Desperate times calls for desperate measures

New trials to endeavor

Will this Queen become clever

Or will she fail beyond all measure

Elsa rode on up to the stables, she was a good ten paces ahead of Asher. The sun was setting with a red, orange haze. She smiled, it reminded her of the color of Anna's hair. She saw one of her stable boys come to her horses aid and offered her a stepping stool. She dismissed it polity and slipped from the back off her horse with ease. A few moments later Asher galloped into the stables square and hopped off Adiya. She huffed at his sudden movements as he grabbed her reins.

When he caught the queen's glance his lips formed an uncomfortable line. He walked passed Elsa slowly. Elsa watched as he went to say something but his mouth shut quickly. He side stepped and headed toward one of the stalls. She frowned and gave Genty pat on his neck. What was that about? Was he upset? She has seen that expression on her own face so many times. It's sad how recognizable it was to her.

She shrugged it away when the stable boy gestured to take Genty for her. She nodded a thanks and patted Genty before he walked away. Elsa wrapper her fingers into a ball of fabric in her skirt, gripping it tightly as she walked toward Asher who was leaning his arms against the door of Adiya's stall. He noticed her out of the corner of his eye and sighed with a grin, still not looking in her direction.

"Did you enjoy your ride Queen Elsa?" Elsa hummed. "That's good,"

"You seem upset...Did I do something to offend you?" Asher shook his head and smiled toward her.

"It's not you your Majesty, its me. I spoke out of turn. It's me who's afraid I offended you."

"About?" He opened his mouth but yet again nothing came out. She noticed a slight flush to his cheeks.

"Ah...Well about the husband...Marriage thing. I apologize" She blinked and huffed relieved.

"You just caught me off guard that's all, so your forgiven. " He nodded toward her response.

"I'm glad," He leaned his body to his side noticeing one of the maids peep around the corner. She gasped when Asher noticed her eavesdropping. A moment later the young maid came up to Elsa and curtsied

"Your Majesty i'm here to accompany you to your chambers."

"Very well," She glanced toward Asher. He straightened his coat and bowed.

"Good night Queen Elsa." She smiled and with that he walked toward the exit of the stables, leaving the two ladies behind.

"And you will need to sign here and here," Elsa nodded and signed a pile of papers that Kai gave her before beginning breakfast. She yawned quietly, there was no polite way to yawn. Kai chuckled and grasped the pile of papers away.

"Oh wait im not finished," she reached for them but he shook a finger at her.

"Elsa. Yes you are Queen now but remember you don't have to get a months paperwork done in one day. Pace yourself. You are allowed to be responsible but make sure you still have time for yourself." She stuck her tongue in her cheek and scrunched her nose playfully.

"If only that were true Master Kai." She teased and he rose his eyebrows in surrender.

It might be true what he was saying but she didn't want to disappoint her people. They deserve a good Queen who is willing to work hard and find an answer to a situation. Instead of running away from her problems and creating ice castles and such. They needed better and she was determined to give it to them. She was cut off from her thoughts when the side door to the room slammed open.

Elsa frowned curiously. Anna swayed back in forth almost tripping over her own feet, still in her night attire. She stopped and reached for the chair but her tired sight misjudged the distance and her hand flew downward. She gave out a little cry and hopped a step closer. Finally reaching the chair.

She gripped it tightly and pulled it out violently. Elsa gave out a small giggle and continued to watch her silly little sister plop in the chair. Very un-princess like, but of course Anna couldn't care less. Her bed head was more crazy then usual and she yawned loudly. Like a lion. The attitude, the hair, the yawn. Yes, she is most definitely acting like a lion. Elsa smiled, feeling a little better about her tiny yawn compared to Anna's roar.

"Uhgggggg!" Anna groaned loudly placing her tired head on the breakfast table face first. "Good morning,"

"You look like death child." Kai teased and Elsa choked on her tea.

"Tell me something I don't know." She replied while turning her head and sat up.

He smiled and went to place down a platter of jelly Danish's. Anna stopped him and urged him to set it down in front of her. He chuckled and acknowledged, handing her the platter. Anna grabbed one and took a huge bite out of her danish, enjoying the flavor. Elsa took another sip of her tea. Now prepared for any random humor.

Elsa pulled the napkin from her lap and started to wipe jelly from Anna's cheeks. Sometimes she felt as if she were being to sisterly or motherly even toward Anna. She didn't want to smother her. But for as long as Elsa could remember, she craved to be caring and sisterly. She wanted to worry and fuss over Anna.

They were separated for years from each other and Anna didn't seem to mind. In fact she would sometimes act purposely like this so that she could get attention from her big sister. Scared that she would turn her away again. Which Elsa couldn't blame her.

"Did you and Kristoff have a nice picnic?" Elsa asked. Anna swallowed hard and allowed Elsa to wipe the remaining jelly from her Chin.

"Well yes and no." Elsa grasped her teacup again while resting her elbows on the table. It wasn't very proper but she was feeling happy and little more comfortable. Or that Anna's bad manners were rubbing off on her.

"Really?" Elsa asked and sipped her tea.

"Yeah. I mean don't get me wrong it was amazing but..."

"But?"

"He still hasn't asked me..." Anna looked down into her lap, pressing her lips together. Elsa frowned, she lightly placed her teacup on the table.

"Anna...He..." Elsa stopped, flashing back to the night of the coronation. When Anna told Elsa she was engaged to that awful Prince Hans. When she didn't give her blessing, yet she was glad she didn't. But...But the last time she tried giving advice about love. She didn't know of it. Even now she still didn't know really of love but she was trying to. Though maybe today wasn't a good time to give her opinion on the matter. "Never mind..."

"Elsa no, its ok, you can tell me." Anna reassured her and she carefully continued.

"Well it has only been a year. You have the rest of your life's. Not that ...H-he should wait that long to ask you. I guess what I'm trying to say," Elsa grabbed Anna's hand. "Enjoy it. Enjoy it for as long as you can."

"So the moral of the story is be...patient?" Elsa nodded "Well ok I'll be patient but he better move his butt because I'm not getting any younger here!" They both laughed and Elsa gave a soft glance.

"If I am ever so lucky to find love the way you two have. I hope it is as pure and special."

"Naw is big sis feeling lonely?" Anna pouted. Elsa slapped her arm and rested back in her chair.

A royal guard entered the room along with Sir Asher which took Elsa by surprise. They both bowed to the Queen and Princess. Anna and Elsa nodded toward them. Elsa watched as the guard beside him jabbed Asher's side. She grimaced, annoyed. Why was he being so rude toward Asher. He walked to the other side of the room and whispered in Master Kai's ear. Elsa watched his expression. It went from concerned to delighted. He clapped his hands together laughing and walked eagerly to Elsa's side.

"My Queen we have just received word that King Thomas of Corona has reached the docks of Arendelle!" Happy Whispers from maids and servers filled the room.

"Oh I hope he brought Princess Rapunzel with him." One maid pleaded with glee.

"Yes, it has been so long and she is such a lovely soul!" Another replied.

"Uncle Thomas is here?!" Anna was so excited and stood up from her chair. "I'm going to go get ready. May I be excused?" Before Elsa could say anything she was already out the door, while arm in arm with two maids. They all ran with each other laughing down the hall. Elsa grinned and looked up at Kai.

"I thought they were coming in a week." Kai gave her a strange look.

"My Queen it has been a week." A week passed already? Time was not Elsa's friend. How time flies will always amaze her.

"Well we must greet them." She rose from her chair with grace and smiled to all the servants in the room. "Thank you so much for breakfast." She looked toward two girls. Who Elsa could only assume were maybe 15, 16. They smiled for they were the ones who prepared their meal. They both opened the double doors for Elsa to exit. She stopped and looked at the both of them. "Well done girl's." She whispered and she continued on her way. Smiling when she heard the quiet excitement from them as she left.

"Stay close behind boy." Asher rolled his eye's at the guards stiff order. Even though the message they were to bring to the Queen was his to deliver. They opened the door to the royal dining room, Asher was greeted with morning smells of pastries. He took a deep breath in discreetly so the guard wouldn't catch him doing so. His breakfast was interrupted that morning by the message of a scout watching the horizon and saw the Corona's crest on the flag of a ship coming to port. He was some what looking forward the ship's arrival, hoping his good friend Eugene was on board.

They both entered at the same time with a bow to the Queen and Princess. He looked up to see Elsa's stunned look on her face. He grinned curiously at the stare she gave him. Asher straightened again feeling a painful jab of the guard's elbow.

"Get going," Out of respect to a fellow guard he nodded but all he wanted to do was jab back. He walked to the other side of the room where Kai stood.

"Asher," Kai greeted and Asher smiled at him, he could feel Elsa's stare.

"I have news,"

"Oh?"

"King Thomas's ship was seen on the horizon and will be porting soon." Kai's face lit up with excitement an clapped his gloved hand's together.

"That's wonderful news," He went to the Queens side and announced it. It seems everyone was excited as the room stormed with multiple whispers. Princess Anna hopped out of her seat and ran from the room to get ready. Taking two maids with her. He smirked, Rapunzel and the Princess must get along very well. Seeing Anna's hipper attitude was amusing, he wondered if Elsa was like that?

"I thought they were coming in a week?"

"My Queen it has been a week." He tried holding in a chuckle and coughed. Her face looked so confused. He watched her shrug and stand up slowly from her chair.

"Thank you so much for Breakfast." She finished and started walking towards the open doors that two maids held for her. Kai began to follow while giving Asher a friendly slap on the back.

"Well done girl's " Asher caught Elsa's thankful gesture and both of the girls smiled widely. As he walked out he gave the young ladies a wink and they both laughed.

Kai and Asher followed close behind Elsa. He smiled at the way the Queen acknowledged every single person, no matter the station. It reminded him of sweet Princess Rapunzel yet Elsa had a sense of matureness that Punz didn't have. It kinda irked him a bit. What was she like when she took off the crown? Put aside the duties. Was she careless in spirit? Did she have a sense of humor? What was behind that royal mask she wore? The thought intrigued him. He glanced at her height, was she always that short?

"Asher could you stay here for the Princess please." Kai asked. Asher nodded and he waited at the gates.

Elsa glanced to the flag on the ship. Waving courageously with the Corona symbol. She shielded her eyes, for the sun shown brightly.

"Elsa!" She looked to the deck and saw Princess Rapunzel run towards her. Elsa went to hold her hands but was roughly embraced in Rapunzel's arms instead. "How are you cousin? It's been so long." She gasped happily. She squeezed Elsa so tight her arms hurt but she didn't mind.

"Yes it has," Rapunzel released her hold. "Your hair has grown." Rapunzel blew a rouge stand of hair out of her face and smiled. It swayed gracefully right below her shoulder blades. That length suit her.

"It's about time, now just 60 feet more to go." There was a pause and they both laughed. "Dear lord if it gets that long again I might cry." She gushed with an roll of her eyes.

"Hey I like blondes," Elsa looked over her shoulder and saw Prince Eugene and King Thomas close behind. Rapunzel went over to her husband and wrapped an arm around his waist.

"But you love brunettes." Rapunzel smirked. He winked at her and kissed her cheek before adding.

"You didn't let me finish."

Elsa grinned, feeling slightly awkward. First Anna and Kristoff and now these two. She didn't realize it before but she was feeling it now. Feeling like the third wheel. She was a little jealous to be honest but still enjoyed seeing them so comfortable with each other. And happy, so so happy. She sighed to herself, she wanted to feel that happy someday too.

"Elsa," Her uncle gave her a soft smile. He opened his arms to her. She smiled and gave him a light hug. "Are you well dear?" She nodded and she felt the sting of tears burn through her eyelids. Her uncle looked so much like Mother and his strong embrace reminded her of Father. She held them back so her family wouldn't realize. They parted and she noticed a few tears in his eyes as well. He gave a sad sigh and laughed under his breath.

"You look more like your mother every time I see you." He cupped her face and kissed her forehead. She let out a slight cry and wiped away a tear. "Where is Anna?"

Elsa frowned, where was Anna?

Asher waited outside Anna's room suddenly two maids came out and shut the door. He waited for a third person, the princess, but she didn't come out. He winced when he heard a crashing noise roar from inside. He heard Anna curse which raised a curious brow on his face. He jumped when Anna Swung her door open. She looked up at him with a determined stare. He gulped, this girl scared him. She reached out and pulled at the collar of his uniform.

"You'll do."

"Princess Anna?" She yanked him into her room and shut the door. Asher tripped over a pile of clothes and a hidden resting chair in her very messy room. Twisting himself into a blanket hanging from the ceiling and hitting hard to the floor. "Ow..." He muffled.

"Alright I need your help with this." Anna ordered. He swiped the fabric from his face.

"With what exact-" He paused wide eyed as Anna stood there with an untied corset. She gave him a firm stare annoyed.

"Well c'mon and help me!" She barked turning her bare back to him. He swallowed. Asher stood up adverting his eyes, trying to focus on anything but...well her. He took hold of the laces with his fingers and started to loop them through the holes.

"So," He coughed, "Why didn't you have the maids help you with this?" He glanced to the curve of her freckled back and blushed. He shook his head, focusing even harder at the task at hand.

"Well I told them that I could do it and...well I couldn't reach the loops." It surprised him that she answered so calmly. She has a man in her room, tying up a corset. Her corset! Wasn't she at all embarrassed? His ears were on fire and she was just talking to him as if he were just another one of the maids! He reached the last loop, finally. "Make sure to give it a good tug," He leaned to his side and gave her a blank stare. He looked back to the laces in his hand and tugged.

"Is that tight enough." Did he really just ask?

"Yes, thank you." He tied a bow, fastening the laces hold and she turned fast. "Lets go." She walked out the door and he just stood there.

"I'm going to get hanged for this,"Asher said uncomfortably, staring at his hands and walked out of Anna's room. He took a quick glance back at it, scruching his eyebrows as he did so. "Good Lord,"

"What was that Asher?" Asher flew his head toward the voice. Kai stood there with a sketical expession. Asher stiffened, how long was he standing there? The thought kept repeating through his head as Kai walked forward. He prayed he had'nt seen him just walk out of Princess Anna's room. Oh god please. He looked into the room and back at him pokerfaced. Say somthing, anything. He smiled and let out a tired sigh. "We have tried everything to clean this up but the Princess has a whilwind of energey we have stopped trying." Asher Blew out a sigh of relief.

"It definitly looks like a whilwind came through here." Kai hummed in agreement.

"And her name is Anna. Well come on, im sure your anxious to see his magesty." Asher nodded, giving Anna's room one last scowl and followed Kai.

Anna reached the Royal court and jogged toward her cousin. She eeped and gave Rapunzel a tight hug. The group stopped talking to watch the reunion. Thomas folded his arms in front of him. Elsa could tell he loved seeing his daughter interact with his family. She was stolen away from him for so long. She sympathized for what her aunt and uncle went through.

"How are you!? You look amazing!" Anna gave a thankful grin at Rapunzel's compliment.

"Thank you. I guess you have Sir Asher to thank for my amazing apperence." Elsa's eyes widened. What did she just say? Elsa walked toward her to ask just exactly what she meant by that and the doors opened as Asher and Kai walked in.

When Asher and Kai reached the royal court, Anna was already there greeting her family. Asher waved as he caught Rapunzel's eye and she ran to him.

"Ash!" She jumped in mid air to give him a hug, catching him off guard and they both fell to the floor. Surprising everyone in the room except for Eugene and King Thomas. This behavior was normal to them. Asher caught a glance of Queen Elsa. She graced him with an angry scowl. What did he do? She rose am eyebrow toward Anna and then back to him. Oh.

"Hi Rapunz-" Asher was cut off.

"No letters!? None!? Zip!?" She stuck out her tongue and sat up angry. Eugene walked over lending both his wife and Asher a hand up.

"Yeah we were expecting word when you reached Arendelle Asher." They both stood in sync as Asher rubbed his head. Trying to figure out an answer for his lack of communication with his close friends.

"I was going to but I was distracted by other things." He bit his lip as he heard Elsa cough a smirk. He really was sorry. Eugene grinned calmly and opened his arms. Him and Rapunzel completely unaware. Asher smiled as well an accepted. He slapped his back and parted giving Rapunzel a quick hug as well. King Thomas came walking toward them and Asher stiffened into a salute. "Your Majesty." Thomas took his hand and Asher relaxed, giving him a firm handshake.

"Hello Sir Asher." He looked to Elsa over his shoulder. "How are you liking your personal guard Elsa?" Elsa furrowed her brows confused.

"Personal Guard?" She asked looking at Asher and Kai stiffen at the same time. The King was confused as well.

"Yes I sent him to protect you because of the threats. I wanted you to be safe." Elsa looked to Kai who tilted his head to the floor. Threats? Thomas looked to Kai. "Oh I see, Kai hasn't told you." Elsa looked to Asher. His eyes full of worry and regret. She felt ice form inside her palm.

"This is the first I've heard of anything. What are these threats?" Elsa finally answered.

King Thomas looked at the ground not knowing what to say. Rapunzel walked toward her, coming to her father's aid.

"Elsa...The Southern Asiles have been threatening Corona...and Arendelle. They want war for what you did to Prince Han's." Elsa heard Anna gasp behind her. Rapunzel looked to Asher and back to her. She licked her lips and continued. "They attempted to murder my mother. Asher saved her. He is very skilled and our best soildger. That's why we wanted him to protect you. They want you dead Elsa." Elsa's heart began to beat hard.

"We came to start planning if something like this occurs. My army is ready for anything. We are with you Elsa." Thomas encouraged.

"That's why your here?!" Ice shot from her hand sending ice flying, breaking a window near her. Everything around froze in silence. Elsa closed her eyes clenching her fist once more. She took a breath in, she was not going to run this time. "We will discuss this tomorrow. Master Kai will show you all to your rooms." Elsa walked fast but steady. Asher stopped her at the door.

"Queen Elsa-"

"Do not," She looked at him with embarrassment as tears fell from her eyes. He frowned firmly and looked away. "Do not speak to me." She finished and carried on her way.