Disclaimer! I do not own frozen.
Lords and Ladies of this kingdom of fanfiction, 'Tis I, the humble author of this little story.
After so many months of not being able to post on this story due to this humble author's full time work. Nevertheless I won't abandon this story and will finish it. I've been reviewing my dust covered notes and yes I finally managed to continue.
I hope you all enjoy!
The flickering lights of the scones made the shadows dance on the damp and cold surface of the dungeons. The massive shadow Marshall cast eclipsed the prisoner's face as he turned to his cousin, Eric.
"Tell me what's going on." Marshall demanded.
"Nothing is going on." Eric replied in a neutral tone before glancing at the woman behind the iron bars. "I met her once, when we were at Heather Town."
"Heather Town? Then why didn't you take her captive?" Marshall narrowed his eyes on Eric.
"I would've if I'd known she's an Eldr. Especially when she was pursued by a nobleman to wed her, who may have or not known her bloodline." Eric explained.
Marshall said nothing at Eric's explanation and turned towards the exit. While Eric stared at the woman, who was staring back at him in bewilderment.
"W-Who are you?" Ariel asked.
"Eric Maximillian Harold, from the bastard line of House Vinter." Eric formally introduced himself.
Ariel's eyes widened at the mention of his House's bloodline.
"You're one of the Queen's kinsmen." she mumbled in surprise.
"Yes, and you are a kinswoman to the Duchess of Eldr." Eric felt heaviness in his chest at the reality he was facing. "I shall excuse myself." he said with a last glance to the redhead woman before turning away. His thoughts conjured the images of their first encounter.
Eric was asked to patrol the area and he did it incognito, knowing his uniform would gather so much unwanted attention. He wore a simple white shirt under a linen sleeveless midnight blue doublet devoid of any embroidery. He also donned a cloak to hide his sword from the public eye. After roaming around the town, Eric decided to have a drink and went to the first tavern he saw.
The tavern was full of patrons, men and some women were sharing drinks, sharing stories and some were lively dancing as if they were celebrating. Eric guessed that having the town not turning into ash was worthy of celebration.
He walked towards the high stool by the counter and pulled down the hood of his cloak and ordered a tankard of ale. He watched the barmaid move around behind the counter. Whilst waiting, on his periphery he could see a cloaked person having their supper. Eric noticed the person's hand looked too smooth to be a man.
He thanked the barmaid and went on to drink when a loud bang was heard, he turned to check whatever made the ruckus, they were two thugs threatening the patrons. Eric stood up to ready himself in case there would be a scuffle within the establishment.
Then he noticed the person next to him rushed to get out of the scene, only to tripped by the foot of the stool.
Eric caught the person as the hood was pulled down, revealing a vibrant red hair. He was stunned the moment his icy blue orbs met a pair of aqua blue eyes that could drown anyone who stared at them. He felt a noticeable thump inside his chest as he stared at the stunning woman's eyes.
"We're looking for a lady named Ariel of House Rey, she has long red hair and blue eyes. Anyone who will tell us her whereabouts will be rewarded fifty gold." said one of the thug looking men.
Eric snapped out of his reverie as he realized the person they were looking for was the woman in his arms. He quickly pulled her hood up and asked "Do you know them?" he asked while discreetly shielded her with his body.
"Yes. My mother wanted to sell me to their master. I have to go. Please let me go." the woman said, her eyes brimmed with tears.
"Okay, but you have to follow me." Eric carefully sneaked to the poorly lit part of the tavern with the woman.
"Why are you helping me?" the woman asked.
"Do I need a reason to help you?" Eric asked her in return. "Come follow me." Both of them managed to sneak out of the back door.
"I have a horse in the stable." the woman said.
"Stay here, I'll get it for you." Eric ran towards the stable and saw a few horses resting in. He noticed one particularly well groomed horse and quite expensive saddle. He already guessed that the woman belonged to a noble family and seeing this excellent breed of horse with an expensive saddle solidified his guess.
He retrieved the horse from the stables and it wasn't long when he heard the shouting and the shrill of weapons colliding against each other.
Eric rushed to where he left the lady and was about to help her when she rushed to the saddle and ready to bolt out from the place only to turn around.
"Thank you for your help Sir. . ." the lady said.
"Max. Just Max." Eric gave his second name to the beautiful lady since his first name was so recognizable to those of noble descent, because of his reputation and association to the Queen. He didn't want to intimidate the lady by using his well known moniker.
"Max." the lady smiled. "I'll never forget your kindness Max. I hope I'll be able to return the favor when the time comes."
"No need to. Please go. I'll make sure they won't be able to follow you." Eric said.
"Thank you, I owe you my life." The lady pulled the reins of her horse. "Until then." she kicked the sides of her horse and galloped ahead.
"Until then, Ariel." Eric smiled, saying the name of the lady that caught his interest outloud brought warmth in his chest.
Moments later, Arendellian knights found him at the back door.
"Sir Eric, the armed men are apprehended and Lieutenant Olaf has asked for your presence at Manor Stella."
"Very well." Eric said but his eyes were on the path where the beautiful redhead went.
The warmth that Eric felt when they first met was replaced with coldness and it weighs so heavy in his chest that he hated the feeling. Marshall's accusing tone didn't help to alleviate his dread. His cousin hated and wanted to end the bloodline of Eldr if he was allowed to but due to political matters, he was being restrained like a mad dog in chains. He knew what Marshall was capable of once released from the proverbial chains, there would be bloodbath.
Also, it didn't help when Marshall had witnessed the closest person in his life had to marry the very descendant of the man who caused them everything they hold dear, it fuelled his hatred and disgust. The only thing that prevented him from killing Anna was her political importance but it couldn't say the same for the other Eldrs. Eric knew Marshall enough to fear for Ariel's life.
Eric curled his hands into fist as he went to find Olaf to further discuss their plans.
At dawn in Arendelle forest.
There was clamoring outside of a run down cottage in the middle of the forest, men talking among themselves about the current status of the goods they needed for them to accomplish their goal. The death of the usurper Queen and her foreign relatives. A man with dark brown hair, James, the son of Baron Hawkins, one of the beheaded nobles at the courtyard the Queen had personally executed. He and the heirs of the dead nobles fled a day before the battle of Arendelle started, some fled because of cowardice and some were ordered to do so in order to keep their bloodline alive in case the Eldr army perished, which it did.
James opened a large wooden coffer filled with gold and silver, enough to buy weapons and provisions for their men. He thought revenge was impossible, now impossible had become possible thanks to their benefactor who provided them Arendelle guard uniforms to not only gather money to fund the rebellion, but also smear the name of the usurper.
He was skeptical at first but as a sign of good faith, their benefactor had given them information that only few would know. James had on his makeshift desk a tattered and crudely drawn map of the castle's secret passages, he couldn't be certain if what was drawn on the parchment was accurate but regardless since he received more than he had expected from their benefactor.
James knew little of this benefactor, who reached out to them and among those was their penchant of sending letters with three claw marks using blood as signature. While the wax seal of the benefactor was blank, no crest could be traced to anyone.
"Hawkins, we have company." one of the men around him said that made him look up. He saw a man driving a cart and it stopped just before entering the clearing of their camp. The man took out a letter from his leather satchel and gave it to James.
Gifts, for victory.
Only those three words were written on the parchment.
James ordered his men to unload the contents of the cart before turning to the man, once again retrieving a velvet pouch containing precious gems, small cuts of purple diamonds.
"My master wishes for your victory." the man stated.
"Then he shall have it." James went inside the rundown cottage filled with the familiar green tunic. He took out a locket from his pocket that bore his family seal. Inside it were the small portraits of his parents. "Soon, revenge is gonna be mine."
Vinter castle
Anna stirred in her sleep, her breathing stabilized more than the previous night. Her body still ached and her throat was sore, prompting her to cough. She shifted away from Elsa and rolled on her side to gasp before sinking into another coughing fit.
Her actions had woken Elsa from her slumber, and the latter immediately sat up and tried to soothe Anna by caressing her back. Elsa noticed the damp linen Anna was wearing because of too much sweating throughout the night. The platinum blonde quickly rose from the bed and pulled the servant's rope by the corner of the room and went by the foot of the bed to open the massive chest that contained fresh clothes.
Elsa searched for another night dress that Anna could wear when the door opened almost silently, revealing Wendy.
"Wendy, fetch some honey water for Anna, and warm water. Make haste."
"Of course, Your Majesty." Wendy excused herself and hurried down the kitchen.
Elsa went back to the bed with the clean clothes in her hand.
"Darling, wake up for me please." Elsa caressed Anna's face gently.
Anna slowly opened her eyes and asked with a tired and hoarse voice.
"What is it?"
"I need to change your clothes, can you sit up?" Elsa asked, Anna answered by nodding.
Elsa gently assisted her beloved to sit up and leaned her back on the headboard of the bed. She daintily pushed away Anna's stray hair from her sweat covered face.
"How are you feeling?" Elsa asked softly.
"Horrible, I can barely breathe." Anna answered before coughing.
"Wendy will be here in a minute with your honey water, it will help to soothe your throat."
Anna only hummed as a response.
As if on cue, a knock was heard and Elsa gave permission to come in. Wendy was carrying a silver tray and upon it was a porcelain pot and tea cup, and one servant who carried a basin of steaming water.
"Put the water here." Elsa instructed.
"You're Majesty, please let me wash Her Grace's body." Wendy said as she put down the tray on the coffee table by the bed. She immediately soaked the washcloth into the lukewarm.
"Alright." Elsa turned to the other servant. "Carlotta, please tell Bulda to prepare a light meal for Anna's breakfast and her herb tea."
"Right away, Your Majesty." The plump woman went out of the room to do her task.
"Anna, darling. I'll take off your night dress now, alright?" Elsa gently undo Anna's robe before removing it, she then proceeds to bunch up the white linen night dress upwards revealing Anna's bare body. Once Elsa successfully removed Anna's clothes, she let Wendy wipe off the sweat with the damp washcloth.
"Your Majesty, a messenger from the capital arrived." Wendy said and passed Elsa a letter with Eric's personal seal.
"Thank you." Elsa read the letter with apt attention before shoving the letter in her waistcoat pocket. Her glacial blue eyes watched Wendy bathe and dressed Anna with the clean linen she took from the chest.
"It will be better to change the sheets as well." Wendy suggested.
"Do it, please." Elsa said. She took Anna's half-conscious body into her arms and lifted her from the bed while Wendy stripped the bed's covers to replace them with fresh ones.
"Elsa." Anna whispered.
"What is it?"
"Don't leave me." Anna hand fisted on Elsa's clothes tightly.
"I won't. I'll be here beside you, I promise." Elsa gave Anna's forehead a kiss. Her glacial blue eyes were filled with worry at Anna's tone.
"Hm." Anna snuggled on Elsa even more.
"Your breakfast will be here soon, you should eat. And I received a word from Eric that they had sent your new ladies-in-waiting, they will probably arrive later in the afternoon."
"Charlotte?" Anna asked.
"Yes, and Aurora too. Eric thought it will be a good idea to send them here to assist you, especially now that you're sick." Elsa gently put down Anna on the freshly made bed.
"I should thank him when I see him."
"You can when you are better." Elsa smiled. She checked her pocket watch and it's already a quarter past nine in the morning. She couldn't recall the last time she woke up this late. "Do you mind if I freshen up a little? I'll have Wendy accompany you." Elsa poured honey water in the cup and handed it to Anna.
"Must you go?" Anna asked with a hint of petulance. "What's this?" her stuffy nose couldn't smell the scent of the drink.
Elsa chuckled a bit. "Alright, I'll stay. It's honey water, it will soothe your throat. My mother used to make some whenever we had a cold."
"That's nice. Thank you."
Bulda knocked on the door and got in the room with the breakfast requested by Elsa.
"Good morning my dears. How are you feeling?" Bulda asked Anna as she placed the breakfast tray on the empty side of the bed.
"I can't breathe or smell anything. It's horrible." Anna said then took a sip from her drink.
"Of course you can't. I can't imagine a person from the capital soaked to the bones in one of the Duchy's cold rivers, near the winter season no less, and remained unscathed." She stated before softening her tone and said. "You, dearie, made us all worried." Bulda gently caressed Anna's cheek.
Anna looked up to see Elsa's reaction and her face was blank as always but her eyes were conveying another thing, there was relief, worry, and mostly fondness.
"Those old bats were losing more of their already receding hair because of worry." Bulda said. "Now eat so you can rest more."
"I'll do it." Elsa volunteered and went to take the soup plate.
"No. You freshen up. I'll handle this." Bulda scrunched her nose as she spoke.
Elsa narrowed her eyes. "Why did that sound offensive in my ears?"
"Take what you will." Bulda shrugged and proceeded to scoop the soup with the spoon.
"I can feed myself." Anna said, putting down the tea cup on the tray.
"Nonsense." Bulda insisted on spoon feeding Anna, and Anna reluctantly accepted Bulda's assistance. "Elsa, please do change your clothes."
Elsa's eye twitched in annoyance. "Fine." she turned her attention to Anna. "Will you be alright?"
"Yes. Don't worry." Anna smiled.
"Why did that sound offensive in my ears?" Bulda grumbled.
"Take what you will." Elsa smirked and gave Anna a gentle kiss on the cheek. "I'll be back before you know it."
She went out of the room and walked down the hall to her assigned room, and quickly freshened up and changed her clothes, a white shirt, black waistcoat and cravat secured by a sapphire pin, she forgone the coat and gloves. Her trousers were cream colored and paired with knee high black boots. She styled her hair in a high ponytail, with her fringe framing her face.
Once she got out of her room, Duke Weselton was waiting for her.
"We need to talk." the Duke of Weselton said.
"Whatever it is, it can wait." Elsa walked past him but he uttered a name she despised made her stop.
"Your wedding shouldn't be postponed any longer." the Duke said.
Elsa didn't turn and continued to walk towards Anna's room.
"The so-called Lords of Arendelle are getting quite impatient, especially Marquis Stiltskin."
Elsa turned to face him. "Stiltskin? Baron Baelfire's father? "
"Yes."
Elsa pursed her lips and went silent for a while. Marquis Stiltskin was one of the influential nobles not only in Arendelle, but also in other kingdoms because of his excellence in politics and diplomacy. He was a well respected man, and Elsa had met him a couple of times in the past. His discerning cunning eyes, the constant sneer on his face and the tapping of his cane as he walked were engraved on Elsa's mind. The Marquis had vexed the King of Corona so many times and it caused violent reactions from the latter. And most importantly, he was one of the crucial people who weighed her worth to be Arendelle's rightful ruler. The role that he played in her ascension to the Arendelle throne filled Elsa with indiscernible feelings between gratefulness and loathing.
Elsa couldn't accept how little they saw her, judging her worth based on the things they could gain once she sat on that bloodied throne everyone wanted. She felt that they were turning her into a puppet on strings that they could move as they pleased, and she refused to be used as such. She knew her reign wasn't stable yet so she couldn't do much to refuse their ridiculous demand.
"Lords of Arendelle, huh. Am I that useless to have such a council of lords to rule over Arendelle in my stead?"
"They took advantage of your inexperience, foreign upbringing and the weak legitimacy of your right despite being the most suitable. That is why I am urging you to marry her for them to witness and take her to bed in order to secure an heir."
Elsa ground her teeth in annoyance.
"I am fully aware that this might cause ire in you as you dislike being told what to do, however, time is of the essence."
Elsa looked him straight in the eyes and said the following words.
"I intend to have the wedding ceremony once we are back in the capital after disposing of a slight. . . inconvenience. I had sent a letter to Kai and instructed him to arrange everything." she turned her back and proceeded towards Anna's room.
And just in time, the door was opened by Lady Giselle.
"Your Majesty." Lady Giselle smiled and bowed.
Elsa nodded in acknowledgement and said. "How are you holding up?"
"Your Majesty?"
"I mean in the ranks."
"Oh, I am good, great actually. They taught me a lot, especially Captain Hofferson." Lady Giselle said with cheer. "I think I haven't thanked you for the privilege of giving me a skilled mentor, Your Majesty. Thank you so much." Lady Giselle bowed again.
"It is nothing, as you are one of the Duchess' protectors it is only right to have someone as skilled as Captain Hofferson to teach you."
"Nevertheless, thank you."
Elsa nodded and dismissed Lady Giselle to go back on her post. Inside the room, she saw Anna's sleeping figure and Bulda, who gathered the dirty laundry.
"She just fell asleep, you should keep her company."
"I intend to." Elsa answered and sat in the empty space next to Anna.
Lady Giselle was trying to distract herself from her worry over her charge, the Duchess of Eldr. She's been terribly sick since they arrived but thankfully, she regained consciousness and had a chance to visit her after lunch. They spoke a little before it was cut short by the castle's physician to let the Duchess rest. She bid her good day and met the Queen on her way out. The oddest thing happened, the Queen had asked her about her situation since joining the ranks. The monarch didn't seem like a person who initiated small talks but she did. After that she proceeded to the castle's training grounds where the Arendellian guards were having conversations while some were having friendly matches.
She looked down on her uniform, she's wearing tailored red and gold livery and black trousers to match. Her sword was securely strapped on her hip, and her hair was styled in a braided ponytail. In all of her life she hadn't imagined wearing such clothing, much less being part of a military. Despite her role as the Duchess' lady-in-waiting, she preferred to wield a sword to protect her benefactor and be loyal to her than to be the helpless damsel she was before that caused many lives to end.
The training Lady Giselle was undergoing was specialized, the Queen herself had appointed her one of the high ranking military figures in the army to train a novice. Since departing from Eldr castle, she and Captain Hofferson had started their one on one training, even when they were traveling, they still managed to squeeze in an hour of training before retiring for the day. She couldn't help but to feel exhausted but she knew this would benefit her in the long run.
Cheering and whistling at every successful strike made, there was laughter and playful banter between the men and women within the ranks. The lightheartedness of the scene contrasted the memory she had of them as they were viciously slaying enemies when she first met them.
The women in the ranks welcomed her with open arms, while the men were neutral in her presence. She understood their tepid welcome at her since she has the blood of the man who had slaughtered their family members and brothers-in-arms.
"Care for a drink?"
Lady Giselle turned and smiled at the person who offered a mug of ale.
"Thank you, Rey." Lady Giselle accepted the drink and turned her attention back to the ongoing match. "Quite a surprise for not finding you there beating everyone." she heard a chuckle on her right.
"I'll give them a break from embracing the dusty ground for today."
"Indeed. You are a formidable commander after all."
"You flatter me. I'm just trying to be as strong as Her Majesty, to protect those who are dear to me." Rey said with a smile. "I know what it is like growing up in a world where unrest doesn't seem to have an end." her brown hair was gently blown by the wind.
"I can relate to that." Lady Giselle nodded. "Her Majesty is not only strong but also magnanimous for letting me serve despite my origins."
"She does not discriminate. I came from the notorious family of murderers, but here I am. A commander serving the first female general of Corona and now Queen of a kingdom. She looked past my family origins and saw me as me, but I wouldn't be as I am today if it weren't for my mentors. They had given me a fresh start, guided me in the right way and gave me the honor by bestowing their illustrious house name next to mine."
Lady Giselle took a sip from her drink then spoke. "It's so unfamiliar here in Arendelle to see such loyalty, because allegiance shifts every second in this kingdom. You wouldn't even know if your own kin will stab you in the back or be loyal to you."
"Because this kingdom and its previous ruler didn't inspire loyalty, but instead it nurtured fear, corruption and hate." Rey emptied her mug. "How did you think we managed to overrun the kingdom? The discontented nobles wanted to dethrone the tyrant and give the throne to his granddaughter only to be offered an alliance by those who kept their head down for two decades, biding their time to strike the moment when loyalty started fizzling out. Half of the nobles were seized and were put under surveillance for years, and those families now either hold high ranking titles or have a high rank in military hierarchy."
"The Hoffersons." Lady Giselle guessed.
"Yes, and they are a distant kin of Her Majesty herself."
Lady Giselle had her eyes widened at the information she received. Rey chuckled at her reaction.
"Her Majesty's grandmother was of House Hofferson. She was the eldest daughter of Lord Hofferson, and since women had no right to inherit at that time, the title was passed down to Lord Hofferson's nephew. That's Captain Hofferson's late grandfather and former Vice Admiral of the Arendelle fleet. Now his son, the current Lord Hofferson, is Her Majesty's Vice Admiral."
"I didn't know they had such close ties with the Arendelle high nobility, even royalty."
"Indeed they are. And this closeness made them suffer for decades by your fath– i mean the previous king, it was dark times."
"He truly ruined it for everyone."
Rey silently agreed with her statement.
"Commander Skye, Lady Giselle." Both women turned to see Captain Hofferson walking towards them.
Both women saluted at him by placing their right arm across their chest and bowing slightly.
"Commander Skye, please round up your troops. Her Majesty has given instructions to patrol the surrounding areas and have them secure it."
"Of course Sir, at once." Rey nodded and dismissed herself, but not before giving a smile towards Lady Giselle.
"Lady Giselle, your fellow ladies-in-waiting have arrived. If you would follow me." Captain Hofferson led Lady Giselle towards the courtyard. As they walked, she couldn't help but to stare at him, and she knew she wasn't being subtle as the Captain asked. "Is there something on my face?"
Lady Giselle immediately looked away, her face started to feel warm.
"No Sir."
The Captain stayed quiet and gestured at the two women before her. Both were dressed in beautiful dresses and both were sporting blonde hair.
"May I present to you, Lady Aurora." The long golden blonde haired curtsied, her blue dress' skirt was lifted slightly and she smiled at Lady Giselle. " And Lady Charlotte of House LeBouff." Lady Charlotte flourished a curtsy and her eyes brightened upon seeing Lady Giselle.
"Ladies, this is Lady Giselle of House Andalasia, one of Her Grace's ladies-in-waiting."
"A pleasure to meet you both."
"The pleasure is ours." Lady Aurora smiled gracefully.
"Yes definitely, your outfit looks so exquisite!" Lady Charlotte neary screamed in excitement.
Lady Giselle chuckled at her reaction. "Thank you Lady LaBouff."
"Charlotte is fine!" Lady Charlotte hooked her arm around Lady Giselle. "Let's be friends!"
"Yes, I would be delighted. And you too Lady Aurora."
"It will be my pleasure."
"So where's the Duchess?" Lady Charlotte asked.
"Oh, she's currently resting. She's terribly ill yesterday." Lady Giselle answered, earning worried looks from both ladies. "The worst had passed, she's currently recovering. You both might see her later once Her Majesty permitted visitors."
"Then we'll visit her once allowed." Lady Aurora said.
"She'll be delighted I'm sure." Lady Giselle smiled.
The night descended and most of Arendelle's inhabitants were inside their homes keeping themselves warm from the bitter cold air outside. However, it was different from the men who were having a bonfire in the middle of the thick eastern forest.
The group of men talked to each other as they discussed their next move. One man walked towards them and tossed a golden badge in the air. A hand quickly swiped it mid-air and examined the golden blazing sun badge in his gloved hand.
"Where does this come from?"
The man pointed at the unconscious figure, who was bound in thick rope. "She was carrying it in her person."
"This is the royal badge of a high Coronan officer." said the man with blue eyes.
"Indeed. Quite a feat for a woman to have such a high rank."
The blue eyed man stared at the dark haired woman dressed in a hunter's clothes but the sword she was carrying bore intricate engravings of the Coronan military. It confused him as to what this Coronan lady was doing in the eastern part of Arendelle.
In the middle of the Southern Sea.
The creaking of the ship filled the silent cold night as the ship rocks on the waves. A woman sitting on one the ornate cushioned chair was writing with her quill on a piece of parchment. Her eyes wandered from the page towards the small framed portrait of a person dressed in impeccable military uniform. A smile formed on her lips and in her mind's eye, she could see the portrait come to life as she remembered the time when this particular portrait was painted.
The person in the portrait stood with its dark blue double breasted military jacket with eighteen golden buttons, cutaway with tails and black trousers paired with knee high boots. The military medals glimmer as light hits them, as well as the silken purple riband across its body, signifying high rank.
Her fingers glide gently on the portrait's frame as this was a precious gift she received from the person she held dear in her heart for years. It was one of her most prized possessions and source of her longing.
She moved her hand away from the portrait and fiddled with her necklace where she wore the symbol of her happiest years. A platinum ring encrusted with three pale blue diamonds.
"With the knowledge of beholding you once again, feels like my ever so vivid dreams come true." She lifted her pendant ring to her lips and gave it a soft kiss.
Thank you sooo much for your undying support!
I will do my best to update soon!
Take care everyone!