Chapter Five

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Falling to the snow covered ground, Airi slowly lifted her head up. She stared up to see Princess Anna, her hair pulled back into a ponytail and was kneeling down and lifted her back to her feet. Brushing the snow off of her friend, Anna stared off to the beautiful country side of Arendelle's hills of her vast farming region. The snow was still falling, yet the Kvina River was still flowing. Airi looked to see Flynn was looking through the spyglass to the south.

Anna looked down to the town of Likness, as they were being over taken quickly by the Glowerhaven's heavy infantry. Flynn scanned the battlefield, and saw that Arendelle wasn't trying to hold the town. They were carefully performing an organized retreat, as the citizens set fire to the dozens of silos of food stores.

"Clever." Flynn said as he saw that Glowerhaven's forces were to focused on claiming the bridges. "Glowerhaven are desperate for those bridges, they are sacrificing the food, that will hurt them in the end."

"What about the people, Ranger?" Anna asked in a worried tone.

Looking through the town and further west and south, "Helping the soldiers it seems… I don't see many women or children so they must of fled southwest."

"Towards Arendelle." Anna whispered.

Closing the spyglass, Flynn puttered his lips. "Whose up to sneaking through a battlefield."

A tinge of fear struck Anna as she looked to the battlefield. "You know there is no sneaking. We are talking about fighting."

Coming to her friend's side, Airi held herself with pain covering her body. "We should, wait until nightfall."

Looking to how crippled Airi was from her withdraw, Flynn lamented. "We have already wasted five days. Do we really want to make it six?"

After a moment to look over Airi, who has still struggling to stand, Anna knew the safetest path to take. "We camp here until night fall."

"What about our food situation?" Airi stated as she looked to Flynn's back.

Anna turned to Airi's who looked broken with her eyes darkened giving them a sunken look. Flynn was frustrated, but wouldn't show it. Slinging his pack down, Flynn pulled out his crossbow. "Fine Princess Streaky, we wait. Till then, want to try out that crossbow?"

Pulling the crossbow from around her back. "No killing people."

Nodding his head, Flynn said, "No promises." Coming down from the ridge, Flynn helped Airi return to their campsite. "We can use more Angelica. Think you can find it again princess?"

"Sure." Anna said with a smile. She knelt down and placed her hand against Airi's blushing cheeks. "You take care Airi."

Sheepishly the teenager nodded her head, and she watched as the two walked away. Flynn gave one glance over at Airi, then to Anna. "You really think flirting with her helps?"

The accusing tone, had Anna shake her head. "She is feeling like crap; I am just trying to brighten her spirit."

Pulling out a crossbow bolt, Flynn handed it Anna. "You think you are going to be friends with her after this?"

Blushing, Anna knocked her crossbow and placed the bolt down arming her weapon. "I hope so. She is sick and all alone, I am simply trying to help her. You should try it sometime."

Flynn didn't like the statement, but still responded with, "I am."

The notion was simple, but the man Anna knew as Ranger wasn't thinking too much like a man. Anna looked to the fields that were walking through. "Her brother is dead, the family she only knew, these Raven's Eye creeps, poisoned her with magic and turned her into a murderer. While you Ranger, are doing everything in your power to keep your distance from her. I simply don't understand why?"

"She is a promise nothing more," Flynn said. "This life. This isn't me. It hasn't been me for a very long time. I don't like killing any more than you Princess, and all she is, is a reminder of this life." Flynn armed his own crossbow and began to walk towards a grove of trees, with Anna following beside him.

"There is darkness hidden within everyone's heart Princess. Yours, mine, Airi, your sister, my wife, everyone, the only difference is how tempted one is to their own darkness. I am ambitious and my tragic flaw has always been my temptation towards darkness. My life now is a gift, a blessing, one I could be throwing away by helping Airi and you. Since you were forced to kill Gisle you have changed, has the darkness affected you Princess?"

Anna bit her lip and thought about the question. "Maybe. I still remember the anger, sadness, fear, yet overwhelming satisfaction from defending myself. What I am most ashamed of though, is that I feel pride. I am glad I am alive and he is dead, and that frightens me Ranger."

"That is normal." Flynn whispered as he pointed to his eyes, then to a mountain hare.

Anna gave a pout seeing that what Flynn wanted for dinner was so cute. Crossing his arms, Flynn looked back to the hare as if expecting it to fall over dead by sheer force of will. Raising her crossbow, Anna took aim and didn't even realize a small smile crept up on her face as she released her bolt with deadly accuracy.

Lowering her weapon, Anna glared at Flynn. "Beginners luck."

After a rub of his chin, Flynn smiled. "I am sure. I will collect dinner, how about finding some more Angelica."

Looking down to her crossbow, Anna felt a bit defenseless. "How about a couple bolts."

Flynn was trusting the Princess less and less, but he knew protecting her was still a priority. So he lamented and handed her four bolts. "Be careful Princess."

"You do the same Ranger."

Flynn watched as Anna walked deeper into the woods. When he reached the dead hare, Flynn frowned to see as it was shot straight through the heart. "If she is being effected by magic, why, and by who?" Popping his head out of Flynn's hood, Pascal pointed skyward and flapped his arms like a bird. "Yeah, you said a bird was, but that would mean the bird is magical, and being controlled. So who is controlling the Princess through the magical bird. Why cant this magic be easy, she sings hair glows, heal?"

It didn't take long for Anna to find more Angelica and as she picked it a Raven landed on her shoulder. Smiling, Anna paused from collecting the herb and stroked her hand down the Raven's neck. "What brings you here my old friend?" The bird gave a soft crow, and Anna showed a hint of concern. "Really my dear? Well than, everything should be done to stop the secrets from being discovered. If we must, storm those islands and kill everyone on them." The Raven squawked, and Anna smiled, "We are vulnerable. The protection of the Everwinter has not come to this realm yet; we cannot let them bring to light our true goals. Make sure it is done."

After a short squawk, Anna gave a sigh and slowly stood, as a shadow of a man casted over her. She looked uncaringly to the black hooded soldier armed with a sword. "Have you come to kill me?"

Staring at the young woman, the man lowered his weapon cautiously. "Can it be possible, are you really her?"

Placing the herb into the satchel at her side, Anna shrugged her shoulders, "I am simply a puppet on a string, much like yourself."

"But you are the Ave Gratia. A heart so pure, how could it of been turned," The man whispered in shock.

"So you recognize me?" Anna replied with a flattering tone. "Then you are here to kill me."

Raising his sword, the man replied, "Even if you are a servant of the raven, your heart was forged by one of the sorcerer's apprentices. The hearts, must not unite. You must be sacrificed in the name of the raven."

"I might be a puppet on a string, but I am no servant." Anna hissed as she rose her crossbow, and the raven on her shoulder screeched at the assassin. "I am the greatest of all fears, I am the purest of all evil, I am the darkness hidden within a heart forged of light."

The assassin stepped back when Anna's shadow warped unnaturally to the setting sunlight, and it consumed the shadow of the assassin. Falling to his knees, the assassin winced in pain.

"I am sorry."

When Anna's shadow reformed, her face was stricken with pain and anger. "Go now you fool."

"As you wish." The man uttered the dark magical control placed upon him filling the whites of his eyes like an oily toxin. He stood and fled from Anna as silently and quickly as he approached.

Falling to her knees, Anna clenched her hand over her heart. "Resisting the darkness is futile princess," Anna whispered. "You opened the door, you can never put me back in. You can never take back the life you took."

"I will always fight."

Smiling, Anna held back a laugh. "The light is nothing. It is pointless, the light will never remember anything that I do, the Raven's magic will see to that."

"That magic isn't from the Raven. This is more than a puppet on a string. I remember this. I remember the darkness."

Slowly standing, Anna eyes narrowed. "I see know, remembering the time between life and death. Though it lasted seconds, I saw the realm of chaos, the realm of the exiled. The path my soul took was just one of many. A part of my soul was stolen from me that day, by darkness, to bring life to what never was meant to be."

Falling to her knees, Anna's body twitched in pain as she hissed, "It lifted the vale between the worlds, and I saw darkness. I felt its eyes looking down upon me from above. I will betray love with my heart, and soon what little light remains within me will be gone forever."

"Never!"

Collapsing into the snow, Anna body laid lifeless and the raven flew up into the air and began to screech. She laid there for some time, her body tossing and turning as if being attacked in a nightmare. When she finally returned to consciousness she rolled over her head pounding. As she slowly sat up, she saw Flynn racing towards her in a panic.

He slid to her side and too her hand, "Princess are you okay?"

She looked about where she stood in confusion and fear. "Ranger, I don't know what is happening to me. I keep on blacking out. I forget how I get to places."

Looking up to the black raven flying circles high above, Flynn knew he was being watched. "It's okay, I am sure it was nothing."

With the help of Flynn, Anna stood and rubbed her forehead. "I have a headache."

Still holding onto Anna's hand, Flynn he helped her to her feet. "Let's just get you to camp."

After a few deep breaths, Anna gave a heavy sigh. "It is fading. I think I am okay." Letting Flynn release her arm, Anna checked out her balance and nodded her head. "Sorry about that. I might be coming down with something. Or it could be my lack of chocolate? I usually eat at least seven piece a day. I am also pretty homesick. Does homesickness give you headaches?"

Shrugging his shoulders, Flynn gave one final glance to the Raven and said, "I am sure it is nothing. Let's just get you back to camp."

/

/

Stepping out of her washroom in just her nightgown, Rapunzel held her stomach and moaned slightly before she fell forward onto her bed, with her arms and legs sprawled out. Fully dressed for the day and her hair pulled up into a bun, Cassandra took a seat next to her Princess and gave a worried, but frustrated look.

Peering up to her with one eye, Rapunzel groaned, "Don't say it."

Putting her fingers to her lips, Cassandra gave an exaggerated expression of thought. "I have no idea what you are talking about my Lady. I was in no way going to tell you that you are pregnant."

Taking a pillow and covering her head, Rapunzel groaned in frustration. "It's all Eugene's fault!"

"Hmmm." Cassandra did her best to hide her smile as she said, "Well I am assuming your husband would have something to do with it, so he is half responsible for this."

Rolling over to her back, Rapunzel adjusted the pillow and placed it over her face. "I am going to face the Royal Court today, to declare war on Glowerhaven and ally with Arendelle."

"Don't forget your plan to use gunboat diplomacy against the Southern Isles." Cassandra noted as she stood and walked over to a dress cupboard. Opening it, she began to layout the princess's clothes for the day. "I guess bringing up the fact that you are with child, might prevent your father from letting you go off to war."

"My duty is not just to my kingdom Cas." Rapunzel replied as she slowly sat up letting the pillow fall to the floor. "I have to be the one to do this."

Slamming the cupboard shut, Cassandra turned around her usually fun carefree demeanor turned to worry. "No you don't Raps!"

Standing, Rapunzel gave her friend a sympathetic gaze. "Yes I do."

Cassandra knew Rapunzel was right, but over the past five years, she had become more than just a handmaiden or a friend to Rapunzel, she loved her like a sister. She was scared to death of seeing her beloved princess get hurt.

In silence, she began to do her duty. She escorted Rapunzel back to the washroom and after she was bathed, assisted her in dressing. It was light pink, silvery dress, with yellow and magenta trim. Once fully clothed she also applied her make up, and finally placed the crown upon Rapunzel's head. She stood next to Rapunzel in silence, both looking at a body mirror.

Staring at herself, Rapunzel for the first time in a long time was terrified on what the future would bring. She looked back to Cassandra and tried to give her a reassuring smile, but both knew that was pointless. So she exited her room, with two guards posted outside falling in attention. She gave a slight nod to each and they escorted her down the corridors and halls and finally to the throne room. Waiting for her outside was Kristoff, who was dressed in a fine green vest and black pants, and Olaf was beside him, looking up at her brightly.

Stopping, Rapunzel smiled and he gave a small bow. When he raised he said, "I wish I could go in there with you Grand Princess Rapunzel."

"Please." Rapunzel stepped forward and took Kristoff's hand. "I consider you a friend Kristoff, you can call me Rapunzel or just Raps. Lady Cassandra will take you to the waiting room."

Cassandra bowed and began to escort Kristoff away. Olaf waved to Rapunzel and said, "Have fun convincing your dad and his court to go to war Raps. I like that name, it reminds me of wrapping paper, which reminds me of presents, which reminds me of Anna."

Rapunzel chuckled at the snowman's carefree attitude towards the matter. After a deep breath, Rapunzel looked to the guards by the door and nodded. The door opened, and Rapunzel looked down the long great hall to see her mother and father sitting in their respectful thrones. In front of them was a long table with nine men and one woman sitting at it. All stopped in their chattering and raised to their feet's as a herald announced Rapunzel formally.

Entering the room, Rapunzel did not take her place on the right hand side of her father, but at the head of the table facing the king and queen. Only royals could petition the kingdom into war, or to form alliances that would bring the kingdom into any past or present conflict. With no royal representative from Arendelle, Rapunzel made herself advocate for the Arendelle crown, forfeiting her chair during the course of the hearing. Something her father was against, but something he couldn't stop.

After giving a deep and respectful bow to her mother and father, Rapunzel at first couldn't find her voice, but finally said, "Your Majesty King Frederic, and her Grace Queen Arianna of Holy Kingdom of Corona, I thank you for allowing your audience and that of your court upon this day. I Grand Princess Rapunzel of the Holy Kingdom of Corona come to you as advocate for the Right Honorable Queen Elsa of Arendelle."

Giving a slight nod of his head, Frederic was proud of his daughter. "You are welcome to my court Grand Princess Rapunzel."

"Thank you." Rapunzel looked up and added, "Dad."

As everyone took their seat, Rapunzel remained standing, however looked down to her notes that were positioned on her desk. "My King, My Queen, peers of the Realm, Royal Court of Corona, I come to you on this day not as your Princess, not just as an Advocate for Arendelle, but for an advocate of all of humanity.

Our scout ships in the region have confirmed what Sir Kristoff of Arendelle warned us about. Five days ago, Glowerhaven landed between eighty to one hundred thousand infantry and cavalry in the eastern province of Arendelle. It began with the sacking of Stravhelm, last reports show them making their way northwest towards the town of Likness, in all likelihood the town has fallen. Reports of Princess Anna of Arendelle either missing or killed have not be corroborated.

They have been slowed by heavy snowfall most likely created by Queen Elsa. Also the entire Cimbrian Peninsula has been eclipsed by a storm of ice, snow, and lightning the likes of which never seen before. There is no mistake, our world is at war.

I know some of you would argue that this was not an unprovoked attack, that Arendelle started this two years ago, during the Snow Queen incident. To those, who think that must ignore the apologizes Queen Elsa gave to all effected. Restitution to those who needed it, and this Kingdom unanimously forgave Arendelle. Our two kingdoms even signed a trade agreement since then. There is no mistake, Arendelle is our ally.

No matter what Glowerhaven might publicly state, this war isn't about Weselton, or the possible danger of Queen Elsa. This war was three hundred years in the making, and we are a part of it just as much as Arendelle. You have already seen the evidence, that the mercenary guild Raven's Eye instigated this war, and today I am here to tell you why.

The goal of this conflict has one purpose, and one purpose only, to cast a shadow upon the world, to bring back a time of darkness and fright. They seek to undermine centuries of peace, and happy endings, in the name of a great evil that was purged from the land long ago. They seek a return to the Era of Darkness."

Leaning back in her seat, Frederic rubbed his chin and spoke with skepticism. "You, yourself must admit that there is no evidence that even if what you say is true, it will happen. The prophecy is three hundred years old. I will admit Raven's Eye is utilizing dark magic, we can't be sure that if they topple Arendelle the Era of Darkness would return."

Staring at her father, Rapunzel hid her nervousness well as she spoke. "That is why I must travel to the Southern Isles, to discover the remaining volumes of the book I discovered in my formal home."

"You mean this book?" Frederic said, as he picked a book from a table beside his thrown.

Nodding her head, Rapunzel replied, "Yes. I hope to find by which means the Raven's Eye seeks to return the lands to the Era of Darkness. Determine its validity and power. Make no mistake your majesty, even if they try and fail, they will try again."

"Rapunzel dear." Queen Arianna spoke softly as she looked to her daughter with all the love in the world. "We are taking about whispers, and legends. Do we risk thousands of citizens lives on just that?"

Rapunzel found her mouth was dry and her tongue like dried bark. "No my Queen. We risk thousands of our citizens on the memory of our past." When everyone wondered what she meant, Rapunzel continued. "What did our Ancestors do? If given a chance to stop the Era of Darkness would they let it slip by them? The past has taught us that it was inaction after the Folly of Prydian that lead to the Era of Darkness, and it took nearly a hundred years before it's end and the Renaissance that followed"

"We have the luxury of hindsight Princess." A Court member said.

Another one pushed the finely written paperwork Rapunzel worked on for an entire day away from him. "I feel for the people of Arendelle, Princess, but there is no physical evidence that Glowerhaven would attack us. The Suntear Crystal is the only magic we have, and we have banned its use."

"I think you answered your own question Councilor." Rapunzel said as she looked to the Suntear Crystal that rested on a pedestal between her parents. "Even if I was wrong, that the destruction of Arendelle does not bring about a return to the Era of Darkness. We hold in the heart of our kingdom they physical essence of what they inspire to destroy. The Suntear is the physical embodiment of light, do not tell me sir that you do not think they would do anything to destroy it, as well as all those who have possessed it.

With that knowledge, how could we face our people when the invasion comes, that we didn't have to stand alone? We are not debating if helping Arendelle in their time of need is a noble, or righteous act, we are debating over the petty semantics of who it would benefit."

Leaning forward, Frederic eyed his daughter and countered, "We are debating over the lives of our people Rapunzel. You are asking the fathers and sons of Corona to leave their families, and travel to a distant land to defend people they do not know. To counter a threat, who has never directly threatened them."

"But they have been threatened father." Rapunzel replied in her soft elegant voice. "When one threatens the light, they threaten all of humanity. They terrorize our dreams. They cast the shadow of doubt upon all men's heart. Our people are scared father, they crowd the docks every morning for the latest news, fearing the darkness on the horizon.

You've conscripted more soldiers, and are building more ships, in the name of calming your subjects, showing them not to fear the darkness. All you have done father is given them a very cruel gift of false hope. You know in your heart, in the part you fear to tread, that I am right. Darkness is coming.

Do we rise like the brilliant sun that represents the heart of our kingdom, or will you allow the light to set, and let darkness reign?"

There was a long pause, and all watched as the King and the Princess stared at each other with intensity. "Even if I send our army and navy to the defense of Arendelle, they have Queen Elsa and her magic. If she cannot defend her own kingdom, how can we do any good against the dark magic of the Raven's Eye?"

"We fight magic with magic." Rapunzel replied. "There is no mistake on why God spared me one final tear. I believe it was for this very moment, to banish the darkness that is spreading across the world."

"You would use our only advantage, our only defense in the name of Arendelle?" A member of the court said in aghast.

"It is not the kingdoms to do what we wish of it." Rapunzel replied with a cold authoritative tone. "The fairy of light was clear that only I can wield its power. The suntear is a part of me. It always has and it always will."

Raising his hand, Frederic leaned back in his throne and took in a deep breath. "Rapunzel. Are you absolutely sure?"

"Father." Rapunzel spoke with a hint of plea. "I know I have missed out on so much our lives together. These past five years have been the best years of my life, and I would never, ever want to jeopardize you, or your kingdom." Tears slowly formed in her eyes as she continued. "When Eugene left to save a friend it taught me that doing what is right, doing what is good, outweighs even love. He taught me sacrifice, to save me from Gothal, and I am willing to sacrifice my life, to save the world from darkness. Are you?"

Everyone looked to the king who stared at his daughter with such pride and love. Five years, of twenty-three, that is all he has had with his daughter. In those five years he became enamored by her adventurous spirit, kindness of heart, and resolute selflessness to do what was good no matter the cost.

Looking down to his court, Frederic cleared his throat and felt a bit of fear, yet an overwhelming sense of duty. "Grand Princess Rapunzel, you propose today is something I wish on no man or beast, War. The last of my family to ever declare war was my grandfather. That war was a war of treasure, and ended with the Battle of Cats Hill, that shattered the Great Union of Kingdoms and the peace earned at the end of the Era of Darkness. You are not asking us to go to war for land, not even for treasure, or even our kingdom. You ask that we go to war for an abstract and sometimes forgotten battle. You are asking us to go to war for the hearts of all of humanity.

It is a bold and seemingly impossible conflict. Yet, can we avoid it? The darkness is rising. That is a fact no one can deny. So do we stand and fight now, or wait until that tiny tear next to me, becomes the only warm light in the world? Even if there is just a sliver of a chance that this world could slip into darkness once again, we must act. A King of Corona has never declared war without unanimous consent from his court. Are there any objections."

/

/

A cold chill hovered over Arendelle from the snow that was blanketing the east. Within the capital rested the royal castle that overlooked the port kingdom. Within the royal bed chamber's stain glass balcony doors were open. Queen Elsa had no choice for all the glass surfaces were covered in frost. She sat on her massive bed and stared thoughtfully into the night as her fingers played with the edge of her nightgowns sleeve.

She was comfortable in her magically conjured clothes, however she still preferred to sleep in her natural cotton gown. Though tonight, there was no sleep to be found, come morning she would be marching an army thirty-five thousand men into war. Her army was outnumbered, and lacked experience. She knew they had to rely on their mastery of the terrain to seize even a sliver hope of victory.

With a wave of her hand, Elsa materialized a topographical map of her kingdom made from a mist of ice crystals. She swiped her fingers and the map began to spin slowly. Her hand began to shake and the ice crystals fell to the ground.

Clenching her hand into a fist, Elsa knew why her emotions were getting the best of her powers. She was devoting nearly all of her focus onto the storm of pure rage and furry she brought down upon the Kingdom of Glowerhaven. After a calming breath, she raised her palm and the ice crystals raised and formed into a map of Glowerhaven and the storm she brought down onto them.

She could feel every snowflake she had ever created. She slowly began to cry as she focused on Glowerhaven. In the past five3 days she could estimate that nearly fifteen feet of snow covered the land, with nearly a foot of ice. The furry of her storms lightning was tearing the country apart.

Then she felt it, it stuck her right in the heart. This suffering she brought upon her enemy wasn't who she was. As the map she generated slowly floated in front of her bed, she stared at it knowing what she must do, yet she hesitated. Her thoughts turned to her sister, a sister she wasn't sure was even alive. Closing her eyes, Elsa rose her hand. Her hand began to tremble and she drew it back partly in shame and in pain.

Getting out of bed, Elsa pulled her hair back into a knotty ponytail just before exited she looked down to her outfit, and waved her hand to enhance the nightgown into a grayish blue free flowing dress, with an effortless cowl neckline and billowing fabric that made it look like she floated as she walked. Looking slightly more presentable, Elsa left her chambers. Her two handmaidens just outside snap to attention and she gave a simple smile which they knew they were not needed.

She went down the wing and entered her sisters room. She stared into the darkened, room its chilling silence was so foreign to Elsa she felt as if she walked into a stranger's room. Anna's warm heart, joyful laugh, goofy expressions, and endless love made Elsa feel hole. She crept into the room and walked by Anna's make shift shrine of all the birthday gifts she received from Elsa. Reaching the bed, Elsa gently sat on it, to stare at the two dolls crafted to look like them. They rested against the pillows in a warm embrace.

Taking the Anna doll, Elsa brought it to body and began to hug it as her tears overwhelmed her and she silently began to cry. She sat there for what seemed like hours, until a shadow was cast over the light coming in from the hall. She looked up to the sight of Dragna.

Looking away, Elsa didn't not want anyone to see her losing control. "Go away."

Taking a step forward, Dragna looked down to his bare hand in amazement to find not a touch of cold air was emanating from the room. "My Queen, the latest reports have come in. The snow has slowed the invasion, but as we feared they have already reached Likness. There is still no word on Princess Anna. Also our scout ships have seen movement among the Glowerhaven fleet. It appears a large detachment is now moving away from the cost and is no longer following their army. It is possible, they are returning home for supplies and food.

After a long breath in a desperate attempt to clear herself of tears, Elsa replied, "Thank you Master Dragna."

Taking a second step into Anna's room, Dragna stared at Elsa, conflicted on how he should feel about his queens suffering. "Your Majesty…"

"She wouldn't want this." Elsa blurted out as she began to cry again. Lowering her head into her palms she couldn't hold back her emotions. "I am causing so much suffering against the people of Glowerhaven, as retribution for what their king was doing to my people, my sister. But she would have never of allowed me to let the innocent suffer."

Dragna looked out towards the stain glass door that lead to Anna's balcony. "Your storm upon Glowerhaven has crippled their supply chain, weakened their navy and has given us the breathing room to organize a proper defense."

"People are dying Dragna!" Elsa declared as she looked up to her confidant.

Coming to Elsa, Dragna knelt before her and said, "People die in war my Queen. Glowerhaven burned Stravhelm to the ground, Likness fate will be no better."

"Because they are killing innocent people we must do the same?" Elsa question in frustration.

It took a moment for Dragna to compose his thoughts so he bowed his head. Once he knew what to say he rose his head. "My Queen, war is not something you can fight with civility, or kindness. Wars will always be won by those willing to bring violence against all those who conspire with evil."

Shaking her head, Elsa looked down to her hands. "I can't keep this storm up, I can barely control my power focusing on two fronts."

Seeing his queen's hands shake, Dragna's heart broke, he slowly reached out and took her hands and said, "My Queen, look around you. You are in control."

Peering to her left, right, and then behind her towards the balcony glass, Elsa was shocked to see that the room wasn't freezing over. When she looked back to Dragna his emotionless demeanor was next to break as he smiled. "You don't need Anna my Queen. Her love will always be in your heart."

As Elsa's eyes began to clear, Dragna felt better now that his queen was calming down. However, when he went to stand he found Elsa was holding his hands tightly. He looked back into her crystal blue eyes and froze. Elsa leaned forward, and when Dragna did not resist, kissed him upon the lips.

For a moment, Dragna did not care about honor, or chivalry, for a single moment he simply did not think as he kissed his queen. It however was only for a moment. He finally pulled away and drew his hands back away from Elsa.

At first Elsa was too shocked with herself over her boldness, but when she realized Dragna was attempting to leave she flung out her hand. The door flung shut and icy frost bloomed across the lock and handle. Dragna drew his hand back quickly from touching the door and turned in frustration. "No. No, this isn't how it works."

Standing, Elsa clenched her fists in her own frustration. "What are you so afraid of Dragna!"

With a sneer of ever growing frustration, Dragna couldn't look to Elsa in the eyes. He ran his hand through his light brown hair and pulled on the end as he found himself losing less and less control of his emotions. Elsa studied Dragna and a tinge of anger came over her as she realized a truth. "You just want to punish me, to hell with your own feels isn't that right!"

"Because you deserve it!" Dragna shouted, finally letting go of his control as his emotions were exposed like a raw nerve. "You watched as I fell in love with your sister, and the moment I confess that love to you, you rip out my heart."

Glaring at Dragna, Elsa was quick to respond, "There you go again. Get over yourself. I guess all that is left is to rip out mine. So be it, but don't for one second tell me that you might not of loved Anna, that she was simply a proxy."

Looking to Elsa in astonishment, Dragna bellowed a cynical laugh. "Now look who has to get over herself. Oh, dear. You are so desperate for someone to love you; you are willing to even steal that love from your sister. Maybe the reason you have been delaying Princess Anna and Kristoff's wedding is because you are afraid that Anna simply doesn't have enough love for the two of you!"

That remark earned Dragna a swift and chilled stinging slap across the face. Dranga kept his gaze to the floor as Elsa hissed in anger, "Why would you ever say that! I've been delaying her marriage to make sure Anna truly found her one true love. I made them wait a year just to get engaged and I hated every second of doing so, but I didn't do it for myself. I've been stonewalling Anna and Kristoff for you!"

The words from Elsa's lips fell on Dragna ears like daggers. He finally raised his head to see Elsa was crying once more, even so, she was more beautiful than ever before to Dragna. As she rubbed her eyes clear of tears she said, "You loved her so much, upon your return, I didn't think anything, not even a boyfriend would stop you from at least trying to court her. Not once did you ever attempt to be more than just the causal friend to my sister that you've always had been. I never understood why. I thought you were simply to chivalrous to ever challenge Anna's heart, but after you kissed me for the first time I knew why. At least I thought I knew."

Dragna was finding himself feeling out of breath, his heart was racing as he listened to Elsa's heart spoken words. He was speechless and watched in silence as Elsa's flicked her hand towards the door, releasing it from her frozen grip. Wrapping her arms around herself, Elsa turned her back from Dragna and said, "You are dismissed Master Dragna."

At first he simply rose a hand up to Elsa but paused, he felt betrayed, not by Elsa, but by his own thoughts. He lowered his hand wondering how he allowed himself to be so cruel to not just Elsa but to his own heart. He lowered his hand and slowly walked to the door. He opened it a crack and paused. Would he simply abandon the woman his heart desired? They were to emotional, the kingdom could be facing its final days and none of that mattered. He couldn't escape the truth. Closing the door, Dragna turned back to Elsa ran to her, she turned around and opened her arms to be overtaken by his embrace. The two wasted no time to kiss in a passion unlike any they felt before.

/