Chapter 3: The Next Step

Elsa's POV

I looked down at the breakfast that was placed before me. The aroma of the breakfast before me was intoxicating. The aroma of the eggs and bacon were very soothing as my mind raced with everything that had happened in the last few days.

I looked around the table at the others. Jack was eating with his usual appetite. Anna was talking to Kristoff about wedding details. Merida and Hiccup were eating silently. Rapunzel was at the window of the dining room with a canvas, painting the view of the Arendellian mountains.

As I slowly ate, the realization of my situation dawned on me. I was queen again. The responsibility of that settled on me like a warm but heavy blanket. I finished my food, and got up. The servants rushed over and began to clean up my plate.

"Thank you," I said as I began to walk away. Jack looked up at me as I walked away.

"Everything ok?" he asked.

"Yes, I just need to take care of something. I'll catch up with you all later."

As I exited the room, I knew where I needed to go. I began to walk towards my father's old office, which was my office now.

As I made my way toward my father's office, a sense of nostalgia washed over me. It had been five and a half years since I had last set foot in this room since I was whisked away halfway across the world and back. The weight of his absence hung heavy in the air, mingling with memories of happier times.

The guards stood silently beside the door as I approached the office. They nodded to me as my hand hesitated on the frost-etched handle. With a deep breath, I pushed open the door and stepped inside, the room enveloping me in a wave of familiarity and sorrow.

My father's office was a testament to his wisdom and grace, the walls lined with shelves of ancient tomes and artifacts from distant lands. The desk stood as a silent sentinel in the room, a symbol of his authority and his love for our kingdom.

As I moved further into the room, a flood of memories washed over me. I saw myself as a child, standing before my father at his desk, his eyes filled with love and pride. I heard his voice, gentle yet firm, offering words of wisdom and encouragement that had guided me through the darkest of times.

"You must remember, Elsa," his voice echoed in my mind, "that even the harshest winter eventually gives way to spring. And so, it is with life. The times may grow cold and the nights long, but the warmth of hope and the light of perseverance will always see us through."

His words resonated within me, filling me with a sense of purpose and determination. I closed my eyes, letting the memory of his presence wash over me like a comforting embrace. When I opened them again, I was no longer a grieving daughter, but a queen ready to lead her kingdom into a new era.

With a deep breath, I reached out and touched the polished surface of the desk, feeling the weight of history and the promise of the future beneath my fingertips. I would honor my father's legacy and forge my own path, drawing strength from his memory and the love that still surrounded me in this room.

As I stood in my father's office, the past and the present intertwined, forming a bridge to the future that I would build with hope, perseverance, and the unwavering belief that even the coldest of winters could be overcome by the warmth of love and courage.

But as I enjoyed the moment, a knock at the door interrupted the moment. I quickly wiped my eyes, wiped off my dress, and prepared myself.

"Come in."

The door opened and a familiar face appeared. One that had been in service to my family since I was a kid.

"Your majesty," Kai said as he entered the room. He had a bunch of papers in his hands.

"Kai," I said as I walked over and hugged him. "It's been too long. How are you?"

Kai chuckled "I've better now that you have returned. I was dismissed from my post when Zika and Hans took over."

"I am so sorry." I said as I hugged him again, "I wish I didn't leave at all. But I'm glad you are here now. We need to restore order."

"I couldn't agree more. Which is why I need you to sign this immediately." Kai then handed me a paper.

I took it and walked over to the desk and put on my reading spectacles. As I read the document, I couldn't believe what I was reading.

"Zika locked up kids? Entire families?!"

"Yes, because of all the revolts. When a leader was picked out of the group, She would have someone go and arrest their closest family members, to keep them in line."

I grabbed a quill and signed it. "Release them all at once. I want guards to make sure that everyone is returned to their rightful place."

"There might be an issue with that. Some of the houses that the families were removed from are reoccupied by new families."

"Then set up some tents and supplies in the courtyard. Have the homeless families stay there until we can secure them a place to live."

Just then, a knock on the door came again. Kai looked at me quizzically. I nodded and he opened the door.

Lord Jones came in with two other men. I hadn't seen them before.

"Your majesty, forgive the intrusion but I felt it necessary to introduce you to your new members of staff. May I introduce General Arthur Johnsen, your new head general of your forces? And introducing Ambassador Dennis Hagen, your new Ambassador."

General Arthur Johnsen entered the room, a distinguished older man with a weathered face adorned with a few scars that spoke of battles fought and won. His steely gaze held a sense of authority and experience, complemented by the few strands of grey hair that peeked out from beneath his impeccably pressed uniform. Every inch the soldier, he stood tall and confident, exuding a quiet strength that demanded respect.

Ambassador Dennis Hagen followed behind the general, a wiry young man with big, round reading spectacles perched on his nose. His ill-fitting suit seemed a size too big for his slender frame, adding to his slightly awkward appearance. Hagen appeared nervous, fidgeting with his hands and avoiding direct eye contact as he offered a timid smile. Despite his apparent shyness, there was an air of intelligence about him, hinting at a keen mind behind his hesitant demeanor.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," I said to both.

General Johnsen saluted me. "Your majesty, it is an honor to be serving as your general."

Ambassador Hagen smiled and waved. "Pleasure to be here, your majesty."

Jones then nodded and looked at me. "They will be at the war council meeting after you get finished up in here, Your Majesty."

"OK then. I will go ahead and finish here and then I will meet you there." I then handed Kai the document that I had signed.

The men nodded as they exited the room.

I looked over at Kai. "What else do you have for me?"

…

After an hour of paperwork and trying to get Arendelle back to its former glory, I finally headed to the War Room. I hurriedly walked down the hall as I knew that the meeting was in a few minutes. As I walked hurriedly along, suddenly General Johnsen and Ambassador Hagen walked up beside me.

"Your Majesty," General Johnsen said with a firm nod. His voice was deep and commanding. "It's an honor to walk with you. I am General Johnsen. I joined the Arendellian Military during your grandfather's reign and served faithfully until you disappeared. After that, I retired. Now, I am proud to serve you once again, Queen Elsa, to help restore Arendelle to its former glory."

I smiled at him and slowed my steps slightly as I turned and looked at the General. "General Johnsen, it is truly an honor to have someone of your experience and dedication back in service. I apologize for not getting to know you sooner. Your commitment to Arendelle is invaluable."

I then looked at the younger man walking on my other side, who was nervously adjusting his spectacles. "And you must be Ambassador Hagen?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Hagen replied, his voice wavering slightly. "My father owned the kingdom's bookshop, and I spent most of my childhood reading every book I could get my hands on. I suppose that's why they thought I'd be well-suited to serve as an ambassador. I... I hope to do my best in this role."

I smiled at him. "Ambassador Hagen, your love for knowledge is an asset to the kingdom. I apologize for not having the chance to speak with you sooner. As we head to the War Room, why don't you both tell me more about your backgrounds and how you see your roles in Arendelle's future?"

General Johnsen cleared his throat, a hint of pride in his eyes. "I believe my role is to provide stable and experienced leadership to our military forces, ensuring that Arendelle is protected and that we can respond effectively to any threats. I've seen many battles and have learned from each one. I aim to pass on this knowledge and to keep our kingdom safe under your leadership."

Ambassador Hagen nodded, though he still seemed a bit nervous. "I, uh, see my role as bridging the gap between Arendelle and other kingdoms. Through diplomacy and understanding, I hope to foster peaceful relations and trade agreements that will help us all. I know I have a lot to learn, but I'm eager to contribute in any way I can."

I nodded thoughtfully as we continued walking. "Your combined experience and perspectives are exactly what we need. Together, we will ensure that Arendelle thrives and remains a place of peace and prosperity. Thank you both for your dedication and service."

With that, they reached the doors to the War Room. I took a deep breath, feeling more confident with my new advisors by my side.

…

I entered the War Room to see the others and the Advisors of the Kingsman Resistance looking at a map of Dunbrock and Corona. It warmed my heart to see everyone again.

"Everyone, this is General Johnsen and Ambassador Hagen, The newest members of my royal council."

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the room settle around me. The War Room was a place of strategy and decisions, a place where the fate of kingdoms could be determined with a single word. As I introduced General Johnsen and Ambassador Hagen, I could see the curiosity and respect in everyone's eyes.

"So, tell me, what is our position as we stand right now?" Hiccup said, his eyes scanning the map spread out on the table.

"Excuse me, Lord Haddock, but since we're in Arendelle, shouldn't The Queen lead the meeting?" General Johnsen chimed in, his voice firm but respectful.

I quickly intervened. "It's alright, Johnsen. He has as much authority as I do. Let him speak."

Hiccup nodded gratefully and continued, "We've had a significant victory with the Siege of Arendelle, but it's come at a great cost. We've lost many soldiers, and our forces are stretched thin."

Cassandra, the General of the Resistance, stepped forward, her baby razorwhip dragon perched on her shoulder. "Our scouts report that Zika has been unusually quiet since the Siege. It's unsettling. We don't know if she's regrouping or planning something more sinister."

Heather, the spymaster, nodded in agreement, her double-bladed axe strapped securely to her back. "We need to be prepared for anything. We can't afford to be blindsided."

Haggis McThorn, with his ever-present mug of ale, chimed in with his deep, rumbling voice. "Perhaps it's time we consider new alliances. What about the Kingdom of Grimstad?"

Heather's expression turned grim. "Grimstad was destroyed by a mystical force. There's nothing left to ally with."

A heavy silence fell over the room. Ambassador Hagen, looking a bit shaky, finally spoke up. "What about the Kingdom of Avalor?"

Haggis shook his head. "Queen Elena has her hands full with her own kingdom. She can't spare any resources to help us."

The room was tense, the weight of decisions pressing down on us all. Finally, Haggis spoke again. "What about the Kingdom of Fellen?"

Immediately, I felt a surge of anger and pain. "No," I said firmly. "Fellen is not an option."

Hiccup looked puzzled. "Why not?"

General Johnsen stepped in, his voice calm and measured. "Fellen attacked Arendelle without warning years ago. The war that followed was brutal and lasted a long time until King Ragnar finally got the advantage and ended it in one brutal sweep. There's a lot of bad blood between our kingdoms."

Haggis, undeterred, insisted, "I believe I can get them to drop the hostility. We need all the allies we can get."

I hesitated, the stories of that war fresh in my mind. But Hagen, ever the diplomat, added, "It might be our best option, Your Majesty."

I took a deep breath, weighing the options. "Very well. Haggis, Hagen, I'll task you with going to Fellen. Find a way to bring them to the negotiating table. See if an alliance is possible."

Haggis laughed heartily, slapping Hagen on the back. The smaller man stumbled forward from the force of the slap, and Haggis quickly apologized, helping him up. With a nod, they turned and left the War Room.

As the door closed behind them, I looked around at the remaining faces. "We need to be prepared for anything. Keep your eyes and ears open. We must stay vigilant."

Hope you all enjoy this chapter. Stay tuned for more.

Thanks for Reading. Please Review. Chapter 4 will be here soon