Chapter Twenty-Two: Duty and Expectations

The Arendellian Woods

May 5, 1813

Kristoff was a patient man. He was the kind of man who knew how to sit still when the occasion called for it and it was easy for him to settle into calm when the reason for doing so was a practical one. His current circumstances called for calm inaction. For four days, he tried his best to while away the time by doing chores with his children. Together with Olaf, they cleaned up the sled, washed and rubbed down Sven, salted meat he had hunted, made jams from the fruit preserves, and carved wooden toys. At night he told his twins stories and taught them songs. He had to keep them occupied. It was the only way to keep them from asking the question that was also constantly on his mind: "When is Mama coming home?"

He didn't want to think of the time he would have to answer that question, and if the answer to it was "Never."

Now after four days, it was killing him to keep still and he didn't know how long he could go on. Every fiber of his being was screaming that he should be by her side, fighting that French Marshall and his minions for attempting to subdue her country by marrying her. Arendelle was his home and he should be protecting it with his life. Just as Anna was his wife and it was his obligation to protect his family.

Except, he was doing exactly that by keeping still.

"I need you here Kristoff please," he remembered Anna pleading with him almost a week ago. "If our insurrection against the French fails, Agdar and Iduna are Arendelle's last hope. If I have not yet sent word by the fifth of May, take the children and leave. Keep them safe and find my sister."

It was now past midnight, the fifth of May and he had not heard of anything from Anna. By daylight, if nothing comes, he knew he had to decide to leave with Olaf and the children. They could briefly head to the Valley of the Living Rock. But he knew they couldn't stay there long. If the Arendellian forces had indeed been subdued by the French, they would certainly go after the last blood heirs of the Arendellian royal line and the troll sanctuary would be an easy target for the French forces for their search.

He strode outside of the cottage to where Sven was standing next to the already packed sled. His best friend looked up expectantly at him. Kristoff voiced the question the reindeer asked with his eyes.

"Are Olaf and the children asleep?" Kristoff mouthed in Sven's voice.

"Yes," he answered back. "If nothing happens tomorrow Sven, we have to leave. How do I tell them they'll never see their mother or their home again?"

Sven moved towards him and leaned his head against his shoulder. Sven didn't have a clue either what to say to Agdar and Iduna but was only offering his support. Kristoff knew he had to figure this out on his own.

"No matter what happens, we'll be together, Sven. And when the children are safe, I'll find a way to find Anna and get her back..."

If she's still alive, he thought sadly but didn't say it out loud. He didn't have to for Sven understood his thoughts and promptly nuzzled at him for comfort.

"Thanks, buddy," Kristoff replied softly as he patted the faithful reindeer back.

He felt Sven's sudden jolt and he pulled away. The reindeer was suddenly on alert, sniffing the air for something Kristoff had yet to feel.

"What is it, Sven?" he asked.

The reindeer pawed the ground and Kristoff understood.

Someone's coming! On a single horse!

They both rushed up to the low hill where they can see the path that led up to their hidden cottage. He saw it at once. A single rider in a traveling cloak rode swiftly on a horse that was galloping like the wind. He couldn't recognize the rider from this distance, but he knew the horse from its gait and built.

"Sitron," he whispered.

Sitron had been Anna's horse for some years now and he was one of the fastest mounts in the royal stables. Joy surged through Kristoff when he realized Anna had come herself. Kristoff ran down the tree-lined path as fast as he could to meet his wife but Sven suddenly pulled him back with his powerful antlers.

"Sven, let me go! It's Anna!"

However, the reindeer kept pulling him back while shaking his head until Kristoff understood his meaning.

"What do you mean it's not Anna? That's her horse!"

She's not the only one that rides Sitron, came Sven's silent reply.

Kristoff knew that. Elsa also rode Sitron during the time Anna was still in Denmark. She was the only other rider that Sitron allowed to mount him. Elsa always used Sitron whenever she secretly visited him here in the cottage. However, Elsa was miles away across the sea as a captive to some pirate. She couldn't possibly be here. He knew only one other rider that Sitron would willingly permit to ride him and Kristoff was suddenly apprehensive at the thought that the man he never expected to see again had come here.

Kristoff felt for the hilt of the knife at his belt, wishing he had thought to bring the pistol he had back at the cottage. He and Sven dove for the shelter of trees and waited as horse and rider approached. Sitron galloped surefooted along the path towards the cottage but stopped when they were right across from where Kristoff and Sven were hiding.

Sitron sniffed the air. Kristoff could swear that horse was part-dog in the way it can sense another being's presence. Kristoff held his blade, ready to spring at Hans if it came to that. However, Sven came out into the clearing willingly before Kristoff can pull him back.

"Sven! Where's Kristoff?"

The voice that emerged from the cloaked rider gave Kristoff pause. It was female and one he knew well.

"Elsa?" Kristoff called out as he emerged from the cover of the trees.

The rider pulled down her cloak and Kristoff saw that it was indeed his sister-in-law. She jumped off Sitron and in a moment Kristoff had her clasped to him in a deep hug.

"You're here! You're safe! I don't understand. How could you be here? And Anna?" Kristoff gasped.

"It's alright. I'm fine. And so is Anna. She's safe back in the castle. Her little rebellion worked even before Hans and I arrived."

Kristoff pulled back from her embrace. "You arrived with Hans?"

She nodded. "He rescued me. Look, there's so much we need to talk about. I'm alone. Let's go back up to the house and talk there."

Kristoff led her back up the path to the cottage. However, Kristoff was so eager for news that by the time they were sitting quietly by the fire in the house, Elsa had already covered most of the essential happenings in Arendelle. Kristoff was overjoyed to hear Anna had not only succeeded in recapturing Arendelle's capital with the French but did it with little loss of life. On top of that, Elsa was back and completely unharmed. It was better than anything he had expected.

"So you're here to take us home?" he asked when she finished her tale about coming to Arendelle armed with the Swedish army only to realize the battle was already won.

For the first time this evening, Elsa looked uncomfortable. "Kristoff, Anna's coming by in the morning to take Olaf and the twins home, but I can't let you back and reveal yourself. Not yet."

Kristoff immediately understood that despite this recent victorious battle, there was still a war to be won, one that Elsa was still waging in her court. "What's going on?" he asked.

"We may have expelled the French for now, but we won't be able to hold them off for long. We need allies and the Sixth Coalition is offering us that."

Kristoff knew it from the moment Elsa mentioned she came with Hans. "The Swedish army is offering you an alliance or a threat."

Elsa nodded. "Kristoff, for your safety and Arendelle's I can't let them know you're alive just yet. The Sixth Coalition wants a marriage alliance."

"And Anna's the eligible one to make that match," he finished for her. "Look, Elsa, we've done this before with Marshall Baujeu," he said with a sigh. "You make Anna appear available by keeping her a widow in public to be courted until you can strike a better deal to keep us safe. I don't like it, but if you need it, I'll keep my head down and do it. Just let me see her more often to make sure she's okay."

Elsa didn't reply and Kristoff could sense this was not what Elsa was trying to ask him.

"Elsa, what is it you need me to do?" he asked.

She took one of his hands in hers. "Kristoff, I need to offer a more lasting alliance to Sweden if I want Arendelle to survive as a nation. To do that and to retain the support of the Swedish army, Anna's not just going to be courted. She needs to be married… to Hans."

"Married to Hans?" Kristoff gasped as he pulled away from her touch. He thought he didn't hear right. Certainly, Elsa didn't think he would even consider trading his wife for this. He stared at her and from the expression on her face, he could see that Elsa hadn't just considered this matter. She had already spoken to Hans about it. He paced about as the dread of what this meant shook his body.

"You already told Hans Anna will marry him?"

"Kristoff, he offered to marry her to keep her safe…" she began but Kristoff didn't let her finish.

"Keep her safe? I'm supposed to keep her safe! She's my wife! How could you even agree to this Elsa? I'm still here! I'm still her husband!"

"And you'll continue to be her husband, Kristoff. Hans made me an offer. Anna will marry him in name only. She won't even share a bed with him. He offered that this marriage is completely platonic. This is just temporary. If things improve and Arendelle is safe you can return and their marriage is automatically annulled. It's as simple as that."

"If things improve?" Kristoff scoffed. "What if it doesn't? What if Hans just keeps putting pressure on Arendelle. He already has an army threatening your back. What's going to stop him from taking over once he's already legally married into this family? He can have you killed! He can have my children killed!"

"He won't," Elsa insisted. "He'll never hurt Anna or the ones she loves."

"He did it once before. How can you be sure he won't do it again? What's so different this time?"

"Because this time he's really in love with Anna."

Kristoff was stunned. Of all the explanations he imagined, he never thought of this. He's even more deceiving than I imagined. He's got Elsa convinced he's genuine. That bastard!

"So he told you that and you just believed him?" Kristoff exclaimed incredulously.

Elsa looked away and stared at the glowing fire in the grate. "He didn't just tell me. I saw it in him. He loves her. He cares for her. He would never hurt her again."

Kristoff no longer knew what to believe. Elsa was not the kind of person to be easily deceived. If she had seen something, her instincts were often right. His own recent experience with Hans was also casting doubt on his earlier views of the man. Hans did have some compassion hidden away in his soul and perhaps that soul was also capable of love. However, whether it was true love or possessiveness, Kristoff still cannot put his faith in this man to do what he said.

"Then he has more reason to take me out if he finds out where I am. Don't you see Elsa? He wants Anna. And if he truly loves her as you say, he would do anything to be with her. I don't doubt Anna's love or her devotion, but I don't trust him to keep the end of that bargain!"

Kristoff paused. "I know how much you've sacrificed before Elsa. I know Anna has a duty to this kingdom as much as you do. Perhaps I'm being selfish when I'm asking you this. But please Elsa, don't sacrifice my marriage. I beg you. Please. Find another way."

Elsa stared at the flickering flames and for a while remained silent. Finally, she lifted her head and met his gaze.

"You're right. I suppose I spoke too soon. There may be other ways to work around this alliance that don't involve Anna marrying. I apologize Kristoff for bringing this up and upsetting you. I won't let her marry Hans or anyone. I promise."

Kristoff took her hand. "Thank you, Elsa and you need not apologize for anything. You can bring anything to me."

"Thank you. There's no one I trust more," Elsa said with a small smile. "There's another matter, I need help with, but only if you're willing. I assure you, it doesn't involve Anna or your children."

Kristoff had a feeling this was not something he would like either but he couldn't begrudge Elsa after she already promised to keep Anna from being married off.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Well, if you would do this," she said. "It would be more advantageous if you remained dead to the world."

Elsa pulled her ice-made hood closer over her head as she and Sitron galloped briskly through the oft-beaten path back towards the village. The horse who could usually sense her moods had been quiet throughout the trip home. Elsa was grateful for the silence for it allowed her to reflect.

Her meeting with Kristoff did not go as she planned. He had expected her to protest this unconventional plan initially, but she was unprepared for the level of hurt he showed that she realized she should never have brought this up in the first place.

Letting Anna commit to a false marriage for an alliance? And to Hans? What was I thinking?

She realized, she hadn't been properly thinking at all. She hadn't had any sleep for more than twenty-four hours now and it was taking a toll on both her mind and her body.

With the false marriage of Anna out as an option, she knew she had only one other choice to make. However, she couldn't help but shudder at the thought of undertaking such an endeavor again. All the memories of the pain and shame were bubbling up the surface of her memories and she felt the tears suddenly bite down at the back of her throat. It didn't matter if Hans was a different man altogether. There are expectations with this duty. And unfortunately, her fantasies aside, she had an idea how Hans could be like in reality as she recalled that day months ago…

December 5, 1813

Arendelle Castle

Elsa hugged herself with her arms, wishing her sister or Olaf were here to give her the warm hugs she needed. She had never felt so alone. Her sister was miles away helping soldiers in a hospital, while poor Olaf was holed up in her ice castle with Marshmallow on her bidding. She had to send Olaf away. Knudsvig's primary condition for returning to Arendelle castle was that there would be no visible ice creatures and Olaf was specifically mentioned in his letter before his arrival. Elsa hated to acquiesce to Knudsvig's ridiculous demands, which included an entire wing of the castle for his friends and even rooms for his mistress Lady Lavinia and his children with her. Elsa relented though, seeing as there was little she can do about things and she had a duty to accomplish.

Duty.

That word ached heavily with her for years that she hated it. Her councilors had constantly pushed her with it and now her father-in-law was on her too. Knudsvig had returned almost two months ago to the castle, but she hadn't had much time to even talk to him. He was always busy with his friends at his games of cards and dice, and or what he would call "his art" – which was putting on lavish but nonsensical plays. More than half the time he was drunk, which would make any effort on her part to communicate, useless. Elsa, however, knew she had to reach out to her husband somehow. Last night, she received a letter from King Charles, Knudsvig's father and it contained an urgency that could no longer be put off. She reached for it again now and read the words…

My dearest Elsa,

I hope you are in good health and that your sister will have news of her husband soon.

I wish I can speak to you in person, but my failing health forbids me to leave. As you know, I have lost the only son I have hope for in a bright future. Magnus' death was a blow to me and I am afraid his loss has only exacerbated my illness. Elsa, my physicians have told me I only have weeks, perhaps days left. When I leave, I fear for the future of my kingdom and yours. I regret now that I gave you Knudsvig as a husband instead of Magnus. Perhaps if I had not been so ambitious for my son to marry into a larger kingdom then we would not be in this predicament. I could be dying surrounded by your lovely children who all have Magnus' handsome profile, your white-blonde hair, and can make snowmen in my bedchamber. What a wonderful thing that would be! And it is still a dream that can be made possible. Would you, dearest daughter, make that possible for this ailing father even if he does not live to see it?

I do not have much hope for Knudsvig to rule, but I have faith in you to do the right thing. I ordered my Lords to aid you in persuading my son to do his duty. I trust you shall do yours. Provide us both an heir we can be proud of. Name him Magnus for me.

Your loving father,

Charles

She folded the letter and put it away. Even his supportive words did not give her strength. It only made her feel miserable that she failed him these many weeks and she was running out of time.

Lord Svenson had apprised her this morning of the growing unrest in the Northern Isles at the apprehension of Knudsvig ascending the throne. Her husband had not exactly endeared himself to his people. His reputation as a wastrel and gambler was well known among the aristocratic circles but lately, it had trickled down among the masses. Unfortunately, Elsa wasn't exactly a welcome presence to them too. Kai had shown her a pamphlet that had been circulating last week in the Northern Isles that showed Elsa as a barren old crone with unnatural powers that would pollute the country with her evil magic. It was the kind of rumors that just kept perpetuating for as long as Elsa remained childless. This was why Elsa had to do this. Tonight. Her marriage needed to be consummated, even if it was five years late.

There was a knock on her door and Lord Svenson entered.

"He's sober and my companions made sure his friends are distracted. He's alone in his chambers, your majesty," the handsome young man informed her.

"Thank you, I appreciate it, Lord Svenson," Elsa said gently to him as she proceeded down the hall. The young nobleman followed after her.

"Your majesty, if there is anything I can do…?"

Elsa shook her head and smiled at him gratefully. "You've done all you can, good Sir. I can take it from here."

He stared back at her in a way Elsa was reminded of an eager puppy. "He's a very lucky man your majesty. I wish he could see that."

"Thank you for the support Lord Svenson," Elsa replied curtly then went on her way before the young courtier could say more that would embarrass both of them.

Elsa straightened her spine when he reached his bed-chamber door. She knocked softly and heard him respond "enter" with a cheerful tone. Elsa prayed this would mean he was in good spirits, enough for them to at least have a conversation.

She found him standing in front of the mirror in a new red and gold coat, one that she had commissioned and sent to him ahead anonymously. The years had not been kind to him. Whereas on their wedding day he had a stick-thin of a figure, he now sported a pot belly on his midsection. His skin looked even more sallow than before and his hair was just as wispy thin. The assailing scent of expensive cologne hit Elsa's nostrils but she could still smell the scent of alcohol that lingered on him that even the strongest of French perfumes could not hide.

"Lavinia, just look at what a secret admirer sent me? It's just perfect for this new play I've commissioned. I'll be playing King Louis XIV! Can you see me look ravishing as the sun god?"

Elsa's heart sank as she realized he was expecting his mistress. Nevertheless, she steeled herself to be pleasant and plastered on her best smile.

"It looks fitting on you. I am glad you liked my gift," she remarked.

He stiffened at her voice and turned around, his expression immediately turned to one of disgust as he beheld her.

"What are you doing here, witch?"

His opening insult stung but she kept her open demeanor. "I'm your wife, I just want to talk."

"Talk?" he scoffed as he shrugged off the expensive coat she had given him and hurled it on the floor as if it was something offensive. "You have the gall to come here uninvited!"

"I sent an invitation," Elsa implored. "Every night since you've arrived. You never responded except to say you were busy."

"And I was busy. You have no respect for what I do," he goaded her. "I have important business to attend to."

Elsa doubted that but decided not to call him on it. "Knudsvig, please, it's been two months, we need to at least talk about this. Your father…"

"Oh this is about my father, isn't it? Well, I know why my father dragged me down here. Does he think he can get me to put a child in your belly when he tells me to? He thought wrong."

Elsa felt the helplessness of her situation close in on her at his cruel words. "Y-you said in your letter you would consider it if I did what you asked. I did what you asked," she reasoned almost pathetically. "All you've asked…"

"I said I'd come back to the castle if you did what I asked. I'm back here, am I not?"

So it was all a lie. For two months she endured the constant presence of his odious friends. She watched in silence as Lavinia paraded herself and her children in front of her. She endured the gossip and the stares, the silent jeers from his supporters, and the disappointing headshakes of her courtiers for allowing this farce to go on underneath her roof. And it was all for naught. Nevertheless, she held her anger in check. She had to get through this somehow.

"Knudsvig, please... Let's be reasonable. For the good of the kingdoms... For the sake of your father..."

"I DON'T CARE ABOUT MY FATHER! He never cared about me when Magnus was alive. If he dies then good riddance! I don't need to put up with him and his orders any longer. I am going to be king soon and no one is going to tell me what to do, least of all you. So I'm not touching you witch, not after what you did to me."

"I didn't mean to hurt you then," Elsa pleaded. "I'm sorry. I didn't know what to do. But if we could just talk, maybe we can agree on how to go on about this. We can take it as slowly as we can... agree on boundaries..."

"Boundaries?" he laughed nastily. "We can agree on me never seeing you again. Go away! I don't want to be near you!" He pointed a nasty finger at her. "You are not human! You're a demon who no man should be with! Everybody knows that. It's all over those pamphlets in town. You and that brother-in-law troll of yours and his ungodly children!"

Elsa could take his insults about her. He could call her whatever he wanted. However, she drew the line when it came to her family, especially one that called to mind the awful papers that had been circulating in the village this morning that had been besmirching on Anna's reputation with Kristoff, and their twins. "Those are all lies!" Elsa thundered back. Frost suddenly started encrusting the ceiling and swirls of snow began forming around the room.

Knudsvig looked at her in horror. "Get out! Get out now!"

"I didn't mean it..." Elsa gasped as she sought to remove the snow and frost. They dissipated in seconds, but Knudsvig continued to rage.

"I SAID GET OUT!"

He threw a vase at her and it crashed into pieces on the door behind her.

Elsa backed off and exited the room but Knudsvig wasn't done with her. He followed her outside and shouted at the corridor which sent more than a dozen servants and courtiers running to them:

"The witch tried to kill me! She trapped me in a room and sent her ice to freeze me!"

"It wasn't like that...I wasn't trying to hurt him..." Elsa tried to explain to the panicked nobles that appeared. She tried to control her powers but her awareness of how badly this was going made swirling snowflakes appear and a cold draft pervaded the hallway, making everyone shiver.

"You see! You see!" Knudsvig continued to shout at the top of his lungs. "She's trying to kill all of us. Get her away from me! She's evil!"

Half of the people in the corridor made up of Knudsvig's supporters stared at Elsa as if they wanted to kill her. The other half looked at Knudsvig with the intent of bodily harming him for insulting their Queen. Elsa knew if this escalated further, there might be bloodshed in her castle halls.

"Everyone please, calm down. I will go. I did not harm my husband and I have no intention of harming him. I will leave him be for now."

Thankfully, the situation diffused when she walked away, but she couldn't help but continue hearing Knudsvig's whispered insults. She assured her supporters and staff that she was alright and asked them to refrain from taking any further action on Knudsvig and his cronies.

It was only when she reached the solitude of the library that she allowed herself to cry. She didn't know how to handle this. What good were her powers when all it did was drive her husband away and give her false accusations? Neither her powers of ice nor of the crown were of any use to her in bringing a resolution. She was trapped with him in hate, shame, and fear.

I can't do my duty and now I don't know what to do. Maybe I should just give up.

Divorce was an option, but she hated to think about it. It would mean admitting to the world she was a failure in the one aspect that was important for the security of her kingdom and lasting peace. Added to it was the disappointment that giving up on her marriage may mean giving up on the idea of becoming a mother. As a child, even with her condition, she had dreamed of having children. When Agdar and Idunna were born, she couldn't be happier. Their presence these last few months since Anna had left them in her care had been one of the few joyful moments she had that eased her bleak days. She had always wanted her own children to hold and raise. When she was first married to Knudsvig, she had looked forward to it. Even if he wasn't agreeable, she had hoped their union would at least give her a child. Now, she realized that was another dream that she may have to let go of.

There was a gentle knock on the door and Kai's voice called out. "Your majesty? Pardon the intrusion, but we have guests. Prince Lars, Princess Amelia, and their children have just arrived at the port."

Elsa drew herself up and wiped her tears away. Amelia and Lars were here! Certainly, they were the two people she needed! Her father-in-law must have sent them knowing Knudsvig would be this difficult.

She changed her dress into an ice gown and got ready to meet them in the main hall.

Princess Amelia of the Northern Isles looked so different from her brother, no one could think of them related. She had dark hair and dark skin and had a youthful glow. She was not a strikingly beautiful woman but there was something childlike and innocent about her demeanor that made her look so vulnerable. Her husband Lars by comparison was always an impressive and authoritative figure, it was easy to mistake her as his father instead of her husband. As the couple approached her at the entrance of her castle door, it was Lars as usual who took the lead.

"Your majesty," Lars greeted her formally, before kissing her cheek. "It's good to see you again Elsa." He pulled away and it was only then that Amelia approached her.

"Oh, my dear! My dear!" Amelia had greeted her with a tight embrace. "I heard what happened with Knudsvig as soon as we got off the ship," she added in Elsa's ear.

Elsa was astonished that the incident had spread so fast in a matter of minutes. She worried what those pamphlets would say by tomorrow if Knudsvig's lies would go on.

"Can we talk about this in private?" she asked.

"Of course," Amelia replied. "Lars dear, would you mind if I speak to Elsa alone?"

"You may, darling," Lars replied. "But after Caterina and Magna greet their aunt first. He turned to two little girls who looked like younger female versions of Lars. Both girls bowed with grace at her. Elsa noted that the eldest one Magna looked even more like Lars as she wore the same round-shaped spectacles as he as well as the authoritative stance.

"She looks so much like you, Lars," Elsa complemented.

"Well she's my princess," Lars said proudly.

"No Papa, I'm your Queen," the seven-year-old declared with a confidence that felt so familiar to Elsa.

"And right you are, your majesty," Lars acknowledged affectionately. "She rules my heart and every teacher she's had. She's at the top of all her academic lessons and even her athletics and archery classes, he told Elsa proudly."

Elsa beamed at the girl as she recognized a similarity to her childhood and how her father used to treat her. King Charles, this child should be your heir if you can only see it, she suddenly thought.

It was unfortunate that the laws of the Northern Isles did not allow for women to rule. If it did, then Elsa realized she need not be so pressured to provide the heir. Amelia was older than Knudsvig. Had she been allowed to ascend the throne ahead of him perhaps things would be a lot smoother for all of them.

"Go on dear. You and Elsa have a chat, while I get the children settled for dinner tonight," Lars told his wife who beamed rather appreciatively at him.

But I'm not sure Amelia has the strength to rule either, Elsa decided. Her sister-in-law, though kind seemed too much of a push-over and always seemed to follow only what her father or husband told her. If she was ever crowned queen, Lars may just rule for her.

"Do you always ask Lars for permission for everything?" Elsa couldn't help but ask Amelia once they were alone in her private drawing-room.

"Why of course, I do. What a silly thing to ask Elsa. He's my husband. My duty is to follow him."

Elsa inwardly cringed at her reply as Amelia just confirmed what she suspected.

Amelia eyed her curiously. "I suppose you feel uncomfortable about that considering the situation with my brother," she said before she lowered her voice to whisper a question. "Have things… progressed with my brother more favorably in the bedroom?"

Elsa heaved a sigh. "If you've heard of the commotion today, you can probably guess no. Amelia, he won't allow me even in the same room with him. He refuses to talk except to insult me. I don't know what to do. Our marriage remains unconsummated…"

"Annul your marriage, Elsa."

The way she said it so quickly startled Elsa. Amelia was the last person she expected to propose this course of action.

"What…? Annulment? I… I was hoping it wouldn't come immediately to that. Perhaps you can talk to him…"

"He won't listen to me, Elsa," Amelia said with finality. "I'm just his sister."

"Well then maybe Lars—"

"My brother is pig-headed. We both know that. Even Lars won't be able to convince him to change. And he has treated you badly. I heard so many unspeakable things even before I came here. They said he brought his mistress here in your castle! He openly insults you in public and besmirches your reputation. Is this all true?"

Elsa nodded.

"Well then, this shouldn't be borne Elsa. And you said it yourself your marriage is unconsummated. You have all the grounds you need to bring about a separation. Make that statement now in front of a notary and make it official. Lars and I are the only witnesses to your wedding night and we can attest to that. It's that simple. And once people know you're untouched, you can marry again."

Elsa considered it. Perhaps it was the easiest way out, but she couldn't do it. At least not yet. Not in this situation they were in, in the middle of a war when Arendelle was still vulnerable. If she displeased King Charles with this, he could withdraw all military support from her. At this time, when countries around her were switching sides, it will not do to start a fight with her next-door neighbor.

"I can't… I can't do that now. Not to your father." She reached in her pocket and handed Amelia the letter from King Charles. She watched as Amelia read through the letter. Elsa caught something like a flash of anger in her eyes but it was gone in a moment. When she spoke to Elsa again, her tone was even but she sounded determined.

"Alright, I do understand the reason for not going through this now. It can wait. But Elsa… Papa said it himself, he doesn't have long to live. Let him have his hope of an heir for the remainder of his life, but once he's gone, promise me, you will file for annulment."

Elsa hesitated. She hated to admit defeat in this failure. And doing so would have other drastic consequences not only to the Northern Isles but also to Arendelle.

"Elsa…" Amelia sighed desperately as she reached out and held Elsa's cheeks with her hands so Elsa couldn't help but look at her directly in the eyes. "If you're hesitating because you think this marriage can still be saved, I will tell you now, it can't. I didn't have a choice when I married and I know you think you didn't either when you did, but now you can. You should take it. Marriage isn't…" Amelia pulled away as if she was remembering something painful.

"Isn't what?" Elsa asked.

Amelia shook her head. "You're a virgin, you don't know… you can't know…"

"Can't know what?" Elsa asked, even more confused.

Amelia looked away and focused her gaze on the floor as if was uncomfortable even discussing this. "Elsa, you know nothing about men or what it is to have a husband. It's not enough you give them children. It doesn't matter if you're a queen or a princess. There are expectations with your duty to them, and those expectations… well. Let's just say you're more fortunate you didn't have to find out."

"I don't understand. Amelia… what are you trying to tell me?"

Amelia was silent for a moment before she pulled something out of her pocket and handed it to her. It was a tiny black book that looked like it had been well-used. Elsa turned over the front and read the worn grey lettering on the hardcover front:

A Good Marriage:

A Guide for Husbands

by Pastor D.S Cutbert

It was a book Elsa had never heard of before but she was suddenly curious about its contents.

"It's from Lars' library," Amelia explained as she looked away. "You can see it even bears the crest of the Southern Isles on the inside page. I found it by accident one night and I read it. It enlightened me a lot about Lars'… expectations."

"Expectations?" Elsa asked.

"You may think our marriage is perfect Elsa, but it wasn't like that before," Amelia said with a sigh. "When we were first married, we had a rough start too. He was rather aloof and I didn't know what to do. I followed the book and it pleased him. He found out I'd been reading it and he told me that I did right. He said all the men in his family use this. He swears the Westergaards and most noble men do. He loaned it to Knudsvig at some point too. Read it now, Elsa. If you can accept following that book's advice with Knudsvig, then don't separate from him. But if you can't, then think about your opportunity out of this marriage."

Elsa nodded, thanked her sister-in-law, and promised that she would.

"I must go now to see to Lars and the children," Amelia told her before she stood. "You deserve your freedom from Knudsvig, Elsa. Remember that."

Arendelle Village

Present Day

Elsa shut her eyes as she recalled reading the pages of the book. She had expected it to be full of useful advice on how to speak to her husband and get him to listen. Instead, she found herself shirking at each page. The book talked about treating a wife more like taming a horse. It rattled on and on how an ideal wife should submit to her husband's demands and follow his lead. She was never to complain or contradict him, always be on standby for his every wish... in and out of the bedchamber. It told her a woman's body was her husband's alone and that his pleasure was of primary importance to bring forth healthy sons. Should she disobey him, the book advised husbands to punish their wives with beatings and deprivation of financial privileges. The amount of violence the book offered as examples of punishment made her skin crawl. There were also suggested positions on physical intimacy. One hit rather close to home, for she had the unfortunate experience of being subjected to it before her powers had stopped things on her wedding night. It disturbed her so much that she only managed to read the book once throughout before closing it and hiding it away in her room. It was not difficult to imagine Lars had subscribed to some of its teachings. Amelia was so subdued and timid as a wife it was clear evidence of being broken.

The way she had been treated by Knudsvig on her wedding night, convinced Elsa her husband knew about the book as well. After reading the entire sordid volume, Elsa was convinced she had been fortunate enough to escape Knudsvig when she did. She decided to separate from him right then and only rescinded it when she was given no choice by Emperor Bonaparte.

She had not thought of the book until now that she was contemplating another marriage, this time to a Westergaard. Hans had been acting gentlemanly lately. However, he had shown his violent streak against her once. Who was to say he would not show it again to her once she was married to him?

Perhaps Kristoff could be right all along, she thought sadly. Maybe I put too much trust in Hans in love with Anna. Maybe he loves her now, but would that even last? And if it does end, I would have set Anna on a path to disaster. Lord Ragnar may be right too. Should Hans turn out to be as abusive as Knudsvig, at least I can manage him better. I can always offer him something to keep him happy. And once we have an heir and things in Arendelle are secure, I'll cut him loose. For now, maybe I can keep him at bay with what he feels for Anna.

That last thought made her feel ill. Am I going to use Hans' love for Anna to bend him to my will?

It was cruel, but she knew the answer to that was yes. She didn't want to think about it all now. She can think about it all tomorrow after she had gotten sleep and cleared her head.

She expected the village to be quiet and deserted by this time that it would be safe enough for her to go through without detection. However, as she approached, she noticed lights from torches and shouting going on in the village. Alarmed by the noise, Elsa stealthily approached and found a growing crowd of soldiers clustering among villagers in one area. She heard a woman wailing out while she appeared to be clutching a young boy to her breast.

"Please… please don't take him away! He is just a boy!"

"Madame, that boy is under arrest for assault and attempted murder of a guest of Arendelle. You can visit him tomorrow in prison," the familiar sharp voice of Lord Ragnar replied. "Take him."

Elsa saw the familiar tall man that once attacked her in her castle pull a teenage boy from the wailing woman's arms. Elsa no longer hesitated. She got off Sitron and ran directly to the crowd.

"Lord Ragnar, what is going on here? Unhand that boy right now!"

The crowd parted for her and she saw that there were several teenage boys in one area, their hands were tied and guarded by her Arendellian soldiers who looked uncomfortable at the situation. The boys all looked at her with deep shame in their eyes.

"I am sorry you had to see this, your majesty," Lord Ragnar explained. "My men caught them about to commit murder. We are just doing our duty of arresting them to keep everyone safe."

Elsa found that hard to believe. She knew these boys. They were the sons and younger brothers of Kristoff's friends. They were loyal ice harvesters not just to Arendelle but to Elsa's family.

"Attempted murder of who exactly?"

"Go see for yourself, your majesty. He's at the cart. We are about to bring him to the castle."

Elsa carefully approached the cart but kept her eyes on Lord Ragnar and his men, expecting a trick of some sort. Sitron however, suddenly bolted ahead of her towards the cart. When he got there, he neighed with alarm, looked at her briefly before he seemed to be nudging something inside. Elsa rushed to the object, frightened that it could be Anna for Sitron to look so panicked.

To her horror, it was so much worse.

It was Hans.

A/N: I wanted to give a bit of insight from Kristoff's point of view in this chapter. I do imagine that he feels like a fish-out-of-water in the larger political situation surrounding Arendelle. It must be hard for him to do nothing when Anna plays the widow in public and is being sought after as a bride. I do have a plan for him on his further role in helping Elsa out.

As for Elsa, I finally decided to show how traumatic her marriage with Knudsvig went. I think she's just the kind of person who would try to perform her duties no matter how difficult they were and we've seen how she tends to keep her pain in silence rather than talk about it, even to Anna. I sometimes imagine that Elsa tends to be so protective of Anna that she can talk more easily about unpleasant things with Kristoff than she can with Anna.