"Your Highness?"

Hans, drink in hand, looked up from his desk, and eyed his older sibling. "What did I tell you, Johnas, you could call me 'Hans'." His words were slurred slightly by the strong cognac.

Johnas sighed and closed the door behind him, and then solemnly took the seat opposite his brother. "Your little ruse notwithstanding, how are you?"

Hans lowered his head. "Not good, Johnny."

Johnas allowed a small smile at the use of his old nickname, understanding why Hans used it. Ever since King Edvardt's passing his younger brother had been inconsolable, and it was affecting his judgments concerning the preparations for war. And now, for some inexplicable reason, Hans completely trusted only him with the knowledge of his plans. "I can take it you're not in the mood for bad news."

"Father is dead—what could be worse?"

Johnas got up and went to the liquor cabinet and poured himself some brandy. "Well, this is obviously not worse, but the weather still continues to be a problem. As we still have yet to recall the rest of our fleet from Jonvar." He sat down again. "The people are apparently disgruntled because of the foul weather. Reports are coming in from all the islands—they speak of rising crime and general unrest."

"Rising crime?" This got Hans' attention, as he put down his glass and sat up. "What has been done about it?"

"Roman left three days ago, remember? He's going to personally attend to the Governors himself and—"

Hans shook his head to clear it; he had existed in a semi-state of drunkenness for almost a month, and was still not quite yet himself. "What about Fingaard, Johnas, did he go with him?"

"No, Finny is here. He's in worse shape than you and hasn't left the castle."

Hans leaned heavily on the desk. "The Fleet needs to be here, immediately, don't you think?"

"You're in no shape to make the journey, Hans—"

"I'm still in charge of this campaign!"

"Then pull your head out of the cognac bottle! Or do you want to be like Ingleif—good for nothing and weak." Johnas noticed Hans' skeptical look. "Oh, so you don't think anyone shared your opinion about him? He was willing to sell you out to the highest bidder, Hans… Fingaard, as well." He downed his entire drink. "Are you surprised I've taken your side on these matters?"

"Maybe just a little."

Johnas stood and made his way over to a table in the middle of the room; it had a very detailed map of Arendelle on it. "Where are your advisors, brother? Why aren't they here with you now? Yes, recall the fleet, do it now. Have you heard from cousin Magnus?"

Hans ran his hands through his hair; too many questions plagued his mind. He rubbed at his eyes and tried to think. There was a nagging voice inside of him demanding to be heard, and he did his best to concentrate, but his mind was still hazy with drink. At last, he looked up into the concerned eyes of his brother. "Something is not right, Johnas, I know it…"

"I just told you about some things not 'right'." Johnas put his glass on the map table.

"No, not that…" Roman was at Jonvar…Roman was at Jonvar… "Roman was at Jonvar, when I was there to interrogate the spy from Arendelle…"

A loud banging on the office doors interrupted them. Scowling, Hans got up and flung the door wide open. "What?"

It was General Hilfred, and he wore a pained expression on his face. "Are you alright, Your Highness?"

"Come in." Hans returned to his desk. "What is it, General?" He noticed the look the General was giving Johnas. "It's all right, Hilfred."

"Did you authorize Prince Roman to visit our island governors, Your Highness?"

"Yes, what of it?" Hans looked at his empty glass, and his mouth began to water.

"Apparently he hasn't followed your orders, Your Highness." Hilfred shifted on his feet. "His ship is heading in the direction of Arendelle."

Hans sobered immediately, and his hands clenched into fists. But he had no desire to behave irrationally at the moment, and just sat back in his chair to think. Roman had asked him to go to Jonvar. At the time, it seemed like a reasonable request, and could have been interpreted in several ways. But now, everything fell into place. All the past conversations, all the questions, everything—he knew there was only one explanation for it—Roman went to Jonvar to silence the spy from Arendelle, no matter what it cost, or what he did. Hans glanced at Johnas before looking up to his general. "I want that ship caught, General. I don't care what you have to do, or whom you have to enlist to do it. Is that understood?"

"Understood, Your Highness. If I may, Your Highness—he is just as impeded by the bad weather as we are."

Hans nodded. "I understand."

Johnas frowned, not knowing what was going on. "What are you doing, Hans?"

"It's not what I have done; its what Roman is trying to do, Johnny. Roman has betrayed us—perhaps from the beginning. General?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Please escort my dear brother out of this room."

He heard them coming, even in his sleep, the sound of them approaching was unmistakable and ominous. Kristoff sat up in the makeshift bed, his whole body stiff and sore. Despite being back at Yggdrasil, and spending all his time in the shack he had built beside it, his body had not yet healed from his encounter with Jörmungandr. In fact, he felt worse as each day passed, as his soul was broken. As time wore on he wondered more and more if he had heard Hølje correctly. Did the shaman really tell me to go and get Anna from Arendelle, or did he just tell him to protect her, no matter where?

Yggdrasil began to hum outside, so he dressed as quickly as he could and hobbled outside. Sven was sleeping by the door, and even though the leaves of the great tree began to shake, the animal was contented to sleep. Kristoff looked up to the higher branches of the tree and noticed right away the approach of Ratatoskr, the insulting messenger squirrel.

"What news, friend?"

Ratatoskr sneered at the mountain man. "I am no friend of yours, human. You and your world mean nothing to me—except for, perhaps, the great wyrm. Where is Jörmungandr, human?"

Kristoff felt his heart go cold at the mention of the serpent. "I don not wish to speak of Jörmungandr. But tell me, you were up at the higher branches and watching—what is coming?"

"The trolls, you idiot, the trolls." And then the insulting squirrel was gone, cackling as it made its way up Yggdrasil once more.

The blonde man ran his hand through his hair clenched his jaw. He had no desire to Hølje or the rest of his family ever again; such was the anger inside him. But if he had to see the shaman he would do on his own terms. As he hobbled back inside the shack the humming finally woke Sven, who looked up at his master as he passed by.

Once inside the shack Kristoff began to put his armor back on, and his muscles protested as he snapped and fastened each piece in place. When he was finished, he looked down and realized there was still dried blood on some of the pieces, but at the moment, there was nothing he could do about it—and he wanted them to see the condition he was in. After sheathing his sword he made his way back outside and cajoled Sven to stand and wait with him.

They were different, changed somehow by the unfolding prophecies and their upcoming role in them. All humor was gone and replaced by a grim determination, even in the youngest, who was only a few years old. For the changing of days was at hand, and a great and mighty storm of war was on the horizon.

Hølje led the procession as it drew closer to Yggdrasil, and he saw Kristoff right away, standing at the great tree's base. When he was upon the threshold he noticed the mountain man's demeanor. "Master Kristoff?"

"How could you?" Despite the pain he was in, Kristoff marched right up to the shaman and grabbed him by the neck. "Why did you tell me to kidnap Anna?" Without realizing it he had pushed Hølje away so violently that the shaman landed on his back. "That creature tried to kill me! Why didn't you warn me?"

The shaman didn't react at first, nor did the rest of the Trolls, who had assumed their usual circle around Yggdrasil's base and apparently had no interest in Kristoff at the moment. "I didn't ask you to kidnap Princess Anna, Master Kristoff—I asked you to go and get her, to protect her." And then something happened that made the mountain man take a step back; Hølje floated to his feet.

Kristoff blinked, his armored hand shaking as it grabbed the hilt of his sword. "How did you do that?"

"Why must you always question, Kristoff? Why is it so difficult for you to have faith? If you had but an once of faith Anna would be here in the Valley right now, enjoying its protection and comfort." Hølje looked up into the blonde man's eyes. "It is not the fate of Jörmungandr to sit idly while the horizon blackens with rage and ire. Even right now the great serpent is preparing for war, can smell it in the air, and can feel its prickly tendrils seep into his bones."

The blonde man swallowed hard. "But if Elsa is going to war—who will be there to protect Anna?"

"Who, indeed, Master Kristoff? Who indeed…"

Kristoff cried out in frustration. "But what can I do? Elsa—I mean, Jörmungandr tried to kill me once! I can't go back to Arendelle, Hølje, the Queen banished me forever."

The Shaman looked over his shoulder and observed the trolls as they began to transform. He motioned for Kristoff to follow him. "We are part of the Ragnarök, Kristoff, and it is our destiny—it has been our destiny since time began." He stopped at Bulda, or what was once her, and briefly touched her head. "See our destiny, Kristoff."

Kristoff looked around and for the first time noticed how the trolls were changing. Not only had they folded in on themselves and resembled rocks, but they were elongating, and stretching upwards. What was left of their arms shot up towards the lowest branches of Yggdrasil, and clung onto them firmly. He looked on in wonder and then finally turned his attention back to Hølje. "What is happening…?"

But the shaman was changing, as well, transforming like his kin.

"No…" The blonde man held up his hands. "No, wait!" He was thrown onto his back when the ground began to shake, and in his mind he heard the shaman's voice clearly. You will know when to return to Arendelle…

"What—what are you telling me, Elsa?" Anna bolted off the bed and began to pace their bedroom. "You're going to die! Why? You are going to leave Leif and me all alone…"

"No!" Elsa sat up and watched a frantic Anna walk about the room. "This is what I'm saying to you—I'm not going to allow it to happen!"

Anna stopped pacing, and whirled towards her sister. "You just said the Ragnarök predicts that Thor is going to kill you at the last battle, and all of this is destined to happen!" She closed her eyes and tried to calm herself when Leif began to cry.

Elsa hopped off the bed and walked towards the crib but an icy stare from Anna stopped her.

Anna went over to the crib and picked up the tiny boy, and brought his small head to her shoulder. "Why has it taken you so long to tell me…?"

The Queen turned around and looked out her windows, the snows were swirling outside, and the stags were looking directly at her from the gardens below. "I tried telling you, numerous times, but other things got in the way."

"You didn't think it important enough to do it sooner than this?" Anna clutched Leif to her, and did her best to hold back her tears. "You would break my heart so easily…"

Elsa wiped at her own tears. "No, it is not my desire to break your heart, Snowflake. I have no wish to hurt you." She turned back around and looked at the princess. "I summoned a god, Anna—for you, for us. I helped to change Óðinn's perspective concerning the prophecies, Anna. Not just for me, but for you, and our son. I want to be here to see him grow up into a fine young man, and I want to do it with you at my side."

Anna swallowed away her sorrow. "You do?"

"Of course, I do, Anna."

The princess kissed Leif's little head and laid him back down in his crib, and then she beckoned for Elsa to come closer. "Please, hold me."

Elsa couldn't deny Anna anything, and she held her tightly in her arms. "Óðinn is bringing Thor to Arendelle right now, Anna, I know it. I—no, we—will convince him that this is more important that any pre-conceived destiny."

Anna lifted her head from Elsa' shoulder. She needed to hear the words. "That what is more important? Please, Elsa, I need to hear it from you."

Elsa felt like she wanted to choke on her tears. But Anna was looking at with such raw emotion… "The words?" And at this moment there was something in the princess' eyes she had never seen before. "Love—love is more important."

"Then say it."

"I…I love you, Snow—Anna. I love you, Anna." The blonde let out a deep cleansing breath, and closed her eyes as Anna peppered kisses all along her neck.

Anna reached around and slapped the blonde's rear, and then clutched at the fabric of her pants, holding her waist. "Oh, but I'm still so mad at you…"

"You are?" Elsa reached up to her chest and loosened the baldric; it, along with her scabbard, fell to the floor.

The princess lifted one hand and poked Elsa in the chest. "From now on if you have something important to tell me you do it right away! You don't wait, okay?"

The blonde grabbed the finger that was poking her in the chest and held it. "I won't keep anything from you, Anna. I promise." She moved forward, just a little, but it was enough to force Anna to take a few backwards steps. "Do you believe me?"

Anna glanced downwards at her hand that was still clutching at Elsa's pants, and she yanked, causing the Queen to take a few awkward steps forward. "Of course I believe you."

Elsa used her free hand to work at the clasps of her pants. "Are you sure?"

"Oh, god, Elsa—of course I'm sure."

This time they had abandoned all their clothes, and afterwards lay about on the top of the bed, completely and totally spent. Elsa turned her head, her eyes half lidded, and watched as Anna lay on her stomach, her hips moving slightly. The blonde sat up on her elbows to watch the display more closely. "Did I not satisfy you, Princess?"

Anna opened her eyes and eyed her Queen. "Yes, you did, my Queen—my body is just reliving the experience." She giggled and began to roll her hips in earnest. "What about you?"

Elsa couldn't take any more, and she rolled onto Anna's back, her body responding immediately. She roughly spread Anna's legs apart with her knees, and sank her flesh deep inside.

Anna's hands balled into fists, and her body jerked forwards. "Good gods, Elsa, where do you get the stamina?"

The knock on the bedroom door startled both young women. Elsa, horrified, lifted on her hands. "Don't come in!" She tried to get her labored breathing under control. "Who is it?"

There was a brief pause, and then a familiar voice. "Kai, Your Majesty. It's time for the evening meal." His voice appeared to be strained.

Elsa closed her eyes, her body shaking with the strain of holding back. "Give us a minute, Kai. We'll be down shortly." Her keen hearing picked up on the sound of retreating footfalls. "Oh, Anna…ugh…yes…yes…yes…" She punctuated each word with a thrust of her hips until Anna's body writhed in time with her own.

"Your Majesty!" Master Kai caught up with Elsa just as she arrived at the Dining Hall. He gently took hold of her arm. "May I have a word?"

Elsa looked down to where Kai was grasping her arm. "Of course, Master Kai. My arm, please?"

The Master of the Castle indicated for the Queen to follow him to an empty part of the main hallway. Then he looked in both directions to make sure no one could overhear him. "This is a matter most delicate, Your Majesty."

Elsa frowned. "What is it, Kai?"

"Two servants were heard gossiping about you, Elsa. They were heard wagering as to whom your secret lover was."

The Queen turned a bright red; such was the extent of her blush. "What—when did this happen?"

"This afternoon, Your Majesty. Apparently, they were on their way to clean your bedroom when—when they heard you." Kai lowered his head in embarrassment.

Elsa swallowed, and then nodded her head. "Thank you, Kai. We—I mean…I will be more discreet."

"You don't have to pretend with me, my Queen. I know whom you are with. But may I impose upon Your Majesty to take your—activities to a more inconspicuous part of the castle?"

Elsa couldn't believe she was having this conversation with the older man. "Where would you suggest?"

It was now Kai's turn to blush. "Perhaps the empty rooms near the north attic?" He cleared his throat when an under butler passed by them. "Where is Her Highness this evening?"

"What? She's feeding Leif, and will be here shortly. Kai, what—" Elsa turned her head and noticed Anna heading in her direction, but the baby wasn't with her. "Anna! Where is Leif?"

"My Ladies in Waiting are—"

Anna didn't get to finish her sentence as Elsa flew by her in an instant, and ended up taking the steps two at a time. Several warnings sounded in the Queen's mind, and even from the stairwell she could hear the stags outside, beating their antlers against the castle's stonewalls. She burst into her bedroom and found the younger Lady in Waiting holding Leif in one arm, and her other was busy throwing the infant's clothes in a bag.

Elsa's sudden appearance in the room startled her, and she would have dropped the small boy had not the Queen came forward in a flash to snatch him up. Alfrida screamed and dropped the bag as several soldiers came running behind Elsa, their rifles at the ready. But one such soldier, younger and brash, stumbled on his own feet and his rifle fired.

Alfrida fell dead at Elsa's feet just as Anna and Kai came running into the room, and Anna would have screamed as well had not the Master of the Castle hastily put his hand to her mouth, anticipating what the princess would do. Elsa turned cold, reptilian eyes onto the soldier, and lifted her hand as to blast him into oblivion.

Kai's eyes widened. "No, my Queen!"

Anna wrestled from Kai's embrace and ran to Elsa, shoving her arm down just before she could do the deed. "Elsa, please listen!"

The Queen almost jerked herself away from Anna, but at the very last moment remembered her son, and the murderous haze fell from her eyes. "Anna?"

The princess reached up and took the crying baby from Elsa's arms. "Yes, I am here, Elsa—and so are Her Majesty's soldiers."

Elsa turned back to Kai and the soldiers, and her eyes fell onto the one who had fired. She took two strides forward and grabbed the rifle from his shaking hands. "What is your name? Who is your Captain?"

When the lad continued to shake and remain silent another soldier stepped forward. "His name is—"

Lieutenant Lindar came rushing into the room, and immediately assessed the situation. He pointed at the young soldier. "Get him out of here!"

Two other soldiers took the young man by the arms and shoved him out of the room while Lindar fumed where he stood. "This is all my fault, Your Majesty. I ought not to have had such an unseasoned soldier assigned to the Castle."

Elsa let out a deep breath and closed her eyes briefly. When she opened them there was no recrimination present. "Please, don't blame yourself, Lindar. This was all a tragic accident." Her attention turned to Kai, who had bent down to make sure the young woman was dead. "Kai, were you not responsible for assigning this young woman to the princess' care?"

The Master of the Castle stood and straightened out his lapels. "As Mayor of both the Castle and the City I am ultimately responsible for those whom I chose to employ."

A small smile touched at the Queen's lips, even though it didn't quite reach to her eyes. "But it was Gerda who vouchsafed for this woman, not you."

"As I said, my Queen, I am in the end, responsible."

Lindar lowered to one knee to examine the young woman. "Shot clean through the skull, I think." He grabbed a nearby blanket to cover her head. "Does anyone know her background? What was she trying to do?"

Anna clutched at Elsa's arm, her look frightened. "I should never have left Leif with her…"

"I came rushing into the room and she was frantically throwing the baby's clothes into that bag, like she was going to take him." Elsa briefly glanced Lindar before winding an arm around a horrified Anna.

Lindar stood back up and wiped his hands on a small blanket. "So you believe she was trying to kidnap the baby?"

Anna gasped. "What? I just left Leif with her and Mirelle no more than twenty minutes ago!"

Kai looked at Anna. "My Princess, where is your other Lady in Waiting?"

"I think she's in here."

All eyes turned towards a soldier, who had wandered to the Queen's closet, and was now looking inside. Lindar made his way over to the man and then stepped inside the small room. When he emerged his face was stoic. "Your Majesty, may I have a moment."

Elsa calmly walked over to where Lindar was standing. "What is it, Lieutenant?"

The man stepped aside to allow Elsa to look inside her closet. The other Lady in Waiting was lying on the wooden floor, a knife sticking out of her back, and apparently dead. And Elsa almost jumped out of her boots when she began to moan. "Lindar, she's alive!"

The Lieutenant whistled and two soldiers ran into the closet, almost knocking the Queen onto her back, and went to assist the older woman. "Get her to the physician, immediately!"

Elsa didn't say anything as she walked back to where Anna was standing with the baby, who was now wide-awake and making noises. "Master Kai, see to the clean up of everything after its been investigated, I'm going to take Anna out of here."

Anna didn't say a word as Elsa reached for and took her son, and she obediently took hold of the Queen's arm as Elsa led them outside the room. "I'm sorry…"

Elsa, now pensive, remained quiet, and then led them to the Great Spiral staircase. But before she could anything more Lieutenant Lindar trotted up to her. "I'm sorry to bother you once more, Your Majesty. But do you have any idea why the Lady Alfrida would want to kidnap the baby?"

Elsa cradled Leif's little head as she brought it to her shoulder. "Perhaps because he is my son."

Lindar cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but I thought he was Princess Anna's child?"

The Queen locked gazes with the Lieutenant, almost daring him to say something more. But there was a particular look on the man's face, and Elsa tilted her head slightly at it. "You know, don't you?"

The tall man stood straighter. "Master Kai told me everything, Your Majesty." He paused, and then seemed to understand that Elsa needed more than his formality. "Queen Elsa, you have my loyalty."

Elsa smiled, and then offered the man a better view of her son. "This is Prince Leif Albrecht, Lieuten—I mean, Lindar."

The Lieutenant reached out and caressed the boy's soft cheek. "You have my loyalty, as well, my Prince." His eyes wandered over to the Princess, who was looking rather dejected. "And you, too, Princess Anna."

Anna made the pretense of straightening out her skirts, but in reality, she was pleased to be included in the man's oaths. "Thank you, Lieutenant."

"To answer your question, Lieutenant, I do not know. Gerda, the Head of the Household, personally chose both Ladies. I suggest you start your investigation there."

"I will." Lindar bowed to the Queen before taking off in the direction of the Queen's bedroom.

Anna folded her hands in front of her, and submitted herself to the will of her Queen. "My Queen."

Elsa looked on her with amusement, until she noticed the pained expression on her face. "Anna?"

"I almost got Leif killed, Elsa—I thought they could be trusted!"

Elsa secured the small boy to her and then took Anna's hand, leading her up the stairs, past the servant's quarters, to the fourth floor landing. She then handed the baby back Anna and motioned for her to follow. The Queen led her sister through the attic hallways to the far end of the southern wing, until they reached a door that was partially open. A dim light could be seen within. Elsa opened the door and motioned for Anna to enter, which the princess willingly did.

Anna was amazed by the large room's appearance. There was a small fireplace that already had a small blaze inside, and opposite that was a large four-poster bed, which looked like it had been recently made. Besides the bed was a crib. She looked at Elsa quizzically. "What is this room, Elsa? I don't recognize it…"

"Well, I was never allowed in this part of the Castle when we were younger. Were you?"

The princess walked over to the crib and placed the baby on the soft mattress. "No, I don't believe so. Mother didn't allow me to explore the attics."

"I had this room prepared, especially for a time like this." Elsa walked over to Anna and embraced her from behind. "Dinner will be brought up shortly."

"When did you have time to do this?"

"Well, I left all the work to Gerda. She's been coming here everyday, making sure the room is ready—just in case." Elsa sighed heavily. "What happened today was not your fault, Snowflake, but mine. I thought I could leave your protection to others, but I was wrong." She felt Anna stiffen slightly. "No, I don't think Gerda is to blame, either. I told her to hire two Ladies from outside the Castle, as I didn't know who could be trusted here. So, don't berate yourself, Anna." Elsa held on tighter. "From now on you and Leif aren't leaving my side. I won't be able to function if I have to worry about you constantly—and, besides, the stags will be there when we are outside."

Anna relaxed in the Queen's embrace. "What about the Council? Won't they be expecting us after dinner?"

But Elsa wasn't listening, and her mind had wandered to other things.

The princess turned around to face the blonde. "What are you thinking, Elsa?"

Elsa shook her head. "It's just a notion I have—it's really hard to explain. But I could see danger in my mind, almost as if it were a tangible thing that I could hold." She lowered her arms from Anna's waist and moved to the fireplace, deep in thought. "When I saw you coming towards me, without Leif, it was like I could see and feel danger, and I immediately knew something was terribly wrong."

"Maybe it's the dragon's senses, Elsa."

"I'm surprised I didn't think of that myself." Elsa chuckled, and placed her hand on the mantle. "So, I don't need to transform to be able to make use of the dragon; that's good to know." She turned around, her eyes betraying nothing. "Do you trust me, Snowflake, because—"

There was a quiet knock on the door, and Elsa left the fireplace to open it. "Oh, thank you."

A servant pushed a cart laden with food into the large room, and then just as quietly left, without saying a word. Anna went to the cart and noticed that all her favourite dishes had been prepared, and she smiled sweetly at the Queen for seeing to her wants and needs.

Elsa watched as Anna began to pile a plate high with food, and then the baby, who at that moment decided to fuss, took her attention away from the princess. She picked up Leif and brought his little nose to hers and then playfully rubbed noses with him. This seemed to lighten his mood, and he began to giggle the more she did it. And for a few precious moments all thoughts of war and strife left her, and she felt giddy with delight the louder Leif's little noises became.

Anna laughed at the two of them and their antics, and was just about to sit down to eat when a thought crossed her mind. "Elsa?"

Elsa quieted down and placed the boy in his crib. Leif continued to make little baby noises so she softly caressed his cheeks. "What is it, Anna?"

"Will we have more children?"

The comment completely caught Elsa off guard, and she had to slam down her sudden enthusiasm to scream 'yes.' "Do you want more?"

"Well, I was thinking—after the war is over and you are no longer Jörmungandr. Will you, uhm, return to normal?"

Elsa started serving her own dinner. "Return to normal? What do you mean—oh, I see." A small blush ensued. "You mean when I no longer have this?" She ran her hand over her crotch.

"Yes, will it go away?"

"I…I don't know." The blonde blushed even more. "Well, don't you think it will?"

"I want to have another baby," Anna blurted, and then she turned a bright.

Elsa put down her plate and dropped to her knees in front of the princess. "But, Anna, the tides of war are upon us, and we don't know how long—"

Anna reached down and gently cupped Elsa's cheeks. "You don't want another child?"

The Queen felt her heart clench, and knew that Anna was right; she did want another child, but not during wartime. Unspeakable and unfathomable events lay in the future, and she was loath to bring a new life into that world. But she was also wise enough to realize once the war was over, Jörmungandr, and all his affectations, would be gone. Despite her better judgment, she surrendered to the pleading look in Anna's eyes. "Come."

Anna allowed herself to be led to the bed.

Magnus sat by his wife's side and watched as she cradled their newborn children in her arms. He smiled in complete satisfaction that she delivered twins, a boy and a girl, and that both mother and children appeared to be doing well. His gaze wandered to the glass of liquor in his hand, and he felt his wife's eyes on him. Without looking up, he placed the glass on a nearby table and then stood to look out their bedroom windows. The snows were swirling in the winds, and a cold wind bore down on all the land.

General Aleksander had expressed his concerns over the strange weather, and had urged him to delay sailing to Arendelle. He even listened to the advice of his generals and admirals, and most of them had given the same advice. Magnus looked out over the fields below and watched as his army camped out next to his castle. The tents were too numerous to count, and the campfires were so plentiful that they reminded him of a night when the stars were out, and unimpeded by clouds.

The Ninth Duke of Weselton sighed deeply and turned again to look at his family; he would regret leaving them behind, but there were things to be done, for the glory of Weselton, something that he valued even more. "Berith?"

Berith looked up after a short while. "You are leaving, aren't you?"

"Duty calls, my wife. I—I do not wish to bring you grief, though."

"I think that we are beyond that, don't you think, Magnus? You broke my heart a long time ago."

Magnus understood the verity behind her words. "Have I really caused you that much pain over the years?"

Berith thought about the question, and wondered if she ever really had Magnus' complete loyalty all the years of their marriage. It was true that he never strayed to another's bed, but he also was completely enamored by power and all its privileges. So, in a sense, her husband had never truly been hers alone. "Promise me one thing."

"Name anything, and it will be yours."

"Come back—for the sake of the children."

She could feel the transformation in the winds as they buffeted the Castle walls. There was a change on the horizon, decisions had been made, and masts secured, swords and muskets at the ready. Weselton was on the move, on its way to the Southern Isles to cement an old alliance—a cousin's loyalty forged anew—and there was new life, not just Leif.

Elsa stopped moving, and lifted on her hands to gaze down at the princess below, who had her eyes closed. "Anna?" Her voice was rough and strained.

But Anna wasn't in the mood for words, and she brazenly pulled the Queen's head down into a searing kiss in the hopes of spurring her to completion. For new life was on her mind, as well.

The blonde tore her mouth away and she grimaced from holding back her release. "Anna… we need to… oh, my gods…" In her mind a new image flashed—an idyllic scene—Anna and their children, alive and well, playing at the edge of a brook, the sun bright and the stags lazily keeping a peaceful watch.

Elsa cried out and collapsed, her mind just as spent as her body, and her soul was in tatters for what wasn't in her vision—an image of herself, for she was no more.

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