Chapter 5
Elsa awoke to the feel of early morning sunshine on her face. It was the first day of autumn and the beginning of the first full day of married life. She pushed some of her hair out of her face. Her braid was undone and she was feeling a bit disheveled. But wonderfully so. She was also feeling that something was amiss. She was in the large four poster bed that dominated the royal bedroom, but she was alone. She looked about the room and saw Karl standing before one of the large windows overlooking the calm waters of the fjord. He was dressed in a long, dark green robe.
"Sweetheart, what are you doing up so early?" she asked.
Karl half turned and looked at her over his shoulder.
"I'm sorry if I woke you. I guess it's hard to break the habits of a lifetime. It's always an early morning on the farm."
"Even after last night?" she asked, one finely crafted eyebrow arching upward.
He merely smiled a bit back at her.
"Karl, darling, you aren't telling me something. Please, come here and sit by me," she said as she sat up against some pillows against the head board, pulling up the covers so that just her arms and shoulders were bare.
Karl moved beside the bed and sat down next her legs.
"What is it?" she prompted.
After taking a deep breath he said,
"I watched you create the ice cathedral yesterday morning. I knew you could do things with ice and snow," he said with a shrug, "but on such a scale, and with so much beauty and grace. It was stunning. The columns and arches, the way you made the panels and the artwork. Your parents looked so lifelike, and the scenes of different parts of Arundel. It was incredible that someone could do that with just a thought and the wave of a hand," he said, and his eyes drifted away from hers as he finished. "And I began to think, what does someone who can do all that really need with me."
Now it was Elsa's turn to be stunned. For the past weeks she had been clinging to this rock of a man as the preparations for the wedding had nearly driven her to distraction, and now he sat there doubting what he meant to his new wife. She reached out and took hold of his hands with hers and said,
"Please look at me, dearest. There hasn't been a word created that adequately describes how much I need you. Yes, I can do amazing things with ice and snow. And if you think the cathedral was something, I need to take you to North Mountain. My ice castle should still be standing. But that's all that is, just ice. And while it might be true that I was, and am not now, really bothered by cold, I've come to find that I truly need warmth. The warmth of these hands, of your embrace, and these lips," she said with a smile, which then turned a bit wicked when she added, "and I most definitely need the heat from last night."
She chuckled a bit as Karl's cheeks went rosy.
"What I also need that you and no one else can give is the warmth of your love," she said with a smile. "And if your practical farmer's upbringing needs more, I may be able to create soaring art with ice but I know nothing about what it takes to create a thriving farm, and there are far more of those that make up this kingdom. Yes, I've created a graceful bridge of perfect ice, but that won't take a lumberman's harvest from the forest to the harbor but a stone arch will. I need you to be my husband and my lover and my rock. The kingdom needs you to be the Queen's consort who'll make happen all those things my father thought were needed. And I'd imagine you'll have some ideas of your own, and that's good, too."
She squeezed his hands as hard as she could and let her blue eyes bore into his.
"Do you think you understand now why someone who can build an cathedral of ice one day only to have it be a pool of water the next needs a man who knows how to build something that will last generations, be it a bridge or a family?"
Karl nodded and smiled. Elsa smiled too and then slid her arms up around his neck and said in a low voice,
"Good, now how about you show me what you understand about heat."
The bell that called for breakfast for the royal apartment wasn't heard until deep into the morning. When the royal couple finally emerged for their meeting with the Prince of the Southern Isles, the Queen was looking very regal but decidedly happy about something. The consort looked, well, thoughtful. Anders escorted then to the same room where Elsa and Karl had their first private meeting. When they arrived the Crown Prince and his wife were already there and they rose to great the royal couple.
"Your Majesty, may I express my thanks for your agreeing to meet this afternoon. It is most gracious."
"Not at all, Your Highness. We are all too well aware of how responsibilities often take precedence over our personal preferences. And there is much we may accomplish. Please, be seated."
The Crown Prince and Princess sat on a comfortable settee while Elsa sat in a well upholstered chair that while not a thrown, did give certain impressions. Karl sat in a simpler chair to her left.
"Your Majesty, as I mentioned yesterday, my father was quite beside himself when he heard of the plot Hans had perpetrated. The fact that he had so nearly committed regicide was a severe blow to us all. However, before he takes any final action, he wishes to have as full an accounting as possible. He does not doubt the word of those that brought Hans home, but he wishes to be seen as making as thorough an investigation as possible. Hans had many friends at court and some have raised questions."
"I understand your father's position, especially where a son is concerned. What would he ask of me?" Elsa inquired.
"There is a member of my father's court, a Baron Friedrich Von Helmstein. He is an intelligent and inquisitive fellow who is held in high regard by the King. My father asks that he be allowed to ask questions of those with knowledge of what transpired in order to more fully understand the facts."
Elsa considered this for a few moments and then said,
"I will consent to your father's request so long as it is understood that those who do provide answers are doing so voluntarily. There will be no compulsion to do so."
"Thank you, Your Majesty, your conditions are most reasonable. The Baron will be so informed."
"Now, Your Highness, if that is settled perhaps we may speak of trade for a moment," Elsa said.
"Trade, Your Majesty?"
"Yes, trade. Another aspect of what occurred here a few months ago was the severing of relationships with Weasel Town or Wesselton, however it's pronounced. They were our most significant trade partner. I simply wished to suggest that there might be an opportunity here for our two nations to review our own activities in this area and have the appropriate ministers meet to discuss the possibilities. I recognize that much of it will be taken care of by various merchants, but some official efforts might be wise. What do you think?"
"I think it is an idea ripe with possibilities, Your Majesty. And all things considered it is extremely gracious of you to suggest it."
"Your Highness, what I feel towards your brother cannot be allowed to interfere with what is in the best interest of my kingdom and its subjects. And as it so happens, the interests of yours as well. Another example of responsibility and personal preferences. I take it therefore that I can direct my Minister of Trade to initiate contact with his counterpart in your Father's court."
"Most certainly, Your Majesty."
"Excellent. Then I suggest we take our leave and we shall see you at dinner this evening," Elsa said.
"We look forward to it eagerly, Your Majesty."
"Until then," Elsa said, as she stood with Karl offering his arm.
They walked in silence until they returned to their apartment and once the door closed Elsa let out a long breath and leaned into her husband.
"So, how do you think that went?" she asked.
"Without having any experience to draw on, you certainly impressed me. You were cool, confident and as the Prince said, gracious in accepting their request while setting reasonable bounds. Then you brought up your own agenda which was a surprise to him and demonstrated your grasp of the fact that trade is a fundamental piece of the relationship between nations."
"Considering you have no experience to draw on, that was a masterful summation, my love. I felt I had to clip their wings a bit. My father once told me the court of the Isles can be a pretty ruthless place. My guess is that the King is seeing plotters for his throne everywhere and the Crown Prince can't be feeling too secure right now. I wouldn't want that nervousness resulting in any pointed questioning of my subjects, if you catch my meaning."
"I believe so, and again you raise an interesting question," he offered.
"What's that?" she asked.
"Why do you need me?"
By moving quickly, he was able to wrap her up in his arms before the first blow could land and he smothered her outrage by kissing her into submission. Considering how long it took, she must have been quite angry. Next on the agenda were Anna and Kristoff. Since it was a family matter the meeting took place in the sitting room of the royal apartment. Elsa and Karl were comfortably seated on a couch when Anna and Kristoff came in. Anna immediately hurried to her sister, dropped down beside her and wrapped her in a big hug.
"So, how is my sister the newlywed faring?"
"I fare just fine, thank you, dear. We can discuss details later, but for now we are here to talk about you two, remember?" Elsa replied.
"Yes, I remember, just you remember what you said about details," Anna replied with a laugh.
Anna then bounced up, grabbed hold of Kristoff's arm and pulled him down onto a love seat across from her sister.
"So, what do you two intend?" Elsa asked.
Anna and Kristoff looked at each other and then Kristoff nodded for Anna to take the lead.
"We intend to get married, Elsa, but there are some questions."
"Such as?"
"What role does Kristoff play?" Anna asked.
"Role? I thought he intended to maintain his ice business," Elsa said.
"Yes, but can he? Can a Princess be married to a merchant, as such," Anna asked.
"I certainly don't see why not. I see a great deal to be gained by being married to a man who understands all about farming," she said, hugging his arm tightly. "Why shouldn't you be able to marry a business man? Especially one who is the official ice master of Arundel," Elsa finished with a grin. "So, we have that settled?"
"I think so, and thank you, Elsa," Kristoff said.
"Oh, I think I owe you a great deal more than that. So, with that in mind, may I be allowed to offer you something?" the Queen asked.
"What is that, Elsa?"
Elsa stood up and went to a desk set against the wall. She pulled open a drawer and took out a box. She held it in her hands as she looked at the younger couple.
"I don't know when mother did this. Whether she had premonitions about that sea voyage or she did it just on a whim, but she set certain things aside. She meant you to have this," Elsa said, but instead of handing it to her sister she gave it to Kristoff. "If you would do the honors, sir."
Kristoff opened the box and smiled up at Elsa and nodded. He reached in and took out a ring that featured a gold ban with a significant looking diamond. Anna's eyes grew very large. Kristoff slid off the settee to one knee and looking at Anna he said,
"Anna, my beloved, I don't know if any engagement ever got it's start in a blizzard, but I offer you all the warmth of my heart if you would consent to be my wife."
Anna started to stammer out a 'yes' but she came up short and as tears began to flow, she threw her arms around his broad shoulders and buried her face in his neck. It took a few minutes but she was finally able to bring her head up enough to whisper yes into his ear. Karl had stood up and come to stand behind Elsa and wrap her up in his arms. As they watched Kristoff slide the ring onto Anna's finger he said quietly,
"Wouldn't you like a ring like that?"
"Anna has mother's ring of diamond, I have your mother's of gold. I wouldn't change a thing," she said, holding tightly to his arms.
While this significant meeting was taking place in the castle, far to the north, at the very reaches of the border of Arundel, another meeting was taking place. It had the same number of people but not nearly the warmth. A wood cutter and two helpers were busy harvesting when a tall man of advanced middle years approached them, walking out of the trees. He was wearing simple robes that looked to be made of reindeer hide and had seen many years of hard service. He carried nothing else, no stick, no backpack, nothing.
The hood was down and showed a slightly balding scalp and a mix of brown and gray hair. He was beardless. One of the helpers had stopped in his chore of moving lengths of wood to a heavy wagon and watched as the man got nearer. A few low words got the others' attention. As the stranger came to a stop, he was now the center of attention of all three men. For some reason the woodcutter felt better having his axe held in front of him.
"Well met, good sirs. Could you by any chance tell me if this is the kingdom of Arundel?"
"Only just. This is the northern frontier. The border is that ridge just yonder," the cutter said, pointing to a high ridgeline a few miles back the way the stranger had come.
"Excellent. And this is the realm of the Queen of Snow and Ice?"
"So some would say," the cutter replied cautiously.
"Marvelous. And the capital would be that way to the south."
"Aye, although it be a number of days by foot."
"A matter of no consequence, I assure you. Thank you and good fortune on your efforts."
And with that the robed man moved off briskly in the direction of the city of Arundel. All three gave a bit of a shudder and the cutter said,
"All right, lads, step lively. Feels like winter will be coming early this year."
In the evening, the banquet hall was once again host to the visiting dignitaries and those Arundel nobles who had not begun the journey home after the wedding. A string quartet played softly in the background and the diners were more closely grouped to provide an intimate atmosphere. Before the main course was served, a tapping on the side of a crystal goblet focused everyone's attention on the Crown Prince of the Southern Isles.
"M'lords and ladies, I would like to offer a toast to our hosts, Her Majesty Queen Elsa and her consort, Sir Karl. Your Majesty, we were all aggrieved with the untimely passing of your parents. We were also concerned about the future of Arundel, for we knew next to nothing about the heir. But based on the meeting we held this afternoon to discuss certain matters," the prince said with a bit of a pained expression, "I am confident when I say that I believe the kingdom is in good hands and the Southern Isles looks forward to a long and prosperous future. To your health."
This was met with a number of 'cheers' and 'hear hear'. Elsa took Karl's hand and gave it a squeeze and he leaned down and whispered,
"A bit of a roundabout way to say good luck and let's make lots of money together."
Elsa had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing out loud. She pulled Karl's head down and kissed his cheek. A few more sincere and succinct toasts were offered during the rest of the meal and as it drew to a close Elsa stood and addressed her guests.
"My lords and ladies, family and friends, thank you so much for joining Karl and I during these two wonderful days. We wish you all pleasant journeys home and look forward to the future. Sleep well."
But the evening wasn't over for the new royal couple. Elsa had asked that her new family gather again in the smaller room where they had met earlier. Elsa sat next to Karl and kicked off her high heeled shoes and put her feet up on Karl's knees. She looked at her in laws and said,
"I'm sorry, but I've been wearing these things for two days and my feet are killing me. By all means, please, relax. It's time to get better acquainted."
"Firstly, Elsa, my girl, I would like to congratulate Anna and Kristoff. Anna, he may not be quite the catch that my son Karl is, but he's a very close second. He works hard and deals fairly. You can't get better than that."
Kristoff smiled through his embarrassment while Anna gave her sister's father in law a hug. A servant wheeled a cart in with a few decanters, goblets and a tray with slices of cheese, meats and biscuits.
"I know we just ate, but if anyone feels the need please help yourself," Elsa said.
None of the sons proved bashful. And Kristoff was right in there with them. Alissa looked at Elsa and said,
"If you don't mind my asking, do you think anything is likely to happen to that pig, Hans?"
Elsa smirked a bit and said,
"As much as I'd like that pig to be made into sausages, I have to trust to his father and oldest brother to see justice done. The fact that he proved to be such an ambitious little schemer should make his father rather cautious. I doubt very much he'll be allowed to see the light of day again. At least not without bars in the way."
"We heard such stories on the farm. It all seems so incredible. Especially with you sitting there in your stocking feet," Alissa said.
Elsa raised her hand and with a wave a brief flurry of snow fell from the ceiling. And as if on cue, Olaf strolled into the room, his private little flurry hovering over his head.
"Hello, my name is Olaf and I love warm hugs," he said.
Anna hurried forward and gave him one. The brief snowfall was surprising, but the walking, talking snowman was stunning. Anna looked back at them from her knees and said,
"This little man played a very important part in saving Elsa and me. He's one very special little bundle of snow."
Olaf waddled up to each of the Ericson's and introductions were made. Gerta and Alissa even managed hugs. Then he walked over next to Anna and Kristoff and settled down. It took a few moments but the conversation began to pick up again. Elsa looked at Kristoff and said,
"Is everything set for our visit to your family, Kristoff? I'm sure they will find the news of your engagement to be most welcome."
"Yes it is, Elsa. I'm sure they'll be thrilled I'm all fixed up."
Anna was beside herself with laughter. Karl retrieved Olaf's carrot nose after his initial outburst shot it across the room. Albrecht looked at his newest daughter and said,
"Speaking of family visits, I trust you intend to pay us one at the farm."
"As a matter of fact, father, I was thinking about just such a thing. I would think either just before or just after harvest. I would not wish to interfere with your most busy time."
"It will have to be after, my girl. We'll be starting as soon as we return home. You'll miss something of not seeing a harvest, but I think it inappropriate to ask the Queen to roll up her sleeves and help with the putting up the produce."
"Not inappropriate, father, just ill timed. Perhaps next year."
Albrecht looked at his son, sitting with the Queen's feet back up on his lap and said,
"My boy, I trust that you count yourself amongst the luckiest men who've ever lived. Much like your brothers."
The family gathering lasted until nearly midnight, when Albrecht finally reminded everyone that they were leaving early the next morning. As Karl and Elsa walked to their room she said,
"Sweetheart, I hope you didn't mind that we spent so much time with your family. It was just so wonderful to feel a part of them and to know they are all less than a days ride away."
"Elsa, I would never begrudge you something like that. Having grown up as I did, I can't imagine what your life must have been like. We'll work it out that you stay a close part of it, especially with the girls. I think that would be important," he said.
"Thank you, darling. It looks like we won't get much sleep before we have to see them off," she said as they went through the door of their apartment.
"Perhaps we shouldn't bother going to sleep then," he said as the door closed.
It was a sandy eyed young couple that saw their family off for the half day ride back to the farm. Immediately afterward they were back in their apartment and didn't emerge until after having a quiet, late lunch. Elsa took her husband for a tour of the castle, poking their noses into various nooks and crannies. In the upstairs corridor outside her old room she said,
"And this is where I spent most of my life, dearest. Locked behind that door, fearing the touch, or to touch, any living thing. I wonder if I should have the door bricked up."
"I have a better idea," he said and he reached out and turned the key that was in the lock and then turned the knob.
He pushed the door open and stepped in. He turned and saw Elsa standing there, frozen in place. He looked around and then offered his hand.
"It's not the room that you fear. It is the memories of what happened here. And memories have no power unless we give it to them."
He waited patiently, his eyes on hers, his hand rock steady. Slowly, as if her hand were a glacier, it crept forward until it rested on his palm and his strong callused fingers closed around it. He gently led her through the doorway and walked with her until they were standing in the middle of the largish room. Little of a child's life remained there. Just the bed, a bureau, and a large standing closet.
The one large window had a cushioned seat at the base. He led her there and sat down and pulled her gently down beside him. He could feel the trembling in her body. He wrapped her in one arm and said,
"Tell me about your time when both you and Anna shared this room."
She looked up at him, her eyes questioning.
"I have heard much about the troubling times. Tell me about the happy ones."
So she took a deep breath and began to describe how she and Anna would play together and sing together. Of how the power could be used as a way to play, instead of an instrument of mortal danger. They sat like this and talked for nearly two hours. Finally Anna sat up straighter and looked around the room. Then she looked at Karl and said,
"Perhaps this would be a good room for our children to share. Some cleaning, some paint, some new bedclothes. It's been used as such for a number of generations, thank you for reminding me of that, sweetheart."
Karl smiled down at her and then suggested perhaps they'd better get ready for dinner. When Karl asked if they would have to have some big affair for dinner every night she laughed and said,
"No, my dear, we won't be doing that. I suppose there are some monarchs who behave that way but not here. Quite frankly the budget couldn't handle it. Tonight it will be the two of us plus Anna and Kristoff. Once they are married we'll have to see what their living arrangements will be. I'm afraid you may be stuck with a long line of quiet little meals with just your wife and then the children when the come along. I hope you don't mind?" she finished with a smile.
"Hmm, quiet, intimate dinners by candlelight with the most beautiful woman a man could ever hope to meet. I suppose I could get used to that."
Much to her surprise, the elbow that she drove into his lower ribcage actually had an effect and Elsa spent the next five minutes apologizing profusely as Karl attempted to straighten up as the stitch in his side faded. Later, when they had joined with Anna and Kristoff to eat, the ice dealer laughed as he offered to make Karl a big ice bag for his side. His glee didn't last for very long when Anna scolded him.
"What are laughing about, you big lout? I practically had to pull you up off the floor that time I barely tapped you in the stomach after you tried teasing me about something."
"What are you talking about?" Kristoff asked indignantly. "You put everything you had behind that punch and I barely moved."
"Oh, really? Would you like to try it again, here in front of witnesses?"
"No, that won't be necessary. If you hurt your hand you won't be able to eat and that would offend Her Majesty and we can't have that," Kristoff said with a lofty expression.
Anna looked at her sister and said,
"You know, sweetie, I was a little concerned about you being married to someone like Karl who doesn't talk much. I'm beginning to think you got the better arrangement."
It was Kristoff's turn to endure laughter at his expense and he wasn't being nearly as gracious about it as Karl had. As they sat down to be served Elsa sought to change the subject so she asked,
"So, Kristoff, you're sure we won't be causing any issues by going to visit your family?"
"Not at all. Pabbie and Bulda are actually very eager to see you again. Not to mention your young man there," Kristoff said with a grin.
"You know, it's strange but I don't really remember them very much. I recall a wild ride through the forest and some strange visions, but not much more."
"I don't remember any of it," Anna said.
"You weren't supposed to, dear," Elsa said. "Father said it would be better that way, but I'm not sure about that. I think it would have been so much better to have had my best friend to help me deal with it."
Anna smiled sadly and reached over and took hold of Elsa's hand. The rest of the meal passed pleasantly with the conversation ranging from what projects Karl thought he would tackle first to what business plans Kristoff had. Karl thought that upgrades to the trading piers made the most sense. Much of the government's operating revenue was derived from trading.
"I've had thoughts about expanding the business but I'm not sure how much more I can handle. Bigger would mean more sleighs, and people and reindeer. I don't know if I want all those complications. I kind of like it just being me and Sven. But I guess if I'm going to be the husband of a Princess, I need to be more successful."
"Says who?" Anna asked.
"Aren't I expected to provide you with a life with a big house and such, like you had here growing up?" he asked.
"You are expected to make me happy by being happy yourself. If being a one man operation is what makes you happy then so be it. I suppose I can learn to live in a small stone hut in the mountains dressed in rough woolens," Anna explained.
"Oh, please, the both of you are being so ridiculous. Anna, you know full well that you get an allowance for the rest of your life and there's an apartment here in the castle if you want it," Elsa explained. "I'm not sure I'd want you two underfoot at all hours of the day, but I'm sure we can make some arrangement."
Karl had remained silent during this entire exchange but he finally opined,
"If that were the case, I suppose I'll have to find a shovel to clean up the ball room after you two have your snowman building contests."
Elsa's eyes lit up and Anna smiled.
"Hey, Anna."
"Yes, Elsa."
"Do you wanna build a snowman?"
The sound of their laughter echoed through the corridors as they raced to the ball room, their men following along more slowly.