Indi walked through the halls to the courtyard, followed by Copal and Emerald. As the small group passed through, the castle staff tipped their heads respectfully. Word seemed to have gotten around to everyone by now that he and their queen were engaged, though Indi was pleased that the mannerisms of the servants towards him had not changed too noticeably.
He made his way to the courtyard, where the dragon riders were busy putting their saddles onto their respective mounts. King Thomas, Queen Primrose, and Princess Rapunzel were present as well, as well as Anna and Elsa.
"It's a shame to see you off so soon," Elsa said.
"We understand," Hiccup said, standing by a harnessed Toothless. "But we hope to visit again, perhaps when times are more peaceful."
"I understand," Elsa said. "As I've said time and again, you are all welcome here any time you wish. Should you need anything, simply send a message."
"And we appreciate that," Astrid said from atop Stormfly.
Indi stepped over the group. "Again, thank you all for your help. I needed you guys the past few days."
"We were happy to," Fishlegs said.
"Thank you for taking us home," King Thomas said.
"Not a problem," Heather said. "Who's riding with who?"
"Who's riding with whom?" Tuffnut said, correcting her.
"King Thomas," Hiccup said. "You are welcome to ride with Snotlout. Princess Rapunzel, you can ride with Astrid. Queen Primrose, you can ride with me on Toothless." The Viking gestured to the friendly Night Fury.
The royals nodded and approached the respective Vikings and their dragons. Copal and Emerald ran over to the larger dragons, knowing that they were leaving, and made their squeaky roars at each of them. Sleuther rumbled to Toothless, and the Night Fury crooned in response.
"Take care, everyone," Indi said. "I'll try to come up to help you with the dragon hunters again, once things settle down a bit here."
"We understand," Hiccup said with a nod. "We would definitely appreciate your help once again."
"I'll do my best," Indi said, tipping his head.
"Farewell," Elsa said. The group nodded and waved, and their dragons took flight. In just a few minutes, the group was gone, having disappeared over the horizon.
As Indi watched the specks recede into the distance, he felt his heart ache slightly. He felt a hand rest on his shoulder.
"Are you alright?" Elsa asked.
He nodded. "I will be."
"We'll get things settled here," Elsa said. "Then we'll look at letting you go north once again."
Indi nodded, forcing his lips into a small smile. Elsa led him inside the castle. The pair walked through the halls silently, servants bowing as they passed.
"Elsa?" Indi said quietly. "I wanted to thank you."
Elsa furrowed her brow. "For what?"
"Just… everything," Indi said. "Letting me stay here, letting all of us shifters stay here. It was a big change, and I'm glad you agreed to it. I know it hasn't been easy, but I thank you for protecting us."
Elsa smiled. "It was the only right thing to do, Indi, but you are welcome, nonetheless."
It was not as if she could willingly leave people in bondage and subjugation, especially when she knew someone who escaped the same situation. It was true: the adjustment to Arendelle was a dramatic change, yet she was sure to do her best to make the best of it.
"I do have to say though," Elsa continued. "I am very surprised that you didn't kill Weldon in my throne room."
Indi sighed. "I wanted to. More than almost anything else, in that moment, I wanted to bite his throat out and rip his head off with my claws."
"But, you didn't," Elsa commented.
"No," Indi said. "When we marry, I don't want the people to fear me needlessly. I don't want that now, and I don't want to go down that road."
Elsa smiled; Indi would make a good ruler. He was trying to suppress his more violent tendencies, though she would not have blamed him for killing Weldon. At least, she would not blame him that much. It would be a massive issue to deal with after the fact, but the butcher and his associates had brought shame to her name and her cause as a haven. Imprisoning them was the best course of action, at least for now.
Almost a week after the Coronan royal family and the dragon riders had left, Indi was flying through the air on Sleuther. The wind pulled at his clothes and blew through his hair. Flanking the Triple Stryke on either side were Copal and Emerald, and the Indominus Furies kept up with the larger dragon with minimal effort. Indi grinned as Emerald flew closer to him, and he reached out to pet the smaller dragon. Emerald gave a puff of smoke from her nostrils. Both she and her sibling had begun that curious behavior and Indi wondered if they were going to start breathing fire soon.
They had been patrolling all morning, before having a lunch of fresh caught fish. Then, after their meal, they were back into the air, scouting the roads that led away from the capital city.
The reconstruction of the house in the dinomorphs' area was going well, with several new supports having been erected. The resident dinosaurs were fed, though Indi made up his mind to take Lapsus and his raptors out hunting if he had time. The main town of Arendele that sat outside of the castle was quiet… or, at least, not noisier than usual. The townspeople were milling about, doing their usual late-afternoon business. Other butchers who had not aligned themselves with Weldon and his cause were happy about the reduction in competition, as more customers went to them for their dietary needs.
In the harbor, several ships had pulled in to dock. Most seemed to be the usual merchant ships, but one of them stood out. The odd ship was larger than the others, and the sails had intricate designs sewn into them. A foreign flag fluttered in the breeze at its spot at the top of the ship's main mast.
Sleuther banked into a turn and glided low to the castle. He set down in the courtyard, followed by the pair of dinosaur/dragon hybrids. Indi dismounted and rubbed Sleuther's head.
"Go, Sleuther," Indi said as he took off Sleuther's saddle. "I'll call you if I need you."
The Triple Stryke took flight, disappearing over the rooftop of the castle. Indi nodded and led the small dragons into the castle. He hung Sleuther's saddle in its hook, before turning to walk through the halls. Servants tipped their heads as the trio passed by them, and Indi returned their respectful gestures with a friendly nod.
He went to his room and splashed water onto his face. He attempted to fix his hair to a somewhat respectable shape. Copal and Emerald looked around the room for a moment, before noticing that their alpha was leaving, and followed Indi from the room.
Meanwhile, Elsa was in her throne room, placed in her seat of power. Her court had gathered in the room with her, several advisers on standby should she request their input. She was wondering where Indi had gotten off to. She had already dealt with several issues that had been brought before her, and her fiance had yet to come to the proceedings. Though he was under no obligation to attend every court session, she still wondered about his location. Anna, who felt up to attending this session, flashed the queen a smile, which Elsa was happy to return.
"Presenting His Majesty," Kai announced into the large room. "The honorable and illustrious King Raclaw of Panist."
Elsa straightened herself on her throne, discreetly flexing her fingers. Entering through the doors on the far side of the room was a small group of people being led by a tall man. He had short, brown hair that was mostly covered by a large, golden crown encrusted with jewels. His clothing was finely made with pieces of silk and fine furs. The following entourage was clothed in similarly made garments of equal quality.
"Queen Elsa," the lead man said, tipping his head slightly.
"King Raclaw," Elsa said. "Welcome to Arendelle."
"It is an honor to be here," Raclaw said.
Elsa heard the small door to her left open. She turned her head and glanced over, seeing Indi sneak in. Copal and Emerald followed in behind him before they began lounging around her throne.
"So it's true," Raclaw whispered, his eyes widening at the appearance of the two white dragons.
Indi stepped up to Elsa and leaned over, placing a gentle kiss on her head. Elsa smiled softly and returned the gesture with a peck on Indi's cheek.
"Sorry, I'm late," Indi said quietly. "Got caught up with a few things."
"All is well," Elsa said, taking his hand and giving it a gentle squeeze before releasing the knight. She redirected her attention back to the royal before her. "King Raclaw, this is Sir Indi Rex, my betrothed."
"Well met, sir knight," Raclaw said. Indi looked him up and down, before letting his gaze pass over the rest of the people in Raclaw's group. He noticed that the Panistian ambassador Kordian Odom was among them.
"Indi," Elsa said, in a slightly less formal tone. "This is King Raclaw of Panist."
Indi hesitated for a moment before responding. He bowed slightly. "Your Highness."
The young knight redirected his attention back to Elsa and spoke quietly. "That house is being rebuilt. Otherwise, everything seems quiet."
"Very good," Elsa said with a single, slow nod. Next to her, Copal gave out a stuttering roar, before shaking her scaly, white head. Emerald answered back in a shorter call, in the sound of a squeaky bark.
"Apologies," Elsa said, directing her attention back to the visiting royal, who was staring at the small dragons. "Where were we?"
King Raclaw was brought out of his reverie, shaking his head quickly. "Ah, yes. Again, it is an honor to be here and witness these creatures with my own eyes."
Elsa tipped her head. "It is a pleasure to have you here. You and your associates are welcome to reside in the castle for the duration of your stay."
"I must say, Queen Elsa," Raclaw said. "I am disappointed that you refused my offer for one of these beautiful creatures." He gestured to the Indominus Furies. "Was my offered price not enough? I'll trade almost anything for one."
Indi attempted to resist the urge to scowl, and he lost the battle. His brow furrowed and his hand twitched slightly. Throughout the room, Elsa's court began to murmur, and he noticed Anna scowling from her place near the side of the room. Elsa had already given her answer the last time to the question of what the price for one of the Indominus Furies was, and yet her King Raclaw was, trying again in a more direct route.
Elsa sat back on her throne, struggling to keep her face remaining impassive. "These dragons are not for trade."
"Everyone has a price, Queen Elsa," Raclaw said. He snapped his fingers and a couple of his accompanying servants stepped up and set some decent-sized chests in front of Elsa. The room watched with interest as the chests were opened, revealing gold and jewels that filled the containers to the brim, eliciting gasps of awe from many of the court members. "I am prepared to meet yours. There is plenty more where this came from."
Indi's scowl deepened. Where was Brynn when he needed her? He would have liked her present so she could transform to reinforce Elsa's decision by roaring in this idiot's stupid face.
"These dragons have no price," Elsa said as Copal looked up at the queen. "Furthermore, I could not trade or sell them if I wanted to. They are not mine."
"May I ask who they belong to?" Raclaw said. Elsa gave a small smile and turned her head to Indi. The visiting king seemed to understand, and his expression brightened. "I apologize, sir knight, I have been directing my business at the wrong person. How much for a dragon?"
Indi sighed. Everyone's eyes were on his, save for Elsa, who was watching the king with interest. "There is no price you could offer that would make me part with them."
"But, surely-" Raclaw began.
"My answer is no," Indi said, interrupting the king. Elsa raised her eyebrows but did not comment. "Let me ask you something, King Raclaw. Would you sell your own child?"
"I-I hardly see how that is relevant," Raclaw said.
"Allow me to explain," Indi said, kneeling to pet Emerald's head. "I view these dragons as my family. Unless you are willing to part with one of your children, I would not part with these dragons."
"I see," Raclaw said as Indi stood tall.
"King Raclaw," Elsa said. "If there is nothing else, please allow my staff to show you to the rooms we have set aside for you."
Raclaw nodded, and Elsa waved over one of the servants. The woman in a black dress with white lace stepped over and curtsied. "If you'll follow me, Your Highness."
The woman led the king and the rest of his accompanying party out of the throne room.
Elsa turned to Kai, who was always at attention. "Court is adjourned."
Kai tipped his head. Elsa and Indi left the room first, and the rest of the queen's court slowly trickled out after them.
Elsa and Indi walked through the halls together, joined by the pair of white dragons.
"I don't like him," Indi said quietly.
"Who?" Elsa asked. "King Raclaw?"
The knight nodded. "I have a feeling he'll keep trying."
"Oh, he will," Elsa said softly. "Some kings are hardly used to being denied what they want. According to my contacts in Panist, the same seems to be true of him."
"Great," Indi groaned. Copal gave out a squealing roar.
"Did they see Sleuther?" Elsa asked. Surely Raclaw would think the Triple Stryke would be more impressive than the juvenile Indominus Furies, at the very least in terms of size.
"I don't think so," Indi said. "I sent him off when we returned."
"Well, he's back," Elsa said, looking out the window. Indi looked out the window as well. Sure enough, Sleuther was curled up on the castle rooftops, faintly illuminated by the moonlight. "Well, I'm sure Raclaw and his people will see him tomorrow."
Indi groaned. "Not if I get up early and go out with Sleuther at first light."
Elsa laughed and shook her head. From down an adjoining hall, a woman walked over to them.
"Queen Elsa," Mary said, curtseying. "May I steal my son away from you for a short while?"
Elsa looked at her companion, who nodded.
"Of course," Elsa said, placing a gentle hand on Indi's shoulder. "Will I see you at dinner?"
"You might," Indi said with a smirk. "Come, girls."
Elsa nodded, and the pair parted ways. Indi followed his mother down the hall, accompanied by Copal and Emerald, while Elsa proceeded on her own path.
As the queen walked through the halls, she sent a servant to the kitchens to inform the cooks to prepare extra meals, as they had guests that would be attending. She then sent another servant to invite King Raclaw and his people to dinner. She would have much rather not invited them, but it was the proper thing to do for her guests who had just arrived in her kingdom and were staying in her castle. They were surely hungry and in need of a hearty meal after their voyage.
Once she was sure everything was sorted, she went to her room, and her handmaidens began assisting her with bathing and changing into a regal evening gown.
Meanwhile, Indi and his dragons followed Mary into a room that had been set aside for the woman.
The room was dimly lit, the only light being cast by a few candles. A small cauldron sat near the fireplace, and there were several books on a desk. In the center of the room was a table.
"Indi," Mary said as she closed the door. "Please lay on the table."
Indi was confused but said nothing as he did what he was told. Copal and Emerald curled up nearby, watching with interest.
As Indi settled down, he held still as his mother looked him over. Her hands glowed faintly and she gently touched his body. She started with his right arm and worked her way to his head. She ever-so-gently grabbed Indi's throat, and he felt that ever-present primal darkness inside of him peer out at her through his own eyes. As soon as it appeared, Mary moved on, running her hand down his other arm, before returning to his neck. She slid her glowing hand down his chest, pausing briefly over his heart, before making her way to her son's lower body, running her hands down his legs.
"Interesting," Mary said, once she had concluded her initial examination. "Sit up, please."
Indi sat up, swinging his legs over the rise of the table. Mary bent over slightly and looked into his eyes. She stared deep, looking past him.
"Very interesting," she said slowly, before straightening herself. "How long?"
"I'm sorry?" Indi said, confused.
"How long has your mind been splintered?" Mary said.
"What?" Indi said. He had no idea what she was talking about. The voice in his head that referred to itself as Indominus?
"The mind of a dinomorph has several areas," Mary said. "There's the common side, the side that is very close to that of a human. The other side is the mind of the creature they are blended with. For Brynn, it's the mind of a Tyrannosaurus. For Violet, the mind of a Velociraptor. For you, that of an Indominus rex. It's what gives you all the urge to hunt, the defensiveness, and quickness to aggression."
Indi nodded. "When von Schwicke put that stuff inside me, I did lose the urge to hunt. When my abilities started to come back, it started talking to me."
"'It' being your other side?" Mary asked, and Indi nodded. "That seems about right. The parts of your mind are fractured, for lack of a better term. That suppressant was a traumatic experience, through the pain and losing your abilities." Indi nodded. Mary's hand glowed as she passed it over his face. "And I'm sensing something… different… in you. It's familiar, but foreign at the same time."
Mary withdrew her hand and the glowing faded.
"Different how?" Indi asked.
"That scar on your cheek," Mary said, motioning to his face. "How did you get it?"
"I got in a battle," Indi said. "We were attacking Weselton, and I got grazed with an arrow. Copal was cut by one as well."
Mary carefully examined the young Indominus Fury, letting her hand glow slightly. Copal stared up at her with large eyes and called out quietly.
"Ah, that's it," she said, letting her glowing hand examine her son once more. "She has a much stronger essence compared to what is in you. Her blood is in you."
"After that battle," Indi continued, staring at the pair of dragons. "My abilities started to return."
Mary nodded. "Her blood seems to have partially reversed the effects of the suppressant, at least based on what I believe."
Emerald roared lightly, her teeth glinting in the dim candlelight. Indi was silent for a moment. "Can you reverse the effects entirely?"
"I don't know," Mary said. "It might be possible, but I wanted to examine you and do more investigating before I try. If it is possible, we could attempt it, but it might not work."
Indi nodded but he could not believe it! His abilities could be returned. There was the issue with the voice of Indominus, but he would have to see how he felt about it.
"In any case," Mary continued. "I'll let you get back to the queen. I'll let you know when I'm ready to figure out more."
"Alright, I'll see you later," Indi said as he got up from the table. He whistled to his dragons, and they followed him out of the room. He felt his mother's eyes on him as he walked away until he heard the door close behind him.
It was astonishing. He could get his abilities back. If it worked, he could take down von Schwicke. He could protect the shifters better. He could protect Elsa.
He would not feel so empty. That was one of the worst things that he had felt when he lost his abilities. Since he lost his powers, a massive hole seemed to have been carved into his chest. He hated that feeling, and it never really went away. But here he was, presented with a faint possibility of reversing von Schwicke's curse on him.
We could become whole again, the dark voice said in his mind.
Indi shook his head. He could not think about that right now, as tantalizing as it seemed.
He went to the kitchen, where he requested some meat from the staff. The kitchen maids were happy to oblige him, and Indi was soon carrying a large platter of raw steaks through the halls of the castle. He entered the dining hall, where he was announced. As he entered, he saw Esla sitting at the table, alone.
"Hello," he said, stepping over. Copal and Emerald curled up together near the wall and he set their meal down in front of them. He then returned to the table and pulled out a chair, sitting down next to Elsa.
"Indi," Elsa said, tipping her head. "Is everything alright with your mother?"
"Yeah," Indi said. "She just wanted to talk to me." There was no sense in telling her about the possibility of completely reversing the effects of the suppressant... at least, not yet.
"Good," Elsa said with a nod. "Indi, you should know that we will have some guests joining us tonight for dinner."
Indi nodded, then froze. He slowly turned his head to look at the queen. "You couldn't possibly mean..."
"I do," Elsa said with a single nod. "It was only proper. They are my guests."
Indi sighed. "Why do you hate me?"
Elsa chuckled. A knock at the door sounded into the room and a servant entered. He announced the arrival of King Raclaw and his entourage. The group entered, saying their greetings. All of them bowed to Elsa, except for Raclaw, who tipped his head respectfully. The group found their seats, Raclaw sitting at the far end of the table from Elsa, as was apparently fitting his station.
Shortly, food and drinks were brought out by servants, and everyone began to talk and eat.
"I trust you all had a good voyage?" Elsa said during a lull in everyone eating.
"Indeed," Raclaw said. "Fair weather and strong winds. A blessing considering the time of year."
Elsa nodded. The coming winter storms would make sailing most hazardous. She glanced over at Indi, who was focusing more on his food than interacting with the guests. She could not blame him; after the interaction in the throne room, he was clearly quite uncomfortable, especially sharing the table with King Raclaw and his people.
Indi sank into his thoughts. He glanced over at Elsa, who was discussing politics with Raclaw. He stabbed at his food with his fork. As he raised the piece of meat to his mouth a flash of white shot by his face, wind blowing his hair. The table fell silent and everyone stared at him as he jabbed another piece of meat with his now-empty fork. Noticing the several sets of wide eyes looking at him, Indi merely shrugged.
Slowly, the conversations around him resumed. Elsa and Raclaw were discussing recent trade deals between other kingdoms, while the other members of Raclaw's entourage quietly made idle chatter between themselves. Indi scanned the people at the table, doing his best to at least appear somewhat attentive.
After some time, a servant entered the room quietly and approached Indi. She tipped her head respectfully and whispered into his ear. Indi nodded, hiding his relief, and excused himself from the table. He called to his Indominus Furies, before turning to the queen.
"Duty calls," he said. Elsa nodded, and the servant led Indi from the room. Brynn was waiting in the hallway.
"What's wrong?" Indi asked as the servant left the pair alone.
"I'm your escape," Brynn said quietly, motioning for the man to walk with her.
"Thank the gods," Indi said with a sigh as the pair began to slowly stroll through the halls. "I'm not sure how much of that fiasco in the throne room you heard about."
"That's why I came to get you," she said. "I heard about most of it; word travel's quickly, especially when it's controversial. There is no way I could leave you with those people any longer than necessary."
Indi nodded, sighing. "I don't know how Elsa does it."
Brynn chuckled quietly. "She has the patience of an ancient goddess."
"So," Indi said, clearing his throat. "Any issues concerning the dinomorphs?"
"No." His friend shook her head. "All's quiet."
"Good," he said. The fewer issues they had right now, the better.
"I still think we should have killed Weldon," Brynn said, lowering her voice. "He attacked Gwendolyn several times, Indi. Nearly killed her. He didn't just attack one of us, but one of our mothers: one of us who couldn't defend themselves."
"I know," the young knight said. "Believe me, I share the same sentiment."
"So, why is he still alive?"
"It was Elsa's decision," Indi explained. "I can't override her."
"So make her see reason!" Brynn exclaimed. "They attacked us, Indi. We have to send a message that we are not to be trifled with."
"You think I haven't thought of that?" Indi said, his frustration boiling. "We can't go around killing people anymore."
"We're not," she growled. "This is justice and a preventive measure."
"Brynn," Indi said firmly. "I'm really trying. Believe me, I am. But there are things going on that you don't know about."
"Like what?" Brynn asked, probing Indi
Indi sighed. "We haven't exactly kept our existence a secret, and people have been talking. Elsa got a letter from another kingdom, and they want to buy one of us."
Brynn stopped dead in her tracks. After a moment, she growled lowly. "What?"
Indi nodded. "Raclaw wanted one of my dragons. Other people want us. Even a Velociraptor or Dilophosaurus shifter could significantly help provide security to a decently-sized castle. Now, Elsa said she would refuse, which we would expect as she knows we are not slaves to be bought and sold, but it is something that we need to be aware of going forward."
Brynn's face slowly shifted from rage to contemplation. "What do we do?"
"Should one of us go hunting and kill more cattle again, it would be very easy for someone to rally a sizable portion of the populace against us," Indi said. "They would think that Werldon was right. We need to keep out of the public eye as much as we can."
"We're going to hide?" she spat.
"No, just keep a low profile," Indi said. "News of my and Elsa's engagement is going to bring more people here. We need to look our best." He changed his voice to a haughty imitation of a nobleman. "Model citizens!"
Brynn snorted, and Indi changed his voice back to its neutral tone. "If I'm completely honest if this sort of thing keeps happening, I don't know if we can stay here."
Brynn sighed. "I agree. It's been nice to have a safe place to live, but if things don't change for the better or get worse… Where would we go?"
"I don't know for sure," Indi said, shrugging his shoulders. "North, perhaps. The Vikings of Berk live among dragons. I don't think they'd mind if we stayed there, at least for a while."
"You're happier up there," Brynn said, and Indi glanced over at her. "We've all seen it. When you're with the Dragon Riders, your face lights up. You carry yourself just a little taller."
"I think that kind of life suits me," Indi said. "I think it would suit all of us a little better. I don't know. I'll think about it."
"I'm with you," Brynn said, setting a hand on Indi's shoulder. "Whatever you decide, I'll support you."
"Thanks." Indi smiled softly. "Don't say anything to Elsa, please. I need to think about this, and I'll discuss it with her when I've made a decision and the time is right."
"What about your engagement?" Brynn asked.
Indi sighed. "Perhaps she could come with us, but I doubt she would. She knows her responsibilities are here. I'll think about it and talk to her at some point."
The guard nodded. "This is all hypothetical."
"Yes," Indi said, letting Emerald rub her head underneath his hand. The knight stroked the scaly form gently. "Just know that I am doing what I can to keep us safe. Currently, that means toeing the line, following Elsa's orders, and keeping the peace."
"Don't think you need to do it on your own, Indi," Brynn said. "I am your right hand. Even though I don't always agree with you, I will do what I can."
"And I appreciate that," Indi said with a small smile.
"Go," Brynn said, patting him on the shoulder. "Spend time with Elsa. I'll see you later."
Indi nodded and the pair parted. He understood his friend's concerns. With Weldon kept alive, it was possible that the butcher could rally more people against them. However, killing him could turn him into a martyr to others who were against the dinomorphs.
There was also the matter of Violet. Indi had yet to discuss with Brynn what to do with her. He decided to talk to her about it tomorrow, and he also needed to visit Gwendolyn to see how she was doing after the recent ordeal. It seemed as though all he could do was talk to people, which he would freely admit was not his strong suit. Fighting, dragons, and dinosaurs were his forte, not politics and managing people.
He wandered through the halls, lost in his thoughts. He passed by an open door and glanced inside. Sitting at a small table were Kristoff and Anna. They seemed to be finishing up their own private dinner. Indi gave them a polite, friendly nod, and they returned the gesture with a small wave before Indi moved on.
Elsa walked through the halls, her shoes clicking on the floor. She was trailed by her handmaidens, always ready to attend to her needs.
Rooms had been set aside and prepared, where they were led off to. The meal had concluded amicably even after Indi left. King Raclaw was a respectful guest. Despite his initial insistence on purchasing one of Indi's Indominus Furies, he did not pursue the topic further.
As Elsa and her handmaidens rounded the corner, they came to the receiving room of the castle. There, lounging in the corner, were three dragons and a human figure. Sleuther looked up at her and chuffed in greeting. Indi did not look up from his hand. Elsa observed him for a moment, watching as the young knight filled the claws on his right hand.
"Hey," Indi said finally, pocketing the file. He retracted his claws into his fingers. "We need to talk."
Elsa nodded, and Indi opened the large doors that led to the courtyard. The dragons went outside, and Indi shut the doors, before falling into step next to the queen.
"Is everything alright?" Elsa asked.
"No," Indi said. "Brynn came to me. She's not happy with your decision to keep Weldon alive."
"I have my reasons," Elsa said.
"I know you do," Indi said. "But, Elsa, he attacked one of our mothers. Had you not intervened..."
"You would have killed him," she said. "I know."
"If things don't improve," Indi said. "We might have to leave."
Elsa stopped in her tracks. She turned and dismissed her handmaidens with a gesture. Once they had left the pair, she spoke. "What do you mean by 'leave'?"
"I mean, we'll leave Arendelle."
Elsa's mind began racing.
"I have to keep the shifters and our mothers safe," Indi continued. "I have that responsibility."
"Where would you go?" Elsa said, trying to formulate her thoughts into something coherent while keeping calm. She could not bear Indi leaving. Her heart would not allow it. There was also the practical issue that the shifters leaving would open the kingdom up to attacks from von Schwicke or other enemies of the kingdom.
"North, probably," Indi said. The pair stood silently for a moment. "You could... come with us."
That notion shook Elsa from her thoughts. "I can't. Not now. Not with everything going on."
"Brynn and I have been discussing it," Indi said.
"So this is in the 'discussion' phase," Elsa said slowly.
"This is in the 'notion' phase," Indi said, correcting her. "We aren't doing anything. Yet."
"Don't do anything," Elsa said, her eyes pleading. "Please. I'll make this right. I'll do what I can to make this right."
Indi nodded. "I'm going to bed."
"Alright," Elsa said. "I'll see you in the morning."
The pair shared a kiss, and they parted. Elsa went to her room, where she called her handmaidens. The women helped the queen get out of her gown and prepare for bed. After they left, Elsa chose a book and began to read.
After the passage of an unknown amount of time, the only hint that it was a while was the occasional yawn her body forced out, a gentle knock sounded from her door.
"Come in," Elsa called out quietly. She saw her bedroom door quietly creak open, and in entered a familiar face. It was the only person who could dare to come to her room at such a time without an emergency.
"Anna," Elsa said as she marked the page of her book with a small ribbon.
"Elsa," the princess said quietly. "I need... I need to talk to you."
The elder sister set her book aside and gestured for Anna to sit on the bed. Elsa put her arm around her sister, and the princess broke down, weeping.