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It was a perfect day. The sun was shining, occasionally ducking behind some clouds that rolled lazily in the sky. A light breeze rustled across the kingdom of Arendelle, light enough to cool the skin but not heavy enough to toss around locks of hair and fabrics of clothing. It truly was a beautiful day. Arendellian citizens, the Northuldra, rock trolls and guests that had arrived by carriage or boat filled the town square.

Marie could scarcely take it all in. She shielded her eyes from the sun as she peered over the crowd. "There has to be close to a thousand people here," she half murmured. Church pews had been taken out of the chapel and lined up in neat rows on the stone square, and people also brought their own chairs from their homes or took wooden chairs from a rack at the back of the square. Children sat atop their parents' shoulders or were sprawled on the branches of trees to get a better view. A violinist played a peppy tune from the orchestra that waited patiently from the front of the square. The melody blended within the numerous conversations that rang through the air.

Henry paused to readjust a button on his dark green vest. "It's certainly a beautiful turnout," he commented, seemingly also impressed with the size of the crowd. Marie scanned the crowd with slightly narrowed eyes, and although she was very happy to be present, she could not help but be hypervigilant. Henry chuckled next to her and held out his arm. "You must not like large crowds, either."

Marie let out a startled laugh. "Something like that…" They attempted to make their way to the front row of the makeshift aisle, but not before a familiar dark and tall figure made his way over to them. Marie lightly touched Henry's arm to signal him to stop. "General Mattias," she greeted. Although Henry was an old man, Marie found herself proudly introducing him with an air of pride that she only saved for children. "Mattias, this is Henry Scott, husband to Nevaeh Reid, the author of Within."

Mattias gripped his hands behind his back and bowed. "I am honored to make your acquaintance, Sir. I have heard many wonderful things about you and your family." He took a step forward, lowering his voice. "I admit I have read your wife's works to see what everyone was talking about, and I must say that I enjoyed them very much."

A joyous laugh escaped Henry, in turn making Marie smile. "I can't tell you how many times I've been told that," Henry replied. "My Nevaeh was a wonderful writer."

The General bowed once more. "You two best find your seats. The wedding party will be coming out of the chapel soon." They bid farewell to each, and Henry began to make his way through the crowd. Mattias noticed Marie hesitate, her eyes on the horizon. "Trouble?" he asked quietly, following her gaze.

Marie snapped out of it. "N-no, everything's fine," she responded, her eyes lingering on the sky for a second longer.

"Try and have some fun," Mattias said, nudging her lightly on the shoulder. Marie nodded and began to follow Henry.

"There you are!" Honeymaren exclaimed, randomly popping up on their left. "Here, come with me! We saved you a spot." Marie gratefully followed with Henry right behind her. In the front row on the left side, Daniel and Ryder waved them towards a church pew that had been carried out along with the rest. Ryder had combed his hair back and wore dark blue wool pants and a long-sleeved shirt of the same color. A multicolored piece of fabric lined the front of the shirt and down the pants. Honeymaren wore a dress of the same color and style. The detail was beautiful and sharp. As they approached, Marie introduced Henry to all three of them.

"So, his wife is the one that wrote the book you're in? And you wrote a book about him and his wife?" Daniel repeated back to them, scratching his head.

"It's nice to meet you, Marie's…dad and son!" Ryder proclaimed, extending a hand to Henry. Everyone laughed. Once they were settled in the pew and everyone began to seat themselves, Marie took in the environment. There were strings of orange and purple cloth that was streamed across every lamp post and tree, and dozens of orange and purple flower arrangements lined the rows of pews and chairs. An aisle that started directly from the chapel doors and extended to the end of the town square was slowly being drained of guests who were seating themselves. Marie thought that it was a smart idea to have the wedding party enter from the chapel doors.

As Daniel and Ryder argued about who was sitting on Marie's left side, she sheepishly chuckled and turned towards Honeymaren. "Wanna sit next to me?" Marie asked.

Her expression soured for just a moment. "I don't think that's a good idea," Honeymaren answered politely. She turned away before adding, "Her eyes will be on you, anyway…" Marie leaned in, not quite hearing her. "Never mind." Honeymaren smiled, pulling on her brother. "Ryder, let's change spots!"

The crowd's murmur began to die down. Marie eagerly stood on her toes and peered at the closed chapel doors. She saw Mattias knock on the door. Her heart pounded in her chest. He waved a hand to the orchestra and opened the doors as a joyful, romantic melody soared in the air. Sven walked out of the chapel, purple and orange cloth streamed across his horns. He carried a tiny pillow in his mouth that held the rings, but that was not why the crowd erupted in gasps. Olaf was sitting on Sven's back, wearing a suit and waving to the crowd. "Hello! Welcome, family and friends!" He threw flower petals into the crowd and onto the aisle. "Petals for you, and petals for you! Yes, I am alive, but let's not focus on me today." He laughed, causing the guests who knew him to laugh with him. "Just wait until you see Anna! Oh, she's so beautiful! I guess Kristoff looks okay, too, although I don't think he'll last long in a suit…"

"Olaf!" came a hiss from the chapel doors. Kristoff's head poked out. "I was supposed to go first!" More laughter erupted from the crowd. The doors opened and Kristoff made his way out of the chapel, smoothing out his fancy black suit before clearing his throat and walking somewhat sheepishly down the aisle. Ryder let out a playful whistle, causing Honeymaren to elbow him. Kristoff seemed to relax afterwards, and he grinned confidently the rest of the way down. Olaf hopped off Sven and stood behind Kristoff while Sven sat down next to the snowman.

"She must be next," Marie heard Honeymaren say. Her heart felt like it dropped down to her stomach. Marie held her breath and stared down the aisle as Elsa stepped into the light.

She was stunning. She wore a lavender colored dress that had a similar V-shaped design on her chest as Marie's, and the silk fabric fell across her curves in a way that made Marie's fingertips itch. Coral rosemaling decorated the light dress, and Elsa had created a snowy shawl that cascaded across the aisle as she walked. Every step she took felt like a lifetime. It was so graceful and gentle. Her hair was down and flowing across her shoulders and back and was decorated with flowers and specs of ice. Her arms were covered with a thin layer of lavender ice that appeared like cloth. She was absolutely stunning. As she glided down the aisle, her eyes swept the crowd with that gentle air of grace and poise that only Elsa could do. It captivated the crowd, who murmured at her beauty.

Marie did not take her eyes off her for even a second. Her heart raced. Her eyes watered. Her skin shivered. Her throat dried. Could she leave? Could she really leave everything behind? As Elsa made her way down the aisle, Marie desperately stared at her, Elsa's confession pounding across her mind. I need to tell her, Marie thought. Elsa passed the first row, her eyes never landing on Marie. Maybe she didn't see me, Marie thought to herself, but as soon as Elsa took her place on the left side behind Kristoff, her blue eyes landed right on Marie. Marie uttered the words under her breath without thought. There they were: those three words. She wanted to climb to the highest building and scream them at the top of her lungs. She wanted to rush forward and proclaim it right to Elsa's face. She wanted to say those words every single day, several times a day, never stopping, never ceasing. She barely noticed as everyone rose, awaiting the bride.

A collective hushed gasp echoed throughout the town as Anna stepped out. The orchestra began to play a new piece, one that perfectly paced with the young queen as she walked down the aisle. She was beautiful. Her white dress was formal yet dazzling. It was pure white decorated with ice rosemaling sequences across her chest and arms that ran down to her fingers. Her hair was flowing and curled with a braid running along the crown of her head. Marie casted a glance at Kristoff, wanting to see the groom's reaction upon seeing his fiancée. He gasped upon seeing her, then immediately wiped his eyes as a huge smile covered his face. Anna smiled back at him. Marie could not help but smile along with them, and she definitely was not alone.

Grand Pabbie rolled up to the front where Anna and Kristoff stood and popped up onto a chair that had been beautifully adorned with the wedding colors, adjusting the necklace of colorful gems that rested on his neck. He raised his stone arms to silence the crowd. Sven bayed and rocked his head up and down while Olaf patted him on the head. "We are gathered here today to celebrate the union between Queen Anna and Kristoff." Pabbie put a stony hand on his chest as a smile covered his face. "Never have I seen two people more meant for each other than Anna and Kristoff." Marie could not help but cast a glance at Elsa as Pabbie spoke those words. She thought her heart was going to beat out of her chest when Elsa returned her gaze, seemingly having the same idea. Marie tore her gaze away, her face flushing a deep shade of red. Pabbie told the story of how Anna and Kristoff met, the journeys they had taken together, and the peaceful moments in between. "I think it's time for the vows to be exchanged," Pabbie finished, gesturing at Kristoff to start.

"Anna-" Kristoff's voice squeaked, and he sheepishly cleared his throat as the crowd laughed quietly. "Anna," he repeated, his voice even and deep. They took each other's hands. "My world has grown so much since meeting you. We met in the cold, and I didn't realize how cold my own heart was until I met you." He paused for a moment and squeezed her hands as he collected himself. "Your warmth took over me. You didn't judge where I came from, and accepted me for who I am. Sven, too." Another hum of laughter rippled across crowd. "I have never met anyone as kind, as loving, and as patient as you. Every day you inspire me to be a better man, and I promise to love you and keep you for the rest of our days. I love you, Anna." Anna wiped her tears away and leaned forward. For a split second, Kristoff leaned forward as well, but stopped by catching Anna. "Wait! Not yet!" he exclaimed. The crowd erupted in laughter.

Anna grinned and shrugged playfully before settling down to give her vows. "Kristoff, when we met, I thought I knew what love was. As time passed, and as I got to know you more, I learned what love really was. The way you love me is steadfast and true. I've always loved who you are: there is no one like you. Each day that I spent with you helped me grow as a person, too. You showed me what being in love is really like. It's exciting, and sometimes infuriating, but even when we struggled to communicate, you never stopped treating me with love and kindness." She was the one to pause to collect herself this time. "I can't help but feel that if Mother and Father were here, they wouldn't hesitate to give me away to you." Elsa nodded to herself in response. "This is the beginning, Kristoff. Let's keep going on our adventures, big and small. There's no one else I'd rather go on them with. I love you."

Grand Pabbie raised his arms once more. "Do you, Kristoff, take Anna to be your wife from this day on, come what may, for the rest of your life?"

"I do," Kristoff said without hesitation.

"Do you, Anna, take Kristoff to be your husband from this day on, come what may, for the rest of your life?" Pabbie asked.

"Yes, I do," Anna said confidently.

"I pronounce you husband and wife! You may now kiss the-" Pabbie was cut off by Kristoff grabbing Anna and kissing her, to which she fervently threw her arms around him and kissed back. The crowd erupted in applause and cheers, Marie happily joining in.

Anna faced the crowd and threw an arm into the air. "Let's CELEBRATE!" she yelled triumphantly. She grabbed a bouquet of white roses from Elsa and turned her back towards the crowd, but not without giving Marie a wink first. Marie watched as a crowd of young women suddenly swarmed the front of the aisle as Anna lifted the bouquet over her head. She wiggled it teasingly, then launched it high into the air. Before any of the women could react, Elsa lifted a finger and shot a small beam of ice at the flying bouquet. Her aim was spot on; the bouquet changed course and hit Marie right in the face. The crowd's eyes fell on her as she grabbed it and held it in her hands. A small amount of conditioned fear pricked Marie's heart, and she reflexively tensed and hid her blushing face. She peered at Elsa and immediately became flooded with warmth. The former queen was smiling at Marie. It was such a soft, tender smile, one that stirred something within Marie and caused her to raise the bouquet in the air almost as triumphantly as Anna.

That's right, Marie could not help but think to herself while the wedding party began to make their way down the aisle. We're safe to be ourselves here. The orchestra blasted another peppy tune, and everyone stood and clapped. As Elsa passed Marie's row, she lingered and held out her arm. Marie did not hesitate to climb out of the row and take her arm. They made eye contact that felt like the world had stopped. Marie forgot all of the rigid gender roles that she had been raised with. She could not help but feel an incredible sense of safety and freedom as she escorted Elsa down the aisle. She could catch the wedding bouquet, she could take another woman as her date to a wedding, and she could escort that woman down the aisle. Elsa's arm was warm against her side, and she pressed into Marie, causing her to grow red. She let herself ride on the infectious high of the wedding party. Even Sven bayed happily behind her. Her and Elsa chuckled when they heard Olaf singing gleefully off key to the orchestra music.

The entire wedding reception took place outside on Arendelle's streets and courtyards. The entire town looked beautiful with the wedding banners strung between lamp posts and street posts. Every piece of foliage was neatly groomed and decorated by Arendelle's children. Marie ruffled the hair of a schoolboy named Wally who was fiddling with a bush, seemingly trying to straighten some handmade decorations. He beamed at her before returning to his work. "Someone knocked it over," he mumbled. Marie almost did not hear him over the hum of the wedding guests. She gave Elsa's hand a quick squeeze before releasing it and kneeling in front of the bush. Elsa joined her. To their surprise, an orange paper statue of The Knokk balanced on the prickly branches. "Orange is my favorite color," Wally explained, an air of sheepishness creeping into his voice.

"It looks amazing!" Elsa responded, rising and prompting Marie to do the same. "Maybe you'll be able to show The Knokk sometime. Make sure to save it for later." As Wally gasped in pure excitement, Elsa turned toward Marie. "Come on. We'll be eating soon." Marie followed her to a set of long tables that had been brought out for the wedding dinner party and guests. On a closer inspection, Marie saw that several picnic tables had been lined up end to end and covered with beautiful cloths. There were five long tables that stretched for at least a hundred feet each. The wedding party table was perpendicular to the guest tables. Marie wove through the crowd and approached the wedding table. It did not seem real. She looked down the table as she pulled out the oak chair set out for her. This was the first time Marie had been a part of the wedding party, and what a wedding to be a part of! She could scarcely take it all in yet again. As the food was brought out and everyone began to find their seats, Anna rose from her center-placed chair and raised a wine glass in the air. A collective hush fell over the crowd as people joined her.

"To friends and family, old and new, from this day onward," Anna toasted. Echoes of agreement followed. Marie toasted as well and took a sip of the red wine. She glanced down the wedding party table at the faces she had come to know and love. Every once in a while, she could not help but think of who these people were in her world, but that feeling had begun to fade with time. Olaf was more childlike yet wise than his cartoon counterpart, Kristoff was sometimes messy but kind and warm, never afraid to show a soft masculine side that Marie found admirable. Anna was even warmer and kinder than the movies ever portrayed her, and she truly was an incredible leader.

The food was impeccable. No expense was spared. Marie especially liked the roasted venison, but made sure to only take bites whenever Sven was not looking. There was a misconception Marie had about food from the past being too bland, but she was gladly proven wrong with the feast before her.

"You guys sure know how to throw a party," Marie said to Elsa. A table of Northuldra cracked up at her comment, seemingly in agreement. Her thoughts returned to the people she had grown to love. Anna caught her eye and smiled. She pointed at Marie and raised her arms in a fashion that imitated a dance. The queen mouthed the word, "later," at Marie, but without giving Elsa a coy wink first. A spark lit in Marie, and she could not help but gaze at Elsa fondly for a couple seconds. As the meal finished and people began to make their way over to where the band was, Marie stood and swallowed a huge lump in her throat. Her thoughts had moved to Elsa, and Marie's confession felt as though it was going to burst from her lips. Every second that was spent around Elsa and everyone else was beginning to feel agonizing. "Elsa, may we talk sometime this evening?" Brilliant blue eyes landed on Marie, and she found herself nearly shaking in anticipation. "A-alone," she added.

"Your Majesty," sounded a deep voice behind them. "It has been too long."

For a second, Elsa remained transfixed on Marie, but she turned away from her date and bowed slightly to the tall, very sharply dressed man and his company of four companions. Marie did the same. "Lord Toussaint," Elsa greeted professionally. "How lovely it is to see you. Thank you for making the journey to be here today. I hope the seas fared well from France."

"Yes," Toussaint replied. "The journey was fair." The lord's eyes shifted to Marie and lingered in a way that suggested that he was waiting for an introduction.

"My Lord, this is Lady Marie. She is a dear friend of Arendelle who had aided us in times of need," Elsa stated. Marie bowed once again.

""Lady?"" echoed Toussaint. "I thought you were a teacher from America."

"I am," Marie replied almost too sharply. She tensed for a split second. What was she going to say to those who asked about her backstory? Somehow, telling people that I was magically brought here from another world doesn't seem like a good idea, she thought to herself. Elsa carried on a conversation with the French lord while Marie was lost in her thoughts. She glanced at Elsa. Then again, maybe it wouldn't be so weird after all. Toussaint and his company bid their farewells.

"Don't worry," Elsa leaned into Marie's ear and said gently. "Being a queen's consort is reason enough to be called a lady."

Marie was aware that goosebumps covered her skin when Elsa's breath ran over her ear. "I was wondering about that," she replied, watching with Elsa as guests began to form a circle around the terrace. "I haven't been officially given a title or anything."

"There hasn't been enough time to," Elsa said quietly. A pained look came across her face. "And there won't be enough time after today…"

Desperation began to claw within Marie. She turned towards Elsa. "I really need to talk to y-"

"What are you doing, you two?" Honeymaren exclaimed, running up to them from the circle of people. "The first dance is about to begin!" They rushed over, trying to ignore their beating hearts and red faces. Anna and Kristoff were already in the middle of the circle, waiting for the orchestra to begin playing. Elsa and Marie waited on the edge of the circle. Marie squeezed Elsa's hand when she noticed tears forming in the royal's eyes. She watched as Kristoff took Anna's hands within his own and began leading her. Although he tried to appear cool and collected, Marie knew him well enough to tell that he was very nervous. Often, his eyes would turn to their feet. Anna leaned in after a romantic spin and said something in his ear, to which he relaxed a little bit.

"He just learned how to dance," Elsa explained. Her voice was grainy from emotion, prompting Marie to squeeze her hand.

After a few minutes, Marie turned to Elsa. "Do you dance?" Marie asked.

"Not really," Elsa replied.

Marie held out a hand. "Will you dance with me?" Elsa hesitated, but then reached out her hand and slid it into Marie's. The ice mage's fingertips were chilly, causing Marie to shiver. Marie led them out into the dance circle, other couples beginning to join in. Usually the gentleman leads the dance, Marie thought to herself, trying to ignore the many eyes that landed on them. She faced Elsa and furrowed her brow in concentration. I may not be a gentleman, but I do want to lead this dance, she decided. After they took each other's hands, Marie froze and chuckled sheepishly. "I don't really know any of the dances from here," she admitted.

Elsa was still carrying an air of sadness with her despite her best efforts to hide it. However, Marie's confession made her chuckle. "Teach me something you know."

Marie looked around and took in her surroundings. The key signature of the piece that was being played was a waltz, but with an allegretto tempo. "I think I got it!" She took Elsa's hands in her own with renewed vigor. "So, we go like this…" She pushed them apart, still hanging onto their hands. "And pull in like this," They touched shoulders on Marie's right and Elsa's left, then pushed away from each other only to pull back in and touch on the opposite shoulders. "Then you spin first." She spun Elsa in two quick circles, causing her to gasp when Marie pulled her back in close afterward. "Then we repeat with me spinning, and we just keep doing that over and over!" After a few rounds, Elsa was smiling and laughing from all the spinning. She especially liked spinning and pulling Marie back in close to her. Whenever they were close, it felt like fire.

"Hey!" came Daniel's voice from their side. Honeymaren was being pulled behind him albeit her lack of passion. "Like this?" he asked. To Marie's surprise, they both began doing the dance. Honeymaren started to smile after a few spins.

"Yeah! Just like that!" Marie chimed. More and more couples began joining them, most of them being rock trolls who added their own flips and spins to the mix. After a while, dizziness began to claw at Marie's head. As if sensing this, Elsa pulled them out of the dance and to the edge of the crowd. "That was fun!" Marie exclaimed. To her dismay, Elsa still had an air of sadness to her. Marie leaned in. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Just need refreshments," Elsa said quickly. She tore away and nearly disappeared through the crowd. Marie started to take after her but was stopped by a gentle hand grabbing her arm.

"She needs a few minutes," Anna said. Marie tensed for a second but sighed and nodded. Anna offered a wine glass to Marie, who took it gladly. "I need a break after trying that crazy dance of yours!" the new bride exclaimed, giving her leg a shake. Marie barely listened though. Her eyes were scanning the crowd for a familiar lavender dress and light blonde hair. Anna sighed. "You know why she's sad, right?"

"Because she thinks I'm leaving," Marie answered.

""Thinks?"" Anna echoed. "Does that mean you want to stay?" Before Marie could respond, Anna took Marie's arm and closed the distance between them. "On behalf of ALL of Arendelle, please stay." This caused Marie to pause in her tracks. "You have a life here, a family. I know you haven't been here for long, but it's true. More than one person would be heart broken if you left…" She tipped her head to get a better look at Marie's face. "Including you. It's true, isn't it?"

A fumbled syllable escaped Marie, who quickly shut her mouth in pure exasperation. "I need to talk to her," is all Marie said.

"Yes! Yes, go! Go find her!" Anna cheered, suddenly pushing Marie through the crowd. "Oh, and Marie?" She stopped pushing to face Marie once again. "Our parents wouldn't hesitate with you, either." A hard lump formed in Marie's throat. "Now, go! She's by the punch bowl!" Anna gave one final shove before slipping into the crowd.

I need to tell her, Marie thought as she barreled through the crowd. She nearly tripped over child rock trolls, to whom she apologized and kept going. She lifted her dress off the ground and found Elsa once more. She was speaking with a small group of who appeared to be foreign politicians. Marie took in a deep breath. I need to tell her everything.

"Marie!"

The exasperated young woman stopped in her tracks at the familiar voice. She closed her eyes in pure frustration. "Daniel, now's not the best time…"

"May I have one dance?" She turned to face him. He nervously straightened his tie. "Please? Just one…"

Marie looked back at Elsa, who had her back turned to them and was still conversing. "Fine," Marie said.

He took her hand and led her out to the dance circle. Daniel cleared this throat when he pulled her in close. They started swaying back and forth, to which Marie was grateful that it was not a quick, elaborate dance that she did not know. "Anna has offered me a position here at the castle," he said, his tone indicating that this was important for him to tell her. "She wants me to help General Mattias in teaching new recruits sword and shield etiquette. That way, Dominic won't be alone, either."

A small sigh left Marie, although it was not one of impatience, rather compassion and pity. "You're afraid of leaving him behind," she stated softly.

He changed the direction of their swaying when they nearly collided with another couple. "No one deserves to be alone," he responded.

"But you deserve better than him," Marie suggested. She made sure her tone was not overbearing, and she meant it.

"I have to confess something," he said suddenly, becoming very nervous. A small feeling of dread rose within Marie, but before she could say anything, he blurted, "I have feelings for you! Very strong feelings!"

Marie stopped dancing. "Daniel-"

"But I know you love Elsa, so there's no chance for me…I know that." His eyes were downcast. "I wanted to tell you before you left, and before you had this night with her…" Marie grunted in frustration and scanned near the punch bowl again. This time, Elsa was facing them, watching them while the same group of politicians carried on a conversation she was not listening to. Daniel tipped his head to the side. "You love her, don't you?"

Marie gritted her teeth. "I'm not going to tell you before I tell her," she seethed.

"You haven't told her yet?!"

"I'm trying to!" Marie hissed.

"Then you need to tell her!" His eyes began to fill with tears, and he stubbornly bit his trembling lower lip, but he encouraged her, nonetheless. Marie paused when she saw this, but he shook his head. "I'll be fine! Go tell her!" Just like Anna, he began pushing Marie towards Elsa.

With a final look back at him, Marie softened and said, "You're a good guy, Daniel. You deserve the best." He gave her one final nod before pushing her out of the dancing circle.

Marie brushed her dress off nervously. Looking up, she saw Elsa staring at her, now completely ignoring the politicians who were talking near her. With shaky hands, Marie began to walk the small distance that separated them. What should she say? How should she say it? A million questions raced through her head, but as she stopped in front of Elsa, the flood of words that she wanted to say fumbled on her lips. The buzz of the wedding surrounded them, and an evening breeze chilled their shoulders, causing them to wrap their shawls on tighter. Marie swallowed a lump in her throat. "…Hi," she managed to say.

Elsa gazed at her, that same sad look still lingering in her brilliant eyes. "Hi," she responded.

Without a conscious thought, Marie automatically moved in closer to her. They were mere inches away. Behind them, the orchestra began playing a slow, romantic piece. Both women looked over to where the orchestra was seated to find Anna mischievously running away, dress in her hands and a satisfied look on her face. Marie took the hint and held out a hand as they giggled. "Dance with me?" she asked softly.

Elsa slid her hand into Marie's. "Okay." Her touch was so soft, so gentle. It always had been. Marie led them out to the dance circle and turned to face her date. Now that the sun was dipping behind the horizon, several townspeople had lit torches and lamps across the town, both on street lamps and tables. The light they gave reflected off Elsa's entire body: her dress, her skin, even her hair. Marie could not look away. She was truly beautiful. Marie slid a hand across Elsa's lower back and pulled her in. A slight huff escaped Elsa, and her breath ran across Marie's cheek. They squeezed each other's hands as Marie began to lead the dance.

"Are you enjoying the wedding?" Marie asked after several moments of silence. She did not need to speak louder than a casual volume due to their closeness.

"Yes," came Elsa's reply. "Anna and Kristoff are having a great time."

Marie could not help but press her fingertips into Elsa's lower back. The curvature of her body sent flames through her veins. Their faces were only a couple inches away from each other, and they spent nearly all this close proximity gazing at one another. "That's good, but what about you?" Marie asked. When Elsa did not say anything, Marie added, "We got separated, but we're back together now." At first, Marie thought Elsa was going to pull away. The former queen gritted her teeth and tore her gaze away. Desperation somehow clawed its way deeper into Marie, and she blurted, "I don't want to be separated from you, Elsa."

Elsa broke away. Without hesitation, Marie took after her, grunting in exasperation at the speed at which Elsa wove through the crowd. "Wait!" she shouted through the crowd. She gritted her teeth and kept pursuing Elsa. "Elsa, please!" As soon as the royal was free from the crowd, she started running towards the docks. Marie lifted her dress and ran after her. When they were out of ear shot from anyone else, Marie stopped in her tracks and shouted, "I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE YOU!"

Elsa whipped around, tears streaming down her face. She had finally broken her façade that she had been carrying all day. "How can you say that?" she shouted back. A gust of wind blew her loose hair across her dress and over her bare shoulders. "How can you say that when you're leaving tomorrow? When you'll be gone forever?!"

"BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO GO!"

Elsa froze.

Marie clenched her fists. "I don't want to leave, Elsa. I want to stay here. I want-…" Emotion surged within Marie, but she clenched her fists even harder to focus. She looked at Elsa, a smile covering her face. "I want to be by your side, everyday, for as long as I'm able. I don't care if some other worldly power tries taking me away." She took a step towards Elsa. "So let's not go to Ahtohallan, okay? Let's just stay here…together. I don't ever want to leave your side. I want to be with you. I want to stay because… I lo-"

Elsa rushed at her and kissed her passionately. Marie froze momentarily and stumbled backwards from the sheer force Elsa met her with, but Elsa caught her and pulled her in tightly. They kissed fervently, more fervently than they ever had before. What felt like pure fire burned between them, igniting parts of them they had never known were there. A voice rang out from somewhere behind them, and they pulled apart. They grabbed each other's hands and ran towards the privacy of a nearby boathouse. As soon as the roof and walls covered them in shadow, they found one another again.

Hands ran through hair. Lips ran across skin. Body pressed against body. Elsa pushed Marie against the wall and kissed her deeply. Marie moaned and grabbed her, pulling her in as tightly as she could. "Say it," Elsa breathed when they pulled away from each other for some air. Marie kissed her lips tenderly and moved to her cheek. Elsa let out a shaky breath. "Say it."

Marie's lips moved across her face. "I…adore you," she said playfully. Her hand grasped Elsa's scalp as she gripped the back of her head to lead Elsa's head in the direction she wanted.

Elsa pressed into Marie, pushing her against the wall even harder. "Say it," she commanded.

Marie hummed and moved her lips to the bottom of Elsa's neck. She ran her tongue from the bottom of Elsa's neck to her ear, then whispered, "I treasure you…"

Soft fingertips moved across Marie's shoulders, slipping the shawl off her shoulders. Elsa leaned in and kissed Marie's bare shoulders, her hands moving down her body and squeezing Marie's hips and thighs. Marie let out a startled gasp. "Say it," Elsa repeated, the words forming over Marie's collar bone from her lips.

Their lips found each other again. Marie's eyes closed as she cradled Elsa's face. Her hands slid down Elsa's body slowly, finding her chest, her hips, her back. Parts of Elsa that Marie had only looked at were now underneath her touch, and she reveled in every second. Elsa lifted a hip up, enticing another moan from Marie. "I want you," Marie said between kisses. Elsa slid a hand underneath Marie's dress. "I want you so badly…"

Elsa placed both hands on Marie's face and they gazed at one another. "Take me," Elsa breathed, kissing her tenderly. She pulled away, their lips puckering from the separation. "Have me…Love me."

They kissed passionately, holding their kiss for several seconds. All doubts, all fears had left them both. Marie could feel Elsa's heartbeat racing against her own chest, and she looked Elsa in the eyes. "I will." Both of their hands found the other's sequin that held their dresses up and began undoing them.

Blood curdling screams suddenly broke out from where the wedding was. Elsa and Marie broke apart, looking at each other as though they had both imagined it, but more screams filled the air. They threw their clothing back together and sprinted out of the boathouse.

Marie froze in her tracks upon seeing what was causing such chaos. Hovering over the fjord was a giant mass of darkness. It loomed over the town and water, black tendrils spreading out from it like tentacles. But that was not why Marie froze. As people and trolls fled from the scene all around them, her eyes were glued to a black figure floating above the mass. Elsa joined her side. "Is that-?"

The black figure raised an arm and moved it in a single line over its head. The air itself tore open. Marie clenched her fists. "The rift."

Suddenly a tendril shot out towards the town square, heading directly for the crowd. Without hesitation, Elsa shot a beam of ice at the tendril, freezing it solid. Both women covered their bodies in magical armor and shot straight towards the crowd.

"Elsa!" Anna called from the running crowd.

"Get everyone out of here!" Elsa commanded, freezing another tendril that was shooting toward more people.

The dark figure hovered in front of the rift, its gaze directed at Marie. She thought the blood in her veins was going to freeze. Elsa planted her feet and raised both of her arms into the air. An ice dome began to cover the town, much like The Red Flake.

"General!" Anna shouted from the side of the crowd. She reached down and ripped off a part of her dress, revealing leggings underneath. Mattias rushed to her side, her dark ice sword in his hands. "Get everyone to come under the dome. Those who aren't need to get to safety!"

"Yes, your Highness," Mattias said before turning towards the crowd.

Marie felt Elsa's presence next to her. "Ready?" the queen asked.

From her fingertips, Marie formed a dark blade, the light core in the middle much larger than usual. She took a deep breath in as darkness coated her entire body. "Ready," she echoed. Elsa created an opening and they both shot through it towards the dark mass. Marie flew above the water as she sliced through tendril after tendril, sweat soon forming on her brow.

Elsa rose to the top of the mass by forming ice platforms and running up them, freezing whatever she could on her way. Once she was at the top, she shouted, "Marie!"

Marie flew to the bottom of the mass, and at the same time, Marie sliced upward while Elsa sliced downward. They flew past each other, both letting out yells of fury on their way. The mass shook violently, a deafening droning noise ripping through the air in the aftermath. Marie floated down to where Elsa was hovering over the fjord, swishing her blade to her side. "Did we get it?" she asked with shaky breath.

Almost as though in response, the dark mass shot straight for them. "Look out!" Elsa shouted, pushing Marie out of the way. Elsa was thrown back from the force. She crashed into the water.

"Elsa!" Marie screamed. In pure rage, she sliced the darkness with her sword and shot to where Elsa had gone underwater.

Elsa broke through the surface, her entire body ice itself. She clutched her side, her hair floating ethereally behind her. "That was meant to kill," she said with a rasp. "We need to be careful."

Marie floated behind her and readied her sword. "Together, then." It was like they were dancing. Whenever Elsa moved, Marie moved. Wherever Marie struck, Elsa struck the opposite. Each movement seemed synchronized as they fought the darkness. Even though they were in danger, Marie could not help but crack a smile, especially when the mass began to shrink even more. If they grew exhausted, the other covered for them. Marie kept a constant eye on Elsa, internally chastising herself for letting Elsa get hurt. She won't get hurt again, she thought, gritting her teeth as she shielded them both from blow after blow. I won't let her.

The dark mass shook violently, then began to rise higher into the air. Elsa and Marie watched as it wove around the rift. To their dismay, the rift and darkness began to descend. "We need to close it!" Elsa shouted as she raised her arm into the air. Together, they aimed at the rift and blasted magic at it. Both women gripped each other as cries of fury escaped them. The rift spasmed and distorted hauntingly.

"I think it's working!" Marie yelled, continuing to blast magic from her hand. The rift floated motionless in front of them as the dark mass circled it. It was considerably smaller now, almost pitiful compared to what it was only a minute ago. Elsa created an ice sheet for them to land on so they could catch their breath.

Their respite was cut short. The rift spasmed and, in less than a blink of an eye, a beam of darkness bolted for Elsa. Marie struck out and hit the beam, ricocheting the blast off her blade. She let out a cry of pain. That blast was stronger than any others before it. A sinking feeling filled Marie when she realized that those kinds of blasts were only being sent at Elsa. Another blast bolted for them, and this time Elsa blocked it. She cried out in pain at the force of it. The rift sent out a wave of dark energy, sending Marie flying backward. "No!" she yelled out, immense fear jolting through her. It's going to kill her! Blast after blast bombarded Elsa as Marie flew back to her. Elsa was losing strength from the sheer force, and she slipped and fell. The rift let out that deafening sound once more and fired one last beam at Elsa.

It did not hit her.

It hit Marie.

Blood spewed from her mouth. She was impaled straight through the torso with a gaping hole the size of her head. The air around them grew silent as the dark mass began to dissipate into the rift. Marie fell into Elsa's arms, the light beginning to fade from her eyes. Elsa gripped her, the reality of it not yet sinking in. Marie blinked and smiled. The rift eased down to them and surrounded Marie. She touched Elsa's face tenderly, and opened her mouth to utter the words, "I love you, too," before being pulled through the rift. Elsa let out a blood curdling scream.