Disclaimer! I do not own Frozen/Disney
Hi dear readers! An update for you all! Thank you for the patience and continuous support on this fic!
So I read the reviews and someone had a question about the marriage laws of this fic. I took inspiration from the medieval-ish kind of marriage law like signing a contract whenever they wish to be engaged with someone. I know in modern times it can just be verbal to agree on an engagement, however in medieval times they had to sign documents to record their intention to marry and have witnesses too and to break it they had to sign another document stating the dissolve of the engagement especially if both parties are part of the noble/royal elite, to avoid any breach. If the contract was breached the other party can dispute it and can claim for compensation. Also any marriage that occurs without dissolving the previous contract of engagement will be considered invalid, and children produced by the said marriage will be seen as bastards and have no right to claim inheritance.
Anyway, I hope you all will like this chapter!
Enjoy reading! *wink*
A brush of a finger on her nape stirred her from her sleep. Anna tried to ignore it and almost succeeded in going back to sleep if it weren't from the warm lips that replaced that finger.
Slowly she opened her eyes only to see a person's silhouette on top of her. She placed her hands on the person's chest to push them away only to stop when the silver moonlight revealed the person.
"Elsa?" Anna's called in a hoarse voice. Elsa didn't answer, instead she leaned down to pepper Anna's neck with kisses. "Elsa? What are you-ah!" Anna moaned the moment Elsa suckled on the sweet spot on her neck.
Her hands that were supposed to push Elsa away slowly wrapped themselves around Elsa's body, welcoming whatever Elsa wanted to do with her.
"Oh." Anna gasped as Elsa nipped and sooth her skin after using her tongue. "What's gotten-ah into you?" Anna asked in between her moans.
Elsa pulled away slightly while her hands trailed from her calves up to her knees. She stared into Anna's eyes as if asking for permission. Anna's heartbeat quickened and her breathing became shallow and as a result healthy shades of red dusted her cheeks. Elsa then whispered into her ear.
"May I, my Queen?" her warm fingers fiddled the hem of her night dress, and slowly slithering themselves under it.
"What?" Anna couldn't believe what she was hearing, and was perfectly aware of the hand underneath her nightdress.
Elsa didn't answer and kissed her passionately.
"Mmph! Mmh." Anna melted at the kiss and her eyes fluttered close, letting the hand on her thigh roam, while the other hand found one of Anna's twin mounds. Anna arched her back as she kissed Elsa back eagerly, parting her mouth as Elsa's pink muscle darted in her own cavern.
Both of their tongues danced together, acutely aware of Elsa's growing need. She perfectly recalled how it felt back then and now it was pressing on her. Heat pooled on her belly just like before they slept but it was amplified tenfold. She wrapped her legs around Elsa's waist and her arms around Elsa's neck.
Anna pulled away to breathe, and Elsa had another thing in mind. The three buttons of her nightdress were unbuttoned and pried open exposing her generous amount of skin. The wonderful blues of Elsa's eyes were almost non-existent due to the dilation of her pupils.
Lips descended on the swell of her breasts and started to leave their marks on them.
"Elsa-ngh!" Anna bit her lower lip while her hands found Elsa's loose platinum blonde tresses. She knew there would be a time they would do this ancient dance eventually but she didn't expect it to happen so soon. She had learned from her governess how couples consummate their marriage and was taught what she needed to know, however she wasn't prepared for this sensation to be this intense and so titillating. "Gods." she moaned, her core was slick with excitement.
Elsa's lips left her chest, leaving trails of love bites, and proceeded to kiss her jawline.
"Can I touch you?" Elsa whispered. Her hand was an inch closer to Anna's treasure.
Anna's eyes fluttered open barely registering what Elsa said.
"Yes-" she saw Elsa smiled widely and her hand moved when-
Knock
Knock
Anna gasped and sat up on the bed, sweating profusely despite the coldness in the room. She looked around and saw Elsa's side of the bed was empty.
She was alone.
Anna's breathing was heavy and shallow. She pressed her hand onto her blushing face. She couldn't believe what she just dreamt about, it felt so real and-
Again, the knocking on the door interrupted her thoughts.
"Your Grace?" a muffled voice behind the door called.
"What is it?" Anna placed her hand on Elsa's side of the bed and it was cold, as if Elsa was out of bed for a long time already.
"Her Majesty requires your presence in the red drawing room."
Anna frowned.
"I'll be in a moment." Anna tied her hair in a low ponytail using a green ribbon and draped it on her right shoulder after putting on her thick green robe.
Anna was escorted by Eric, who was also already in his military uniform, sans the cloak. She was confused why he was all dressed up at this time of the night-or rather morning.
He opened the door of the red drawing room only to see the men in the council namely Duke Weselton, Count of Isles, Lord Jorgen, Lord Solskinn, and the others. All were still in their sleeping robes, while Elsa was dressed in her military uniform but her hair was in a low ponytail as well, secured by a black ribbon.
"Ah there she is, finally." The Duke of Weselton said.
Anna stood by the door in confusion.
"Her Majesty refused to start the council meeting without you." Count of Isles stated.
"Because she's part of the council now and the subject we will discuss concerns her."
The men shared looks at the revelation. "Since when?" Lord Jorgen asked.
"Hours ago." Elsa raised a signed document stating Anna was granted permission to join the council by the monarch herself. "Now that's out of the way, Your Grace please have a seat." she patted the space next to hers.
Anna and Elsa's eyes met and it sent shockwaves to Anna, making her flustered.
"Anna?" Elsa called again.
"Ah right, apologies." Anna walked towards the chaise and sat next to Elsa, however with a considerable amount of distance. Earning a curious look from Elsa.
A clearing of the throat caught the couple's attention.
"Now that Her Grace has joined us. I'll tell you why I gathered you all here in this ungodly hour." Elsa took out a piece of parchment with names of minor nobles and well known merchants listed on it. "As you all know, Runeard fathered bastards and only six were acknowledged. Most of the ignored offspring had aligned themselves with the potential candidates to take Eldr Dukedom and possibly the throne itself."
"Yes, however the most influential of them all went missing." Lord Solskinn said.
"True." Elsa agreed. "But I can't say the same because I have him."
"What?!"
"How's that possible?!"
"When did you-"
Series of questions erupted all at the same time.
"Quiet!" Anna exclaimed before adding in a soft manner. "Please?"
The men looked at her before clearing their throats.
"Continue." the Duke said.
Elsa gave Anna a small smile but Anna looked away since she was feeling so embarrassed for a different reason.
"I found out about what he was planning and took him before he could cause any more danger in Anna's life. However his disappearance only spurred the other bastard sons to take advantage of the situation, causing even more damage and threat to Anna's life."
"What do you mean?" Anna scowled.
"The night of your investiture, we caught an assassin who poisoned your drink." Elsa explained.
"That night when Olaf-" Anna trailed off. Memories of the ball rushed into Anna's mind. She vividly remembered how Olaf insisted on taking the flute of champagne offered to her by a servant and how a personal server was assigned to her throughout the night.
"Yes. He was sent by the Stabbingtons. More specifically Baroness Gothel."
Anna remembered that name. The Baroness approached them that night before Elsa ignored her request for an audience.
"Baroness Gothel has two sons. Twins." Lord Solskinn explained. "With Her Grace out of the way, as well as the eldest bastard, they were the possible candidates for the Dukedom."
The memories of identical men looking at her with such contempt made Anna's hand shake.
They were trying to kill her that night.
"Is there any proof to all of this?" The Duke of Weselton asked.
"This." Elsa passed the letter to the Duke.
"Lady Narissa? How does she fit in all of this?" the Duke asked.
"Anna received that letter from Lady Narissa a few nights ago. She clearly mentioned the Stabbingtons' intentions and the threat they posed to Anna."
The Count of Isles took the letter from the Duke and read it.
"How can we be so sure that this isn't some kind of ploy to get close with Her Grace and attack her when she least expected it?" the Count said.
Anna wanted to defend Lady Giselle since she was far better than the other bastards she encountered. She opened her mouth to say something but a hand on top of hers stopped her from saying anything.
"I understand your concern, M'lord but I believe Lady Narissa was telling the truth." Elsa said as she stood up from the chaise and took a rolled parchment from her desk.
"Any reason why Her Majesty believed her?"
"One of my men arrived moments ago and told me what he knew and this letter is a detailed account of what happened in Andalasia property." Elsa faltered and looked at Anna with worry filled her eyes.
"What does it say, Your Majesty?" the Duke asked.
"The manor house was burned to the ground." Elsa started, making Anna gasped in horror. "None survived the attack."
The room went silent.
Anna's body trembled in shock.
"We have yet to know whether or not both Lady Narissa and her daughter managed to escape or died in the fire. My cousin will bring me a full report soon." Elsa explained as she made her way to her seat and placed her hand on top of Anna's shaking hand.
"What could possibly be the reason why they suffered such horrible fate?" Anna's voice cracked.
"Since Lady Giselle decided to decline the alliance they seek, they had to resort to violence." Elsa squeezed her trembling hand.
"Why kill them?" Anna asked.
"House Andalasia was one of the families who helped the first king of Arendelle to defend our kingdom from rival clans and foreign raiders. They were one of the well known and illustrious families in Arendelle, especially here in this part of the kingdom. They may not be as influential as Weseltons nor the Vinters and the Isles, but they were still influential in variety of ways because of their prestige and notoriety." Duke of Weselton explained. "Having the Andalasia support would cement the Stabbingtons' power over the minor nobles and if that happened-"
"It would be a great threat to me and to you." Elsa continued. "They seek to take your Dukedom and after securing a much powerful position, they will aim for me. Aim for the throne." Elsa told Anna.
"They had to be stopped." Lord Solskinn stated with determination.
"But how could we? Seeing this list of minor nobles supporting them it would require a large army to crush them" Lord Jorgen said.
It was true. Seeing these men had the influence and wealth to assemble an army, it would require for reinforcements to be called from the capital. However it would leave the heart of the kingdom defenseless from possible invasion, particularly Northul.
They were trapped.
Anna felt they were surrounded by their enemies on all sides, either way they could possibly lose. And losing means death. She looked at Elsa. No, she doesn't want Elsa to die. She wanted her to live, to be with her and be happy with her. Anna couldn't imagine a life without Elsa in it.
Fear was creeping up in her heart, if Elsa died she might die too or they would make her a stepping stone for legitimacy for them to have the throne.
"You can all set aside your worry about those minor nobles and all parties involved." Elsa announced.
Anna looked at Elsa intently.
"Whatever you even mean?" Anna asked with a confusion etched on her face.
Elsa calmly smiled.
"You can find them all in the dungeon, ready to receive their punishments for attempting to kill the Duchess of Eldr and for planning a rebellion against me." Elsa's words had silenced all the people in the room and gaped at her in surprise.
An hour ago.
Elsa was awakened by soft knocks on the door. She put on her robe and opened it slightly only to see Eric in his sleeping robes too.
"I apologize for waking you, Your Majesty." Eric said as sleep still addled his brain, making him more polite than usual.
"It's okay. What's the matter?" Elsa asked.
"One of our men came from the hunting party, he delivered a grim news."
Elsa's expression darkened as Eric relayed the message of how Olaf hurried to the Andalasia manor to assess the situation and was informed who was responsible for the massacre.
"Surprise attack huh."
"Also I was informed that the games hunted by our cousin are in transport and will arrive any moment."
"Perfect. Get dressed and meet me in the study, because I will finish cleaning up myself." Elsa said, earning a nod from Eric. She carefully closed the door and walked towards Anna. She sighed.
"I will not let them harm you." Elsa whispered and kissed Anna's forehead before getting dressed in her military uniform. She picked up her sword and got out of the room.
She waited for Eric to arrive in the study and the two discussed what would be their next step.
"The proof of treason are with Olaf, they are series of letters from Baroness Gothel for the different noble and merchant families who had ties with the Eldrs, mainly the unrecognized bastards."
"We cannot be sure if those letters would implicate the said families." Elsa stated as she tapped her finger on the desk.
"A possibility since they had stopped communicating with her since our cousin sent his little present to her. However when they searched the different houses, they discovered a different set of letters pledging their loyalty to the Stabbingtons prior to the halt of their correspondence."
Elsa was impressed with Olaf's thoroughness. "He made sure all of them would lose their heads."
"Yeah, he would probably enjoy doing that with a smile on his face." Eric shook his head.
"Probably." Elsa chuckled. "We should prepare a massive stage since they were preparing a massive performance involving me and Anna dead. This will be the first attempted rebellion in my reign. I barely reached the fourth month of my reign and yet they already started the fun." Elsa sighed. "And there will be more in the future until I manage to cleanse the entire kingdom from vermin like them."
"A stage will be set if you want it, but where do we set it up? Town square? The courtyard, like the ones in the capital?" Eric asked.
A wicked smile bloomed on Elsa's lips. "Courtyard is a good place, but they should be facing the castle itself. I want them to stare at the very place they desire so much as light leaves their eyes."
"What about their bodies then?" Eric asked.
"A massive pit for the bodies so we can just burn them and I want their heads to be displayed on their respective houses' walls to serve as a warning to all who will attempt to rebel against me." and to harm Anna. Elsa didn't say the last part out loud.
"Would it be wise for Her Grace to witness such a bloody execution?"
"It will be her choice if she wants to watch them or not. I don't want to dictate what she should do." Elsa simply stated.
"Understood." Eric answered. "I believe the only remaining ones yet to be caught were the Stabbingtons and the Tremaines."
"True. The Stabbingtons were guilty of treason, however the Tremaines were another matter. Aside from greatly offending Anna at the ball, they didn't do any particular thing that could be tied with the traitors. . . that we know of." Elsa doubts Tremaine's innocence about this matter.
"Then what about the other one?" Eric asked.
"Ah the one bastard who didn't show up at the ball?" Elsa asked. "If I am correct, the last one is a woman. Since she didn't make herself known and it looks like she had no particular ties with the traitors at the moment. Unless we find incriminating evidence in their home." she pondered for a moment. "We can deal with her once this is over since her possible supporters would be dead by then."
"Alright."
"What we're going to do now is have Marshall assemble the army we brought and you gather the council members in the red drawing room."
"At once."
". . .including Anna." Elsa added.
Eric gave her a curious look.
"You'll know later. Now go-"
"Your Majesty?" the muffled voice of Marshall was heard.
"Come in." Elsa said.
Marshall came in dressed in his military uniform as well.
"The games are in their respective cages." Marshall informed her.
"Perfect."
Elsa had instructed Marshall to ready the army because if they wait for another day, the desperate the Stabbingtons would become the greater damage they would cause, that could endanger innocent lives. The House of Andalasia had a taste of that desperation.
Elsa convened with the council but didn't start until Anna arrived. She wasn't sure how Anna would take the news of Lady Giselle's household since her Duchess had taken a liking to the said lady and because she wasn't a threat.
When their eyes met, Anna seemed uncomfortable and it was reinforced by sitting next to her with significant distance. Elsa tried to ignore it and proceeded to inform the council of what she knew.
She was concerned if Anna would be scared to know about the attempts in her life but she looks so composed, however her trembling hand gave it away. She disliked seeing Anna like this, she wanted Anna to feel safe from everything around her.
Elsa resisted the urge to take Anna into her arms and comfort her in every way possible after telling her the grim news about Lady Giselle's household. On the other hand she was hesitating since Anna seemed uncomfortable with her for some reason and also Anna might not want to be seen as a damsel in distress in front of the men whom she wanted to prove her worth as a Duchess.
Again their eyes met and Elsa saw raw fear in Anna's eyes. It worried Elsa since she didn't know what was running through Anna's mind. Even if she didn't want to say it she had to because she hated that fear growing in Anna's eyes.
"You can find them all in the dungeon, ready to receive their punishments for attempting to kill the Duchess of Eldr and for planning a rebellion against me."
Elsa wanted her cleaning up to remain a secret so she doesn't have to show her hand on how she conducted things right under the noses of the council she barely trusts. However after saying it, relief was seen on Anna's features. It was worth it.
"We will make our move within the hour. The Stabbingtons would take time to gather more men and if we attack now when they least expect it, we can win."
Anna abruptly stood up. "I'm going with you."
"No!"
"No!"
Elsa exclaimed almost immediately followed by the Count of Isles, surprising everyone. Including herself.
"I have to defend my territory from anyone who wants to steal it from me and to protect my people from any harm." Anna explained.
Elsa gritted her teeth in annoyance. Anna was right in a sense but putting herself in a precarious situation was something Elsa couldn't agree with.
"I don't think it will be wise to go, Your Grace." said the Duke.
"The Duke is right. You are their target, you can't just expose yourself." Elsa reasoned.
"And you are much a bigger target. They wanted us both dead and you going out there is like giving them a chance to take you down."
Elsa felt quite insulted. Anna was talking as if she hadn't faced an enemy much stronger and had a much bigger army. She had faced the entire Arendellian army with a tyrant as their commander and won, this silly rebellion was nothing compared to it.
"M'lords, will you please give us some privacy?" Elsa asked calmly. While Eric visibly flinched as he noticed her calm.
"Whatever you want to say you can say it with them present." Anna argued
"M'lords, will you please give us some privacy?" Elsa repeated in the same manner.
Eric opened the door, silently urging the council members to go out in peace.
"No, you stay." Anna said, since she knew that Elsa couldn't talk her down with them present.
"Very well. Eric, don't let them out. That's an order. And you. You come with me." Elsa held Anna's hand and pulled her out of the room gently as she could or else Anna might end up with a broken wrist.
"What- let go of me!" Anna exclaimed.
Elsa wanted to drag Anna to their room so they could have the privacy she wanted but Anna's continuous trashing had left her no choice but to choose a random room along the way and locked themselves inside.
"What do you think you're doing?!" Anna angrily asked as she pulled herself from Elsa's hold and held her wrist.
"Did I hurt you?" Elsa asked worriedly as she eyed Anna's wrist.
Anna scoffed. "Now you're worried about me? After carelessly dragging me out of that room?!"
"If you hadn't stopped them from leaving I didn't have to drag you out." Elsa sighed. "And no you can't go."
"Why?! This is my territory! I have a right to defend it!"
Elsa's ire instantaneously rose. "And this is my kingdom! I have to defend what is mine! You talked as if I was some weak woman who can't even handle a measly rebellion concocted by your half-relatives!"
"Ah so now they are my half-relatives?" Anna scoffed.
"They are, are they not?" Elsa crossed her arms.
"So we're back where we started. Me an Eldr and you a Vinter." Anna crossed her arms and looked away.
Elsa was angry but seeing Anna's eyes glistened pricked her heart and sighed.
"I didn't say that."
"But you implied it!"
"I didn't imply anything!"
Elsa's breathing became uneven as her hands were curled into fists on her sides.
"Right." Anna refused to look at her.
"I won't allow you to endanger yourself and that is final." Elsa firmly stated, earning and deadly glare from Anna.
"Who are you to tell me what to do?!" Anna almost growled.
"I am your Queen and your wife! Your safety is my top priority!"
"So what?! That doesn't give you a right to make me look like a helpless little child who couldn't even protect herself in front of those men!" Anna gestured to the general direction of the red drawing room.
"No! That's not what I intended! I am only looking out for you!"
"Because you think I can't even protect myself! Admit it!"
"You're wrong!" Elsa angrily shouted.
"Oh really? Then why are you so adamant on not letting me go out there." Anna scoffed.
Elsa closed her mouth shut and tried to calm herself. She should be calm, she needed to be.
There was silence.
"I knew it. You think I am incapable of protecting myself, what more protecting you." Anna's voice cracked. "I thought we agreed that. . ." a lumped form in her throat, halting her for saying more.
That sound broke Elsa's heart.
"No. That's not it." Elsa said in defeat.
"Then why?"
Elsa gritted her teeth.
"If you're not going to tell me then I'll just go." Anna walked towards the door and was about to open it when-
"Because I love you alright?!" Elsa said.
Anna froze on her spot.
"There I said it." Elsa's heart was hurting because she made Anna cry. "I didn't want you to go because I can't lose you. I can't lose you because I love you! I always have." Elsa's eyes were filled with tears. " I tried to resist it, believe me I really did but it's driving me insane! The more I resist it the stronger it gets." she looked down at the carpeted floor. and let her tears roll down her cheek. "You don't know how much restraint I have to exert whenever you are around me. Your voice, your scent, your very existence had flipped my world upside down! All of the things I did for you to hate me were done on purpose. I wanted you to hate me to kill these confusing feelings I have for you. I wasn't supposed to love you."
Elsa didn't care what she was saying anymore, she needed all these out because she was done pretending. She wanted to say how she truly felt using her words, to convey what her heart was telling her for a long time now. Flowers with hidden messages weren't enough to express how she felt.
"I wasn't supposed to love my enemy but I did! I do love you so much that I am even willing to give anything in my power just to make you happy. Do you even know how hard it was for me to see hope and light once again but afraid that they will vanish the moment I touch them? You are that hope. That light. Do you even know how much you made me happy when you said you like me? Whenever you smile at me? Do have any idea how much you mean to me?!"
"That's the reason why I didn't want you to endanger yourself! I don't want to lose you. I can't lose you." Elsa did her best not to sob loudly.
A hand lifted Elsa's chin and wiped her tears away.
Elsa looked into Anna's eyes. "I'm so sorry for treating you like a damsel in distress, I didn't mean to. I had long decided to let you make your own decisions but the thought of endangering yourself shook me to my very core and did a stupid thing that had put tears in your lovely eyes." she cupped Anna's face using both hands and wiped Anna's tears as well. "I wasn't thinking clearly."
"You love me?" Anna simply uttered.
Elsa gave her a small smile. "Yeah." she belatedly noticed that Anna didn't say it back. She observed there's something undecipherable filled Anna's eyes as if she doesn't know what to say. "Anna it's okay, you don't have to say anything really." it's definitely not okay but she couldn't burden Anna with her feelings. "I know it's too sudden, please don't feel obligated to feel the same way. I just wanted to let you know how I feel-" a pair of warm lips captured hers. Elsa responded immediately.
"I didn't think you could ramble like that, Your Majesty." Anna whispered.
"Only when it comes to you." Elsa replied before deepening their kiss and had placed one of her hands on the back of Anna's head and had slowly led Anna on the nearby bed.
Both of them stumbled on the bed, with Elsa on top of Anna without breaking their kiss.
Elsa placed herself in between Anna's legs and kissed her passionately, which was reciprocated with the same passion, if not more.
Anna abruptly pulled away, leaving them both panting.
"As much as I want to continue, I think saying these words are much more important." Anna caressed Elsa's face with such tenderness.
"And those are. . .?" Elsa trailed off.
"You made me realize why I felt that awful feeling when I was on the training ground and why I was so vexed at the thought of the Northulian princess taking you from me. I couldn't bear the thought of you marrying anyone else but me." Anna said.
"And what is it that you realized?"
"That I love you too, my darling." Anna smiled, she lifted her head and gave Elsa a chaste kiss. "I feel so safe around you even when we were still hostile with each other. I know it was weird of me to feel like that but I did and still do." She wrapped her arms around Elsa. "About the things you've said, I didn't know you felt that way about me before. I thought you were just provoking me for the sake of fun but I was wrong, if only had known-"
"You had no way of knowing, so don't feel bad about it since you had a lot of things going on too at the same time." Elsa kissed Anna's forehead.
"Is that why I always found myself being pinned on any flat surface? Do I attract you that much?" Anna asked.
Elsa buried her blushing face on the crook of Anna's neck. "You have no idea. Have you seen you?"
Anna chuckled. "Well have you seen you?"
"Doesn't matter, all I know is you are the most perfect being in all creations."
"Hardly perfect."
"Regardless, you are the most exquisite woman to me." Elsa had a charming smile on her lips. Anna was stunned for a moment. "You're all I ever wanted."
"And I you. And I can't lose you too, that's why I want to help in any way I can. I know it's dangerous for both of us but knowing you'll dive head first into danger, while I am here not knowing what is happening will drive me insane. The thought of losing you made me feel like I was running out of air." Anna held Elsa tighter. "I may have all these vast wealth and power but these are meaningless without you. We met in a rather unpleasant circumstance but we managed to change that, weren't we? After many things happened in a short time we managed not only to tolerate each other, at best, but also came to like each other to the point of falling in love. You are all I have Elsa.
"Anna, my love, as much as I want you to come with me. . . I can't risk your safety. I implore you to please listen to me. I am not making you stay because you are incapable, on the contrary I do believe you are capable of protecting yourself it's just that in light of my recent discovery of my feelings towards you made me so irrationally anxious and feared that I might lose you any moment, when I already lost a lot of people who were dear to me."
Elsa kept staring straight into Anna's eyes.
"If you ever felt humiliated because of my actions earlier. I sincerely apologize. It wasn't my intention."
"Apology accepted." Anna smiled, making Elsa's eyes flitted on her lips before looking back up. ". . .so where were we?" she whispered.
Elsa immediately captured Anna's lips once more and pressed her body against hers. She placed Anna's hands above her head and interlaced their fingers as their lips moved in sync. Her body temperature started to rise and the butterflies in her stomach were somersaulting. It was a wonderful feeling. She released Anna's hands to slowly slide them down to Anna's sides.
Soft moans filled Elsa's ear, urging her to untie the knot of Anna's robe. She was quite surprised when Anna's hand reached for her black cravat around her neck and untied it.
The swishing sound of the silk cloth was mixed to Anna's moans and sighs. Elsa moved her lips on from Anna's lips down to her jawline.
"Elsa." Anna moaned. Her hand successfully removed Elsa's cravat and went to pry open her military uniform.
"My Duchess." Elsa whispered as she pried open Anna's robe. Her breeches were tightening so suddenly, making her groan. "Anna." she subconsciously bucked her hips against Anna, making them moan so loud. "Ah!"
Both of them froze.
Elsa was scrambling off Anna and apologized profusely.
"I am so sorry Anna. I got carried away!" Elsa's face couldn't get any redder, even the tips of her ears.
Anna was lying there, barely able to process what just happened but her blushing face could rival Elsa's.
"I-I it's okay."
"I should've asked you whether it was okay or not, I am so sorry." Elsa continued to apologize.
"It's okay." Anna responded and sat up to cup Elsa's face. "It's okay. I would've pushed you away if it wasn't okay."
"But still, I didn't want you to feel uncomfortable and feel obligated to reciprocate."
"Darling, you are far too noble." Anna kissed her cheek then pecked her lips.
"Do you mind if I open the balcony doors?"
"Whatever for?" Anna asked in confusion.
Elsa never felt so embarrassed in her entire life.
"Tell my darling, what is it?" instead of answering Elsa shifted uncomfortably and that's when Anna noticed it. There was a sudden rush on her cheeks. "Oh. Oh!"
"This is utterly mortifying." Elsa mumbled as she pinched the bridge of her nose, calming herself down.
"I-" Anna's eyes looked everywhere but Elsa. "I'll open the balcony doors for you." she scrambled off the bed and opened the balcony doors, letting the harsh cold breeze in. She shivered at the sudden cold breeze, prompting her to fix her robe in a tight knot.
"Thank you." Elsa said as she got off the bed and walked towards the balcony doors. "Night air helps me to calm down." She removed her uniform, leaving her in a black shirt, and draped it on Anna's shoulders to keep her warm. Elsa felt her body calming down so did her need.
Anna hugged her from behind. Elsa could only relish the warmth Anna brought. "Can I accompany you to the camp?"
"I truly can't stop you, can I?" Elsa asked and turned to hold Anna in her arms, she placed a kiss on her forehead.
"I am not being stubborn or anything, I just want to be there for you."
Elsa smiled. "Alright, you can accompany us until it's time, I'll leave a contingent of guards for you-"
The sound of the lock of the door cut her off. Someone was trying to open it.
"Your Majesty? Are you in there?" It was Eric.
Elsa sighed. "It's time for us to go. I'll wait for you in the courtyard while you prepare yourself."
"Of course." Anna gave Elsa's military coat back but not before sharing a chaste kiss.
Olaf arrived at the scene, the visibility of the place was poor due to the mix of morning fog and the smoke coming from the smoldering estate. They were too late to save anyone. Most of the bodies were placed inside the manor house, however they missed a couple of carcasses on the manor's lawn. Olaf's nose twitched at the stench of burned flesh, if he wasn't used to this he might've found himself vomiting his guts out.
"Search everywhere for survivors around the area." Olaf dismounted from his horse and proceeded to go inside the smoldering place. The heat greeted him and as well as the burning scent of flesh, he frowned and proceeded to investigate inside. Since the manor house was made of almost stone, the physical structure of the manor only received minimal damage. Unfortunately the wooden banisters of the stone stairs were turned into ash as well as the window sills. Olaf decided to go to the upper level of the manor; it was burned entirely.
He walked around and noticed nothing in particular until he came upon what he assumed was a painting since he noticed the blackened gilded frames. The person on the portrait was unrecognizable since the entire thing was burned, he stared at the wall where it was mounted. At first he would just dismiss it but the wall was different from the rest of the walls in the room. He was about to look at the other walls to make sure when he noticed something oozing out where the floor meets the wall. Olaf knelt and touched the black looking liquid only to see blood. Fresh blood.
He stood up immediately. There's someone behind the wall. Olaf held the one side of the frame and tried to pull it but it wouldn't budge so he went to pull the other side, still it wouldn't budge. He frowned. There must be something preventing him from opening this and there was! There was a metal latch at the bottom of the frame. Olaf fiddled the latch and pulled the frame open.
A bloodied body fell on the floor once he opened the secret door wide. He was a knight of the Andalasia household. Olaf placed his two fingers on the side of his neck to check if he was still alive.
"My word." Olaf mumbled as he felt the slow weak pulse. He pulled him out from the secret door and carried him down the stairs.
"Tend to him, keep alive as long as possible." Olaf passed the bleeding man to one of his men and went back to the upper floor. Olaf was thinking how the man managed to lock himself in when the latch was outside. He decided to close the secret door back and see what happened.
Click
He tried to pry it open but failed.
"I see, so it automatically locks itself once closed." he fiddled with the latch again and opened it. "If there's a secret door here then the ladies of the house must've used it to escape the attack." he tapped his chin only to smear the blood he had on his hand to his chin, but he didn't care. "But where would this passage lead to?"
Olaf went towards the window and called for some of his men to come upstairs and follow him through the passage.
"By the direction where this passage was going, I assumed it would be the eastern forest. Inform the others to search there while we follow this path."
One of his men went out to relay the message then they set forth inside the secret passage.
They had been walking for hours in the middle of the forest with their clothes caked in dirt, with only a sword in hand to protect themselves from whoever would pursue them. Lady Giselle was angry not only to those who sought for their house' ruin but also to herself. She shouldn't have been so complacent and ignored the threats made against them, she thought if she had remained neutral in the succession conflict she would be left alone but she was wrong. She didn't anticipate how greedy her half relatives were and it caused her the lives of the people who served their family loyally for years.
Her grip on the sword tightened as she thought of the lives lost because of her carelessness, she should've secured the security of her household with the help of the new Duchess.
Tears gathered in her eyes because of the guilt creeping in her heart. Her hands were now stained with innocent blood. She doubts that she deserved to live after this massacre.
She stopped walking and knelt on the forest floor before she broke down. Her whimpers turned into agonizing cries. Lady Narissa knelt beside her and comforted her.
"I'm sorry. I am so sorry. I should've done everything in my power to keep them safe. I was so stupid to think they were just empty threats. I couldn't protect our family." Lady Giselle covered her face in shame. "I'm sorry."
Lady Narissa's heart broke at the sight of her daughter like this.
"My darling girl. It's not your fault, you only did what you thought the best for our family."
"But what I thought was not the best, was it? For them they are just mere servants but not for me, they are part of our family and I had let them down." Lady Giselle thought about the servants who helped raise her when she was a child.
"Please don't think that it's your fault. Given their greed for power, it was inevitable." Lady Narissa explained. "Baroness Gothel is a wicked woman and will kill as long as she can get whatever she wants. That's why I sought the help of the Duchess."
"Then what about the Queen?" Lady Giselle asked.
"Her Grace will vouch for us and assure us not to worry."
Lady Giselle was slightly comforted that her impression of the Duchess was right. The said woman was kind just like the night of their first meeting. As hope sprouted in her heart, it was immediately crushed at the thought of bringing trouble to the Duchess.
"Would they appreciate us bringing murderers on their doorstep and putting them in harm's way?"
Lady Narissa couldn't find any answer to that, instead she urged her daughter to keep moving so they could reach the castle as soon as possible. It was almost dawn, they had to hurry.
Anna stood in front of the mirror as Wendy made the final touches on her clothes. She wore black breeches and low heeled black knee-high boots and her blood red Eldr military uniform. Her hair was styled in a high ponytail and forgone jewelries and last but not least, Elsa's sword was fastened on her side.
"You're ready, Your Grace." Wendy said.
"Thank you." Anna stared at her reflection. She walked out of the room and through the hall.
She couldn't fully let herself be happy at the progression of her relationship with Elsa because of the dark cloud looming over their head and also the thought of how House Andalasia perished in just a couple of hours.
She was worried about the things they have to face, also she would definitely punish all who were involved. Just like what she said to Elsa before they had gone to sleep, the punishment should fit the crime and Anna would make sure that justice was served.
Thanks to Elsa's excellent way of uprooting the traitors, they were spared from seeing more men sacrificing themselves for their unworthy masters.
She reached the courtyard, some of the council members were dressed in their uniforms.
Lord Solskinn and Count of Isles were waiting for her, while the Duke and the rest of the council were with him.
"I've decided to come with, Your Grace." the Count of Isles said. "It didn't even take long to convince Her Majesty." he chuckled.
"I am sure you'll be a great help beside her." Anna smiled.
"You mean beside you, Your Grace. I insisted on accompanying you with Lord Solskinn as part of your protection. I may be old but I am still a knight." the Count chuckled.
"Ah yes, the famous Sword of Isles." the Duke said with amusement in his tone.
"The one and only." Count of Isles laughed.
Anna smiled at their interaction but then the Duke called her attention.
"You Grace, isn't that her Majesty's sword?"
"She lent it to me." Anna simply said.. "Speaking of Her Majesty, where is she?" She looked around but she was nowhere in sight.
"If you turn around, you can see her." Elsa's voice reached her ears.
Anna couldn't turn any faster.
"Your Majesty." Anna smiled widely. Elsa had her hair tied in a bun.
"Your Grace." Elsa held Anna's hand and led her to her horse. "Kjekk. A fine horse but quite stubborn, he reminds me of a certain Duchess—ow!" Elsa chuckled after Anna swatted her arm.
"I do hope I am not that Duchess." Anna gently patted the neck of the horse. "Assist me?"
"It would be my pleasure." Elsa held out her hand to assist Anna on mounting the back of her horse. "You two will get along just fine."
"I don't even want to know what that means." Anna glared at Elsa, earning chuckles from her Queen once again.
Elsa mounted on her own horse and went to the front, she then signaled Anna to come beside her.
"We will lead them to victory and crush these evil men once and for all." Elsa said as she led the army out of the Eldr Castle.
Anna couldn't agree more. "To victory." She looked ahead, determined to defend what was hers.
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