Queen's Rook

by stillslightlynerdy

Queen Elsa has a lover. Unfortunately, her Royal Council is unaware of this and decides to introduce her to a Princely suitor. Our beloved Snow Queen panics; she is really bad at relationships, and hasn't been able to use the "L" word. Will she lose her true love? Or will love conquer all?

8. Chapter 8

Chapter 8

As the time dragged on, Fitz eventually took a seat on the sofa. Periodically she would hop up, and all the guards would tense, just barely lifting their weapons in warning, and so she would sit back down again. Kristoff had started wandering around the room, looking at the paintings. Right now, he was peering at the well-oiled rifle one of the guards held.

Suddenly the door opened and a young man walked through. The guards all stood up even straighter, their boots stomping in place in a salute when they came to attention. Fitz straightened her posture, determined that no matter what the outcome she would meet it with courage and grace. Kristoff, never one to stand on ceremony, turned around and cocked his head. The newcomer exuded privilege and wealth to a degree Kristoff hadn't seen before. He was wearing a deep red tailcoat, decorated with gold braid that put even Fitz's Navy dress coat to shame. His epaulets shimmered in the light through the windows, competing in brilliance with the intricate embroidery on his high collar. A black silk sash and pristine fawn colored trousers completed his costume. Kristoff thought he had never seen clothing so uncomfortable looking in his life.

"Your Highness," Fitz said offering him a short bow.

"Sister!" the young man replied enthusiastically pulling her into a hug.

Fitz felt the tightness leave her chest. Her trust had not been misplaced. Edmund had been the only one of her half siblings she had befriended, and she suspected she had been his only true friend at court as well. He had spent his childhood being taunted and bullied by his older brothers and sometimes the odd sister. Fitz had spent her time at the castle making them pay for that bullying. He had called her "his shining knight," and their friendship had been sealed.

"You do look good," The prince continued, pushing her back to arms length to look at her. "And well," He smiled as he looked over at Kristoff. "Who is this handsome gentleman you have brought to see me? You're not changing teams are you?"

"Edmund," she said with a warning tone. "This is the fiance of Crown Princess Anna of Arendelle, Kristoff Bjorgman." Edmund sighed, and she ignored him, continuing her introductions. "Prince to be Kristoff may I introduce Prince in actuality Edmund, fourth in line to the throne of Avalon."

"So he's your brother," Kristoff looked between the two of them. Edmund was tall, taller than Fitz but not as broad shouldered, and he had slate gray eyes. But they shared brown hair, his was held back in a fashionable pony tail, and their noses were similar. "There is a little family resemblance."

"He's my half brother." Fitz was always quick to offer that clarification, lest someone mistakenly call her a princess.

"Yes, entirely the wrong half. I got the beauty; she got the courage."

Kristoff chuckled, apparently the penchant for witty reparte was also shared between them, and then walked over, extending his hand, "Good to meet you, Edmund."

"And a pleasure it is to meet you, Lord Kristoff" Edmund gave his hand a firm shake while his eyes traveled slowly down taking a good look at him. "I see you have an appreciation for my guards."

Kristoff laughed. "Yeah. I was just admiring his rifle. Nice one. Bet it's accurate."

"Highly," Edmund agreed with a grin. "Private, show our dear friend Kristoff your weapon."

Fitz swung around, panic lighting her eyes, to find the Private snapping into present arms. With Edmund you could never be sure what he intended.

"Oh stop it, Milly," The prince said dismissively. "I said weapon. Although Kristoff looks to have a fine …."

"Engaged to Princess Anna," Fitz reiterated firmly, pulling Kristoff to the other side of her. "Sister to the Queen of Arendelle."

"Oh that woman," Edmund rolled his eyes, not the least chagrined. He walked over to a wing chair near the fire, and took a seat indicating that Fitz and Kristoff should join him. "Father was livid when the Vigilant got back. Did you see what she did to your ship? Snow Queen indeed."

"Did you hear what that dog Ledsham did to her? What he threatened?" Fitz bristled.

"I'm sure it was unfortunate." Edmund gestured again that she should sit. She took up the sofa again with Kristoff by her side. "He's an ass. But, that's someone who won't be troubling anyone anymore."

"What?" Fitz jerked in surprise.

Edmund drew his forefinger across his throat. "The Duke. He made quite the miscalculation. I think he expected a commendation or something. And well, father found something to hang around his neck."

"If anyone deserved it, he did," Fitz replied, her eyes flashing. "I'd have strangled him myself if given the chance. Or perhaps cut him up into little pieces for the sharks. Or ..." Kristoff gave her arm a thump to stop her recitation of what she wished to do to the departed Duke, and shrugged his agreement. Fitz sucked in a tense breath, but stopped.

"So why did you summon me here?" She turned back to Edmund.

"Right to business, Milly. So like you. No, 'how are you, Edmund? How's the family, Edmund? Did you have a good trip, Edmund? Is life treating you well, Edmund?'"

"Milly?" Kristoff asked.

"My name," she growled. "My name that I haven't used since I was twelve."

"Which was when I met you, and you came into my life like the shining knight you are." Edmund smiled as he reminisced. "So you'll always be Milly to me."

Kristoff looked with a critical eye at Fitz. "It doesn't fit."

"Thank you," Fitz answered sincerely.

"Good thing you're not marrying Anna," Kristoff continued, trying to keep the good humor going. He wasn't sure about this Edmund, but less tense had to be a good idea. "You'd be Princess Milly."

"Well," Fitz's chuckle seemed uncomfortable, almost wistful. "Good thing there is no danger of me marrying into the royal family."

"About that," Edmund shifted in his seat and then waved the guards out of the room excepting the sergeant. Once they were alone. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small box. With a wink to Kristoff, he got down on one knee. "Milly, will you marry me?"

"What?" Both Fitz and Kristoff exclaimed at once, voices raised together in confusion.

"Marry me?" The Prince repeated almost sincerely. "You know, 'To have and to hold, until death do us part.' Marry me?"

"What in the hell? Edmund!" This time only Fitz exclaimed, but her consternation was enough for both of them. "Edmund, I can't do that … I mean … I'm not … we're … we're RELATED for gods sake, amongst another million reasons why it would be a terrible idea. No! Just bloody hell, Edmund ... NO!"

"I guess this means 'all is forgiven'." Kristoff mused as he sat back into the sofa.

Edmund sighed and flopped back in his chair, his legs straight out and his arms hanging down. "I told father you were going to say that. But he insisted I try. He arranged it with the Archbishop, so it would be a legal marriage. I don't know how, but apparently he did."

"I don't care who arranged what with whom. That's absurd. I am not marrying you."

"Please," Edmund begged, now getting back down now on both knees. "Father says I have to marry. I'm twenty five, and it's time or some such nonsense like that. And you're my only hope. We don't even have to live together … you know you can show up for Christmas … or Easter if Christmas is just too much … once a year and that's that." He gestured expansively, miming the ease he wanted Fitz to feel about the whole situation. "You'll have your own stipend, a very generous one. You can have a ship. You can have a fleet. You can do what you want, when you want. You can keep whom you want, be with whom you want.. And since … well, we're certainly not going to have children, the related thing matters a whole lot less. I mean if you want them fine for you, but you're going to have to look elsewhere for the stud."

Edmund turned to Kristoff and said conspiratorially, "I saw a woman once … nude …. it scared me. Scarred for life. Never again."

"I'm not sleeping with some man to have children!" Fitz exclaimed. "Which is besides the point, I can't marry you ... I'm … I have … I'm already with ... I just can't … won't ... marry you."

Edmund pouted. "But I can't imagine any other woman I would want to pretend to be with. You're the best, Milly. And if you won't have me, I'm going to have to find someone else and soon. Mother threatened to help."

The silence fell across the room like a thick blanket. "Oh God … no." Fitz grimaced. That would be a disaster for the Prince. The Queen was not a generous person in her evaluation of her youngest son, someone whom she made plain she considered a waste of a perfectly good title. The Queen would not have his best interests at heart at all. "Maybe … maybe I can assist you even if I'm not to be your bride."

"How?" Glumly kicking his feet up onto the ottoman, Edmund suddenly looked quite young. Fitz was reminded of the boy she had grown up … well, visiting for the most part as she was in the Navy for most of Edmund's life … but she had loved him. He had been a sweet nine year old when she met him, an innocent surrounded by backstabbing, devious people. He had certainly grown more worldly since then, innocent was not a word she could use anymore, but he was still sweet, she could see that. He might be surrounded by all the trappings of wealth and command, but there in front of her was the little boy she remembered.

"Well," Fitz mused as a plan formed. "I know a number of eligible young women … unattached … well bred … similar in affections ... who might find the opportunity you presented me worthwhile. I could send letters of introduction. I can also almost guarantee that their fathers are not going to pry too closely into any match. To a man they will be sighing in relief."

"You would do that? For me?" Edmund face lit up in happiness. "Oh, that would be wonderful. Oh please, introduce away. But ... make sure they're not ugly … I don't want an ugly wife."

"First I think I will make sure that they are not going to take advantage of you. But I assure you that they are not ugly," Fitz said dryly. "But keep in mind my tastes do not run to the physique of your Sergeant."

"Moeltke. Sergeant Moeltke. Do you like him?" Edmund dropped his voice to a whisper, as if the Sergeant couldn't hear him then. And maybe he couldn't. Fitz was sure he had plenty of practice not listening to the Prince. "He's an import. Prussian. I met him on some ambassadorial visit to Hanover. I had to have him. Fortunately he felt the same about me," Edmund positively tittered. "I never knew German could be such a romantic language."

Kristoff eyes widened as light finally dawned before his eyes. "Oh Edmund," Fitz sighed. "You are … impossible."

"No more than you, my dear. No more than you." Edmund beckoned the Sergeant over and spoke briefly with him, sending on his way. "I have something for you, from your mother. It came circuitously to me through some slip of a girl she asked me to put a good word in for … Alicia … Adele?

"Alice. Alice Wainwright." So her mother had received her letter and made good on helping Alice. That made Fitz feel even better.

"Yes, it seems I'm her sponsor. You're going to have to tell me what that means. She's to take the Lieutenant's exam soon." Edmund turned dramatically reflective. "Hmmmm, I wonder if she'd marry me."

"Don't you dare." Fitz hissed. "She … well for one thing, she's too young for you. For another I'd kill you."

"Pffft. Don't let Moeltke hear you. He takes such talk far too seriously."

Fitz pointed her finger at the Prince. "You had better take it seriously. Stay away from Alice. Sponsor all you like, but from a decent distance. She's still an innocent."

"We all were once," Edmund said, enjoying his sister's sputtering. Then the door opened, and he held out his hand as Moeltke returned with the letter. "This is from your mother."

Fitz took the envelope and turned it over in her hand. Any annoyance she was feeling toward her brother evaporated. "Thank you." She tucked it into her coat. She would read it later, when she was alone.

"Now," Edmund clapped his hands together. "Now that we have solved my problem, how long will you be staying? You are welcome to remain as long as you like, I paid enough to keep everyone from this place. They have horses and hounds and some fine countryside. I know how much you like to hunt. And I've missed you so."

Kristoff snorted at the mention of hunting, and Fitz narrowed her eyes at him. "Well, I am at loose ends for the moment. I could stay ..." she tried to remember if Elsa told her how long that idiot Prince was staying … "a week, or so."

"Oh that's wonderful! You'll love it. The inn has a very decent cook, even if he thinks fish is a meat. And since I took the whole inn, I have plenty of room."

Kristoff elbowed Fitz as subtly as he could manage. "I don't know. Fitz. You really have some THINGS that you NEED to take care of at home."

"No, if I go home, then I am likely to cock up THINGS much worse than they are. This would be a GOOD time to visit with my brother."

"People are very WORRIED about you."

"PEOPLE have enough to do without me there making a mess of things."

"PEOPLE are upset, and you need to stop RUNNING AWAY from them if you're going to make this any better."

"PEOP …."

"Oh for God's sake, what are you going on about," Edmund exclaimed. "Is this some strange Arendellian code?"

"No," Fitz and Kristoff mumbled at the same time.

"OK, then it's settled. You're staying, at least for the night. We can talk about "THINGS" and "PEOPLE" later," Edmund said. "I'll leave you to freshen up a bit before dinner." He stood clearly dismissing them. "Lord Kristoff it was a pleasure meeting you."

Kristoff mumbled, "Likewise," as Anna had taught him.

"And I'll see you both at dinner. I'll send a man by." He clapped Fitz on the arm with one hand and pulled her close with the other. "You and I are going to have a chat. I need stories from your exciting life to fill out my extraordinarily boring one.."

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

Later the Prince escorted the Sandviks back across the bridge. Elsa wasn't sad to see them go, and she hoped maybe the good Master had learned something about exactly what was meant when the Council spoke in hushed tones of her being socially awkward. It wasn't that Elsa didn't know exactly what was expected her of at a dinner like this, or at a ball, or at any of the other very uncomfortable dinners she had with prospective suitors. It was that after thirteen years of nearly complete isolation, which turned out to have been not only for naught, but to have brought on the very thing it was meant to prevent, she no longer had the patience to do something that only pleased someone else unless she saw the sense in it, too. And, she thought with a smile, now that she was Queen, she really didn't have to.

That smile disappeared, however, when she considered about how she had gotten herself into this mess, and she was the one who had allowed it, there was no getting away from that truth. She had given in to the Council's wishes because she had been afraid. She had been afraid to tell them the truth about her intentions as far as marriage. She had been afraid because somewhere in her head a voice that sounded remarkably like her father was telling her that what she wanted wasn't as important as the needs of her Kingdom. She had been afraid because what she had with Carolina seemed too good to be something she was allowed to have. She had been afraid because she knew as much as she hated arguing, she hated losing an argument even more, and this stupid stubbornness had driven Carolina from her bed, and now she was off on some wild goose chase to see her brother … in another kingdom where Elsa couldn't even protect her. And lastly she was afraid because if she couldn't get her back then Elsa knew the rest of her life would be sadly incomplete.

"Ma'am?"

"Yes, Kai." Elsa turned from her brooding.

"His Highness has returned."

"Oh, thank you." She didn't want to see him, but the poor man didn't deserve to be completely shunned because she was a coward. "If you would show him back. I think I'll take him on a short tour of the castle before I retire for the evening." It would be short. There was no way she was taking him anywhere beyond the first floor.

Kai nodded and then returned shortly with Reinhardt. He seemed happy, perhaps the conversation with Master Sandvik had somehow made up for dinner. Elsa couldn't decide if that was a good thing or not. Probably it would be least painful for all concerned if he just decided this whole adventure was a bad idea and left, but she would prefer he not leave angry. Luneberg was as small insignificant principality in the Austrian Empire, but the Empire was large … and Arendelle was even smaller.

"Your Majesty, how kind of you to wait up for me."

"I just wanted to make sure you were settled and acquainted with the castle well enough to get around. I presume no one has given you the tour."

"They have not, but even if they had, I would still feign ignorance if it allowed me the continued pleasure of your company." His self-satisfied grin already had Elsa regretting her offer.

They started down the main hallway from the large double doors in front. Elsa took him through the several parlors and reception areas that comprised the front half of the first floor. Kai followed them, helpfully filling in historical tidbits as they became appropriate. Elsa herself was just becoming acquainted with a lot of the first floor since she had seen so little of it growing up, so he was actually being helpful. However she considered it quite possible he had an ulterior motive of preventing her being alone with the Prince, and she loved him all the more for it.

They moved through the throne room, and then to the gallery. Reinhardt had been becoming more and more impatient as the tour went on, shooting Elsa looks that she completely ignored. Then, when the butler was deep into a monologue about how the painting of Jean d'Arc came to the castle, the Prince interrupted him.

"You know, this is fascinating, Kai," he said. "But I wondered if you might be able to assist my man in my rooms. He had mentioned being unsure of where to put my trunks. I am sure Her Majesty can take me around from here."

Kai stopped in mid-sentence. "I'm not sure this is the right time ..."

"Yes, I think it is." Reinhardt leaned over to Elsa. "You don't mind if Kai takes care of that do you? It would be a tremendous help to me if that was done before it got too late."

"No, I suppose not." Elsa wasn't keen on being left alone with the Prince, but she didn't see a tactful way out of such a blunt request.

When Kai left, Reinhardt let out an audible sigh of relief. "Pretentious man," he said. "I was afraid he would never leave us alone."

Elsa stared at the Prince, crossing her arms tightly on her chest. "Kai is not pretentious," she replied tersely. "He was only being helpful, something I appreciate. Aside from that, he is not just my butler, but he is an old family friend, and someone I trust implicitly. There is nothing you could not say while he was here."

"I am sorry, Elsa," he rolled her name out, clearly pleased to be able to use it, "but there are conversations that I will not have among the servants." He pulled her to the settee and sat both of them down. "I wanted to apologize for Master Sandvik. He overstepped his station in his remarks about your sister."

"Excuse me?" Elsa didn't deny that a lot of Sandvik's behavior could use apologizing for, but she was concerned about the idea that he had over stepped … his station.

"It is what happens when the bourgeoisie are given too much power. They think they can run the Kingdom, run Our lives."

Elsa had to think before she could respond to that."Has it never occurred to you that perhaps the people in a Kingdom might be entitled to have a say in how it is run?"

"Nonsense." The Prince cut her off with a dismissive wave of his hand. "That sounds like those miserable republicans and their damned democracy. The rabble are not capable of governing themselves, you saw that result in Gaul, and the middle class are hardly better. They can make money because we allow it, but we are all better off if they refrain from making law."

"Actually, I think if you look at recent history you would see that absolute monarchy is unlikely to last …."

"It will here in Arendelle if we are firm." He leaned over, peering at her as if she was a cute kitten he had found near his boot, and he spoke softly so as not to alarm that kitten. "I understand it might be a difficult topic for you. Your gentle nature no doubt predisposes you to lenience and kindness. But if you had a King with a firm hand ..."

Elsa stiffened; her lips compressed into a thin line. Reinhardt shivered as a chill breeze whipped through the hall. "I think you misunderstand my role in Arendelle, Your Highness. I do not need the firm hand of anyone else to help me govern."

"Oh, Elsa," he reached out to pat her arm. "I didn't mean ..."

"Your Majesty," Gerda came briskly through the doors. "Kai mentioned that you might require assistance with your tour."

"Thank you, Gerda." Elsa was relieved; she couldn't think of anything to say that wouldn't be an outright insult. The Prince seemed completely blind to how demeaning his words were. She also knew ice was forming under her feet, and she didn't even feel the urge to try to stop it. It was a short step from there to icicles on the ceiling. "But I think that it is time for me to retire. It has been a very long day." She stood and looked down at the Prince. "If you will excuse me, Your Highness. I am sure Gerda can lead you back to your rooms."

"Not necessary," he waved off the help. "And I apologize if my language was too frank, Your Majesty. I have spent too much time with my father and brother. I am afraid that I am unaccustomed to the company of women, and may have presumed too much on your behalf. Politics can be very dull for a woman."

Elsa's eyes went wide. Now she was sure it was not too soon to despise this man. "Not this woman, I assure you. And you did not presume in the manner in which you think." If you ever think, she reflected privately. "I shall take my leave. It's late."

The Prince stood to bow, one foot moving backward in what was a practiced stance ... and slipped on the ice, falling forward. Elsa, against her initial impulse, caught him and easily returned him upright, her footing as solid as if she was standing on the bare floor. He mumbled an apology and keeping his eyes on his feet this time, carefully bowed. She turned and left without so much as a backward glance, a trail of frost and ice following behind her.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

It was cozy in the parlor with the fire, cold here even though it was only just October. They had had a fine dinner and then retired to parlor for the evening. Kristoff retired to bed just after that. He felt that brother and sister deserved a night alone together to talk. Whatever happened tonight could well set Fitz's course for the future, and Kristoff instinctively realized she needed to be the master of that course, no matter how passionately he felt about the outcome.

It had only taken the promise of an old bottle of Scotch, and Fitz was in for the evening. Edmund did not travel without all the comforts of home, so here she was, lounging in a plush chair, Edmund across from her, the Scotch between them, a fine fat cigar in her fingers. She took a long drink of the whiskey and then pulled the smoke into her mouth and reveled in the taste of civilization. This was a luxury she had almost forgotten existed.

"We're only two, so Whist is out and so is Brag." Fitz was sorry, her brother would be well financed. She had looked forward to gambling with him.

"I think I'd rather just talk anyway," Edmund said. "And enjoy my own hospitality."

"And quite hospitable you are," Fitz agreed. She raised her glass in a toast to her host. "This is fine whiskey. That is one of things we lack in Arendelle. Decent spirits. I had this stuff called 'troll juice' once."

"That does sound dubious."

"Knocked me on my ass, for sure," Fitz chuckled. "But what a head the next morning … and it turns everything … and I mean everything … green."

Edmund laughed at the thought. "It's rather hard to believe that you're actually living in a place like that. And I mean, you're saying things like, 'We lack in Arendelle.' Have you gone native?"

But Fitz dodged that implied question, quickly returning with, "So, tell me the news of Winchester."

"Oh, please Mil ..."

"Can you not call me Fitz?"

"No." Edmund shook his head. "You're my sister Milly. Milly, who was the first person to stand up to Richard for me and beat the crap out of him. I don't really know this Fitz person; she was away for so much of my youth. Although she sounds fascinating. I hear she's a war hero."

"Fine," Fitz chuckled. "I suppose you do have the right to call me what you will. And we were speaking of Winchester."

"No, we weren't. Really there's no point. It hasn't changed. It won't change, not until father passes, and then you'll hear of it yourself no matter what Scandinavian hellhole you hide yourself in." Edmund gestured expansively with his cigar. "It's likely to be another bloodbath."

Fitz sighed, "I'm sorry to hear that."

"Oh, I intend to be well out of the way," Edmund added. "For Richard takes far too much after father to be content with second fiddle, and William isn't smart enough to stop him."

Fitz puffed on her cigar and grunted. This was all true.

"Other than that, mother is still a bitch and a half, Bea is off being pregnant in the Highlands with Phillip, who is probably playing with every maid he can get his hands on. John and Hermione are exactly the same, except happier since you're gone. But you … you are the true mystery, the only one doing anything new, the only one worth talking about, and believe me everyone does talk about you, especially now. We all have but one question. What in god's name possessed you to stay in Arendelle?"

Fitz exhaled and tapped the ash off her cigar. She couldn't avoid the question any longer, and it wasn't like she didn't expect to be asked this. "I didn't fancy the trip back in the Vigilant's hold. Nor the noose waiting for me at the end of the trip."

"Well that might explain anyone else not coming back, but the Milly … excuse me, the Fitz I know wouldn't have been afraid to return, she'd have been egging Ledsham on, demanding a chance to redeem her honor even if she were to hang, not cowering under some ice cube." Edmund looked at her over the edge of his glass daring her to contradict him. "And then there's Arendelle, not exactly the garden spot of the continent. I couldn't even find it on the damn map! I had to get Moeltke to find it for me."

"It is small, but it's not a bad place. Pleasant this time of year."

"Excuse me?" Edmund almost spit out his drink. "Since when did my intrepid, heroic, impulsive, rambunctious, youngest Captain of a ship of the line … actual war hero …. of a sister stay anyplace because the weather was 'pleasant'? You're not fooling me, Milly." He smirked over his drink. "It's a woman, isn't it."

"I just happened to land there." Fitz tried to keep her tone light.

"Oh, you're a terrible liar. So, now I know it's a woman." Edmund refilled both their glasses and then offered a toast to the air. "To this sorceress who has cast a spell on my sister. … she must be quite a spectacular sight to see if you're risking frostbite to see her. Or does she have other more redeeming qualities …."

Fitz brought her glass down firmly onto the table with a muffled bang. "For god's sake Edmund, keep a civil tongue in your head."

"Well," Edmund looked up at her. "That's interesting. I didn't know you had become such a prude in your old age." He sipped his drink and waited.

"I'm sorry," Fitz said. She needed to change the topic. After a moment she added, "It wasn't that I was afraid of Ledsham. But the King is a bit unpredictable, you know."

"Hummm." He nodded in agreement. "Yes, I know."

They continued drinking in silence. Their cigars two points smoldering in the warm light of the fire. Edmund tapped some ash into the ashtray. He spoke slowly, weighing his words carefully, "But if you're worried about the repercussions of that fiasco with Queen …. oh, what was her name …. Alyssa …."

"Elsa."

"Elsa," Edmund chuckled. "I can assure you that nothing came to roost on you. That fool Ledsham was hoist on his own petard. If anything father believes that you would have gotten her in the end. Seduced her with your consummate charm and brought her back, more than happy to come with you." He smirked at his own double entendre.

Fitz's jaw tightened as she clamped down on her ire. "Your point, brother?"

"My point is that you should come back with me even if you don't want to save me from a marriage bed with some other woman."

"I'm saving myself from a marriage bed with you."

"Whatever. But you must know there is a place for you in Avalon, and there always will be." Edmund dismissed her objections with a wave of his cigar. Then he brought his eyes to hers. "You worked hard to get where you did. You were the Captain of the most feared ship in Avalon's Navy. Yours was a crackerjack career, a fine ship, an enviable assignment, more than enough prize money to live as you pleased, and no lack of companionship. And you loved it. But now you're willing to throw away all of that: your career, the Vigilant, your homeland all because of some sweet-skirted Jeze ..."

This time Fitzwilliam jumped to her feet. "By God, Edmund you are my brother, but you will change your tune, or I will have satisfaction."

Edmund looked up at her and inhaled a mouthful of smoke. "Really?" he said as he exhaled. "What honor would you find in skewering a man who doesn't know a sword from a butter knife?"

Perhaps the whiskey had gone to her head. Certainly Edmund didn't know what he was saying, she decided. "I apologize." Fitz sat back down and breathed deeply. "But I would ask you to … be more restrained."

"This woman must be something pretty serious. I know it's not that you got her pregnant."

"Edmund!" Fitz had to grip the chair arms not to leap up again.

"Alright." The prince conceded, taking pity on his poor sister. "And now, I am being completely sincere. If you are giving all that up, the Vigilant and everything else, not to mention thinking of challenging me … well, this must be one very special woman indeed. Special enough that I deserve to know at least a little something about her." He sat back and waited patiently for Fitz to answer.

"She is a very special woman," Fitz said finally. Her brother was like a terrier with his teeth in a rat once he decided he had to know something. And between his persistence and the warm glow provided by the Scotch, she found she could bear to think of Elsa again. As she thought about the woman who had changed her life, she found she also wanted to share that feeling with someone.

Edmund leaned forward. "So you must tell me of her. I have to know what kind of woman has tamed Milly Fitzwilliam's wild heart. Are her eyes like the stars in the night sky, her skin satin, her lips soft and pink, her hair like spun gold … does 'she walk in beauty like the night'?"

"Amongst other things," Fitz answered. Elsa was beautiful, but she didn't want Edmund to think it was that. She had had many women who were beautiful, beauty was not the real attraction of the Queen of Arendelle. So she searched for the right word. "She is formidable."

"Indeed. I hadn't realized that was something to be appreciated in a woman."

Fitz continued after giving him a glare. "She is smart, smarter than anyone I've ever met, quick witted too. She runs me in circles when we talk."

"Not that hard, you know."

"I did not come here to be abused. If you want to hear me, then hush."

"Please ... continue." Edmund affected an exaggerated pose of concentration, but in fact he was interested. The Milly he knew had been kind but not necessarily stalwart as concerned women. She was as generous with her affections as any man he had known, perhaps more so in fact, since she knew there would be no permanent repercussions from her sexual liaisons such as a man might face. Never once did she seem distressed by the passing nature of her encounters. Never once did she express a desire for permanence. In fact, Edmund found he was far more a romantic in his heart than his half sister … until now. Now she was fumbling with her words, a schoolboy trying to describe his first love, no – a poet searching for the right words for his true love … except his sister was no poet. The only fact missing was, who did this to her?

"She is brave, and strong … though I doubt she thinks it. She demands your attention, but not with her words, with her presence. She is calm and collected all of the time. She is adventurous and spontaneous in rare perfect moments. She can be fierce, and she is always loving." Fitz looked away into the firelight, and said haltingly, "She is my match. She completes me. I have never felt like this about anyone … anyone."

Edmund looked over at his sister, a half smile on his lips. He finished adding up all the lose ends in his head.

"So does she return your affections … this Alyssa?"

"Elsa," Fitz corrected again. "And ... it's … it's difficult."

Edmund smiled as Fitz confirmed his suspicions. Of course his chimerical sister would fall in love with a queen. "As if you would do something other than difficult. It seems to be what you thrive on. My sister … who decides she must have the Queen, the Snow Queen no less."

Fitz chewed her bottom lip. Edmund had her to rights. "Yes. The Queen. But … well, she's really not the Snow Queen you've heard about. She's so much more. And what I feel …" Fitz buried her forehead in her palm with a sigh. "Words never have been my strong suite."

"You're doing well enough."

Fitz slumped back in her chair, ignoring the encouragement. "So, I can't leave her … I won't leave her … I'm not leaving her," Fitz declared, suddenly realizing the sad truth of this. "Not for King … country … or even the Vigilant. Not for my life. I can't."

"She is a lucky woman."

"No Edmund, I am the lucky one. You have no idea ..." Fitz sighed, and she studied the fire. She was sure that somewhere in the flames lurked a metaphor for what she felt, what Elsa meant to her, but it eluded her. "No idea how much I love her and how unworthy I am to have her. I … I am not good enough for her. It's not even her station, but just her … she's deserves someone who … who can give her back what she gives to me. She deserves someone who is better than I am – who will treat her better, not some clumsy obnoxious idiot."

Edmund sighed. This was a new side to his sister as well. She was always sure of herself, always in control. There was cocky, and then there was Milly, a whole order of magnitude more confident. It was disconcerting to see her so out of sorts, but reassuring as well. If this woman could reduce Millicent Fitzwilliam to this state, she might well deserve her. She might well be able to handle her.

Edmund reached over and put his hand on her shoulder. "Milly you're one of the finest people I know. Brave, honorable, kind … a true gentleperson. She is lucky to have you. Anyone would be …" He snorted when she frowned at him. "It's why I wanted you. She can do no better. That is one thing I absolutely know." He beckoned as if to draw her words out. "Do you know her thoughts about this? Have you asked her how she feels?"

"Not precisely," Fitz confessed.

"Have you told her how you feel? Told her these things you just told me?"

"No. Words aren't my … I can't. What if she doesn't ..." She sighed and sank back in defeat. "I am a coward about this, Edmund."

"I see," he said, leaning back in his chair and joining his sister in staring at the fire. After a moment, he cleared his throat pulling Fitz back from her despondent reverie. Then Edmund reached into his pocket and pulled out the small box. He tossed it underhand to Fitz. "Keep the ring. I purchased it in Germany. It's valuable, quite valuable really, but it's not a family heirloom or anything."

"No, I can't."

"I insist. You came to see me, at my request, with no thought of your own safety, so I insist you take something back with you."

"But what do I need a ring for ..."

"You said you loved her." Edmund's face lit up with a broad grin as he scoffed at her. "God, you really can be an idiot. What do you think people do with an engagement ring?"

"Edmund, she's a queen. I'm a woman. I can't marry the Queen of Arendelle …."

"About that, I don't know, but if you love her this much, perhaps you should give her something that tells her that. If you can't find the words to tell her how you feel then show her."

"But … did you not even listen to what I just said!" Fitz clenched her fist around the small ring box.

But Edmund was not backing down. Finally he had something on his 'perfect' sister, whom it seemed had a less than perfect command of her feelings. "If she's half the woman you say she is, and if she has any sense, which it seems to me she has, then she will appreciate you. So take the ring. It might help … smooth over your difficulties. It is the least I can do for you after all you have done for me."

"These are not difficulties easily smoothed over," Fitz sighed. "Even now she is receiving a suitor from Austria."

"A suitor?" Edmund looked at box in Fitz's hand. He could snatch it back. "Perfidious wench."

"No!" Fitz felt her emotions flip again threatening to overcome her good sense. "She's not. This wasn't her idea, but she's an unmarried Queen, and so it seems that suitors … just sort of happen."

"Indeed." Edmund didn't look convinced.

"And we fought about it …horribly ... and I stormed out … and now I'm here … and really would you blame her for choosing someone more suitable and probably a lot more … I don't know … civil than that? Than I am?"

Edmund laughed, "It is true, your courtly graces never were your strength. But surely about this you'll put up a fight."

"How?" She was spurred on by his mockery. "I can't stand to be away from her, but if I go back and he's there … Arendelle will be at war with the Austrian Empire before you can say 'Prince en brochette'."

"And that would be awkward," Edmund said, a smirk playing on his lips. "The Austrian Empire is allied with us at present, but it is a tenuous alliance. Wouldn't want you mucking that up."

"Heavens no," Fitz concurred with a bitter sigh. She thought perhaps she should just beat her brains in against the wall; it would be less painful.

"And I've got the perfect solution!" Edmund said enthusiastically as a brilliant plan came to him..

"What?"

"Who better to supplant one Prince than another Prince, perhaps even one of greater worth."

"What? Who?"

"Me, you idiot." Edmund pointed at himself. "Oh, it's marvelous. I am brilliant! I will go scare off this Austrian usurper, send him packing, then you will take my gift of that ring and present it to this Elsa Snow Queen. And if she hasn't the sense to say yes, or whatever is legal in Arendelle … I hear they are terribly liberal about these things, no proper church really... anyhow if she hasn't the sense to take you back then you can come with me or stay, your choice."

Pondering this scheme, Fitz opened the box. It was a beautiful ring. Edmund had much better taste than she ever would. "Do you think this plan of yours has any chance at working?"

"Of course it does, rely on my charm and good sense. It is a masterful plan."

Fitz snorted.

"And it's certainly better than you trying to hide with your tail between your legs waiting for this scoundrel to leave. And bonus … I get to meet her., and she will get to meet the only sane member of your family. I really do make a good impression."

"My mother ..."

"Oh rub it in, your mother is sane. Mine would eat her children if she could catch them." Edmund looked at her, his hands together as if in prayer. "Please, please … it will be wonderful, the evil prince shall be vanquished, you will have your Queen back, and I will get to meet my new in-laws sort of to be."

He had a point, and she couldn't think of anything better, so in desparation Fitz agreed. She even tucked the ring in her pocket. "Thank you, brother."

"You are welcome, sister." Edmund looked buoyant at the prospects of their ruse. "Now, I'll wake up the household. You go get Prince Ruggedly Handsome up out of bed … unless you would rather I ..."

"I'll go wake Kristoff, thank you."

"We can leave immediately, as soon as we're packed and that really won't take very long. The Winchester is very fast, very very fast. We can have you back in half the time of a trade ship."

"Oh," Fitz suddenly envisioned the reception they would receive arriving in a warship from Avalon. "I believe that would be considered an act of war."

"Nonsense, I am a master diplomat. Don't worry one bit about that. You'll see, everything will work out wonderfully."