HER LIPS quivered, icy blue clawing out of the darkness as her eyes took in their surroundings. She pushed herself upward, a heaviness slowly slipping off as she sobered. The silence still blared, her vision blurring as sleep persisted.

The darkness struggled against the light of flames, a fireplace illuminating the dim room. The dull wood brought warmth in colour, a smoky and earthy scent enveloping her senses. She looked around, the chirping of crickets and crackling of fire meeting her ears as she realized what time it was.

A whimper followed by heavy breathing drew her attention, Balder's large form leaning against a wall as he sat on a chair coming to view. He guided a shaky hand, its grip inserting a suture into an open wound that lined his arm. With a swift move and a pained face, he closed it, knotting the thread to complete the seam.

He exhaled, distress evident in his breath as he placed the scissors and leftover catgut into a box lying beside him. She entered his peripheral, her untied hair blending with the cream wall as she sat on a bed with thick brown sheets.

"Oh, you've awoken, my Queen." He forced a smile, his eyes betraying him as they exuded discomfort.

"Where am I?" Her brows stitched with confusion.

"In." His breath hitched slightly. "The woods. I had this cabin built for times like these. You're safe; no one will find us here."

"Where's Anna?" Her mind fumbled, bearings strewn all over.

"In the other room with Kristoff." He exhaled again, pain seeping through. "She awoke moments ago and he went to check on her."

Her eyes trailed down his body, scars littering his arms from the torture he sustained during the interrogation from the Order and small cuts on his face that seemed fresh, coming to view. Her mind recollected everything, the realisation dawning on her, leading her to push dishevelled hair behind her ear.

"So, you were the one who knocked me out earlier?" Concern welled in her expression.

"It was the only way to get you out before they ripped you apart, my Queen. Forgive me."

"I understand …" She watched him painfully attempt to reach for a bucket to the left with his right arm.

"The people of Arendelle are more vicious than I thought." His voice strained.

A dull screech met his ears, his head turning to Elsa who moved a chair up to him. She took a seat, picking a rag out of the bucket and twisting the water out of it. Surprise dilated his eyes, meeting hers that turned away, avoiding their gaze.

"My Queen –,"

"I just wanna help." A small smile graced her.

She dabbed the rag on a cut on his forehead, its contact drawing a wince from him; one he feebly attempted to mask. The curly locks of hair brushed up against her hand as it trailed his face, its light touch feeling airy.

Her eyes locked with his, cherry pink forming in her cheeks upon seeing them. She redirected her gaze, a calm expression driving away the warmth her face radiated. Her orbs trailed him, the scars drawing a question, one that came to her before.

"Why do you care so much?"

"What do you mean?"

"Why do you care so much? You've risked your life for me when you didn't need to. Our banishment wouldn't affect you; the Order would probably give you another title or let you keep your position as Advisor."

"It isn't about my title, it's about what's right for the kingdom."

She sat back, disbelief in her eyes as she stopped dabbing his face. Her brows stitched, probing him as she processed what he just uttered. He looked back at her, the mask of impassivity withholding his unease as she studied him.

"You would risk your life simply for the kingdom?"

"Not necessarily, but I was concerned about you. I could not let you die."

"I can take care of myself." She chuckled.

She moved toward him, worry welling in her expression as she saw him wince again. Continuing, she dabbed another cut on his face, her touch being gentler the second time. A smile graced her, twitching involuntarily in anxiety as she diminished the space between them.

"You didn't need to risk your life for me." Her voice softened.

Warmth swelled within her, an odd, overly gentle feeling swimming through as she cleaned his wounds. All deliberate restraint in exerted pressure relinquished to a nurturing intent, her hand taking in every contour of his face as she dabbed. She turned away from him, dipping the cloth in the bucket nearby and squeezing the water out of it.

"Could there be another reason you're doing this?" A small smile tugged at her lips as she continued dabbing.

"You are the rightful Queen of Arendelle; no one else should be on the throne." He locked eyes with hers.

She sat back again, her eyes fluttering slightly as she shifted her gaze and let out a sigh. Her smile remained, her orbs locking back with his, allowing herself to soak in the azure blue. A gentle, careful expression exuded from him, her smile twitching slightly as it graced her.

"Or so you say." She lowered her eyes till they were half open, her smile turning into a smirk as she continued prying. "There's another reason."

He looked into her eyes, the icy blue calming his pained expression. He matched her smile, the warmth in him deciding to make its revelation. The pink in her cheeks, though swept away, remained aglow; its glimmer beautifying her delicate face.

"I want to protect you, my Queen. As Arendelle's rightful monarch, you are the one the people need and the one I revere and would lay my life down for." He took a leap, abandoning his impersonal form of address, "It's because I care about you, Elsa."

Her brows rose sharply upon hearing him, his voice filled with sincerity. Losing the façade, her face reddened with unrestraint, eyes fluttering as she lowered her face. Her heart felt heavy as its beating increased, worry clouding her mind.

"You're just lying to me, aren't you?" The words escaped her, their source filled with a contrary thought.

Her body shifted, fears rushing in as distrust and betrayal took centre stage in her psyche. With a thumb circling the rag, she bit her lip discreetly, pondering on his words. He leaned toward her, softening his voice as he continued.

"I'm not."

"And why should I trust you?" She glanced at him, averting her eyes from his.

"Because I love you, Elsa."

Disbelief washed over her as she turned to him, eyes dilated in surprise. Her brows furrowed, probing his expression as his smile widened slightly. She replayed the moment, the statement failing to etch into her mind and convince her.

"You do …?" Her voice trailed off, her breath hitching as the space between them diminished.

He drew closer to her, his advancement making her shift back slightly. Upon continuing, she stopped retreating, eyes locking with his as her mouth parted slightly. Unconsciously, she inched toward him, her moist lips reflecting the warm glow of the fireplace. Her gaze fogged as she moved in, losing herself in the moment as her eyes shut slowly.

Their lips crashed into each other, heat resonating through their bodies as her longing grew. Bliss washed over her, letting go as she gave in to the feeling and deepened the kiss. Her hands clasped on his face, warm, soothing fingers raking through his blonde locks as she moved closer, her breath interweaving with his.

She rose to her feet, their lips locked, moistening and releasing sounds reminiscent to clicks. Restraint vanished as she continued, the slit in her dress fissuring up her thigh as she sat astride on his lap. Passion ignited the fire raging between them as their bodies rubbed against each other.

Excitement had its way with her, lacing through her breath as she leaned into him. They parted, eyes meeting as she breathed deeply and moved back. Her emotions surged, their euphoric release culminating in mutual affection for him. Pressing their foreheads together, her arms covering his neck and his hands on her thighs; they soaked in the embodiments of their desire, relishing the closeness as they shared breaths heated purely by hunger.

Their lips met again, reckless abandon taking over as his arms wrapped around her smooth back and her hands caressed his rough face. He rose to his feet, her legs hooking around his waist as the kiss intensified. He placed her on the bed, landing on top of her while leaning on a knee to tower over.

She pulled away from him, loving eyes immersing into hers as she rested her head on the bed, trailing her hands along his side and his caressing her upper leg. Her hair splayed over on the sheets, platinum locks spreading over and adorning her. Her eyes lowered, deep pink drenching her face as a contented warm smile graced it. His expression matched, orbs burning intensely as they gazed upon her.

Clasping her hands over his nape, she stared at him, her breath conveying silent words urging him to go on. Scooping her back, they kissed each other deeply, fire swimming through as passion overcame them.

WITH A groan, she pushed herself up, her arms moving to stretch when a rush of cold impeded her, causing her to pull up the blankets. Her eyes trailed the room, the smouldering firewood and fogey window causing her to try and fish through her memory to recall what happened the previous night. A musical hum escaped her as she tapped her chin, failing to remember anything.

She turned again, a lock of strawberry blond hair resting on her bare shoulder reminding her of what happened. With a small smile, she set her gaze on him, his eyes shut as he was in a deep sleep. She lay back on the bed, balancing herself on her elbows as she watched him sinking in slumber. Her hand moved to touch him when the door swung open, familiar muffled steps coming to her ears.

"Can I come in now? Maybe I shouldn't ask that since I'm in here, but." He chuckled. "Should've knocked or something." His eyes dilated, a grin stretching his face. "Anna!"

"Olaf!" Her voice stifled, eyes darting around as a frown grew on her face. "Shh, you're gonna wake –," She quickly pulled up the blankets. "You're gonna wake someone up."

"Hi –," He wrapped a finger over his bucktooth, his eyes narrowing as he studied her. "Did you do something with your hair?"

She ran her fingers through her hair, its former braid disintegrated as it flowed freely. With a groan, the realization dawned that she would have to plait it again when a gasp escaped her, the fact hitting her that she had no clothes on. She turned to Olaf, his ignorant and oblivious gaze making her feel uneasy.

"Oh, yeah, you did." He continued walking, then stopped and turned to Kristoff. "Hmm, but his hair hasn't changed, but something's still different." He hummed. "Something's different about you two … what is it?"

"Get outta here, Olaf!" She suffocated a scream. Upon hearing Kristoff stir, she caressed his head, her voice cooing. "Go to sleep, go to sleep, nothing's wrong." She turned to the snowman, her arm flailing as she gestured for him to leave. "Go!" her tone stifled.

Olaf's eyes scanned the room, the dull coloured wood diminishing his excitement as he looked around. He beamed upon seeing Sven outside, a grin stretching on his face as he turned to leave the room. He waved at her without turning, relief washing over as she sighed.

"Okay, I'm gonna play with Sven." He reached for the door handle, his hand failing to grasp it. "Uh, heh." He laughed nervously. "Could you help me out?"

Anna growled, a scowl stitching her brows as she held her hand out menacingly. A flame grew in her palm, its flare and glow sending chills up his spine; an odd sense since he both enjoyed fire and it made her face look frightening, however possible that was. He shuddered, debating between running toward her or out of the room.

"Go." She breathed heavily.

"I'm going, I'm going!" He panicked.

He jumped and opened the door, quickly running out as he slammed it shut, the muffled steps receding into silence. A gasp escaped her, a hand clasping over her mouth as she realized what she just did. Her eyes darted around as she muffled her voice, trying not to awaken Kristoff.

"Oh, crap, did I just do that?"

HIS FIRM grip nearly scored into the wooden armrest, a growl escaping his throat in a somewhat raspy manner as his eyes narrowed on his second-in-command. Erhard sat in his new office, having replaced the chair Elsa sat on with a larger, rustic one that better accommodated his build. The man standing before him clearly was uneasy, the mask of calmness failing him as his gaze darted around the room.

"You're telling me that they got away?" Erhard's frown deepened.

"Forgive me, my Lord, but I'm afraid so." The man shifted slightly.

"Well, we shall find them soon enough." Erhard sat back, crossing his legs and interlocking his fingers before him. "We have more pressing matters. How are we on the hunt?"

"It seems more dragons have been found in the north in a small village called Berk. His words have proven true; the worlds have indeed merged into one."

"Indeed." Erhard exhaled, a shakiness evident beneath the calm release. "Are you sure we can house them along with the others?"

"The fortress still stands to hold beasts ten times more than the ones we have; we can surely house them."

"Then, we shall –,"

The man's eyes dilated, his blue orbs turning into a pale grey as his gaze shifted through the room. Erhard knew this phenomenon very well, following the man as he looked around. He exhaled, his focus fixing onto the door, drawing a nod from his lord. Erhard turned, the flick of his hand directing the two soldiers standing beside him to run toward the entrance.

With a swift boot, they kicked the door open, the pattering of feet receding down the hall deadening out of earshot. The eavesdropper sprinted down the expanse, the early morning light glinting off his black hood that covered his face. His long coat shook behind him, covering over deep brown trousers and shoes.

He stopped running, lowering his head as a small group of Nine Stars members approached him down the hall. He snuck in, going in their direction as the soldiers approached him. They split them up, pushing them aside as they searched for him.

A loud clunking met their ears, one of the soldiers quickly moving toward a window as the sound deadened. The spy slid down a roof, a blade in hand stabbed into the sheets to control his descent as he made his escape. His foot hit the railing, pieces of the structure rolling past him as he stood up and dislodged the weapon, its full length revealing it to be a sword. He ran onward, his agility balancing him as he progressed.

The spy ran to the edge of the roof and leaped into the air. Descending several feet to the ground, he rolled to his feet, the metallic harnesses lining his boots reducing the impact of landing on the pathway paved with grey bricks. He turned to his left, seeing some soldiers of the Order nearby.

"Hey, you there!" one of them pointed at him, the others among him reaching for their swords.

The spy ran down the pathway, slowing down slightly as he grew tired. Two horses came to his view, their reins tied to a post sparking an idea in his mind. He climbed onto one of them, balancing his feet onto its back as he stood up. He cut the animal loose and poked its hind with a dagger from his belt. The steed ran toward the wall in a panic then skidded to a halt with enough force for him to jump off it and over the wall, landing on it and it, barely catching himself.

He stood up; eyeing the town's square to his left as he sized up how far he had to reach the ground. He jumped down, rising to his feet as he scanned the area around him. With no one in sight, he straightened his clothes, walking away from the wall as he lowered his hood.

"WAIT, WAIT, hold up, you're saying they have dragons?" Anna raised her brow.

"That is all I heard before they spotted me." His voice came softly, exhaustion still exuding through. "I was there for barely ten seconds before they sensed my presence. I did not make a sound."

"It's okay, Arnljot, you heard enough." Balder sat back in his chair.

"But, you don't understand, my Lord. If word got out that 'The Eagle' was spotted in barely a minute, what will my competitors think of me? I'd be a laughingstock." Arnljot's eyes dilated in anger, shame plastering his face.

"You did the best you could." A smile warmed Anna's face, its appeal bouncing off a cold wall.

"My apologies, your highness, but you would not understand what it means. A name is all a man has." Arnljot's gaze shifted lower.

"You're being hard on yourself." Elsa's voice came.

He turned to her, the Queen's feet echoing off the creaking wooden floor. She poured tea in his cup, the gesture stitching his brow as he watched her take a seat across from him on the table. Placing the flagon down, she shifted toward Balder slightly, curiosity stiffening Arnljot's expression.

"I've never heard of a Queen serving an ordinary man like me." His voice hardened, its crispiness shaking slightly.

"Well, I just felt like I should repay you for what you've done." With twitching lips, her attempt to appear comfortable faltered as she adjusted to the coarse wood of the chair.

"You need not waste your time; your advisor pays me quite much." Arnljot gestured to Balder.

"Ah, well, just wanted to do it anyway." Elsa grinned.

A frown narrowed Arnljot's eyes, his gaze shifting to his boss who sat adjacent to the Queen. Balder shifted, the glare clawing at him as amusement plastered over his employee's face. He shrugged, the motion quickly turning the spy's expression into a smirk as he sat back.

"Heh, you work fast." Arnljot crossed his legs.

"Work with what?" Balder raked his mind, playing dumb as his eyes darted around.

"If you can call a year or so 'fast', I'm surprised it took you to finally take her." Arnljot chuckled.

"Oh, so my guess was right." A sly smile curved Anna's lips, a hand holding her head up.

Elsa's smile died down, turning into a smirk as she glared at Arnljot. Kristoff groaned, his hand shielding his face as he shook his head. A chuckle emanated from Anna, her betrothed's reaction being a source of amusement.

"Well, you can say that." Elsa sat back.

"Ah, all the suitors." Arnljot exhaled. "There were a lot of them and it took you?" he cackled. "Anyway, I'll take my leave." He rose to his feet.

"You will pay for this." Balder glared at him.

"I think you're paying me enough already." Arnljot headed for the door. "You know the usual."

"Fine." Balder exhaled and leaned against the chair. "It would be best that you go into hiding for the time being, you never know who is watching you these days."

"Oh, I found a little something for you." Arnljot reached into his pocket. "No need to add to my payment." He tossed a scroll on the table. "just double it entirely."

He smirked, flicking his hand in a quick wave as he opened the door. It shut, the shaky wood reverberating as the patter of his feet quietened. Balder grabbed the parchment, unrolling it as he rose to his feet and moved away from the table.

"What's that?" Anna followed him.

Concentration stitched Balder's brow, his eyes trailing the scroll as curiosity dilated them. It was a map, its somewhat crude illustration accommodating the altered terrain of the earth including Arendelle, Westeros, Essos, Corona and Berk in the north and the Southern Isles. The others looked at it eagerly, Anna's mind fumbling to comprehend why it was different from the ones she had seen before.

"It's a map of the realm." Balder's voice came somewhat distracted.

"Why's it different?" Anna raised her brow.

"This must be what the flying knight was talking about. If even the Order had to alter their map, then the world must indeed have changed."

Balder moved back to the table, spreading the map across its expanse for all to see. A red line trailed from Arendelle, crossing over the sea to Corona and passing it over some mountains into a vast wilderness in an unnamed portion of the landscape. Interest peaked in all of them, their eyes taking in the directions the marking gave.

"What's this place?" Anna pointed at a small island far north of Arendelle.

"A place called …" Balder's eyes squinted. "Berk. I have never heard of it before. The realm used to face the North Pole in that position."

"Wait, the continent moved?" disbelief washed over Kristoff's face.

"It seems so." Balder frowned.

"What?" Anna's voice came sharply.

"That's impossible." Elsa looked closely at the map.

"It's probably a fake map or something." Kristoff sat back. "That can't be real."

"The Order would not lower itself to such tricks." Balder's eyes followed the red trail.

"Well, maybe your spy's pranking ya." Kristoff scoffed.

"In all the years I have known Arnljot, he has never shown a shred of untrustworthiness." Balder shrugged. "Crass behaviour maybe, but he values money too much to play such games with me."

"So, what's this place then?" Elsa placed her finger on the end of the red trail.

"It must be the fortress of the Order, or some place that holds similar importance to them." Balder stroked his chin.

"What now?" Anna turned to him.

"We need to follow the trail in the map and find where it leads to." Balder read the map. "If it is where the Order resides, we can find out if they indeed harbour dragons and if they do, we can discredit them for good and save the kingdoms from their tyranny."

"And if they don't?" Kristoff folded his arms.

"Then we will be far away from Arendelle and be able to start lives of our own." Balder shrugged.

Elsa looked up at Balder, his tall and large build towering over her and offering her assurance. Even with the uncertainty clouding her mind, she trusted him, the affirmation widening her smile. Rolling up the map, he turned and headed for the door.

"Okay, let's get moving."

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