"You wanted to see me, Pappa?"

The King glanced up from the report in his hands and beamed at his daughter. Rising from his seat, he returned the affectionate embrace before gesturing for Anna to join him on the chaise in the corner of the study.

As soon as they were comfortably seated, he cut straight to the chase. "What's going on between you and Elsa?"

The changes in emotions across Anna's face would have been astounding to watch but was only a cause for concern to the King. Shock, stunned, guilt, shame then determination fleeted across Anna's features, speaking volumes about her emotions.

"Nothing." She squeaked, quickly averting her gaze. She was an open book and she knew it.

"Anna… I am your father. Let me help. Whatever it is, you can tell me and we can figure things out together." The King sighed, taking Anna's hands into his own. "The both of you are behaving very strangely recently and your mother and I are very concern."

"It's nothing really." Anna shrugged. "I'm just stressed out about the tourney and the engagement… and it's just overwhelming." It wasn't an outright lie but it may as well have been. The tourney and her engagement were the last things on her mind. She was more fixated on her relationship with Elsa or whatever it was.

"It's just…" The King waited patiently for Anna to organise her thoughts; knowing from experience it was just a matter of time before she cracked under pressure and spilled everything.

"I don't think agreeing to marry Hans was a wise decision…" Anna winced inwardly, preparing herself for the tirade that was sure to follow.

Surprisingly, her father merely sighed and smiled in understanding. "I agree it wasn't your finest moment." He commented wryly.

"You are not mad at me?" Anna blinked in disbelief.

"Why would I be? I have to admit I'm very glad you've come to your senses. Those Southern lads are unworthy of my daughter." He made a face of disgust much to Anna's wonder. "I'd much rather you remain a spinster and rule as queen. If it's breaking off the engagement you are worried about, don't be." He squeezed Anna's hands reassuringly.

"But that might mean the Southern Isles will declare war! Our people shouldn't have to suffer for my errors." Anna protested, clearly conflicted and unwilling to allow her happiness to be at the expense of others.

"Let them come. I'd rather be threatened by an external force than have to live in fear of my new son-in-law running his sword through me. It's always easier to guard against an enemy that you can see." Her father's eyes darkened, as if reliving a similar situation in the past.

Noticing Anna studying him intently, he smiled; a cheerful glint returning to his eyes. "So who managed to capture my daughter's heart?"

Anna chuckled nervously, pulling away in embarrassment. "Honestly, I don't think it was even available in the first place." She admitted with a blush.

"Is it mutual?"

"I think so. Sh – we," Anna quickly corrected. "– need some time to sort things out seeing that I've gotten myself into a particularly sticky situation." That was close. Anna wasn't sure how her father would take to the news that she has strong feelings for another woman. One problem at a time. She had learnt her lesson about biting off far too much that she can chew. Unless its chocolate cake, then that's a whole other story.

The King tapped his chin thoughtfully. "It's Elsa, isn't it?" He asked softly, careful not to come across as accusatory.

Anna gaped like a fish out of water. Was it that obvious? "I… but…h – how did you know?" She stammered, as soon as the words were spoken, she clamped a hand against her mouth before she unwittingly said anything else.

The King laughed, a deep, rumble resounding from his chest. Sobering up at the half-hearted glare in annoyance from his daughter, he cleared his throat lightly in an effort to compose himself. "Well, if it's Elsa, then you have my blessing."

"Wait, what?" Anna stared, dumbfounded. Did she hear that right? "You…don't disapprove?" She asked cautiously, seeking confirmation.

"Not at all. I was expecting it actually."

"You were?"

"I had my doubts then… but yes. It's a long story, one that I will tell you all about some day. Don't let an old man's tale cloud your judgement." The King leaned back against the cushions, his expression pensive. Grand Pabbie's prediction had come to pass. He shuddered at the thought of what else the elder troll had foretold were true. "What are your plans now?"

Anna sighed heavily, fiddling with the ends of her braids. "I can't exactly send Hans a letter saying 'guess what? Let's call off the engagement!' can I?"

"I take it Elsa is of no help then?"

"You have no idea, Pappa. She's so stubborn it's infuriating. She keeps going on and on about my reputation and how I'm of royal blood while she's nothing but a mere peasant, blah blah. I just want to throttle her sometimes." Anna mimicked a strangling action, her arms gesturing wildly as she spoke; the tension in her body dissipating at the relief of finally being able to confide in someone. "And now she seems to think avoiding me is the best solution to preventing scandalous gossip."

"Ahh… the ever gallant Elsa. She's far more honourable than any noble-born. But I'm glad she feels that way. It puts my mind at ease that you have chosen someone so righteous. The Gods know somebody has to rein you in." The King chuckled.

"Not helping at all, Pappa." Anna crossed her arms, mildly miffed.

The King only laughed. "I'll speak to Elsa. And I'm sure I can convince our Southern neighbours to call off the engagement."

"Thank you, Pappa. What of the tourney?"

"That I'm afraid will have to take place as planned. It's far too late to cancel it now. They've probably set sail for Arendelle. Although we had better best them in this tourney. It'd certainly make our demands a little easier to accede to if we prove our prowess."

"Even if it doesn't, we'd have less of their champions to deal with on the battlefield." Anna added morosely and her father nodded his agreement.

xxx

Staying away did not work as well as Elsa thought. She had deliberately limited their interaction while they were on duty or at least arranged meetings in the presence of others, namely the King himself. But that apparently did not stop the fleeting glances of longing that Anna continuously sent her way when she thought no one was looking.

Clearly Anna hadn't been as inconspicuous as she would like to think.

"Elsa. A word if you please." The King gestured for Elsa to follow him to the antechamber while the remaining officials took their leave from the throne room after the expectantly long monthly review.

"Have a seat." He took his place on one side of the desk and waited until Elsa was comfortably settled before speaking.

"How are the preparations for the tourney coming along?" The King started, lacing his fingers over the desk.

"Very well. We've compiled the list of competitors from both sides and completed the random draw matching. I'll have the finalised copy brought to you for approval later this week." Elsa explained tiredly. She had a growing headache from the endless squabbles between the officials regarding finances earlier and she just wanted to retreat to her the quiet of her office.

"Good. Good." The King nodded in satisfaction before cocking his head to the side and regarding the blonde. "How's Anna adjusting to the administrative aspect of running an army?"

"She's doing well."

The King quirked an eyebrow at the short answer but otherwise did not comment. "I noticed you have returned to wearing gloves and I take it it's not due to the change in weather."

Elsa blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the turn in the conversation. There was no point in lying but she wasn't entirely comfortable with explaining either. The King thankfully took her silence in stride.

"I'm sure you have your reasons and I will not pry. I just hope you know that you can always speak to me. Not as monarch and subject, but as family." He smiled kindly, the sides of his eyes crinkling. Deciding on a different approach, he continued, paying close attention to Elsa's reaction.

"I spoke to Anna."

A flash of surprise registered in cerulean eyes then nonchalance, impassive even. The King pressed on, carefully wording his next sentence. "She has confided in me regarding a personal matter and I have agreed to speak to you on her behalf."

Elsa nodded, keeping her face blank.

"Well, you are not making this any easier for me, aren't you?" The monarch exhaled in a huff. In a way, he was extremely proud at the Elsa poker face. He couldn't have chosen a better leader for the army. Elsa probably wouldn't even bat an eye during an interrogation; assuming she could even be captured by enemy forces.

"I'm sorry, but I don't follow." Elsa answered politely.

"Elsa… I've seen the way you and Anna look at each other. Ever since the both of you were back in each other's lives, I don't think I've ever seen either of you so… happy. As her father, I want nothing more than for Anna's happiness and I know for a fact that you can give her that and so much more. I meant what I said about trusting you with Anna. I've already told Anna this but I think you need to hear it too. You have my blessings. Now stop fighting your feelings and go to her." He ended sternly.

"I am unworthy." Elsa whispered, looking down into her lap at her gloved hands.

"That's not for you to decide is it?" The King asked kindly, his words reminding Elsa of what Anna had said on the ship. It wasn't her decision. She can't control everything. Sometimes she just had to let go and go along with the wind.

"The world is already harsh enough without you being hard on yourself."

Elsa fiddled with her fingers. The King's approval of her… for lack of a better word, relationship should have brought her some comfort, except it didn't. If anything, her feelings were in complete turmoil and more conflicted than ever. Why does everyone seem so… accepting of it? Does it not go against the rules of society? Two women in a relationship, whereby one was the heir to the throne? Does no one else see the implications of such a union, if it came to it? There will be no heir. The Arendelle bloodline would end with Anna. The kingdom would be overrun by other monarchs, innocent blood will be spilled all just so someone could claim an empty throne.

Or maybe, there was another way. Maybe the trolls with all their knowledge of ancient magic could help. Maybe, just maybe, they could help bring forth another life with Anna's blood in its veins. The inheritance of the throne would be undisputed then, wouldn't it? And Elsa could finally hold Anna in her arms and over time, the people would grow accustomed to them. She could already imagine standing in a nursery with Anna, an infant bundled up in the colours of Arendelle in her arms. The child will have Anna's eyes, blue with a hint of green; like a depthless ocean. It would be perfect.

As if he could read her thoughts, the King spoke. "One problem at a time, Elsa. Stop trying to think so far ahead. Between you and Anna, I doubt anything could stand in your way."

Elsa nodded. The King, as always was right. With Anna, by her side; nothing short of an apocalypse could stop them.

xxx

Everything was going as planned. Hans smiled deviously as he tossed a crumpled up black cloak into a wooden chest, dropping the lid and letting it slam shut. In less than a month he would have a kingdom of his own; his twelve brothers be damned.

Life was like a game of chess. Pick the right battles, predict your opponent's moves, sacrifice the occasional pawns and victory is within your grasp. It doesn't matter how many of your pieces were struck down as long as you hold the opposing king in a checkmate.

The Weaselton fools were his pawns and Anna… Anna was the opposing queen. She had been so easy to manipulate it was like taking candy from a child. So eager, so desperate. All it took was some flattery, well timed compliments, and a whole lot of impromptu fibbing and she was putty in his hands. That Grand Marshal Elsa Frost was on a whole different level though. No amount of sweet talk would sway that one; she was a living statue, emotionless. Regardless, Hans had a plan. He always does.

Less than a month.

He could hardly wait.

xxx

Elsa flew up the stairs of the Keep, taking the steps two at a time to hasten her ascent. Hardly breathless, she reached the top floor and strode towards the door to Anna's chambers. Without knocking, she flung the door open on its hinges and her eyes fell on an empty room.

Growling in frustration, she wrenched the door closed and stalked towards her own chambers. Her confidence was waning and if she didn't see Anna soon, she doubted she would be able to build up the courage again. Halfway to her door, she stopped.

"Breathe, Elsa. Breathe."

The ice griffin that she had given Anna, what was it that Anna named him? Gale? Right, Gale. He's always around Anna. If she can find Gale, chances are Anna would be nearby. Closing her eyes in concentration, Elsa reached outwards with her mind, searching for the little blip of consciousness that she had willed into her creation.

White light filled her mind and she saw the world through the ice griffin's eyes. Gale was flittering on his tiny wings on the roof of the Keep, weaving through the crenels as quickly as he could manage. The creature was bored and his fiery redheaded mistress was nowhere in sight.

Breaking out of the vision, Elsa sighed in disappointment and continued towards her door. With her head lowered, she pushed the heavy panel open and slipped in, closing the door behind her. Even with her focus on the grey stone slabs, she knew she was not alone. Glancing up, her eyes met Anna's as the redhead looked up from her position hunched over the desk, a loose sheaf of parchment in her hands.

"Anna." Elsa breathed out in a raspy whisper, distinctly aware of the blissful flicker in her chest.

Anna smiled apologetically. "Sorry. I wasn't expecting you to return so soon and I needed the draft for the tourney's living arrangements. I'll leave now…" She gathered several scrolls and tucked them under and arm, quickly making her way towards Elsa and the door behind. As much as she wanted to stay seeing that it was the first time in a long while that they were alone, she respected Elsa's wishes. Besides, she would rather leave of her own accord than be thrown out unceremoniously. There was only so much rejection she could handle.

As Anna moved around the motionless Elsa to get to the door, the blonde grabbed her around the wrist. In a blink, she was pulled forwards, her body colliding against Elsa's. The scrolls fell from her arm, clattering hollowly against the floor and Anna made to retrieve them only to have cerulean eyes still her with a determined stare. The haze of confusion that had clouded Elsa's eyes was gone, replaced instead with a blazing resolve that search her face.

Then Elsa's lips were upon hers and it was all Anna could do to keep her knees from buckling. The kiss was anything but chaste. It was filled with an unparalleled hunger, a barely restrained wanton need, a desperate cry for more; yet at the same time, it was gentle, full of adoration. Anna wrapped her arms around Elsa's neck, pulling the blonde closer as she felt strong arms holding her tight.

When they finally parted, Elsa rested her forehead against Anna's.

"Not that I'm complaining, but what was that for?" Anna asked breathlessly.

"I just wanted you to know how I feel." Elsa replied quietly, almost timidly.

"I don't think I got the message. Could you repeat that?" Anna asked hopefully, her voice light in a tease.

Elsa captured her lips in another searing kiss that set Anna's nerves tingling. This one lasted a longer than the one before with Elsa's lips moving tantalising against her, eliciting a soft whimper from her throat. It was with a sigh when they finally broke apart for air.

"Mmm… I think I'm getting a better idea now…" Anna murmured, nuzzling her forehead against Elsa's cheeks.

A soft kiss was pressed against her temple and Anna smiled in bliss. "What changed, Elsa?" She asked softly, curious as to Elsa's sudden change of mind when just a few days ago, the blonde had been fairly insistent that they ceased any and all forms of intimacy.

"Nothing's change." A pause as Elsa rested her cheek against the top of Anna's head. "We shouldn't be doing this. This… cannot happen again."

Anna pulled away, her face crestfallen as she met Elsa's eyes. There was a sadness swirling in those depthless blue orbs yet there was also a calmness that she had never noticed before. "Then why did you –"

Elsa interrupted with a finger pressed to Anna's lips, silencing the younger woman. "Not now, at least. Not until you are well and truly freed from your commitment. One month. Can you wait a month, Anna?"

Anna smiled, her face beaming with newfound hope. "I've already waited years for you. What's another month?" She stroked Elsa's cheek with affection, before a curious glint appeared in her eyes. "Can you wait a month?"

Turning her head to press a kiss against Anna's palm, Elsa smiled grimly. "I'll try."

"You know I'm not going to make it any easier for you right?" Anna teased, biting on her lower lip as her gazed idled on Elsa's full lips.

"I'm counting on it." Elsa leaned forward again and Anna rose on tiptoes to meet her. Their lips pressed against the other's moving slowly, deliberately, savouring the feel of the other as they clung tightly together relying on each other as an anchor to reality. A flutter of snowflakes, soft as powder fell silently around them; pure and pristine as their love for each other.

"You are such a hypocrite." Anna murmured against Elsa's lips.

"I know."