Chapter Ten

The King of Agrabah

ANNA

What a strong voice, Anna mused to herself as she, Kristoff and Elsa stopped at the foot of the small steps leading up to the throne. The king's accent was coarse, but his grasp of the language was good, fluent even. Before she could call out a customary greeting in return, the king went on, his gaze diverted to Elsa in particular. "Snow Queen. It is good to see you again. Agrabah is still indebted to you and your Warriors for the return of the lamp."

Elsa's cheeks coloured. "It is good to see you again too, King Aladdin, but I'm afraid we're back under less than favourable circumstances."

"Clearly." Aladdin's mouth formed into a hard line and he turned to Anna. "I understand that you are the Queen of Arendelle now, in place of your sister."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Anna dipped her head respectfully. "I am Queen Anna." She waved a hand at Kristoff. "And this is my husband, Prince Kristoff."

"An honour," Aladdin said. "Though with all due respect, you are not what I expected, Queen Anna."

Anna raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"I never expected the Queen of Arendelle to show up for negotiations…pregnant," Aladdin's eyes twinkled kindly. "But it poses no issue to our conference. Please," he motioned at a polished table on the other side of the room. "Don't stand on ceremony. Despite what my government claims, I am not as strict about tradition or decorum as they think. We are here to talk, and time is short. Let us get down to business."

"A pragmatic leader. That I can respect," Kristoff whispered as Aladdin led them across the great hall and pulled out chairs for Anna and Elsa.

Anna nodded her thanks and sat, relieved to be off her feet again. The sooner these talks were concluded, the better. She was beginning to feel the fatigue setting in, though it was still relatively early in the day.

When they were all seated at the table, the king snapped his fingers and two scribes came running to stand a few feet away from the table. Several more hastened to the windows and began pulling on a rope that lowered the blinds. The sunlight streaming into the audience chamber was diffused, casting a warm, soft glow on the table around which the royals were seated.

"Now," Aladdin said with a smile. "We may begin. How was your journey across the ocean with Ambassador Hassan and Vice Admiral Zayan?"

"It was smooth," Anna replied, matching his practiced pleasance. "If nothing else, it gives me the opportunity to finally thank you in person for sending aid to rescue the Coalition. If not for your timely intervention, we would all have been crushed in Imperial territory."

"You have your royal ambassador to thank for that," Aladdin said. "She said her name was Talya, was it not? She was very persuasive in her bid for me to dispatch military aid."

"Ah, yes," Anna knew the truth was much more complicated than that. There was no point telling the Agrabanian king that Talya had been masquerading as an envoy from the Arendellians, and then later as an envoy from the Agrabanians. Too complicated. What mattered was that Aladdin had sent his navy to evacuate the Coalition, and now they were here on Agrabah's shores. "She will be rewarded for her service to the Confederation."

The king nodded in acknowledgement. "I suppose we should get to the heart of the matter. The men out there are waiting for us to wrap things up."

"Certainly," Anna said. "For your help in transporting us away from Empire territory, what would you like us to do for you in return?"

Aladdin stood up and placing his hands behind his back, turned to walk to the window a few paces away. "I've been sultan a long time, and I've seen my fair share of conflicts. Pirates. Civil unrest. Separatist cells." He shook his head as he gazed through the blinds at the populated beach that lay beyond. "But never have I seen anything like this Empire. Sweeping across your continent like a plague. There is no doubt that the ruler of Exon will turn his sights to the rest of the world when he has conquered all of the Confederation's lands."

"He will." Anna clenched her jaw. "I know him. Hans Westergaard won't stop till he has full control over every kingdom that exists in this world. And even then, it won't be enough for him."

"You speak as if you know him."

"I thought I did." Anna tried not to think of everything she'd been through with the madman. How he'd deceived her to win her heart, how he'd tried to usurp the Arendellian throne, how he'd played every single one of them during the war - both Imperial and Confederate. Hans had moved them all like pieces on his chessboard, all for one singular goal; to achieve power unlike anyone else in history. And he was well on his way to attaining it with no one to stand in his way. "But suffice to say, he will come for Agrabah. It is only a matter of time."

Aladdin turned to face them again. His face was lined with more worry and creased, looking a decade older than he'd been a few moments ago. "Precisely. Which is why I decided to extend aid to the Coalition. I involved Agrabah in the conflict for only one purpose. To ensure its continued survival in the long run."

"You wish to join forces with the Confederation?" Kristoff asked.

"I wish to make sure my people have a future." Aladdin's white brows furrowed. "A lifetime ago before I married into the royal family, I fought to dethrone an evil dictator who'd usurped the throne. The Snow Queen knows this story."

Elsa nodded in acknowledgement.

"It almost cost my family their lives and the Agrabanians their freedom," Aladdin's eyes were hooded as a shadow of remembrance passed over him. "When the ordeal was over, I swore then and there that I would never again let anything like that happen to Agrabah again. No dictator or tyrant would ever threaten my people's freedom. And to make sure of it, I would do whatever it takes to keep the peace. Even join the winning side of a war."

"With all due respect, it's bold of you to think we're on the winning side," Kristoff said, gesturing at the beach outside the windows. "Our forces have been beaten, our ranks depleted. Every soldier out there has been through an impossible campaign, and their spirits have been broken. If not for your intervention at the Siege of Steinfall, we would have fallen to the Empire."

Anna winced. Telling a potential ally that you have nothing to offer wasn't a very political move, but Kristoff was right to lay all their cards on the table for transparency's sake at the very least. We really have nothing left to offer.

"Like Queen Anna said, the Empire will come for Agrabah eventually. But not now," Aladdin replied calmly. "You will have time to heal. To rebuild your ranks. And when the time comes to face the Empire again, I ask that you stand with Agrabah."

"You would risk the Empire taking the fight to your shores?" Elsa asked.

"Or would you rather sail across the ocean again and attack the Empire in their territory again?" Aladdin's hands clasped the side of the desk. "By now, the emperor's army would have seen to it that whatever lands you hold have fallen to Exon."

"You're proposing that we allow the Empire to attack Agrabah?" Anna concluded. It came as a shock to her, though she did her best to hide it.

"You have tried fighting the Empire on their home turf, and with all due respect, failed," Aladdin said plainly. "But here on Agrabah, the Empire will fight us on our turf. And they will fall. We will rid the world of this threat once and for all and restore peace to all our homes."

Anna straightened, her mind working to weigh what the king had told them. It was true, if the military tales were any indication. Since centuries ago, the Agrabanians were known to be the best in desert warfare, with no other kingdom's military coming close to their efficiency and expertise. No kingdom in history had ever succeeded in conquering Agrabah. But then again, no kingdom or military might had ever been as deadly and quick as the Imperial Horde. And that wasn't even including the undead army and the Crimson Order at Hans' command.

Her brows knitted as she leaned forward on her elbows, deep in contemplation. Still, the fact remained. If they were to take on the Empire again, making Agrabah Ground Zero was the best chance they had. It was the only real option they had at this point.

"If we are to do this," Anna began slowly. "We need to know more about the resources and manpower you have at your disposal."

A glimmer of hope flashed in the king's eyes. "Excluding the navy, the Agrabanian Highlanders number to fifty thousand, led by our High Commander, General Bakshan. Our army is the best this side of the world has to offer." he glanced at Elsa. "And similar to the League of Sorcerers under your command, Agrabah has its own guardians. The Desert Warlocks answer directly to me, and operate outside of military jurisdiction. You may find it expedient for your League to work with them."

Elsa nodded in gratitude. "Thank you."

"We will need to work things out in greater detail," Kristoff added. "The alliance between the Coalition and the Agrabanian Highlanders will need to be conveyed to every soldier and the chain of command and integration will have to be discussed further."

"And if we are going to be staying here for the foreseeable future, we will need grounds for the Coalition to build their camp," Anna said. "And provision of resources like food and drink, not to mention other supplies."

"All that can be arranged," Aladdin said confidently, extending his hand across the table. "Do we have an accord?"

Anna looked to Kristoff and Elsa. They both had the same look in their eyes, one that told her the decision was hers, and hers alone. She'd led the Coalition this far, and it stood to reason that she should make the final call in this matter, given that the Confederation had ceded command to her for the time being.

Reaching out, she grasped the king's proffered hand with a strong grip. "Yes, we do."

"I have to admit, this is unexpected." August leaned back and frowned.

"For once, I agree," Horatio folded his arms. "I thought the king would just want some form of recompense for lending us military aid."

"Agrabah is one of the richest countries on this side of the world." Anna glanced at him. "Do you really think they need more money or gold? They have hidden caves filled with those, not to mention the odd magical mumbo jumbo."

The marquess shrugged. "Still."

Anna sighed. "The fact remains, we have to be start preparations. The Coalition will integrate with the Agrabanian Highlanders, who will train our men for desert warfare."

"From the freezing winter plains to the damn desert," Horatio scoffed. "These men are going to have a hell of a story to tell their grandkids. If they ever make it out of this war alive."

Leaning back in her seat, Anna exhaled again. The Confederation had gathered in one of the king's private residences for guests near the beach where the Coalition and the Highlander armies were still waiting, and Anna had just filled them in on the negotiations she'd had with King Aladdin. All in all, she supposed that the sultan's request wasn't unreasonable. After all, the man did want what was best for his land.

"Hmmn." August steepled his fingers and glanced at Kristoff who stood with arms folded beside Field Marshal Frederick and Anna's secretary. "You mentioned they have fifty thousand on their end, alongside their desert warlocks and their naval fleet?"

"That's right," Kristoff said. "And after our latest tally, we have about ninety thousand remaining. Is that right, Frederick?"

"Yes, sir," Frederick answered. "Many who sustained wounds at the siege died on board the ships due to mortal wounds, lack of medicine, or simply lack of surgeon manpower and supervision. Each of our divisions has suffered heavy losses, with the Molcorrans having lost close to fifteen thousand of their ranks."

"Damn," Anna muttered under her breath. She'd only known that the Coalition had lost many, but she hadn't imagined that it'd been that many, if the screams and groans from the lower decks of the ship had been any indication. Unless most of them were already dead.

She shuddered. What a horrible thought.

"And these desert warlocks are…what?" Horatio scrunched up his nose. "More witches and wizards?"

"Show a little more respect, Norman," August said tiredly. "It was a witch who patched up your arm after your reckless stunt."

"A stunt that helped secure Fort Steinfall for the Coalition," Horatio retorted.

"Yes, but not the point," Anna said. "Holli was kind enough to heal your arm even after what you and the other Confederation members voted for." Who could forget the way the Confederation forcefully implemented the CAST and their ruthless discrimination against those with supernatural abilities? Still, the League had come to the Coalition's aid when they were about to be crushed by Kane's double envelopment assault, and had stuck with them throughout the rest of the long winter campaign.

Horatio grunted. "So they're sorcerers like our own?"

"According to what we know so far, yes," Elsa said impassively from the spot she was standing at in the corner of the room. She'd evidently ignored the jibe from Horatio - it was obvious to Anna that her sister couldn't care less anymore. "I'll coordinate the alliance between the League and the king's Desert Warlocks. We'll know what we're working with soon enough."

The lack of response from Horatio was telling. He wasn't even making an effort to hide his disdain for Elsa, who was still technically the Princess of Arendelle, even if she was also the Pilgrim of the League of Sorcerers. Anna could've pressed the matter of his disrespect, but she didn't want to.

Horatio wasn't a bad person, it was just that his prickly exterior and brash attitude made him seem like an ass. But if she was being honest, the marquess had proven himself to be a valuable and loyal ally when it mattered most, and she would rather keep him on her side than have him as a rival.

"So it's settled," August broke the silence, adjusting the collar of his thick shirt. The heat was getting to all of them, judging by the sweat glistening on his face. "Did the sultan say anything else?"

"No, but the finer details will be sorted out in our next negotiation," Anna inhaled deeply. "Which leads me to my next point."

All eyes snapped to her, including those of Elsa and Kristoff's. Frederick remained as unflappable as ever, while Hayley looked up with wide eyes from her frantic scribbling in her notebook. Anna hadn't told anyone about her latest decision, not even her own family. It'd been brewing for a while now but she'd felt that it would be best to keep it under wraps before she was completely sure. The events of today were enough to convince her.

"What is it?" Horatio asked. He, like all the rest, were emanating mounting tension from where they stood or sat.

"Now that we're safe in friendly territory, the immediate crisis is over and emergency powers are no longer necessary," Anna announced. "We don't need a single leader in control of the Confederation anymore. I will be stepping down from my post as interim leader of the Confederation and relinquishing control. We will once again be a Confederation where all members have an equal say."

The room was silent for a good few seconds before Horatio broke the silence this time. "It's just as well. You don't want to end up a corrupt bastard like Helmsley."

"What do you mean?" Kristoff asked.

"When you've been in power for so long it eventually gets to your head."

Anna grimaced. The treacherous Duke of Wellingbrook was still being held in custody by the Xerflorians for having attempted a coup. No one would've thought it possible, but he'd been so desperate to gain control of the Coalition to steer the war in the way he thought it should go that he'd given up on all the morals and principles he believed in. Horatio was right. It wasn't worth it, being in power for so long. Giving up her position was the right thing to do.

"There's that," Anna agreed. "But it isn't the only reason I'm stepping down." She laid a hand on her protruding belly. "Now that the immediate threat is out of the way, I have to reprioritise. And that means taking a step back and focusing on being a mother first."

The Vjorman prince nodded. "I understand."

"Yeah," Horatio leaned back in his chair. "We'll handle things here. I was just telling August before you came in that it would be good to get some reinforcements down here."

Kristoff raised a brow. "Reinforcements?"

"All this while, we've been fighting with one hand tied behind our backs," Horatio's tone bordered on a growl as he slapped a fist against the coffee table and made Anna's assistant jump. "Half the Confederation opted to stay out of the war."

"Given the circumstances, I'm sure they'll be compelled to enter the war effort," August added. "With Eliqnoir, Rafrantar and Archdan adding their armies to the Coalition and the Agrabanian Highlanders, we have a chance to rival the Empire's strength."

"Not to mention the League and the Desert Warlocks to back us up," Elsa added.

Anna nodded in approval. "Let's do that. The sooner we can get everyone on board, the better. We can consolidate our forces here and be ready when the Empire decides to strike. We can-" she winced. "Sorry. I forgot." She glanced at August and Horatio. "Over to you."

August shook his head. "It's alright. We can continue this tomorrow. First, we should get our troops further inland and away from the beach."

"Agreed," Horatio said. "We Xerflorians are tough bastards but we're not accustomed to this much sun."

Anna stood. "Then it's settled. I'll talk to Duke Omar and tell him to-"

"No, I'll go," Kristoff stood before she could move to get up. He laid a hand on her shoulder. "You've already had a busy day. Frederick and I can handle things," he glanced at the field marshal. "Isn't that right?"

"Absolutely, sir," Frederick turned to Anna. "If you will excuse me, Your Majesty."

Anna nodded and watched as the Field Marshal saluted her and the others and marched out of the room, followed by the other Confederation members upon bidding her farewell for the day.

"I'll go make arrangements for your accommodation, Ma'am," Hayley fiddled with her spectacles as she flipped through her notebook. "Excuse me, Your Majesty. Your Royal Highnesses." She curtseyed and left in a hurry.

"Elsa, keep an eye on Anna would you?" Kristoff said as he made to leave. "Or do you have to tend to the League?"

Elsa shook her head. "Deirdre and Tracy will manage till I get back."

"Right. Thanks." Kristoff kissed Anna on the head. "I've got to go, but I'll find you later. Stay here and rest. You did great today."

"Mmmn." Anna returned a kiss on his cheek and watched as he left. She slumped in exhaustion, her shoulders sagging as she exhaled deeply. "I always thought politics was tiring and dreary but this," she groaned loudly as she placed her hands on her belly. "Takes things to a whole new level."

"On the bright side it'll be over soon," Elsa rested both hands on her sister's shoulders and massaged them.

"Four more months isn't soon," Anna argued with a complete lack of energy. "Not when you're pregnant. You'll see one day when-" she paused abruptly when she remembered Janus was gone. Stupid, stupid, stupid. She wanted to hit herself but settled for looking over her shoulder at her sister. "I'm so sorry. For a moment there I forgot."

Elsa shook her head. "It's fine." The emotion showing on her face was evidence to the contrary, there one moment then gone the next as she once again veiled every trace of hurt and betrayal, taking on the role of a concerned older sister.

"Damn it," Anna murmured, guilt immediately staining her conscience. Why the hell did I have to go and remind her that Janus left her?