Disclaimer! I do not own Frozen/Disney.
Hi my dearest readers. Thank you for your patience. I tried to finish this chapter for about a month but I couldn't seemed to make it right. I had to do it three times since my thoughts were in shambles due to personal reasons. I am not sure if you would like this chapter, I don't know. Though I did my best to make it a fluff to cheer myself a bit. It's probably the safest choice because I might unnecessarily kill a character that I would definitely regret.
Anyway, thank you for your patience and thank you for the reviews. They are much appreciated.
I hope you enjoy this.
"Is there anything you need to tell me?" the Queen started.
"What do you mean, Your Majesty?"
The Queen placed her cup down on the saucer on the table.
"I am not sure. You tell me since you know your bloodline more than I do. Ariel of House Eldr."
Ariel blanched at those words.
She was frozen where she was standing. Her pretty blue eyes widened at the words she heard. Ariel knew this would happen sooner or later, it's not like she didn't want to tell them her true identity, she wanted to tell Queen Arianna of who she really was but she didn't know how to bring it up. The moment she got better the Queen had prepared dresses for her and had bought her jewelry that her own mother wouldn't even do.
Lady Marina had always brought her to parties not because she wanted to but she had to, also because she was her bargaining chip as well as trophy. All of the fake politeness and caring side of her mother had already made her resent her own blood, it was because of the blood in her veins that she had to endure men undressing her with their eyes, looking at her as a pass to have whatever riches her bloodline entails. Ariel learned to keep her mouth shut or else she won't see the end of it from her mother.
Her mother got worse when the news of her father's defeat reached them, her mother tried to strong arm her into a marriage, her mother was using guilt for her to submit. Ariel always wished she wasn't an Eldr, she wanted to be free from this cursed blood flowing through her veins. There were few options for her in order to be free and one of them was running away but if she did there would be chances of her mother finding her. The other was submitting herself to the new Queen of Arendelle and letting her decide on her fate. She knew little about Queen Elsa but one thing was certain, she hated the Eldrs so much because of the supposed crime her father committed. Surely this hatred would grant Ariel the peace she wanted without taking the matters in her own hand. She was tired of her miserable life but a single act of kindness made her want to live.
Ariel felt how motherly Queen Arianna was to her than her own mother. Queen Arianna had invited her to everything such as breakfast, luncheons, dinner and afternoon teas. She didn't make Ariel feel like an outsider in their family, it felt amazing to be included on something out of pure want of having her there rather than she had to because they needed her.
Each day it got difficult to say anything about who she really was because she had longed for this life, a life where she was genuinely cared for without expecting in return. All she ever wanted was for her mother to love her but instead she was sold off by the very same person who claimed she was loved.
Queen Arianna had given her the taste of having a caring parent and Ariel couldn't resist wanting more. She envied the Princess of Corona for having such doting parents and wished she had one too. Ariel was flabbergasted on how the princess treated her parents, she was cold and prickly, borderline rude. It happened most of the time and had always turned down invitations to have meals with her parents. Ariel felt it was because of her but the Queen assured her that the princess was just busy.
Queen Arianna was the kindest woman she met but now the same woman had that cold passive look on her face.
Ariel couldn't articulate words, all she could do was kneel in front of the woman who had been kind to her.
"Y-Your Majesty," Ariel's voice was trembling. "I'm so sorry for not saying anything."
"Are you now?"
Ariel bowed her head, tears came running down her cheeks.
"I deceived you and I am deserving of punishment. I will accept any punishment you will give me. I am so sorry Your Majesty. I was gonna tell you and in fact it was why I came to the capital."
"Then why didn't you?"
"Because of you, Your Majesty." Ariel's throat tightened. "I always longed for my mother to care for me but instead she sold me off to a man I didn't want to be with. Your Majesty gave me what I longed for. . . a mother's love." she cried silently.
"I was going to tell you but I became selfish and wanted more so I kept delaying it. I resented my father and loathed my mother. I was never a daughter to them, I was just a woman who bears the blood of a tyrant and a cattle to be sold off." Ariel fists her hands. "I ran away from her because I had enough of her maltreatment, I came here to submit myself to the Queen of Arendelle, I don't care what she'll do to me, she could imprison me or end me. Either way is much better than being a filthy man's plaything."
"You. . . you were sold off?"
Ariel looked up and nodded.
"How could-" Queen Arianna started with a strong and angry tone as she rose from her seat. "How could I trust your words?" she asked calmly, trying to stave off the anger she felt after she heard those words from Ariel.
"My mother has an enormous debt to Lord Hunter. His men had been pursuing me since I ran away." Ariel recalled the men who caused trouble in one of the taverns she went to. She remained on the floor kneeling.
Queen Arianna stared at her and spoke. "I am not mad at you for not telling me who you truly are, I am just disappointed that you kept such important information from me." she sighed. "My daughter found out who you are and that's the reason why she couldn't stand you."
Ariel's breath caught on her throat.
"My daughter, my niece and her distant cousins loathe the Eldrs far more than anything. And my husband wouldn't think twice and kill an Eldr with no political value. My family cares a lot for each other, if you touch one of them they won't hesitate to destroy you." Queen Arianna knelt beside Ariel and wiped her tears. "I grew fond of you. Since the moment I met you, you reminded me of someone who's very dear to me. I know it was hard for you to tell anyone about your identity but I thought I gained your trust enough for me to know such an important thing like this. If I didn't know I wouldn't be able to stop the bad things that might happen to you."
Ariel choked back her tears but failed. She sobbed at the Queen's words.
"I do not deserve Her Majesty's kindness. I implore you to punish me for my offense."
"My dear girl. There's no need for that." Queen Arianna pulled her into a hug. "You can trust me, I'll help you. I won't tell anyone."
"Why are you helping me?" Ariel cried.
"As I've said, you reminded me of someone who's very dear to me."
After Ariel's cries subsided, Queen Arianna had helped her to sit on the chaise. She couldn't believe Queen Arianna's kindness, the Queen even offered to help her despite the deception she did. Ariel knew she didn't deserve such treatment, what she deserved was being locked in the dungeon.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"You're welcome. Please be careful from now on. You have my word that you are safe."
"I understand."
"Now, run along. I'll give you a few personal guards in case you need someone to defend you since your pursuers might return at any moment."
Once again, Ariel's eyes were filled with tears.
"Thank you so much Your Majesty." she bowed her head. "I don't know how to thank you enough."
"No need to."
"I would do anything, Your Majesty, just say the word." Ariel's voice was full of determination. "Please allow me to be of service to you."
Queen Arianna hesitated for a moment but soon relented. She smiled.
"Very well. You may return to your room."
Ariel nodded and gave her a teary smile. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Once Ariel was out of the room, a figure from the balcony entered.
"You've done a wonderful job." the Queen said. A sigh escaped her lips. "I do not understand why a mother with such a daughter like her would be as horrid as selling her off."
The figure kept quiet.
Queen Arianna had noticed how her daughter acted towards her young guest. She couldn't help but to be curious as to why her usually indifferent daughter was prickly and as if restraining herself from doing something that resembles intimidation. It all started a few days after she asked for the best seamstress to come and commissioned her to make a few dresses for her guest. She thought Rapunzel was displaying childish jealousy but Queen Arianna had been doing these kinds of things back in their kingdom, helping the one in need, and her daughter even helped whenever she was not busy with her duties as crowned princess.
She tried to dismiss Rapunzel's actions until she noticed those not so subtle stares and avoidance to any invitations of family meals or afternoon tea saying she had a lot to do. Queen Arianna didn't want to interfere with whatever her daughter and her niece was doing but she couldn't help but to feel intrigued why Rapunzel had singled out Ariel out of the people she helped before. She knew what she had done had put her daughter's trust on her at risk, meaning she had asked one of the closest people in her daughter's life to gather information and found out the source of Rapunzel's prickliness through the secret correspondence of her daughter and her dreamers.
"Find out if she was telling the truth about her mother." Queen Arianna blankly looked out of the window. "Also find whatever you can about the identity of her mother, Marina of House Rey." She then retrieved a sealed letter from her desk and gave it to the figure in the room. "Have someone send this as soon as possible."
"At once, Your Majesty." The figure bowed and walked towards the door.
"Cass. . ." Queen Arianna trailed off. "I shouldn't have asked you to do that."
Cassandra's face was devoid of emotion. "It is my duty to do all Her Majesty's bidding."
"Even so. It was wrong of me to use your relationship with my daughter to get what I want."
Cassandra pursed her lips.
"I know how much you value your friendship with my daughter. I apologize for putting you in a tight spot."
"There's no need to apologize, Your Majesty. I am only doing my duty as your loyal servant."
Queen Arianna smiled a bit. "You're so good for our family, for our kingdom. If only you were born a man, you'd be a perfect match for my darling daughter."
The General gave her a look but said nothing and bowed before dismissing herself.
Cassandra closed the door and her hand wrapped itself tightly on the grip of her sword.
"If only. . ." she muttered before marching down the hall.
Her duties on the Duchy were finished, for now, since they had to go and continue on the progress, which was delayed so much already. She thought she'd have a lazy morning with Elsa earlier, but the old men had taken her Queen away for something she wasn't privy about.
Slash
Slash
Slash
Anna panted as she continuously hit the straw dummy with Elsa's sword. She wiped the sweat from her brow using the back of her hand, her fringe was sticking on her sweaty forehead. Since she was free from her duties she decided to pick up a sword and train just like how she used to, but due to not being able to practice these past months her arms were sore more than usual and her stamina wasn't that good like before.
Her white shirt under a black waistcoat was drenched with sweat while her trousers and boots were caked with dirt. Her hair was up in a high ponytail with a braid on the side of her head.
Anna wanted to learn the way of the sword because she found it really fascinating and over time she grew fond of it and trained with the most learned masters but her grandfather taught her first. It was probably the only thing they bonded over as she grew up, she wondered if her own late father would've taught her too if he was alive.
What about her mother?
Anna tightened her grip on the sword.
She wondered what kind of a woman her mother was. Would she approve of her hobby?
Anna never heard any stories of her mother for as long as she could remember, she didn't even know her face -well until she came here-. All she knew was how the people praised her mother's beauty and kindness, nothing more. Even though she was aware which family her mother hailed from she couldn't possibly make contact with them even if the Jorgen family were frequent guests in the castle, and some even were part of the council. She had no need for them because that's what she was accustomed to. Growing up, they made sure she could only need her side of the family that matters. The Eldr blood.
The blood she loved and loathed at the same time.
All of these events leading where she was now were sparked by her family.
They neglected their own family.
They killed.
They usurped.
They lived in excess.
They abused their power.
They were traitors.
And now because of this blood she possessed she was chosen to become Elsa's wife and because of this Northul was trying to intimidate Arendelle.
Last night, despite Elsa's reassurance she was still greatly disturbed. At first she thought their marriage would be just like any other arranged marriages done for years but it came with several problems that could endanger the entire kingdom. Anna realized she only thought about herself the moment she knew about this arrangement, she didn't want it and continued on rejecting the idea. She knew there was at stake if she managed to break off the engagement but accepting it probably made it worse. As they say hell hath no fury than a woman scorned but this princess of Northul had the audacity to act as if she had any right over Elsa's hand in marriage and dragging an entire kingdom to show her bitterness just because she was rejected.
Elsa had no interest in her at all!
Anna swung her sword so hard that it cut the straw dummy almost half. She huffed.
Did Elsa make any indication nor gestures for this princess to act as if she was entitled to have Elsa for herself?!
Anna lifted her sword once more and swung it again.
The Northulians were dangling the opportunity of alliance in front of the newly crowned Queen, moving their pieces before anyone else could make their move, trying to get what they wanted from a foreign woman who had no alliance in the new continent.
Gritting her teeth, Anna thrust the sword into the straw dummy's center. Her heart was so heavy and she didn't like this feeling. The people who were trying to take Elsa from her were opportunists who had an entitled princess on their side.
Getting rejected was insulting and embarrassing at the same time, that much was true but that doesn't give them a right to stake a claim on what wasn't theirs.
Anna pulled the sword and gripped it tightly. A scowl was evident on her face as she stared at the dummy.
No one has the right to have Elsa, not even Anna herself with all that icky and bloody history between their respective families. However Elsa chose her despite all that.
It was Elsa's duty to uphold her promise to the people who supported her cause and she did against her wish but it all changed. Anna was very much aware how great the changes were.
Anna could only bask in Elsa's tenderness and warmth, however she needed to do something to help somehow. Elsa might not share anything regarding the state matters but she noticed how pensive the platinum blonde could get whenever she thought of something serious that could potentially affect so many.
She now wields power in her hand and wealth that many desired to have but what could she do with these things? She doesn't know how Elsa would feel if she interfered with state affairs, was she allowed to voice out her opinions? They may be married but not all of the council members were privy to it so she couldn't use marriage as an excuse to have a say.
Anna's scowl deepened.
Do wives even have a right to interfere with any of such matters? Probably not.
If she couldn't use her right as a spouse then she could use her rank as a Duchess but in order to be heard she needed to be included in the council. She needed a seat on the council, the same council which always dictates whatever the hell they wanted to bend Elsa to their will.
Elsa may have allies inside the council but they too often had disagreements with her.
Anna wanted to know more of what Elsa was thinking, but Elsa had no intention of letting her in in that aspect even if emotionally she was slowly letting herself go.
She needed to work on how she could help her Queen, she couldn't just watch on the sidelines as Elsa fend for herself alone from them and from entitled princesses.
Anna raised her sword again ready to swing it when-
"Nice form." a voice interrupted her, Anna turned as she swung her sword.
Clang
A sharp ringing of metal colliding with each other reverberated in the training grounds.
Elsa had her own sword raised, blocking Anna's forceful swing.
Anna's scowl was replaced by a surprised look.
"ELSA!" Anna gasped and she realized what she just did. "Oh my gods! I am so sorry!" she immediately lowered her sword.
"Who were you thinking when you almost decapitated me?" Elsa gave her an amused smile before sheathing her sword.
"No one in particular." Anna sheepishly responded.
"I have never been more thankful for my fast reflexes." Elsa subtly looked around.
"Me too." Anna chuckled. "Is your private meeting finished?"
"I decided to cut it short or else I might turn old and gray by the time we finish." Elsa said with annoyance in her voice.
"Now that's a sight to-where are we going? Elsa why are we-mmph!" Elsa was suddenly kissing her behind the annex building next to the training grounds. Anna gently responded only to pull away abruptly as she realized the state she was in.
She felt Elsa stiffened. "I'm sorry I should've asked." her passive façade was making an appearance. Elsa distanced herself from her.
Anna immediately waved her hand in panic. "No no! Wait! It's not that! Elsa please." she sheathed the sword first before pulling Elsa back closer to her. "Please darling, look at me."
Glacial blue eyes reluctantly looked at her.
"I like it, it's just I am all sweaty and I probably smell horrible and I didn't want you to be grossed out because of it." Anna blushed in embarrassment.
"Anna I don't mind." Elsa said. "I thought it was unwanted so I-" Anna kissed Elsa softly.
Elsa responded ever so gently.
Hands found themselves on Anna's waist, while her back was pressed against the wall.
They pulled away.
"Hi." Anna said.
"Hi." Elsa smiled and gave Anna another chaste kiss. "I missed you all morning."
"I missed you too."
Elsa took something from the inside of her coat.
A single pink rosebud.
"I found it among the bloomed ones. I thought it was rare and special, like you."
Anna accepted the rose with a wide smile.
"Thank you."
Elsa caressed her face.
"What?" Anna asked, Elsa gave her a certain look.
"Nothing." Elsa said with a smile. "Would you like to go to town with me?"
Anna's eyes sparkled with excitement "I'll just go and freshen up."
"Perfect." Elsa kissed the tip of her nose then a quick peck on the lips. "I'll meet you at the courtyard?"
"Sounds good." Anna grinned.
Half an hour ago.
There were five people in the castle's secret room, four of them had an uneasy expression on their faces. The Duke, Count of Isles, Marshall, and General Mattias, while Elsa was unfazed. She was informed by Marshall about the King of the Valley's whereabouts and had decided to gather the people who she could truly trust and trust at the moment. Elsa was aware that the Grand Duke of Atlan had some of the best shipwrights in the south. Their ship building was fast and efficient and it could rival Corona and Arendelle.
Their apprehension was evident in their faces regardless of their expectation and suspicion, aside from the Queen who already saw this one coming.
"First Northul and now the Valley." Elsa stated.
"We are well aware, Your Majesty." the Duke said.
"Do you have any plans for this?" the Count asked.
"I already dispatched Vice Admiral Hofferson to check on our fleet the moment I was informed about King Arkyn."
"If King Arkyn struck a deal with the Grand Duke for ships, we would be outnumbered." the Duke stated. "My ships won't even make a dent on his fleet if he decided to invade by sea."
Elsa propped her arm on the armrest of her chair and perched her chin on her hand. "I gave instructions and had funded the building of the Arendelle fleet with my inheritance from my mother." she informed them, leaving out the true source of her money.
"Even if the late-Duchess was a wealthy woman, it won't be enough to build or buy more ships against the Atlan fleet." the Count said. "What about the Vinter fortune?" he added.
Elsa's jaw clenched at the mention of the Vinter fortune.
"I think you forgot how my family home was looted and almost burned to the ground by that bastard. And that vast amount of money is currently stored in this very castle we're in."
All of them realized how the Eldr fortune could help in their current lack of funds.
"Your Majesty, if you could talk to Her Grace-"
"No." Elsa firmly said.
"Forgive my impertinence, but why?" General Mattias asked.
"She's not aware about King Arkyn's possible invasion."
"Then tell her." the Duke said.
Elsa didn't want to tell Anna anything about the Valley. Anna's reaction about Northul and how she somehow blamed herself for it was bad enough, what more something big such as this?
"I can't. I won't." Elsa stood up.
"Then I'll tell her." the Count stood up as well.
"No!" Elsa exclaimed. "Don't tell her anything."
"Give us a reason why we shouldn't." the Duke said.
Elsa couldn't possibly say that she didn't want Anna to blame herself nor want to worry her about the problems of the kingdom since it was Elsa's to worry about. If she did tell this reason, these old men would know how close they had gone in these couple of months. Elsa didn't want anyone to know what she and Anna do behind closed doors, especially these men who could use Anna against her, against her heart.
Elsa sighed. "Alright. I'll tell her." with that she left without looking back at them.
Walking down the hall with a scowl on her face made the servants steer clear of her way, her eyes then caught the garden, she smiled. Making a short detour in the garden before walking towards the training grounds where the servant directed her when she asked for Anna's whereabouts. She found a single rosebud among the fully bloomed pink roses and Elsa thought it was very fitting for how she felt so she took it.
Elsa didn't want to trouble Anna with her problems, she wanted her to be happy.
Her morning was totally ruined by the things they discussed, but perhaps someone could make it better and it did. Upon reaching the training grounds and taking the only person who could make her smile in her arms made Elsa's day a lot lighter. Those lips she longed to kiss ever since she woke up finally pressed against hers. All Elsa ever wanted was to be with Anna. Just like her confession in the silent night, she's slowly falling in love with her. Other than Anna's obvious beauty, Elsa was attracted to her because of her bravery and resilience and how she managed to smile after all what Elsa had done to break her soul. Elsa regretted every cruel action she had taken against Anna.
Exploring outside the castle walls was a perfect excuse to be with her. And here she was waiting by Anna's door instead of the courtyard. She had her back leaning on the wall across Anna's door, with her arms crossed on her chest, waiting.
Moments later Anna came out wearing a high collared dark green dress with golden clasp and a black bodice embroidered with gold threads in a crocus pattern. A pair of low heeled black boots were her footwear of choice. And of course her hair was styled in a double braided back while the rest of her hair was tumbling down on her shoulders.
"Elsa!" Anna exclaimed in surprise. "I thought you'd be waiting at the courtyard.
Elsa smiled. "I was but I can't wait that long to see you." sure enough there was a pink tint graced Anna's cheeks. She held out her hand, which Anna accepted.
Slowly pulling Anna into her personal space, Elsa held her face using one hand.
"You're so beautiful." Elsa said, pressing her lips against Anna's forehead.
"Stop it." Anna whispered in embarrassment. "But thank you."
"Come." Elsa smiled and held Anna's hand as they walked. The servants curtsied and bowed to them as they met them in halls, both her and Anna smiled at the servants leaving some of them gaping at the Queen's kind smile, whom they saw scowling before having Anna by her side.
Once they were out of the main keep there were dozens of guards waiting for them, wearing their full uniforms.
Elsa merely raised an eyebrow at the man leading them.
"Your Majesty." Marshall bowed. "We're here to escort you and Her Grace."
A sudden grip on her hand made Elsa look at Anna and saw how uncomfortable she was.
"Are you okay?" she whispered.
"Yeah."
She knew Anna wasn't okay despite her response "Marshall, dismiss the other men. You, Eric and five more will suffice to escort us and have the others make sure this day will not be interrupted."
There was a hesitation in Marshall's eyes but regardless he followed her order and gave instructions to the others.
A squeeze in her hand took Elsa's attention. She turned to Anna and saw a grateful smile.
"Thank you."
"There's no need." Elsa smiled. "Do you mind telling me what it was all about?"
"It's just. . .those men were the ones who escorted me when. . ." Anna trailed off.
"I'm sorry." Elsa mumbled. "I swear I didn't ask them to escort us today."
"I know you won't do something like that."
Elsa stared at Marshall for a few good seconds. "I'll make sure it won't happen again." She turned to Anna and kissed the back of her hand. "Let's go?" she offered her arm.
"No horses today?" Anna asked, looping her arm around Elsa.
"I thought walking would be fun. Sorry I am not used to this kind of thing." Elsa looked away in shame.
"Hey, for someone who doesn't know a thing about courting you already raised the bar higher than anyone who tried to court me." Anna leaned her head on Elsa's arm as they walked towards the gate.
"I'm glad then." There was a smile on her lips but Elsa was quite annoyed at the thought of those suitors. "I'll make sure that you won't have to want anyone else." mumbled.
"What was that?" Anna asked. "You spoke multiple languages. I want to learn them too."
"Kaldrian language. I believe you have language classes growing up as a custom for a high born lady. Did they teach you this language?"
Anna shook her head. "No. He forbade it. I was only taught French, old Arendellian, some Coronan, and Kumundran."
"That's a lot. I wonder why he forbade you to learn the Kaldrian language." Elsa pondered.
"I heard some familiar words of Arendellian, what's their difference? How did both languages share the same words?"Anna asked.
Elsa's eyes brightened. "Hundreds of years ago Northul and Arendelle were at war with each other over Kaldr. Both kingdoms were fighting over the ownership of Kaldr because of its vast riches, namely the Miner's Mountain. However the Kaldr had its own sovereign Duke, government and army, and fend off both kingdoms on both sides. Over time Arendelle conquered Kaldr and took its lands and even managed to take some Northulian lands. The King of Arendelle at that time had let the Kaldrians keep their language but the Arendellians considered it a low born language, maybe that's why it wasn't included for high born education. Over time Kaldrians adapted the new language without completely erasing their own. And Prince Eleazar studied the language as he oversaw the construction of Vinter Castle to have a better understanding of the territory he would rule over. He decreed that his descendants should use the Kaldrian language as their mother tongue so Kaldrian won't be lost in time. Also it wouldn't be proper not using the language when it was said that my late paternal grandmother came from a mixed Arendellian and Kaldrian family."
Anna was looking at her with such softness in her eyes and that smile that could melt the entire northern ice.
"What?" Elsa asked.
"I read about that war but I didn't know how their language was disregarded even now." Anna explained but the smile didn't leave her face.
"Many thought of us as cold hearted beings for being secluded and never wanting to leave the north."
"But you were not as cold hearted as they thought."
"Not to you." Elsa entwined their fingers.
"Hm." Anna tightened her hold on Elsa's hand. "I should study the Kaldrian language."
"Why? You're fine as you are." Elsa's brows furrowed.
Anna tiptoed and whispered in Elsa's ear. "Darling, you have a trickle of Kaldrian blood that would make me a wife of a Kaldrian descent. Learning the language should be in order." she kiss the shell of Elsa's ear
The said ear was tinted with red color and Elsa turned to Anna with a healthy blush on her face. Her heart skipped a beat and she felt the butterflies in her stomach flutters. Her glacial blue eyes immediately found Anna's pink soft lips. If they weren't outside she would kiss her senselessly. Elsa suddenly regrets spending time outdoors.
"YOUR MAJESTY! YOUR GRACE!" the people exclaimed the moment they reached the mouth of the town.
"Come on!" Anna all but dragged Elsa to meet the people. "Hello! Good Morning!"
"Your Majesty, and Your Grace, we're honored to meet you at last." the town's minister said, he bowed to them.
"The honor is ours, the Duchy of Eldr's people are warm and welcoming." Elsa said with a polite smile. "And of course, Her Grace is a gracious host to give us a place to stay in her family home." she caressed the back of Anna's hand with her thumb and the people around them started to speculate.
"You flatter me, Your Majesty. We're grateful Her Majesty chose to visit our land." Anna stated
Both the Queen and the Duchess met different people, from bakers to blacksmith and town officers. The blacksmith, named Heph, had prior knowledge of the royal progress so he made two identical daggers with crests of House Vinter engraved on either side of the pommel in a short span of time. The blades were dark in color and they were exquisite, sharp and beautifully decorated with engravings. The sheaths were made of the finest leather with the royal crest on them too.
The daggers took the Queen's interest. She had seen many metalworkers but these daggers were the finest yet she had seen. Her brows furrowed and checked the sword strapped on her hip. She pulled out Prince Eleazar's sword and compared the daggers with it.
"Oh bless my soul. It's Midnattsnø." the blacksmith gasped.
"You know this?" the Queen asked.
"Every blacksmith knows this sword and I know this sword." the blacksmith's hands hovered at the sword then stopped short. "I'm so sorry Your Majesty, I didn't mean to-"
"It's fine. Tell me what you know of this sword." the Queen asked.
"My grandfather had told me the story of how my great-great-great-great grandfather was commissioned by King Rozen to make a sword in honor of the birth of the second prince. It was said that a star fell from the heavens and the royal family took possession of the dark material that could be used to forge a sword. My ancestor had forged this sword for the second prince and this sword became renowned to us blacksmiths not because of its unusual color but also because of the wielder's exceptional skills. My family kept the remaining of the dark material and hoped that someday one of us could use it for the descendants of the second prince and here I am presenting these daggers to you."
The Queen sheathed back her sword and took the slick wooden case of the daggers. Her gaze landed on the strawberry blonde beauty, who was looking at the different weapons from the shop. She smiled.
"Can you do me a favor?" the Queen asked.
"Anything, Your Majesty."
The Queen smiled and took a charcoal stick and a piece of parchment. "Can you add this engraving on the daggers?" She started her drawing just like the snowflake on the pommels then she added something at the center of the snowflake. Petals a certain flower.
"I'll do my best to meet Her Majesty's expectations." the blacksmith's chest puffed out with pride. "I'll have them delivered to the castle at the end of the day.
"Perfect." Elsa said as she turned her attention to her companion. She watched her Duchess peruse the items on the shelf.
Moments later she found herself behind Anna.
"Anything caught your eye?" Elsa asked, startling the strawberry blonde.
"Will you stop doing that?!" Anna hissed while lightly smacking Elsa's arm.
"Sorry." Elsa grinned.
"Your face is saying otherwise." Anna rolled her eyes and turned her attention to the black bow hanging on the wall on her left.
"What did my face say?" Elsa whispered into Anna's ear.
Anna looked around the shop and the owner was nowhere to be seen.
"Tell me what did my face-mmph!" Elsa's eyes widened at the sudden kiss but welcomed it nonetheless. She found herself responding to the kiss and chased after Anna's lips when she pulled away abruptly.
"I'll say it is so eager to kiss me." Anna smirked as she pressed her index finger on Elsa's lips to prevent her from kissing her again.
"That much is true." Elsa admitted and kissed the finger on her lips and smiled. Her words made Anna blush. "So anything you like?"
"This bow looks elegant, look at those exquisite engravings." Anna pointed out.
"Then you shall have it." Elsa turned to call out the blacksmith.
"Wait! I don't even know how to use one!"
"That's not a problem, I'll teach you." Elsa simply responded. "Master Heph, I'll have this bow and all the arrows you can spare."
"I really don't have a say in this, do I?" Anna sighed.
"Nope." Elsa smirked. "Besides, I don't think I haven't given you a gift." Elsa pondered. Anna was staring at her with a surprise look on her face.
"What? Have you forgotten all the things you gave me?!"
"What things?" Elsa furrowed her brows as if she didn't know what Anna was talking about.
"Jewelries, dresses, your dagger, flowers, titles!"
"Oh right. Then I stand corrected, "I haven't given you a gift today, the flower doesn't count." Elsa gave Anna a kiss on the cheek. "Let me spoil you a little." she whispered, earning a much redder blush on Anna's cheeks.
"Do you intend to give me a gift every single day?"
"That's actually not a bad idea."
Anna could only gape.
"You look so adorable." Elsa chuckled.
Anna then realized Elsa was just teasing her.
"Elsa!"
Later that night a certain household was in shambles.
"Mother quick! Leave it! We have to leave!" a young woman was holding a sword in hand.
"Few more seconds." the older woman shoved everything she could put her hands on inside the satchel. There were jewelries, parchments of papers and other trinkets.
"Mother!" The young woman pulled her mother's hand and got out of the room while commotions from downstairs started. There were screams and breaking of glasses.
A man dressed in the household's colors came up the stairs, splatters of blood was on his body.
"My lady! Over here!" The man pushed the gigantic portrait of the founder of house Andalasia, revealing stairs leading to an underground passage. "Hurry!"
"What about you?." Lady Giselle asked.
"I have to make sure they won't follow you." the man said.
Giselle knew what that meant but she didn't have any choice.
"I'll never forget this. Thank you." Lady Giselle led her mother down the stairs and soon they were enveloped in darkness as the man returned the portrait in its original position.
Both mother and daughter ran down the stairs as if the demons were coming after them, well it wasn't far from the truth since these Stabbington and Tremaine bastards suddenly attacked their household.
"What should we do now, mother?" Lady Giselle asked in darkness. Deep inside she blamed herself because she was too complacent and didn't take the threat seriously. What made them so absolutely crazy to do this? Surely she was just one of the bastard offspring but what would she even have to do with their rebellion?
"We go to Eldr Castle." Lady Narissa said as they kept on moving.
"What? Would they even welcome us?" Lady Giselle was apprehensive of her mother's plan because of the Queen.
"I wrote to the Duchess and I received her response before this morning. She would welcome us there and make sure about your safety." Lady Narissa. "All we need is to reach the castle and I'll do anything in my power to have my vengeance on them."
How was it? I know Ariel's character arc isn't that much developed, but she have one. Also the side characters also had their own.
Please let me know your thoughts on the review section.
Thank you.