Elsa looked out the window. Today was going to be a delightful day, sunny and as warm as it got in Arendelle in November if the early morning was any indicator. This might be some of the last good weather they would have. Soon the skies would turn gray and the sun would visit only briefly. So she intended to fully savor the light and the clear sky, taking her reading into a sitting room that faced the garden. There wasn't anything in the garden, just the brown and dying remnants of the flowers that had given up their blooms at the end of summer, but the light coming in unobstructed by the gates was reason enough to be here.

She was alone in her appreciation of the morning, however. Carolina was still asleep, too tired from last night to do much more than moan pitifully that it was too early, which gave Elsa no end of satisfaction. She had left her with a kiss and a scarf and instructions that she would probably want to wear it, the scarf not the kiss, if she planned on venturing out in a dress. Otherwise she was sure to cause a scandal.

Anna was also not in evidence, possibly asleep, possibly just miserable, and if Elsa had any say in the matter it would certainly be the latter. She had walked through the drawing room on her way to breakfast, and between her nose and Kristoff's confession … it took surprisingly little to intimidate him despite his size … she had the full story of what had happened last night. She was tempted to knock loudly on Anna's door and demand an explanation, quite possibly knock loudly, demand an explanation and dump a sizable amount of snow on her head. But she had a few things she needed to get done, so the scathing – and lengthy – lecture she had planned would have to wait until later.

She heard the door open and was surprised to see Reinhardt stick his head inside. Right behind him came Kai, probably on a mission to save her from the Prince.

Reinhardt cleared his throat as he came closer, and when he had her attention said, "I have decided to cut my trip short. My things have already been moved to the boat, and we should leave within the hour. I presumed you wouldn't object."

Most young ladies of Elsa's breeding would have protested this statement, perhaps even begged him to reconsider, but Elsa merely nodded at him and agreed, "You presumed correctly."

The Prince sighed and collapsed a little further in on himself. The Queen was struck with an odd sympathy for the man. It was hard to change old habits, very hard. She knew that. Putting down a fascinating brief on forest husbandry, she stood and asked, "Walk with me in the garden, Your Highness?"

He jerked, looking to her in surprise. "If Your Majesty wishes," he said cautiously.

"Come along then." She held out a hand to stop Kai, who was preparing to follow them. "And perhaps, just this once, you might call me Elsa."

They left the castle through the garden entrance, walking in silence. Finally, as they approached a small wooden gazebo, Elsa asked, "Tell me. What exactly had you heard about me before you arrived?"

Reinhardt looked up, thinking back. "That you were not a typical lady … a typical queen. I was told your upbringing was unusual that you were sheltered and hadn't attended the usual social gatherings that most Princesses look forward to. That I shouldn't expect the same social graces of someone of your station. That you were shy and withdrawn and no one had really seen much of you during your childhood. I guess I interpreted that as overly demure. Weak and easily disconcerted by people. Perhaps even shy and unwell."

Elsa chuckled. She took a seat in the gazebo, and gestured for him to join her.

Reinhardt nodded in agreement with her amused look, "Much of my information was wrong. You certainly aren't shy and withdrawn … well, not as I expected anyway. And Sandvik neglected to mention in his correspondence that you destroyed one of Avalon's warships in a fit of pique."

"It was slightly more than a fit of pique, Reinhardt. They deserved it. But otherwise your information was correct, as far as it went," Elsa replied. "Shy is true. I am a bit of a solitary person. Sheltered might be considered an understatement. Suffice it to say that I spent a lot of time on my own learning about history, economics, politics, science and mathematics, all the things my parents thought were important for a woman to rule this Kingdom."

Reinhardt made a face. "Really? Math? That sounds perfectly horrible."

"Yes, really, and I am actually quite fond of mathematics."

"Another one of the myriad of things we apparently do not have in common," he added. "And you are far from typical … at least among the ladies I have met."

"Truly, I am not typical. It might be easier for you to understand if you thought of me as more of … a king than a queen, at least as far as ruling my kingdom is concerned. I'm guessing Queen Regnant isn't something that happens much in Austria."

Now Reinhardt chuckled, "That isn't even a word I've heard before … before today. But as to considering you "a King," I am afraid that would be hard. I do not know a man quite as exquisite as you."

"You are too kind."

"No, You … Elsa, you are too beautiful." The Prince looked almost thoughtful. "And I have been a prig."

Elsa leaned back, surprised by his moment of self awareness, and decided one honest turn deserved another. "Yes, I am afraid you were. But then I wasn't overly kind to you, either, and I wasn't completely truthful with you, or my Council."

"How so?" He looked sideways at her.

"I already have suitor. One that I have not yet mentioned."

"Edmund?"

"Oh heaven's no. He's not a bad sort, but I have no interest in tying myself to Avalon in marriage. They are far too big a tiger to try to ride."

Reinhardt agreed, if not precisely for the same reason. "God, and could you imagine having that Princess as your sister-in-law or any other relation? What a harridan! I would rather wed a goat than her."

Elsa had to work not to start quaking with laughter. "My differences are more with His Highness, but still either way, there will be no marriage to Edmund."

"Oh," Reinhardt relaxed. He was relieved. This explained a lot about his visit, and it also meant he hadn't exactly lost to Edmund. Not losing suddenly seemed more important than winning. "But whom ever it is, he is a lucky man."

"Not necessarily."

The Prince, feeling out of sorts again, waited for her to continue.

Elsa looked around, feigning concern about who might be listening and then whispered, "Even I know I'm not the easiest person to be with, so perhaps it is me who is lucky."

"Oh really? You've figured that one out have you?"

"Yes. It seems we've both had moments of self revelation," Elsa added.

They gave each other a look that was understanding, almost friendly, now that they no longer had to worry about wedded bliss. Reinhardt mused, "So it is clear we will not be engaging in the nuptials that your Council is so eagerly awaiting."

"Not a snowball's chance in hell," Elsa replied, just a little pleased when the Prince started at her language. "But I don't wish to part enemies. Arendelle is small; we do not need to antagonize the Austrian Empire … or even just Luneberg."

"You had no problem antagonizing Avalon."

"Even as angry as I was, I was not unafraid of the consequences," Elsa confessed.

"The very reason we are allied. One is either friends with King William or a foe."

Elsa nodded. That seemed clear from all her dealings with him, even as remote as they had been. "I think with Prince Edmund's relatively uneventful visit we've mended enough fences to avoid being the foe. I will still hold Arendelle neutral to any of the great powers, but we smaller Kingdoms should stick together. I hold out that Luneberg and Arendelle might be friends."

The Prince thought about that. "Providing your sister does not try to drown me again, I think I can persuade my father that you and your Kingdom are allies, but that I could not see living here ... something about the weather. He will be disappointed, but not so much we have to declare war."

"Fathers often are." Elsa smiled at the Prince. "Don't think just because I don't see mine, that I don't hear his … advice … ringing in my ears."

The Prince chuckled at that and extended his hand. "Friends then, Arendelle?" He spoke as if she were a king.

"Friends, Crown Prince Luneberg," Elsa replied, firmly shaking his hand.

"And when you marry, I expect to be invited. I wish to meet this fellow who has captured your heart."

"Perhaps," was Elsa's reply.

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

"Come on sleepy head, you have to get up eventually."

"Oh god, is it morning?" Carolina croaked, managing to open one eye.

"Well past. It's nearly noon." Elsa had spent the rest of her morning reveling in the unusual silence that was the castle with neither Carolina or Anna awake. Forest husbandry had been dispensed with. A petition for aide from the castle to help with rock removal in one of the farming areas had been agreed to. She'd even managed to spend a hour or so blissfully perusing the Principia Edmund had given her.

"Noon?" Carolina sat up hurriedly. "What in the hell happened?"

Elsa was busy straightening the mess on her dresser. How ever did everything manage to end up pushed to one side? "Do you want me to recount the whole evening?"

"No …." Carolina rubbed the sleep from her eyes and then ruffled her hair. "I distinctly remember you … and then I … oh, god … I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Elsa sat on the edge of the bed to lean down and kiss her. "You're really adorable when you pass out cold."

"I am so sorry."

"It was a bit of a surprise. You seemed like you were going to manage it there for a moment … and then snoring."

"I am so incredibly sorry."

"Really don't be. You owe me …. and now I have this to hold over you for ... for the rest of your life."

"Just don't tell Edmund."

"Edmund … now that's an idea." Elsa got up and addressed the garment stand in the corner. "Oh, Your Highness. Did you know your sister was prone to narcolepsy during intimacy? Why yes, just the other night …."

"You wouldn't." Carolina got up, quickly closing the distance between them and pulled Elsa into her arms. "Because if you do then nothing is barred." She gently ran her fingers over the queen's midriff resulting in frantic wiggling and struggling.

"Very well," Elsa gasped. "Not Edmund. Not anyone!" She let out a long breath when Carolina stopped tickling. "But you should get up and get dressed. Reinhardt's gone, so you can wear what you please."

"Capital!" Carolina straightened up immediately and headed for the closet to find what she would wear for the day. "Why didn't you say so earlier?"

"You didn't ask."

"Pft. It's always polite to let someone know when their rival has turned tail and fled."

"Hmmm … not how I would put it, but I think in the end he was as happy to be rid of me as I am of him."

"Of course you are happy," Carolina emerged from the closet carrying her clothing for the day. "You have someone else much better."

Elsa posed dramatically, hand to her forehead, "Oh humility, thy name is Fitzwilliam ..."

"Honesty is also a virtue ..." Carolina tossed her jacket and pants on the bed and then, with a double take, took Elsa's hand, looking at her bare finger. "You didn't lose it did you? I mean, I would understand … I was actually rather glad you took it off last night. But if it's on the floor we should find it before I start stomping around in my boots."

"Oh," Elsa pulled her hand back and wrapped it around her waist. She shifted nervously. "Please don't be angry."

"Angry? No … you're not having second thoughts are you?" Carolina could swear off angry, but heartbroken was still a distinct possibility.

"Oh no!" Elsa reached in the neckline of her dress and pulled out the ring safely suspended on a gold chain. "It's here. I'm not having second thoughts, and you can't have it back." She looked down. "But ..."

"But?"

"I can't wear it, not until Anna and Kristoff are married." The queen looked apologetic. "I'm sorry, but I really want this to be Anna's … well probably year by the time we get all the arrangements set. And if I start wearing what is clearly an engagement ring … well, the conversation isn't going to be about Anna."

Carolina let out a breath and smiled in relief. "Of course, I certainly understand. I just didn't want to have to be a jealous lunatic stalking you for all eternity. But you're right, Anna deserves to be the center of attention for at least a year."

"Of course I'm right." Elsa's expression then soured. "That is if she manages to live another year after I'm finished with her.

"Why? What has Anna done now?"

"I have it on good authority that she drank a half a bottle of whiskey last night AND smoked most of a cigar, in MY drawing room, both things I explicitly warned her against. You know my understanding of what it meant to be Crown Princess didn't include …."

"Oh, now don't be too hard on her. Everyone has a bad experience or two with this sort of thing."

"I didn't."

"Yet." Carolina gave her a sly wink and walked behind her. She continued speaking over the top of Elsa's head, nuzzling her hair. "Forgiveness is the mark of a great ruler," she said. "And I guarantee anything you think of is not going to be as painful as what Anna has done to herself."

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

"Kill me, now," Anna croaked thunking her head down on the table. "Just put me out of my misery and kill me."

"Eat something and you'll feel better." Kristoff was trying to get her interested in the sweet buns and coffee he had gotten from the kitchen.

"Oh no, no, no, no … no eating." Anna pushed the plate across the table, frantically covering her mouth.

The scene was almost poignant. Anna, face down on the table, fingers wrapped around a coffee cup, groaning while Kristoff gently patted her back and cooed reassuring words in her ear. She wasn't even dressed yet, still wearing a robe, and her hair looked like she had suffered a terrible fright in the night. Still Elsa didn't find sympathy to be the first emotion that came to her.

"Look who's here. Why if it isn't my long lost sister, back from the dead."

Anna raised her head from the table and groaned, "Not yet. Still dead." Her complexion had a greenish tinge. When her eyes met Elsa's she added, "Staying dead until you get that look off your face."

"And what look did you expect ..." Elsa began to wind up for the inevitable lecture.

"Gentle, love," Carolina said, "She's suffering."

"Suffering …." Anna echoed as her head dropped back to the table with a thud. "I am never drinking anything again. Never even looking at alcohol. I'll form the Arendelle Temperance League ..."

"Oi. Now, let's not get carried away," Carolina interrupted. "You just need a little something to make you feel better."

"What could possibly make her feel better?" Elsa asked.

"Hair of the ..." Carolina caught Elsa's expression, "a breakfast drink that helps when you're feeling under the weather … er, this weather in particular."

Anna lifted her head again and asked, "What is it?"

Carolina began to rattle off the makings of a Bloody Mary, "Tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, celery, salt, bouillon, pepper, lemon juice and maybe just the tiniest touch of … whatever-you-have-lying-around-that-might-possibly-be-alcohol."

"Oh god, I need one of those," Edmund exclaimed as he burst through the door. His tone turned to a whine, "Milly, please make it for me. You do it best."

Anna meanwhile was contemplating the ingredients. "Horseradish, lemon juice, bouillon and tomato?" Her green complexion deepened, and she clapped her hand over her mouth.

Carolina continued, "Well you don't have tomato juice here … now … but carrot juice worked fairly well. If you don't have carrots, the cook did say that turnips could be juiced …."

Anna leapt to her feet and ran out the door leaving it swinging behind her. In her hurry to get from the table she almost bowled over Gerda who was coming in the door.

"Her Highness not feeling well?" the housekeeper asked looking behind her.

Kristoff answered, "Anna had a bit of an accident last night ..."

"Completely an accident, sad really, a shame," Edmund intoned.

"An accident with a bottle of whiskey and a cigar ..." Elsa added a bit more sharply.

"Oh," Gerda tutted, "the poor thing. I bet her stomach's a bit upset."

"Oh yeah," Kristoff said, "she threw up everywhere. I could hardly get her down the stairs without running to fetch a buck …." he trailed off as the temperature in the room began to fall.

"I know just the thing," Gerda said.

"Bloody Mary, right?" Carolina said with great surety.

"Oh heaven's no." Gerda's face looked like she had just stepped in something very unpleasant. "It's my own secret recipe, essentially mint tea with willow bark and few other things. Works like a charm." She glanced over at the queen. "It came in quite handy when your father would be … over served … while entertaining dignitaries."

"Papa?"

"Oh yes, dear. Not often, but when he needed it he needed it." The housekeeper glanced back at the door that led from the dining room. "Sounds like Anna inherited his stomach."

"She did seem rather a bit rough." Edmund shook his head … slowly. Practice had made him remember to drink a substantial amount of water before bed. Perhaps he should have also remembered to tell Anna that.

"Whose stomach can I have?" Anna pushed her way back through the door, pale faced and sweating. Her hands shook. "Can I have it now?" Flopping back down in her seat she said apologetically to Gerda, "You probably want someone to change out the vase with the flowers in the sitting room at the end of the hall."

"You threw up in the flowers?" Elsa couldn't believe her ears.

"And the umbrella stand …." Anna's head came back to rest on the table.

Carolina decided to short circuit the inevitable snow storm and pulled her into a kiss. A deep long kiss, that had Kristoff blushing, Gerda intently studying the tea pot in her hands, and Edmund watching intently. When they parted Elsa was breathless and much more calm.

"Ummm, well … Gerda has something for that, don't you Gerda."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I do." Gerda included Edmund in her gesture. "For you as well young man?"

"Oh yes, please." He smiled far too brightly for someone who had been drinking. "And you make yours too, Mil. I'll do a taste test. Taste and effectiveness. That's the ticket. Perhaps I'll confer a knighthood on whoever has the best."

"You can't confer knighthood," Carolina said with a sigh as she got up to see about the turnip juice. She thought she knew where she had left some hot sauce in the kitchen.

"I can suggest. I can always suggest. Father does sometimes take my suggestions. Gerda, would you prefer knighthood or a Baronetcy? Hmmm … Dame Gerda. It does have a ring to it."

Anna lifted her head and groaned, "Stop talking. Please. Too much talking!" The last was delivered as a pathetic cry.

Elsa's eyes widened. Then she got up and with great seriousness went over and kissed Edmund on the forehead, her cool lips soothing the ache there. "You are a miracle. A true miracle. I think I'll make you a saint."

A/N: Probably one more chapter. Thanks for sticking with me.