Chapter 29

~ Weight of Worlds ~

It was much later and Elsa was in her study like usual when the Prince and Princess arrived. She was at her desk fussing and stressing over many papers mumbling to herself about this and that. Anna approached her slowly and took her kept staring down at her work, like she hadn't noticed her sister was there. "Elsa." Anna paused attempting to make eye contact with her sister." you need a break." The Princess spoke softly in a melodic voice. "Erynn is going to take over for a while so you can get some rest."

Elsa's tired eyes stared back at Anna, her hair was beginning to fall out of its neatly done up-do. leading her sister down the hall and into her own room the doors were open, it was quiet there no sound just peace, and Anna hoped her sister would be able to get a few hours of sleep. She figured Elsa must have been quite tired since she had not spoken a word since they left the study. Elsa stumbled to the edge of her bed and sat down looking around the room with an exhausted expression plastered over her face. "Anna." she yawned. "Don't let me sleep too long okay." Those were the last words Elsa spoke before falling asleep on the bed, Anna pulled a few blankets over her sister, shut the curtains and closed the door. Returning to the study to discuss matters Arendelle was facing with the Prince.

"Elsa fall asleep already?" Erynn asked when Anna returned to him.

"Yeah, she's been up for hours. Elsa is quite exhausted, shes just so worried all the time I don't know how to stop it, it's like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders."

"Once we defeat the attackers she can rest easier knowing her kingdom is safer. Right now that is my number one priority." Prince Erynn looked at a map of the Kingdom. "Now where were you when you were captured and where was Elsa found." Anna began pointing out spots and circling them on the map. Where she was attacked, where she found Elsa.

"It's not much." Anna frowned staring at the map with only a few markings on it. "Yes but whoever attacked you will tend to stay with what is framilliar." Erynn pointed to where Anna was found. "They weren't searching for you on the north mountain, whatever they were doing had to be for another reason. I'll bet that they've set up some sort of camp near there."

Anna nodded. "But the shed where we were held, the tunnel system... All of it."

"They have to keep moving, obviously they know that both you and the Queen have knowledge of the place. If they are smart enough they will stay far away from any place you know of."

"You think they could have set up camp in the North Mountains, it's dangerous there. The peak is very steep, last I went there we had to be very cautious of our step."

"Right, so if it's a dangerous place, the soldiers here won't be scouting out the area very often."

Anna paced back and forth in the room. Sighing and mumbling for many minutes before slamming her hands on the table. "It doesn't make any sense! Why would they not be able to find these people! How are they hiding so well! For months they've gone undetected!" Anna paused a moment very unhappy. Even Erynn could hear the discontent and anger dripping in her voice. "It's ridiculous!"

"I think there may be some traitors among us, either that or Arendelle has some of the lousiest guards and soldiers I've ever come across." the prince looked at the papers. "You know Anna.." he paused taking a closer look at the maps. "These tunnels lead many places, the people who attacked you must be using them to get around... Elsa never sent anyone to look into it did she?"

The Princess bit her lip. "Well no, she hasn't... She sent them to look for me in the forest and in the town... But the door to the underground tunnels was hidden, there is one in the woodshed I found Elsa in..."

"Somebody knows Every move your sister is making Anna, there has got to be a traitor in the castle. One of the guards, soldiers, scouts. Somebody is giving away the moves the Queen makes to the attackers."

A look of shock appeared on the Princess' face. She sighed deeply and buried her face in her hands shaking her head slightly. "Mother and father died, they left Elsa and I so unprepared. We don't know how to run a kingdom..."

Erynn walked up behind her and took her shoulders. "Look Anna, your sister has done remarkable. This particular case has been really difficult and once one problem is solved another comes up, this isn't what happens all the time. A kingdom may go many years without having to deal with cases as difficult and complex as this. You and your sister have been through so much, and now you have me."

Sighing relived she slowly looked up at him. "I have to go wake Elsa, she need to hear this." Anna nodded.

"Let your sister sleep, Anna I can take care of this. The Queen deserves a much needed break and I'm more than capable of informing those who need to know of the treason that is being committed. I'll talk to the Captain of The Guard."

Erynn and Anna parted directions. "Prince Erynn, what can I do for you?" the captain asked.

"There is someone one of your men who is giving away all the Queens plans, they allow us to my find the oppositions base and I believe they didn't even try or prevented the Princess being found. Elsa found her within hours, your men searched for months."

"Are you insulting my men?" The captain questioned glaring at the to be king.

"No, I am questioning their loyalty to Arendelle and their duty to the Queen!" Erynn retorted angered at the Captains response.

"Look, Elsa only agreed to marry you because it would save her kingdom. You have no place to come here and insult my men."

"This is about the safety of Arendelle captain, not about my marriage to the Queen. If you have feelings for her I suggest you keep them to yourself, I have no time to play childish games. I must help keep the people here safe. I trust you know not to let your jealousy get in the way of your duty." Prince Eyrnn paused a moment looking into the captains eyes with a serious glare. "Find the traitor." he demanded stalking off.

Anna crept into Elsa's room. The Queen mumbled when she heard the door creak open. Turning over in bed trying to hide from the sound. Being extra quiet Anna walked over to her and sat on the bed. "Elsa." she smiled in a sing song voice. "Wake up sleepy."

The Queen rolled over and faced Anna fluttering her eyes quickly. She yawned sitting up slowly. "Good morning Anna." Elsa spoke still half asleep.

"It's the nighttime actually, you were exhausted remember. Prince Erynn and I kind of forced you to take a break. You've been asleep a few hours now, it's almost time to eat." Anna faced her sister concern flooded her face for the overworked Queen.

"Elsa, listen I know you're Queen and you're worried about all this, but you've got to rest more, stress less and let some things go. You can't do everything, the Prince and I are here to help you, you've got to let us do more."

"Anna please." Elsa yawned again. "Give me a moment to wake up." The Queen breathed in deeply and shut her eyes opening them again as she exhaled. "Anna." Elsa crawled out of bed and walked to a mirror. Examining her dress which was quite wrinkled as she had not even changed before she fell asleep. "I know you want to help." Elsa continued walking over to the wardrobe and picking out a new outfit. "But I just, I want to make sure I know what's going on, at all times."

Anna sighed looking at papers on a table. Meanwhile Elsa changed into a different dress. Picking one up she studied it carefully, she didn't recognize the seal on the back. "Elsa what's this?" Anna asked beginning to open the envelope , she could tell her sister had read it already.

The Queen walked quickly towards her and took it from her sisters hands. Biting her lip Elsa glanced nervously at the envelope. "Nothing of your concern." Elsa breathed out holding it close to her side. Anna raised an eyebrow in confusion. Wondering exactly why her sister seemed so protective and nervous when she asked about it.

"Elsa." Anna paused "What's wrong?" she asked. "What's really in there, I might be your sister but I am also the Princess and I want to know." Anna demanded breathing heavily she took a step closer. "You don't have to hide things from me, that weight on your shoulders will be lifted, we are stronger together Elsa. We can solve things much quicker, it's going to be harder on you if you do it alone."

"Anna." The Queen stared right into her younger siblings eyes. "This does not concern anyone but me right now. I don't need you to know, nor do I want you to know." pausing to take a breath Elsa nodded softening her tone. "You're my sister and you are so important to me, but sometimes I have to deal with things alone. This just happens to be one of them, you'll know soon enough Anna, but for now. It's something I need to do by myself, do you understand me?" She asked.

"I understand, Elsa." Anna replied in a shaky tone. Wondering what secrets her sister was keeping from her, and why they were so important.