May 1844

Eskil Castle,

Southern Isles

Three months into her pregnancy, the Queen of Arendelle had arranged another 'diplomatic visit' to the Isles; Anna had come with her once again, and for the first couple days, they had discussed trades and treaties, drawing up documents and discussing the benefits and drawbacks of trade between their two countries- Anna often sat quietly in the corner, listening in silent enjoyment as her beloved older sister shredded her husband's council's suggestions to pieces, proving just how apt she was at diplomacy, especially in making sure it would benefit her country too, not just his. This petite, blue-eyed, snow white-haired young queen with powers over ice and snow had more grit and grain than every man that sat before her, save the ruling monarch of the Isles.

Each night, Hans had walked both sisters to their chambers, bidding Anna goodnight before joining her sister for the evening. That first night he'd watched her undress, seen the small swell of her abdomen as her gown pooled on the floor, and dropped to his knees at her feet, pulling her close and kissing her belly.

"Oh, Eliza, my love."

She had wrapped her arms around him, brushing her fingers through his red curls, letting him relish these moments. After a moment, he pulled away to gently caress her belly, and though small, it was evident she was expecting, if they really paid attention. He had then stood, scooping her up into his arms and holding her close gently before setting her on the bed and joining her with a kiss. He had slowly stripped her of her undergarments that night, kissing every inch of available skin, whispering soft promises to her belly as she lay back amongst the multitude of pillows, watching him with tears in her eyes.

How had she gotten this lucky, to have this amazing, wonderful man as her husband, even if they could not tell their people? Even if their very lives and monarchies were at stake? And now, to be carrying his child within her, to feel them growing inside her- even though she could not be with him, because their lands were separated by the sea- and knowing that at least she had a piece of him with her at all times now-

They had spent the night making love- unlike most countries who believed that fornication during pregnancy would turn the child within the womb into a deviant, Arendelle and the Southern Isles believed the opposite; that fornication during pregnancy helped the babe to grow stronger- taking it slow and easy; he was gentler with her than he normally was, making sure her needs were met before his own, and that she was okay all throughout. When finally they settled down and let sleep take hold of them both, he pulled her into his chest, wrapping his arm around her waist, hand resting on her belly, protecting their child even in his sleep.

"Just because I bear your name, just because I now carry your child within my belly, that does not make me Queen of the Isles, Hans!" She leaned against the desk in his private study, hands splayed atop the papers her husband had been going over. Delicate ice crystals coated the papers on the desk, as frost slowly crawled up her arms. "No matter how much I long to be so that I may rule by your side, I am not, and I do not know that I ever will be."

He sighed and went to her, sliding his arms around her from behind, pulling her away from the desk and into his arms. His lips found her hair, and he took a deep breath. "I know, love. I want you ruling by my side as much as I want to rule by yours in Arendelle, but we can't. We have to keep up appearances- at least until we can get the council to agree to abolish the law."

She lifted her head, pulling away to face him. "I will not be able to keep up appearances for much longer, husband." Their gazes moved down as she caressed the mound that was just visible beneath her dress. Her thumb stroked over the material, and she sighed. "The council will ask questions; they will demand to know how I came to be in such a 'delicate condition,'" She sneered at the familiar words, moving away to stand before the fire; he let her, watching silently. Though she was three months into her pregnancy, she was not showing very much, even though the cut of her gowns showed the barest curve of her belly. "they will demand to know the name of the man who saw fit to soil my reputation and release his seed within me."

"Then tell them." She looked up, blue gaze widening in confusion.

"I'm sorry?"

"Tell them." He moved around the desk towards her, reaching out to take her hands. "They will discover soon enough the babe's existence when it's born, Eliza, you might as well tell them before the birth."

She pulled away, yanking her hands from his. "And their reactions? Hans, they will mark me a traitor, they will strip me of my crown, Arendelle will fall-"

"No it won't, Eliza." He replied, gently catching her chin in his hand. "You are the rightful monarch of Arendelle, no one, not even your council, will dispute that. You hold the cards here, darling wife." He tugged her back, until she was settled in his arms, and he'd slid one hand down to caress her belly. "The heir to both our kingdoms grows strong and healthy within you."

She turned her head, trying hard to hide the tears in her eyes. "Our babe is your trump card. Just this once, to make them listen," He leaned close, lips brushing against the shell of her ear; it sent shivers down her spine. "Use it."