on top of her, her eyes black and menacing. But then she stopped moving and bent her head and sniffed at Anna.

Anna tried to make eye contact with her sister, in the hopes of making a connection, but Elsa was too busy sniffing her entire body to notice. "Elsa… please… you are in there somewhere, aren't you?"

Elsa continued to sniff at her, growling, but the human was trying to break through. Guttural noises were torn from her throat as she tried to speak. "…help…" She threw her head back, a deep moan escaping her lips, her nostrils flaring.

"Oh, no…" Anna knew that look, even though Elsa was not quite herself, and felt the lust pour off her. "Elsa, stop." She grabbed Elsa's hair and forced her to make eye contact. "I said stop!"

The Queen, panting, held Anna's stare, and then after a very long moment blinked several times. "…snowflake…?" She sat back after awhile, and then slowly climbed off of Anna, cradling her head as she did so. "Anna?"

Anna sat up and let out a deep breath. "Is that you, Elsa?"

Elsa opened one eye and glanced at the Princess. "I think so. My God, Anna, what happened? Did I faint, is that why we're in my room?" She looked down at herself, and gasped at her nakedness, and her obvious arousal. "What…why am I naked?"

Anna reached over to a chair and grabbed a blanket, then tossed it over to Elsa, who quickly wrapped herself in it. "What do you remember?"

Elsa sighed deeply. "I was in my Privy Chamber, talking with Lord Elisar, and then… nothing. I can't remember anything after that."

Anna stood up and then straightened out her clothing. "Come, Elsa, let's get you dressed."

"But you still haven't told me why I'm naked?" Elsa got up, and winced when she tried to take a step towards her bedroom. "My body feels sore."

Anna didn't doubt that, and took her sister's hand, leading her into her bedroom. "There is something you need to know."

A shorter chapter this time because I don't trust this site not to screw up like it did last time. Anyway, please review and let me know what you think...