Disclaimer! I do not own frozen/disney.
First of all, THANK YOU SO FREAKING MUCH TO THE KIND REVIEWS! I couldn't be more happy as I re-read them over and over. I was so happy to read theories and what you guys liked on each chapter! I want to mention each and everyone of you here but it might take a while to get all the names and some were just "guest", but please know that I appreciate you all. And because of your ending enthusiasm to this story, I will do my best to update more frequently and will do my best to create a coherent story.
Yeah Elsanna kissed quite a lot on the previous chapter and I'm loving it. The slowest burn romance I ever read. XD
Also I think I mentioned in one of the chapters (Chapter 5) that Autumn was near by the time Elsa won the war, for those who were asking.
THANK YOU FOR THE FOLLOWS AND FAVORITE!
BTW to those who haven't watch ENCANTO, I highly recommend to watch it, it's so darn amazing and I am fangirling over Isabela. *heart eyes*
She had the same vibe as Elsa so there's no surprise there! Haha
ANYWAY.
HAVE A BOUNTIFUL NEW YEAR! ENJOY READING!
It was early in the morning and Rapunzel found herself reading different reports on whatever was going on outside the castle walls, which many weren't aware of. Her dreamers had collected vital information within a short span of time. The first one was the activities going on in the north, she sighed in exasperation at the motivation of Northul in their efforts on showing off their military at the border. The rejected marriage alliance caused such ruckus, and it wasn't even the first marriage alliance Elsa had rejected. Rapunzel was irritated towards the Princess of Northul, who kept on trying to monopolize Elsa for herself when she attended the coronation and couldn't even take a hint, unlike the other princess who took Elsa's rejection with such poise and grace. Rapunzel would choose that effortlessly graceful princess —even if her gracefulness and perfection was getting in Rapunzel's nerves— than the Northulian princess any day.
For now she had deployed troops just a few miles from the border in case Northul would completely lose their marbles and attack them. This certain action was agreed by the remaining council members who stayed, since they didn't want to be caught unaware with the Queen's absence.
Half of the troops deployed came from the Eldr private army, led by Sir John, while the other half remained in the capital to safeguard the city and the castle. The other half of the troops were the Queen's former mercenaries —turned loyal soldiers— who would defend their Queen's territory.
Rapunzel's second source of her seemingly unending headache were these men siphoning money from the people; it turned out few minor nobles resorted to extortion just to recover the money taken from them by the new tax levied on them. She had yet to take them down, not until she had the final list of the names and if she did have it, she was sure she would take great pleasure in punishing them, unless her cousin would give her direct order to execute them.
Last but not least was the stray her mother had randomly picked up. Rapunzel was aware how big her mother's heart was -a complete opposite of her father- but personally attending to the said stray was very unusual, so she did what she does best, gather information. And what Rapunzel had discovered startled her, because the said stray was an Eldr.
Ariel of House Rey was a daughter of Runeard with Lady Marina of House Rey.
Her mother had taken care of an Eldr and her father wouldn't be pleased if he knew.
But something was bothering Rapunzel once she saw the redhead after she recovered, her mother had invited the lady for luncheon, she looked so familiar and she couldn't tell exactly where or when she had met her. It bothered her and still bothered her whenever she saw the redhead. Rapunzel had tried to avoid the redhead because she was more bothered by the familiarity of the face and couldn't figure out when they met, than the fact she was an Eldr. She decided to keep this information to herself to prevent any arguments that could form between her parents, her father hated the Eldrs more than anyone and anything.
And there were these minor problems like how she couldn't meet and speak to her lover because of the last time when Elsa almost killed him, and her best friend, Cassandra, disliked him. She couldn't risk making any commotion at the moment. And Elsa had asked her to train Anna's new ladies-in-waiting.
Lady Aurora had exceeded her expectation with her etiquette and politeness, being disowned by her own family didn't discourage her to reach such gracefulness, it made Rapunzel's task a lot easier. Training one of Anna's ladies herself was keeping her busy and keeping her from thinking about Flynn.
Rapunzel needed to keep herself from distractions since she and her father were left in charge, making other nobles disgruntled at this decision made by the Queen. And these countless problems kept her occupied.
There was a knock on her room and it was immediately opened, even without her permission. She knew exactly who came in since Vladimir had let the person pass without a hitch.
"A letter came. I was walking by when a saw a messenger dressed in foreign clothing had approached the the head butler—"
"And you just went to get the letter and delivered it to me?" Rapunzel stated with amusement in her voice without looking up from the reports she was reading.
"I did." said the person had placed a sealed letter in front of her.
"Delivering letters is not your job, Cass." Rapunzel looked at the intricate L crest inside a shield on the wax seal. "Wait, is this—?"
"Emerald Isle, yes." Cassandra leaned her hip on the desk where Rapunzel was working.
"I heard they have a new ruler."
"The rebellious princess won and took the throne from her crazy brother." Cassandra explained
"Prince Alexander was a tyrant, good riddance if you ask me. I wonder what Princess Elena wants?" Rapunzel took the paper knife and opened the envelope.
Rapunzel read the contents of the letter and felt bad.
"The new ruler of the Principality of Emerald Isle is seeking assistance in exchange for gold. She wanted to buy any food Arendelle could provide them, since they were stricken by blight on their crops last year and her tyrant brother didn't do anything to provide for his people."
"If they have gold then why not trade with their closest neighbors?" Cassandra asked.
"From what I gathered before, her brother had alienated himself and made enemies with their neighbors with his constant provocation. And it was said in the letter that these neighbors of Emerald Isle refused to enter any negotiations with them, even Arendelle before apparently, maybe she's hoping that my cousin would consider trading with them since Elsa bore no ill will against Emerald Isle."
"What about these important men, who always need to voice out their opinions?" Cassandra's tone was dripping with sarcasm.
Rapunzel laughed at that. "I don't know how they feel about the Emerald Isle but this will give Elsa more than enough funds to raise an army and fleet on her own, Arendelle will have its standing defense after our men leave ArenFjord. Her Vinter fortune may be vast but they won't last long in this current situation of the kingdom. I'll discuss this with my father and will persuade him to agree with this because we need allies from outside."
"You'll make a good Queen someday." Cassandra gave her a soft smile and her eyes were filled with warmth.
"I sure hope so because my cousin is basically training me into one." Rapunzel laughed then smiled back. "Thank you Cass."
Rapunzel would have a lot to consider before entering negotiations with Emerald Isle, because it would be winter soon and she had to make sure there would be no shortage when it came to food supply for the kingdom or else her cousin would gut her alive.
"I have to send a letter to my cousin so she would be aware of what's happening."
Hours later she went out of the study her father was currently using and he agreed on her plans. She immediately went to read the records of how much crops Arendelle had produced and what other commodities they could offer. She was currently at the library and had told Lady Aurora to reschedule their training and had her familiarized the castle's layout with the help of Gerda.
Rapunzel poured over the record books and took down extensive notes. As she checked, the Duchy of Eldr had yielded vast amounts of grains and root crops, and if the vassals of the Duchy included their harvest, it doubled the quantity. While the Duchy of Vinter only seconded the yearly yield due to the cold climate and was forced to supply the army when the war broke out. While the farmlands controlled by the crown were also used to supply the army during the war. On the other hand the Westerlands used their crops to trade with other small estates and other neighboring lands.
At the moment, her cousin controlled two vast Duchies in the land and the farmlands. Those were good advantages for them. Also the kingdom slowly reviving itself after the establishment of fishing guilds that supplied the demands of the kingdom's needs, as well as the needs of other kingdoms after a series of embargos, the usurper enforced, were lifted. This was giving Rapunzel a positive outlook.
It was until she was disturbed by the sudden opening of the door, her mother came in followed by the redhead lady.
"Oh darling, you're here." Queen Arianna smiled.
"Hello Mother." At first she was delighted to see her mother but soon her mood soured when her eyes landed on the redhead.
"Your Highness." the redhead curtsied.
"Come sit." The Queen had led the redhead to one of the plush chaise. "What are you doing, dear?"
"Reading." Rapunzel's eye twitched the way her mother treated the redhead. Her mother even bought the redhead dresses and pieces of jewelry! It was common for her mother to help less fortunate people but this was an entirely different thing.
"About what?"
"Things." Rapunzel curtly responded.
"Now what was just rude." her mother was smiling but Rapunzel knew she was feeling the opposite. "I apologize for her behavior, she's not always this prickly."
"No need to apologize, Your Majesty." The redhead was clearly uncomfortable, and ever since they met, Rapunzel wasn't particularly warm to her.
"My cousin had asked me to do some things." Rapunzel said as if she didn't hear the interloper speak. "Highly confidential." she added.
"Ah, I hope your cousin is not tiring you." her mother said.
"Not at all."
A servant then entered with a fresh pot of two tea cups. "Oh, I wasn't aware you're here as well, Your Highness. I'll go and fetch a cup for you."
"No need. I am actually on my way out." Rapunzel gathered her things, she couldn't bear to share the same space with the redhead, especially when her mother was acting like that.
"Oh another time then." the Queen said, Rapunzel nodded and quickly exited the room.
Elsa and the newly minted Duchess, Anna, had bid the guests, who stayed the night, goodbye after breakfast. The Duchess Eldr was busy with assigning new staff in the Duchy after the imprisonment of the previous people in charge. Lord LaBouff was chosen to run the Duchy in Anna's absence and was told that Anna was going to make his daughter, Lady Charlotte, as one of her ladies-in-waiting.
"Your Grace, you gave my house such honor." the man bowed at her and Lady LaBouff curtsied.
"You are loyal to my house and such loyalty should be rewarded." Anna stated while sitting on a chaise in one of the drawing rooms.
"Thank you, Your Grace. I'll have my daughter be sent to the capital as soon as possible."
"That would be great. Also I would like to know more about the other vassals loyal to our house." Anna said and smiled at Lady LaBouff, who smiled in return.
Lord LaBouff had listed a couple more minor nobles to her that could help on managing the estate in her absence once they continued on their progress. Anna was quite satisfied with the credentials of the said nobles.
"Have them visit me as soon as possible before we continue on progress." Anna said.
"Of course, Your Grace. At once." Lord LaBouff nodded.
Meanwhile in the hallway, Eric was guarding the door and Elsa saw him.
"Hey." Elsa started.
Eric was doing his best not to crack a smile. "What can I do for you, Your Majesty?" he tried so hard to keep a straight face.
"Tell me anything you want and it's yours." Elsa casually stated.
Eric's brow rose in interest.
"What do you mean, Your Majesty?" he said.
"Eric, will you stop that 'Your Majesty' nonsense? We're the only ones here."
"Of course, Your Majesty." he smirked but soon a hand swatted his back. "Alright alright. Gods. That actually hurt." he winced.
"As I intended to." Elsa smirked. "So as I was saying. Tell me anything you want, if it's within my power to grant it then it's yours."
Eric was quite surprised at the offer, at first he thought he was hearing things.
"Anything?"
"Yes, anything."
He pondered for a moment. "Then if I ask you to make me Duke or a Marquis you'll do it?" he said jokingly.
"Duke is a good rank. What would your house be called? Harold? Would you prefer your own household name? Or should I choose one for you? And which territory would you like to have? Is that what you want?" Elsa asked in rapid succession.
"Whoa, whoa. Wait. Are you serious Elsa?"
Elsa frowned. "Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?"
"I don't know. I mean giving a high ranking title like that is too much for someone like me." Eric said with such calm.
"Someone like you? Eric you are one of my most loyal men, you are my friend, my cousin and family. You saved me a lot of times, we've all been through a lot together and being captain of my guards was not even enough to show how grateful I am." Elsa should've given them titles after the war, but she was preoccupied by her own marriage talks but still it was not an excuse.
"Elsa I know. And I never cared for titles. I rather be a captain and train than to discuss politics really. Serving you and our home is more than enough for me." Eric gave Elsa a reassuring smile.
"So you don't want it?" Elsa asked just to make sure.
"I don't. And I am not even sure what I want. I guess I need some time to think." Eric offered.
"Of course. I'll wait for it then."
Eric couldn't stop smiling and Elsa gave him a curious look.
"What?" Elsa asked.
"Nothing." Eric smiled even more and showed his dimples.
Elsa couldn't help but to feel annoyed. "Okay. Spit it out. Stop smiling like that, you're creeping me out." she glared at him but he kept on smiling. "Insufferable." Elsa muttered and got past him and was about to open the door of the drawing room when she heard him.
"How are you feeling now?" Eric asked softly, with a gentle smile.
Elsa knew what he was talking about. "A lot better, thanks to you." she smiled. "She feels the same way."
"I'm glad. That's all I ever want for you. To feel better and to be happy. Are you happy?"
Elsa pondered for a while and nodded. "I think so, yeah."
"Good. You deserve it Elsa." Eric patted Elsa's head.
"Do I need to remind you that I am still your Queen?" Elsa grumbled.
"Queen or not, you're still little Elsie to me." Eric noticed how Elsa stiffened at the nickname. "I'm sorry."
"It's fine." Elsa smiled. "I just forgot that you used to call me like that."
Eric didn't comment on that but nevertheless he nodded.
"She's still inside with the LaBouffs." Eric changed the subject.
"Ah. I'll go find Olaf then. Do you know where he is?"
"I only know he said he would prepare a gift and he has that glint in his eyes that I know so well." Eric sighed. "I don't even want to know what he's up to."
Elsa chuckled. "Olaf can be extreme with his surprises most of the time, they're all justified though." She then went on her way to find him.
After the visit of the LaBouffs, Anna was left alone inside the drawing room. She was sitting by the window looking outside, watching Elsa and Olaf talking animatedly. Well, Olaf did the talking for the most part while caressing his stomach. Anna couldn't help but smile at the sight of her Queen.
-Flashback-
It was still quite early, Anna slowly woke up facing the window, while cuddling a pillow, she immediately shut her eyes back and buried her face on the pillow in her arms, then she smelled a scent that made her heart feel warm and brought a smile to her face.
Her thoughts went back to how Elsa thought she would sleep on the chaise, the platinum blonde haired woman was so adorable last night. Anna liked how respectful Elsa was with her personal space, she knew Elsa wouldn't want her to feel uncomfortable in any way. Which was sweet of her.
Anna sighed in contentment as she recalled those emotionally charged kisses they shared. Each and every time their lips would touch she felt like floating as if her soul would ascend to Valhalla. A truly wondrous feeling.
Anna knew she ought to get up and face the day as the new Duchess, but before that she wanted to have a moment with Elsa. She wanted to wake up with a sleeping Elsa by her side but she woke up with only a pillow in her arms.
The opening of the door took Anna's attention, she turned at the door's direction and there she was, as if Anna summoned her through her mind. Elsa was standing by the door and one of her hands was placed behind her back.
"You're awake." Elsa smiled and walked towards her and sat at the edge of bed next to her. "I was hoping you'll wake up with these on your pillow." She revealed her other hand and handed Anna a bunch of pink roses. "I am a bit late."
Healthy shades of red graced Anna's face, she sat up and accepted the roses.
"Thank you." Anna smelled the freshly picked roses. She was smiling so brightly that it rivaled the brightness of the sun. "They are beautiful."
"Like you." Elsa stated with warmth.
Anna looked into Elsa's sincere eyes.
"I'm surprised there are still roses at this time of year." Anna said without breaking their eye contact.
"I was told they are in their last bloom, it would be a shame to let them wither." Elsa raised her hand to caress Anna's face with her gloveless hand. "So I thought of giving them to you." she smiled.
"I like them." Anna's smile didn't falter and leaned in to give Elsa a kiss on the corner of her lips. Before she could pull away further, Elsa cupped her face and brushed her thumb against Anna's lower lip, waiting for Anna to give her permission to her silent question.
Anna nodded.
Elsa gave her a soft chaste kiss. Anna responded almost immediately.
Both pulled away and smiled at each other.
"Good morning." Elsa greeted her.
Anna chuckled. "Good morning."
Elsa leaned her forehead against Anna's.
"How did you sleep?"
"Perfectly well." Anna answered with a smile.
"Good." Elsa leaned away and smiled widely.
"How about you? Did you sleep well?"
"I did." and there it was, the smirk on Elsa's face she became familiar with. "Now we both know who cuddled who back at Lord LaBouff's manor house."
Anna hid her blushing face using the flowers in her hand.
"Do you really have to ruin such a wonderful morning with your impish behavior?"
Elsa laughed. "Sorry, it was too good to pass up."
Anna's ears couldn't believe it. Elsa laughed. She lowered the flowers and stared at Elsa in awe. The platinum blonde's laugh was not the humorless laugh nor the cruel laugh she heard before. This one was unadulterated, it made Anna smile.
"Sure it is." Anna said huffed but she was smiling.
Elsa kissed the side of her head. "As much as I want us to remain here and talk, our guests are about to go down and have breakfast. We ought to go. I had Wendy fetch your dress from your room."
"Do we really have to join them?" Anna leaned on Elsa's shoulder.
"You're a Duchess now, so I formally welcome you to these tiresome gatherings where it requires your presence even if you don't want to." Elsa chuckled when a pout formed on her lips.
"Aren't you too old for pouting like that?"
Anna faux offended. "How could you?" and dramatically placed her hand on her chest. "I'll have you know I'm just in my early twenties unlike someone here who is almost thirty."
"You do realize I'm only four years older than you, right?" Elsa raised her eyebrow.
"Regardless, you're two years away from that horrid number thirty, while I still have six years to-"
"Alright, point taken."
Anna grinned in victory.
Elsa could only shake her head and chuckle. "Come, get ready or else we'll be late." She stood up and offered her hand to Anna.
"So I really can't skip this breakfast then?" Anna sighed, she took Elsa's hand and got up.
"No, you can't."
"Such a shame." Anna placed the roses on her bedside before placing her hands on Elsa's coat lapels. "I was looking forward to spending the entire morning with you." her eyes found Elsa's piercing ones.
"So am I." Elsa whispered.
Both of them leaned towards each other as their eyes fluttered close. Their lips were about to meet when the door suddenly opened.
"Your Grace, I brought-"
The pair sprang apart.
"I'm so sorry for interrupting, Your Majesty. I knocked but no one answered." Wendy had her head down and apologized profusely.
Both of them were sporting red tinge on their cheeks.
Elsa cleared her throat. "It's fine." She turned to Anna. "I'll wait down the hall." Instead of a kiss on her lips, Anna received a kiss on the back of her hand.
Elsa left the room for Anna to get dressed, but what Anna didn't know was Elsa leaned her back on the door, once she was out, and had put her hand on her blushing face.
-End of flashback-
The breakfast with the remaining nobles was a success, and she was delighted that her tea had a dash of cinnamon in it. She had an inkling who was responsible for it.
Anna got along with the nobles just fine and Elsa was there to help her to navigate the conversations without going much deeper on sensitive topics like suitors and marriage. She doubts there would be suitors who would be vying for her hand when it was an open secret that she would wed the Queen.
Their marriage ceremony would follow soon after the progress and she couldn't help but to feel quite excited, a feeling she didn't have before when she heard it for the first time. Her desire to be bound with Elsa in marriage was getting stronger. She couldn't wait for the progress to end so they could get married.
Anna's eyes widened as she realized something.
Golly, how could I forget that we're already married?!
With all the constant feeling of repugnance on the thought, getting married with Elsa made her forget the night where they were forced to be bound in marriage. But now it was different, she started to want it, she wanted to have others know that she and Elsa were married.
"You are so far away." a voice snapped her out of thoughts.
"M'lord." Anna stood up and was about to curtsy when the Count of Isles raised his hand stopping her from doing so.
Count of Isles bowed so low and kissed the back of her hand. "Don't curtsy to me, not anymore. You outrank me now." he chuckled.
"It became a habit." Anna sheepishly stated. "Please sit."
The Count made himself comfortable on the plush seat, while Anna sat across him on the chaise. "Tea?"
"No thank you, I just had some." the Count politely declined. "Quite an evening we had." he said with a bright smile on his face.
"Indeed." Anna smiled.
"I am so happy for you my dear." the Count said.
"Thank you." Anna was curious if he and the Duke had a hand in it. "May I pose a question?"
"Of course, what is it?"
"Did you plan my investiture?"
The Count smiled. "Yes and No."
Anna waited for him to elaborate.
"Yes, I did plan your investiture with the Queen and the Duke. And no it was not my idea, neither the Duke's. Her Majesty has a habit of making grand gestures that would shock everyone." he chuckled. "It was her idea, she told us what she wanted to do and of course I fully supported it, it's not what I want for you but this is the second best."
Anna's brows furrowed. "And what do you want for me if not this?"
"To be Her Majesty's Queen." the Count said.
"You're still on that."
"Of course I am." the Count said proudly. "And having the title of Duchess will help you make connections and help you to start to create your own power base. You were a princess once but didn't have any influence nor power because you were basically Runeard's precious little doll no one can touch. Then you were stripped off of your title, you became even more powerless. And now here you are, a Duchess." he gestured towards Anna. "You control one of the largest Duchies in the land, that means you have a lot of power in your hands."
Anna knew that, she also knew it was the start of sullying her hands with politics. She knew this would happen but she expected to be much later, she just received this title in less than a day but the unpleasantness had already started
"I am well aware."
"Good, then you should know how to use it."
"Is there a reason why M'lord had come to see me?" Anna didn't want to continue the subject.
The Count noticed the changes in Anna's demeanor. "Ah yes, please forgive me for being hasty."
"It's alright, no harm done." Anna responded.
"Thank you, Your Grace." He smiled. "I've been meaning to ask you this since we arrived here, how are you? Now that you're back to the place where you were born."
"I don't know? I mean I was told I was just four when we moved to Arendelle Castle. I don't remember much but this place felt familiar."
"It is indeed." the Count curiously said.
"What about you, M'Lord? I am guessing you are a frequent visitor since you were my grandmother's brother."
A melancholic smile appeared on the Count's lips. "You guessed right." he said in a soft tone. "I accompanied my father here when the talks of marriage between my sister and that man started."
Anna studied his expressions. He went from a soft tone into harsh.
"I escorted my little sister from the Isles so she could marry the man chosen for her. She liked him, you know, your grandfather, like him enough for her to agree to the marriage. To tell you the truth, I didn't like him, not even for a moment but I had to be seen liking him for the sake of my sister. Eventually she fell in love with him and I had no choice but to support her in every way I could." the Count sighed.
"Did he love her?"
"What?"
Anna's voice was unwavering and her eyes were focused on the Count.
"Did he love her as much as she loved him?"
"For a time." the Count paused. "For a time, meaning a year after your father was born, he then started his philandering activities. It was a hard time for your grandmother to raise an infant son and keep her husband from straying to other women's beds."
Anna felt so repulsed by the thought.
"Rita had to endure seeing countless women going round with children in their belly bearing the Eldr blood in their veins. Her poor heart was broken and was constantly in tears until there's nothing left. I couldn't do anything, I wasn't able to interfere because my father, your great-grandfather forbade me to do so." his hand was gripping the armrest so tightly. "I urged her to leave here and come back to the Isles but she wouldn't leave your father in the hands of such a man."
She couldn't begin to imagine how miserable her grandmother was in the hands of her grandfather. Her eyes were brimming with tears, and she couldn't even guess why her heart was so constricting so much. She never knew her grandmother but why did it hurt so much? It didn't help when she suddenly pictured Elsa having affairs with other women.
Anna did her best to perish such horrible thoughts.
"Once father died and I assumed the title, I did what I could to persuade her to come back home since I've been reading reports of how many times your grandfather would lift his hand against her whenever she voiced her thoughts about his infidelity." the Count growled in anger.
"H-He hit her?" Anna gasped as her tears rolled down her cheeks.
"She couldn't even leave her room because of the bruises she received from that bastard."
"Why didn't she leave? She could've brought her father back to the Isles as well."
"You'd think your demon grandfather would be fine of being denied his legitimate heir? That piece of dung strong-armed your grandmother into staying because he started to make threats of ending your father's life at such a young age and of course he didn't want his abusive personality to be known to his vassals that could tarnish the family name and his reputation. The servants had turned a blind eye about it. She endured all of that even after she succumbed to sickness that took her life."
"Why did no one help her?" Anna asked, more like she was asking herself.
"There was someone brave enough to do so." the Count said.
"Who was it?"
"Duchess Vivian, she's-"
"What in the gods' name is going on here?" A voice thundered in the drawing room. Startling both Anna and the Count.
Half an hour ago.
Elsa and Olaf were discussing the gift Olaf organized. She could only shake her head but then Olaf suddenly changed the subject.
"So. . . I heard that you and a certain Duchess spent a night together." Olaf grinned and waggled his eyebrow at the implication.
Elsa almost elbowed him, but she gave him withering glare instead.
"It's not what you think." Elsa said.
"Oh so you know what I think?" a mischievous grin was turned into grimace as Elsa elbowed him on his gut. "Oww! Alright! I won't say a thing anymore." he caressed stomach. "Why are you so violent?" he jokingly asked.
"Because I am a violent person and I won't tolerate impertinence." Elsa stated with no hint of amusement in her voice.
"But you're soft and gooey on the inside." Olaf distanced himself as Elsa readied her elbow to strike him again, he laughed. His gaze caught a figure by the window. "Oh would you look at that, a certain Duchess is watching us from the window.
Elsa felt her heart leapt and was about to look up but Olaf's teasing smile was taunting her to do just that. She glared at him and didn't dare to look.
"You are enjoying this aren't you?"
"Yes I am." Olaf responded immediately, his grin was getting on Elsa's nerves. "Have I told you that you have a cute side?"
"Olaf." Elsa warned.
"What? It's true! I mean you planned for a ball just for her, made her a Duchess!"
Elsa refused to admit what she'd done but she silently agreed on what Olaf said. At this point she'd do a lot of things just for Anna. "She deserved to have her titles back. It would help me to keep those nobles to my side by favoring Anna."
"Was that your reason?" Olaf asked her.
"Yes."
Elsa heard Olaf sighed. "You don't have to hide what you truly feel, Elsa. I know you, you wouldn't give anyone such control or power. You can crush those nobles without doing that."
"But it's true Olaf, at least when I planned it."
"And now it changed?"
Elsa nodded.
"I like her. I never like anyone more than I do to her. My resentment towards her family was overshadowed by my feelings for her." Elsa paused and chose her next words carefully. "I'm scared." she whispered.
"Why?" Olaf asked softly.
"What if I am making a mistake to let myself feel again?" Elsa asked.
"Elsa, you can't close off yourself forever. There's nothing wrong for letting yourself feel. Out of the four of us, you deserved to be happy. You had lost a lot and refused to accept even an ounce of happiness. True you may be a successful General, Admiral and was successful in taking back your birthright but were you happy after having all that?"
Elsa didn't answer because she wasn't. There's nothing happy she could associate with those things, only blood and death.
"They pushed you to be a perfect protégé of a ruthless King." Elsa gave Olaf a side glance. "Cousin Eric always complained to me about how your uncle made you a soulless soldier. He didn't approve on how the King punished you for trivial things and more often than not convinced that the Elsa we know was no longer there." Olaf said with sadness in his voice. "But recently you changed. I told you that once."
Elsa kept mum.
"Despite your best efforts to hate her, you developed feelings for her."
"That I did. That's why I am scared of Olaf. Letting myself feel would mean letting myself be vulnerable to pain again. As you've said, I lost a lot and I don't think I can take it the second time. And this is the very reason why I denied myself from the joy of having someone in my life. I knew they would leave one way or another, either because they would be killed or I wouldn't be able to keep them. Losing someone who I deeply care for would destroy the already flickering light inside me."
Olaf just listened.
"I don't want anyone I care for to die nor leave me. I can't bear it. You're the only family I have and I am afraid to lose any of you. Now I am afraid of losing her too."
"Elsa, we'll always be there for you." Olaf smiled. "I am sure she will be too if you let her in."
"You think so?"
Olaf nodded.
"Tell you what. Why don't you ask her to do something together?"
Elsa pondered for a moment and smiled. "Alright."
"She's still in the drawing room." Olaf winked.
Elsa punched his arm.
"What was that for?!" he pouted childishly and rubbed his arm.
"Thank you." Elsa smiled and walked ahead.
"A hug would've been sufficient!" he grumbled.
Elsa chuckled at him and went for a detour before going inside the castle. She informed the servants to prepare lunch in the garden just for the two of them. She took her time walking towards the drawing room, located on the other wing of the castle.
She slick her hair back to ensure it was in place, she looked at her clothes and brushed off the invisible lint with her hand, Elsa opted not to wear gloves these days. She looked at her bandaged hand and smiled. Anna was worried about her that night and it felt nice for once, other than her cousins, there was someone worrying for her well being.
Elsa knocked softly then frowned when no one answered. She slowly opened the door and what she saw made her blood boil.
"What in the gods' name is going on here?" her voice thundered in the drawing room. Startling both Anna and the Count.
The duo looked at her, she had this cold and dark look on her face.
Both rose from their seats, the Count bowed to her.
"Your Majesty we were just-"
"I need a moment alone with Duchess Eldr." Elsa's face was unreadable.
The Count raised his eyebrow at the scene in front of him, he couldn't formulate a proper response.
"Do I need to repeat myself?" Elsa's tone got harsher, while her gaze never left Anna.
The Count silently bowed at them and made a quick exit.
"Elsa what's wrong-"
Elsa immediately went to Anna's side.
"Why are you crying?" Elsa gently asked Anna as she wiped her tears
"We were just talking."
"Talking? Just talking? Then why-" Elsa was about to raise her voice when Anna's hand touched her arm.
"Elsa please. He just told me a story." Anna said and put pressure on Elsa's hand as reassurance.
Elsa's tone softened. "You're not hurt anywhere?"
"No." Anna gave Elsa a smile. "I asked the Count about my grandmother." Those words still didn't satisfy Elsa, so she added. "I insisted on it."
"I see."
Anna visibly relaxed as Elsa's demeanor changed.
"Tell me if someone upsets you, alright?"
"Okay." Anna wrapped her arms around Elsa's waist and laid her head on the platinum blonde's chest. "Thank you."
Elsa was hoping Anna wouldn't hear her heart rapidly pounding inside her chest.
"No need to thank me." Elsa wrapped her arms around Anna and gave Anna a kiss on her crown. "Are you free?"
Anna looked at Elsa in curiosity. "Yes, why?"
"Would you like to go to the garden with me?"
"I'd be delighted." Anna smiled.
Both her and Elsa reached the middle of the garden and saw the prepared meal for the both of them under a huge oak tree. There was a purplish satin blanket with circular and square small pillows on the other side. Beside the pillows was a woven basket, with the bottle of champagne peeking out from it.
"Oh." Anna looked at Elsa.
"Lunch, away from nosy people." Elsa explained.
Anna smiled, she preferred that too. "Good idea."
"Also. . ." Elsa took her hand and led her to the blanket and urged her to sit. Anna sat by the pillows. "I want to spend time with you." Anna watched Elsa hold a handful of her hair and kissed it without breaking eye contact.
Anna's face couldn't be more redder.
Elsa smiled.
"T-That's-" Anna started but she couldn't find the words she wanted to say. She was too stunned to say anything.
Anna heard soft chuckles from Elsa.
"What do you have for me?" Anna looked away and pretended to be interested in the basket in front of them.
"Let's see." Elsa opened the basket and pulled out the bottle of champagne, two champagne flutes. The servants packed sandwiches, a small platter of smoked salmon, and chocolate pie.
"Sandwich!" Anna grinned.
Elsa had put a sandwich on Anna's plate before pouring champagne into the glasses.
"Based on how you reacted, I can safely assume that you like sandwiches?" Elsa asked.
"I do! I prefer them more than a proper meal." Anna stated. She liked sandwiches long before she could remember.
She saw Elsa looking at her tenderly. Elsa smiled at her.
"Then I'll make sure they'll have it whenever you request some." Before Anna could respond, Elsa kissed her temple.
"Thank you."
Elsa had some sandwiches and smoked salmon, they talked as they ate.
"I need to sort out a lot of things here before we go. Are we allowed to delay the progress for a few more days?" Anna asked.
"Of course. You can finish whatever you're doing."
"Thank you. I need to assign people who could manage the Duchy in my absence, especially its finances." Anna sighed.
"Would you like me to help you out?" Elsa asked her.
Anna had a sudden realization. Ever since she was given the title, Elsa had stayed away from selecting people for the Duchy. The Queen had let her do what she deemed right and didn't interfere with her decisions. And now she offered her help instead of taking charge immediately.
"That would be great." Anna smiled.
"We could sort out the ledgers together and iron them out before passing them to someone capable and trusted, do you have anyone in mind?"
"Lord LaBouff seemed capable." Anna responded.
"I was thinking the same thing too. He's loyal to your House, to you, and he hadn't had any record of doing nefarious activities." Elsa listed down.
Anna furrowed her brows and asked. "You seemed to know a lot about him.
"I had him investigated." Elsa said, earning a curious look from Anna. "It was because we had to stay at his manor house, and of course I had to make sure that I wouldn't be murdered in my sleep."
"You say that as if it happens a lot." Anna bumped her shoulder against Elsa's playfully.
"It does."
Those two words had washed away any playful demeanor Anna had.
"What do you mean?" her face was pale as she imagined anyone trying to kill Elsa.
"I made a lot of enemies because of my reputation. Corona's might rose the moment I took charge of its military and navy. Other territories sent numerous assassins to take me out since I beat them in battles."
"Oh Elsa." Anna placed her plate down on the blanket and held Elsa's free hand.
Elsa gave her a small smile. "They made the mistake of invading my room and it cost them their lives." her hand held Anna's own tightly.
Anna realized how dangerous it was to be in Elsa's place. The fast reflexes of the platinum blonde made sense now, she had to be vigilant in any situation. Anna wondered if Elsa even slept.
"Would you like to have your dagger back?" Anna asked.
"No. It's yours now." Elsa placed her plate down and tucked some stray hair behind Anna's ear. "You can use it to protect yourself if ever I wasn't nearby to protect you. I should've told Wendy to bring your father's sword before we started-" Anna watched Elsa's expression brighten. "For the meantime you can have mine, that dagger could only do so little unlike a sword."
"What? No Elsa, it's yours. What are you going to use if you ever needed one?"
"I have my father's sword now, besides it's only temporary. It would put my worries at ease if you have it, please."
Anna felt Elsa's thumb caressing her cheek. "Alright." she smiled but soon she shuddered at the sudden gust of cold wind.
"Are you cold?" Elsa asked as she took off her coat and draped it on Anna's shoulders before she could protest.
"Elsa- what about you, aren't you cold?" Anna frowned.
"The cold doesn't bother me." Elsa smirked.
Anna then kissed Elsa's cheek. "Thank you."
A light blush graced Elsa's cheek. Anna saw this and she smirked. "Oh you're blushing!"
"I'm not!" Elsa indignantly responded.
Anna giggled. "You're so adorable." those words barely registered in her mind as she said them.
The redness of Elsa intensified from her neck up to the tip of her ears. The poor platinum blonde looked away.
"Would you look at that, I didn't know Queen Elsa of Arendelle could blush like that." Anna giggled and poked Elsa's side. "This is a win for me!" Anna cheered but stopped short when she was tackled on the pillows they had on the blanket. Her hands were pinned on either side of her head as Elsa hovered above her.
"Will you shut that sweet mouth of yours?" Elsa said in a hush voice.
Anna stared at Elsa's face, unable to articulate a word. Her gaze fell on the supple lips of the Queen, she subconsciously bit her lower lip to moisten it.
They stared at each other's eyes for a moment before Elsa let go of Anna's hands. "Sorry. Did I hurt you?" she asked.
"No. Not at all." Instead of sitting up, Anna reached out to wrap her arms around Elsa's neck and pulled her closer. She waited for Elsa to descend and kiss her but she was still. However those glacial blue eyes were slightly dilated and were staring at Anna's lips.
Anna had a hunch about what was going on in Elsa's mind so she decided to confirm it.
"It's okay." Anna said with a smile.
Elsa then captured her lips and kissed her so deeply. Anna responded immediately and pulled Elsa against her even more. Their bodies were pressed against each other, Elsa's arms were propped on either side of Anna's head so she won't hurt Anna with her weight.
Anna pulled away but Elsa's lips chased after hers and kissed her hungrily. Elsa's sudden aggressiveness elicited a loud throaty moan from her. That sound only spurred Elsa on and nipped at her lower lip.
Her body reacted by another throaty moan.
They kissed as if they were in the privacy of their room but soon they heard rustling of bushes nearby, prompting them to pull away. Both turned to the source of the sound and saw nothing, it was probably a small animal passing by.
Anna caught her breath as Elsa pulled something from the pocket of her waistcoat.
A pink carnation.
Elsa tenderly tucked the pink carnation behind Anna's left ear.
Anna touched the flower.
"You and your flowers." Anna smiled.
The Queen only smiled and kissed her forehead.
Elsa lied next to her. Anna then lied on her side and snuggled on Elsa's side.
Anna felt happy at the moment. She couldn't stop smiling at how sweet her Queen was. The Count slightly ruined her day for trying to somehow control her now that she had the power as one of the highest ranking nobles in the land. She wasn't sure what they could gain from pushing her to gain more power and control, perhaps she could talk to them some other time and find out but for now she would savor each moment she had with Elsa.
She couldn't believe Elsa could be so soft and caring, a total opposite of what she witnessed before.
"Elsa?" Anna called.
"Hmm?"
"Nothing, just want to call your name." Anna grinned and traced Elsa's jawline using the back of her forefinger. Elsa gazed at her. "Your eyes are so blue, I couldn't stop staring at them. They are so different."
"I have the same shade as my grandmother's eyes." Elsa paused for a moment. "Just—just like my siblings." Anna noticed the trembling of Elsa's voice. She wrapped her arm across Elsa's stomach and held her.
"We can talk about other things if you want." Anna whispered.
"Alright."
Anna felt warm lips on her forehead and a hushed words of thank you. She couldn't think of other things to talk about so she blurted out whatever came to her mind.
"Can we eat the chocolate pie?
"And here I thought you wouldn't need a dessert after what we did." Anna didn't need to look up and see the smirk on Elsa's face, which the platinum blonde was obviously sporting.
"Elsa!" Anna gave Elsa a glare and swatted her arm, but the blush on her face was betraying her.
"As I told you all before, everything is getting according to plan." The Count of Isles was by the window of the second floor of the castle, looking at the couple below in the garden.
In the room were Lord Solskinn, Jorgen and the Duke of Weselton.
"Our Duchess is melting the Queen's frozen heart, it's only a matter of time until both houses are made flesh. A pure blooded heir."
"The preparation for their marriage is almost complete, we're only waiting for a date." Lord Solskinn stated.
Both the Count and the Duke shared a look, since they were part of the group of people who were aware that a private marriage had taken place.
"A date would be easy enough to obtain now that the Queen is compliant whatever matters that concerns Her Grace." the Duke stated.
The men agreed to his words.
It was evening. The Barony under the Stabbingtons had gone busy gathering information and people with influence to help them to assert the eldest twin's claim on the Duchy, which was now under Anna's control.
Baroness Gothel's summons were answered by some nefarious groups and dubious minor nobles. She hasn't received any missive from the one she assigned at the ball. She wasn't sure if the man got away and if he did he must make sure he shouldn't show his face again. If he's captured then it would put a major set back on her plans once he tattled.
The Stabbingtons were having dinner with the said people when loud banging of the front door reached their ears.
"Attend to that." the Baroness said as she wiped her mouth with a napkin.
Soon the servant came back with an azure gift box tied with gold silk ribbon. It looks like something an expensive boutique would have.
"Oh? Who sent this?" the Baroness asked.
"The man didn't say. He only said it's for you, M'lady." the servant placed the box on the dining table next to the Baroness' plate.
"I didn't know someone was courting you, Mother." one of the twins teased.
The Baroness laughed. "Oh my dear, I don't know what you mean."
The guests chuckled at their banter.
"Open it so we can see how rich he is." the eldest of the twins said.
The Baroness placed the box on her lap and unraveled the ribbon. "Now let's see what we have here." She pulled the lid off.
The Baroness let out a high pitch scream.
"What's wrong, Mother?!" the twins stood up simultaneously
Screams echoed in the dining room and the box was tossed in the air.
The Baroness stood up to get away but her foot got caught on one of the legs of the table, tripping her. She scrambled towards the wall, she didn't care about the pain she felt when she tripped just to get away from the rotting head that rolled out of the box.
The guests scrambled off the chairs the moment they saw the severed head.
"TAKE THAT AWAY! REMOVE IT FROM MY SIGHT!" She screams those words over and over.
"FUCKING HELL." one of the twins exclaimed as he stared at the dead eyes of the man whom they sent to kill Andrew's child. He covered the head using the box.
"WHO SENT THIS?!" the youngest of the twins asked in anger as he pulled the servant's lapels.
"I don't know M'lord!"
The youngest then saw an envelope, which was glued under the lid of the box. He took it and read.
"What does it say?!" the eldest asked as he assisted their mother.
The youngest paled.
"Tell me what it says!" their mother screamed.
"It says; We're coming for you."
The Baroness' blood ran cold.
There would be new characters to be introduced soon-ish! If anyone realized who the Emerald Isle's royal family was, hands down to the best ship that was canon in all but name! I made this draft while having an emotional spiral on my other ship so yeah I included them here.
Anyway!
How was it?! Please let me know your thoughts on the review section.