Chapter Twelve: Twisted Cupid
Laeso, Capitol of the Southern Isles
May 3, 1813
Caleb crumpled the latest letter he received from Lucriff and threw it across his desk, nearly missing his younger brother Holford who had given him the message. He was thankful, Holford was one of the few brothers who knew to hold his tongue when he was in a mood. Lucriff certainly darkened his mood today.
Lucriff was going to have to be punished for this latest incompetence. Somehow, his brother had not only failed to secure Queen Elsa but also lost the 18 Arendellian soldiers that were supposed to reign her in. The ice queen was now out of the picture completely as a captive to some pirate who can probably use her in some other way for political purposes. If that heathen who captured her ever found out who she was, she could end up under the thumb of Sultan Mahmoud II. It was rather quiet in his section of the world while Europe raged war-after-war but for all Caleb knew, the Ottoman Empire could be planning to throw their weight into this Napoleonic mess as well. That was the one place where Caleb held little influence. The Ottomans were too far and too different for the Westergaard family to marry and sow influential children into their royal ranks. Getting news about Queen Elsa would be difficult, and rescuing her would be nearly impossible.
"How do you wish to proceed in Arendelle?" Holford finally asked.
"What do I care about Arendelle now? Arendelle is nothing without Queen Elsa. Without the snow queen's powers and with the death of her alliance with the Northern Isles, it's just a tiny insignificant nation," Caleb grumbled.
"Insignificant now, but it might not be for long?" Holford argued.
"What do you mean?" Caleb asked.
Holford brought forth a sheet in front of him. Caleb saw that it was the latest copy of a French newspaper. He saw the significant article immediately. On one of the lesser headlines, there was an announcement that the newly crowned Queen Anna of Arendelle was to marry Marshall Henri Baujeu in two days.
"Emperor Bonaparte doesn't believe Arendelle insignificant or he would have left Queen Anna to rule alone," Holford pointed. "He didn't need his Marshall to marry Anna after Elsa was lost. He already has her and her kingdom under military control. And yet a wedding is still on the way."
"What are you saying, Holford?" Caleb asked, still not getting the hint.
"Think of it, Caleb. Anna is Elsa's sister. If her bloodline carries the same thing that makes Elsa special, would it not be possible that Anna can potentially give birth to a child with the same special powers as Elsa? Perhaps she already has, we just haven't heard of it. Her two children with that peasant husband of hers may not be as normal as they appear. There have been rumors."
"Yes, yes, I know about those rumors about them being devil spawn and some association with the trolls, but that's nothing but some nasty tale to discredit Elsa and her family by the Northern Isles lords. I haven't heard real proof that those twins have powers."
"Just like we haven't heard of Elsa's powers until Hans found out about them on her coronation?" Holford pointed out.
Caleb realized Holford was right. There was no evidence that Anna's children were magical and it was possible Elsa's powers were not hereditary. However, was he willing to risk letting Anna go into the clutches of the French when he could have future influence in a family that may well bring forth powerful magical children in the far future? Of course, not. Caleb was a Westergaard and in the true Westergaard tradition, he was calculating into prospects of power in the next generation.
"I see what you mean," Caleb agreed. "Well, then I suppose the original plan would have to continue then. Send word to Hans to proceed with the same order: conquer Arendelle, marry Anna and get her producing babies as soon as possible. Hopefully, a magical brat comes out of it."
"And what if Hans fails to marry her?" Holford asked. "He did after all execute her husband. She might not be too inclined to marry him after that second betrayal."
Caleb raised an eyebrow at his brother to indicate the answer was obvious. "I do have much confidence with Hans of late, but in case he does fail to re-charm that simple-minded girl, you Holford, will just have to bed her and get it done, with or without marriage."
Somewhere in the North Sea
April 26, 1813
"We land here and make our way inland using the provincial road. Before we enter the next village we take the path that follows along the river and up the side of the mountain. Just beyond the woods, there is a path only the timber merchants are familiar with. We can use that. This way, we will make it to the capital in less than two days without detection. The French wouldn't even know of our presence until we are a block away from the castle."
He let his finger fall from the map he was tracing and he looked up to watch her reaction. She did not disappoint. Surprise battled with uneasy suspicion marred her features for a moment but she quickly schooled them to her cold uneven countenance once more.
"I have been Arendelle's trading partner for many years, your Majesty. I have traveled these little roads myself and have timed the duration for bringing in saleable goods," he assured her. "Believe me when I tell you we will make it in time and with little interference."
She stared at him knowingly. He knew she realized he had been conducting illegal trade in her land in the past, which was why he knew so much about Arendelle's geography and was well informed on how to avoid the usual checkpoints. She could call him out in this and perhaps break off this alliance right now. That would be unfortunate. However, he was too curious to know if she was the kind of person who saw the bigger picture and knows how to prioritize which battles to fight.
She said nothing for a long moment, but when she spoke it was again with confidence. "I thank you for the information, Lord Ragnar. I will be counting on your further knowledge to navigate us through this passage. You must know we rely on you to help us in this endeavor to ensure future success in our relations. "
He was pleased with her response. Diplomatic in tone but with an underlying threat hidden in the middle of a compliment. And she used my name. Very clever of her.
Most people addressed him only with his title, the Duke of Weselton (or Weasletown as some were likely to mispronounce it, he suspected, as an intentional insult). Few people probably knew his real name or even bothered to know what it was. So whenever he heard it spoken, the person who did it always gained his respect. Queen Elsa even flattered him by uttering it in an almost cajoling cadence. Despite his earlier experience with her, he could not help but reassess his judgment. These last few days being with her on the same ship forced him to observe her closely. If he just ignored her unusual powers (which he admitted she didn't use at all to harm anyone), she appeared to be just as human as any other person on this ship.
However, he wasn't willing to consider her harmless. The Queen of Arendelle was still a dangerous woman as the ice powers were not the only weapons she possessed. With her arrestingly innocent expression, combined with her perfect body, the sultry lilt of her voice, and the grace of her movements, she could heat a man's blood with a look, a gesture, or a word. He wondered if she was even aware of her charms and if she was deliberately wielding it against the men she encountered. He was certainly affected by it. If he was half his age and less experienced in the affairs of the heart, he probably would have fallen for her. A woman with such abilities by his side would be an advantage in negotiating tables and that alone was enough for him to reconsider her. He needed as much advantage in that aspect soon if he hoped to accomplish his endeavors.
For a brief moment, he even thought of proposing marriage to her. She had little prospects in matrimony now that her reputation was ruined so there was a chance she would agree with him if he asked. She was a practical woman. Her reaction just now told him, she was willing to put aside personal feelings if it secured the accomplishment of a greater goal. She could see an advantage to being his wife if he laid it out.
Except, the advantage he could bring her would pale in comparison to her other alternative: Hans Jorgenbjorgen.
Jorgenbjorgen was younger, more handsome, and had an army at his command. She would be a fool to accept the proposal of an aging duke currently without a kingdom when a charming former prince with political influence and military strength was within her reach. He suspected Queen Elsa had already worked her magic on the ex-prince. He could see it from a mile away. Even though Queen Elsa and Hans Jorgenbjorgen bickered all the time and were barely civil to each other, he was attracted to her. He noted the way Jorgenbjorgen would stare at her when she was not aware of it and his face would flush whenever she said a cutting remark to him. The younger man desired her even if he was unaware or unwilling to admit it. The Duke knew to pick his battles. He was no match against the former prince in winning Queen Elsa's hand. He just had to make Queen Elsa his ally in other ways. To do that she needed to start trusting him.
"I assure you your majesty I will do all I can for us to secure your capital and rescue your sister in time. You have my word. And if my word is not good enough and I fail to deliver what I have promised, General Jorgenbjorgen is free from his obligations to assist me in taking back Weselton."
The redheaded general raised an eyebrow at his declaration. It was the only gesture that betrayed the young man's surprise. However, Lord Ragnar knew behind that façade, the wheels of the younger man's head were turning as he tried to figure out his scheme.
Hans Jorgenbjorgen is just like his grandfather.
The Duke remembered Admiral Johann Jorgenbjorgen well. The stable boy that he grew up with and became one of the most influential courtiers of the Southern Isles had been his rival for years. They both shared a keen sense for seeing opportunities and the killer instinct to use them to their advantage. Despite their competition, he was one of the few people Lord Ragnar learned to respect and they even became close friends as they grew older.
It was just a shame that he died too early. What could we have accomplished together had he lived longer? But then again, his grandson who was his namesake, and his splitting image in both face and cunning, was here in his stead.
Lord Ragnar realized he had been instrumental in Hans Jorgenbjorgen's very existence. As Johanna Jorgenbjorgen, Hans' mother, was Lord Ragner's godchild, it was he who introduced her to King Kristian of the Southern Isles. He was also the one responsible for persuading the young woman to break her engagement to Prince Agdar of Arendelle so she can become the mistress and later wife of the Southern Isles king, thus cementing her social position if not her happiness.
Now another opportunity presents itself. It may prove advantageous in the long term to have not only the Queen of Arendelle as my friend but Hans Jorgenbjorgen in my corner as well. United together, we could perhaps do great things. Do I dare play the twisted cupid once more?
Queen Elsa offered her gloveless hand to him. "I put my faith in you, Lord Ragnar."
He took her hand without hesitation and was surprised it was warm. He kissed it. "As do I in this alliance your majesty." He paused to look at Jorgenbjorgen. "General?"
"I agree," he replied. "If there is nothing more, I shall inform the men of our plans and make preparations."
"My men shall be at your disposal, General," Lord Ragnar offered. "However, may I have a word in private, Queen Elsa?"
"Of course," she consented. "If the General will allow us further use of this office?"
"You may do as you please, your majesty," Jorgenbjorgen replied graciously with an elegant bow before he left them.
"Forgive me for being bold in my question your majesty," Lord Ragnar began as soon as the door was closed behind the general. "But do you trust him?"
"No more than I trust you, Lord Ragnar," she said lightly with a wicked little smile.
Her frankness tickled his fancy. "Wise words, Queen Elsa. I see this three-way partnership of ours has an even better chance of succeeding than I first thought."
"And why is that Lord Ragnar?"
"There is nothing like a healthy dose of common suspicion to keep things in balance. When no one is a fool, each one brings their most brilliant ideas to the table just to ensure that one does not end up at the losing end. That would mean common goals are achieved much more efficiently."
"I agree," she replied. "I supposed there is something you would like to bring to the table?"
"Just an idea to bounce off, if you will indulge me."
"Please go on."
"Have you ever thought of what would happen after you have regained Arendelle from the French? Have you a plan to maintain your country's freedom?"
"It is no secret I intend to ally with the Coalition, Lord Ragnar. I have promised General Jorgenbjorgen that in exchange for this help, Sweden can count on Arendelle to be on their side, as have you."
"Yes, I understand, but how far will siding with Sweden go exactly?"
"What do you mean?"
Lord Ragnar heaved a sigh. "Queen Elsa, you and I are in the same boat. We are tiny nations amid the bigger political sphere of European superpowers. A temporary alliance while we wage wars can buy us for time, but eventually, we both know that one of those superpowers will swallow us whole. Weselton, Arendelle, the Southern Isles, Corona, they might be wiped off the map in a few years or even a few months depending on how the tides will turn. The degree of freedom our people will have when that happens is the only thing we can control."
She looked away and stared at the globe on Jorgenbjorgen's desk. He noticed her gaze focused on Arendelle on the spherical map. From this distance, it was only a speck compared to the territories of Prussia, France, Sweden, England, Russia, and the Ottoman Empire. "You have an idea how we can control that?" she finally asked.
"I have. Once I regain Weselton, I intend to offer a proposal to Sweden: a legal union that will give perpetual submission of Weselton in exchange for the retention of my title and that of my heirs, the freedom of religious worship, and our local laws and commerce to continue as before. To ensure that Sweden's interests are bound to Weselton onwards to the next generation, the marriage of my niece will be made to any of Prince Carl John's relations, or any man he appoints amongst his commanders. Trade concessions with mother Sweden of course will be prioritized which are bound to offer better financial advantages in Weselton and its trading partners."
Her eyes lit at the last two words. "You wish for Arendelle to resume trade with Weselton?"
"It is a natural course of our current alliance, Queen Elsa. I do not wish for our now congenial relations to end after we have liberated our countries. I intend for our alliance to grow together as neighbors. We can speak more of these matters later and we can agree on terms of legal trading as you see fit."
"I am certain we can, Lord Ragnar," she nodded evenly. He knew his previous black market schemes can no longer continue in Arendelle should they resume trade. She would watch him like a hawk from now on in all terms related to commerce.
"Of course, trade between Arendelle and Weselton can only even begin to resume if Arendelle is free to enter in such deals and is secure enough from outside threats," he drawled on. "So I go back again to my previous issue. Regaining your crown will not be enough. You must be able to sustain it. It would be in your best interests, Queen Elsa if you offer Sweden a proposal for Arendelle similar to what I will give for Weselton."
She was quiet again as she contemplated his words. She didn't appear amazed by his remark, which suggested she had thought about it before. He confirmed his suspicions when he replied. "I have considered such recourse, though I have yet to draft the full terms. I would be most grateful to your assistance in formulating additional terms with Sweden that Arendelle can also benefit."
Lord Ragnar was pleased by her openness. "I shall be glad to assist in any way. We can discuss things in better detail once we have regained our respective states. There is one matter, however, that I would like to bring out now. Have you considered the matrimonial aspect of this deal?"
"Yes, I have," she replied without hesitation. "I have already received a proposal for it."
He was surprised that she was already one step ahead. It seems she didn't need him to play matchmaker after all.
"So General Jorgenbjorgen has already proposed? He is a fitting choice. He has Prince Carl John's favor and support."
"He has," she said sullenly. "He has asked for my sister Anna's hand."
Lord Ragnar was suddenly confused. "Princess Anna? Why would he ask for her?"
Queen Elsa looked away once more he could see that she was just as troubled by this as he. When Lord Ragnar first met Princess Anna, he was instantly charmed by the younger woman. There was something about her sweet, innocent, and outgoing personality that drew him in. She reminded Lord Ragnar of his daughter who died in her early teens due to typhoid. After he danced with her, Lord Ragnar was convinced Princess Anna was the perfect bride for his son. He would have made plans to arrange with Queen Elsa an official courtship of the young princess had not the coronation turned into a frozen crisis of epic proportions. When then Prince Hans told him that Princess Anna had died, he was truly devastated. Now that he knew Princess Anna was the kind-hearted soul that kept his son company in his last few days, he was even more disturbed by the idea that Jorgenbjorgen was planning on wedding her for political gain. He didn't know why, but he felt almost protective of her.
"General Jorgenbjorgen claims to be in love with her," Queen Elsa finally said.
Lord Ragnar couldn't stop himself from scoffing openly. "You don't really believe that, do you?"
The queen merely shrugged.
"He told me she died in his arms because you froze her heart but he left her in a room to freeze. You do not do that to someone you are in love with."
"He claims to have changed since then. He and my sister were reacquainted recently and they have become friends. Anna has grown fond of him."
He detected the displeasure in her tone. "And you do not approve of this new fondness?"
Queen Elsa let out a defeated sigh. "Anna has always been innocent and trusting."
"You fear he is taking advantage of her, manipulating her into taking him back. Have you approved of his proposal to marry her?"
"I said I would consider it once he liberates Arendelle for me."
"A smart decision. Would you really say yes when he fulfills his part of the bargain?"
She hesitated which was all the answer he needed.
"You said it yourself he is a fitting choice to bring about the alliance with Sweden," she said almost in a whisper.
"He is, but I wasn't thinking of Princess Anna as his bride."
He adored the way her mouth fell open at the slow realization of his hint.
"No… he doesn't want me."
"Doesn't he?" he grinned.
Her cheeks flushed with color. "He already declared for Anna…" she stuttered. "He won't take that back. Not for me… He wouldn't… he will not want me…"
"He is a man, Queen Elsa. You can make him want you."
Her face burned even redder. He was stunned that she could lose her composure but was still so lovely in her vulnerability. Oh Queen Elsa you have no idea how easy you can achieve this on your own but I see you need a push in the right direction.
"As hard as it may seem for you to believe me, I do worry for your sister. Jorgenbjorgen must have told you why I agreed to help you take back Arendelle. Princess Anna was the last person who took care of my son. My gratitude to her is enough for me to be concerned for her well-being. Your sister in his hands will be a disaster. You and I know this. However, a marriage must be undertaken and he is the best choice to usher your kingdom's stability. With you as his wife, you will never let him take advantage."
He stood up and readied to leave. He had said what he needed to and he needed to give her time to ponder this.
"As I said before, a healthy dose of suspicion promotes successful partnerships. That includes royal marriages. Think about it, your majesty."
He gave her one final bow and left the cabin.
Author's Note: I would like to thank everyone who continues to follow this story although I left it out for about a year. I appreciate all your feedback and I do hope you will continue to enjoy this even if I am a little slow on the updates.
The Duke of Weselton's name was never given in canon but I did find info on a Disney Wiki that "Lord Ragnar" was supposed to be his name in some draft but was written out. I decided to use it as it was getting too hard writing the narrative if I didn't give the Duke of Weselton a proper name that the characters can address.
The Duke's submission plan for Weselton was inspired by what happened to Norway after the Napoleonic wars when it entered into a personal union with Sweden. Norway retained its laws and afforded certain independence with that arrangement, despite providing some concessions to Sweden. I thought this could be a survival strategy that Elsa and the Duke of Weselton could also employ to save themselves from becoming conquered territory.