Note:

Presenting chapter eighteen in all of its' glory. I was struggling with this chapter, even before I started writing it. I hope you all enjoy it and nineteen should be up before the end of next week.

Disclaimer:

This specific fanfiction, and its' original characters are mine – BUT FROZEN IS OWNED BY DISNEY! I own nothing that Disney has already claimed rights to. This is for fun only.

Happy Reading!

-JQ

Chapter Eighteen: Undertakings and Unsuspecting Alliances

[Vennesvurg, Sweden]

Princess Tina woke up the next morning and was feeling...feeling a mixture of different things. Truly, she couldn't pinpoint exactly how she was doing after leaving Arendelle. She was upset about leaving behind what was left of her free will, but she was also incredibly proud of herself for dealing with the 'Elsa situation' before leaving. She wasn't happy that she had to leave at all, but she was happy that they seemed to have left things on good terms. Although, she supposed, making up by kissing one another all night may have classified as a class above 'good terms'.

Anyhow, she had done what she could. She left the finality of things up to Elsa to deal with. Her letter would explain everything that she had felt and wished to convey to the older woman. Indeed; Tina had done all that she could and she hoped that she could proceed with this next chapter of her life without the stress of fighting with Elsa.

And that brought her to today's events.

She had finished breakfast with Ingrid, Arnold, Gunn-Britt, and Lindahl. This meant there was only one more set activity for the day ahead:

Meeting King Karl for the first time.

Halfway through breakfast, Anton had come in to announce that King Karl and his Royal Advisor had returned after their quick trip to Kollsvik. Tina didn't think she expressed anything specific at the news, but she was proven wrong when her fork fell onto her plate mid-bite of her food. Everyone at the table turned to face her and she felt a little embarrassed. Gunn-Britt and Arnold told her that all would be okay and she tried to hold on to that notion as best as she could. The problem was always what it had been:

This was an arranged marriage.

This was not something that she asked for and it certainly was not something that she even desired. She knew that – in some cases at least – some princesses dreamed of being setup with a handsome prince and become queen. Personally, that was never her intention. She wished to become a teacher, she wished to explore the world, and she wished to do something else with her life.

After growing up, under the shadow of three older sisters – who were princesses – she saw how hard they tried to fit themselves into the mould of a queen. She saw how the pressure had changed her eldest sister, Katla. She saw how the attention was focused so heavily on Katla that her other two older sisters, Gilly and Rikki, were brushed off or treated as mere understudies for Katla by their own father. She, herself, understood what it was like to be so far from the throne that she felt she didn't need to worry about situations like this. She hated what the crown affairs had done to her family – what it had done to her sisters – she told herself she would never want to live the life of a queen.

Hilarious, isn't it?

"You okay, Tee?" Ingrid asked, carefully adjusting the waist of Tina's dress. She was on her way to meet her fiancé for the first time. She was wearing a dark blue dress with silver embroidered detailing. It was a floor-length dress that was basically velvet. She didn't know if she was sweating due to nerves or due to the weight of the fabric.

Tina laughed and shook her head. "Yeah...Yeah I-I'm fine, Ingrid." although she smiled, she had a difficult time showing it in her eyes. Ingrid knew this better than anyone else.

"Yeah." Ingrid said, rolling her eyes. "You sound as good as Gunn-Britt when she belts the national anthem." Tina laughed lightly but shook her head again.

"I'm telling her you said that." the princess said in a serious, yet playful, tone.

"Tell her all that you want, I'm still calling bullshit on your bullshit." for emphasis, Ingrid tightened the waist of Tina's dress causing the princess to gasp lightly. Tina gave the handmaiden a glare but Ingrid was completely nonchalant as she walked over to the princess' dresser. "I've known you too long to believe you're not feeling great about this."

The brunette just sighed. "I hate it when you're right."

Ingrid just scoffed. "Then you must hate me all the time."

...

The young King tried to look out of the window to his study – much like he always did when he was trying to settle his mind and spirit. He had been on edge ever since he was given word that Princess Hrafntinna had arrived at Vennesvurg Castle. Although Malkvist kept insisting that this marriage was for the betterment of Vennesvurg and Botarskal, he had this sinking feeling in his stomach – something telling him the complete opposite.

But what did he know?

He was only crowned as King a month or so ago.

And only because his father, mother, and older brother perished in some freak horse and carriage accident while on one of their annual weirdly cult-like hunting expeditions.

Anyway, Karl was only snapped out of his own thoughts when he heard Anton's voice cut through the fog that was his own brain.

"She'll be here any moment now, Your Majesty."

Although he was visibly tense, the King tried to remain as stoic as he could. "T-Thank you, Anton." the butler bowed rather graciously and exited the King's study. Before he could close the door behind him, a firm hand was placed on the door.

It was Lindahl.

Anton and Lindahl smiled at one another before the assistant entered the study and closed the door behind him. Once it was shut, he took it upon himself to sit on one of the couches there. Karl was – once again – staring out of the window. Lindahl expected as much and just rolled his eyes.

"Are you nervous, Your Majesty?" the assistant asked.

Karl laughed "Try again, Lindahl." the king and assistant had grown up together. Lindahl's parents were both commanders for Vennesvurg's Royal Guard. As such, a young Lindahl spent many hours in close proximity with the current king. They often got themselves into trouble by playing pranks on castle staff and visiting dignitaries during high-profile events. As such, Karl thought that Lindahl's opening question was too formal for the history between them.

"I'm sorry." Lindahl said with a roll of his eyes, "Are you nervous, Karl?"

"Better. And..." the king frowned and looked down at his shoes. "...of course I am. Wouldn't you be?"

The King's Assistant sighed and got up to stand next to his friend. Lindahl then placed a comforting hand on the King's shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "I think so." Lindahl replied. However, after a second thought, he came up with another answer. "Actually, I would be kind of happy. Someone being sent to be my partner? Kind of cuts tall the unnecessary courtship crap out of relationships – a definite plus."

The king laughed and shoved his friend off of him. "Says someone who has had way more romantic relationships than me." Karl pointed out, "You know I've never had a girlfriend."

"The princess is beautiful though." Lindahl supplied with a suggestive wiggle of his eyes. "Don't you think?"

Karl thought back to the portrait of her that Malkvist had brought back, after their visit [or confrontation] in Botarskal. Any man, living or dead, would agree that Princess Hrafntinna was incredibly stunning. However...none of it felt right. "She is...but I don't think she's my type." the King told his friend with complete honesty.

Lindahl contemplated this heavily. He was trying to remember if the king had any recent infatuations. It was always fun to tease his friend about this kind of thing, but he honestly couldn't remember if Karl had expressed what he preferred in a suitor.

"What is your type?" Lindahl asked.

"I'm not sure." Karl answered quite honestly, "I hadn't ever had the time to really sit down and think about it. Especially as of late."

Lindahl nodded in understanding. "Well...you should figure that out before December." he chuckled, trying to lighten the king's spirits.

Suddenly, the door opened halfway to reveal Anton again. He cleared his throat before saying, "Presenting Princess Hrafntinna of Botarskal, Your Majesty." as he opened the door fully, and stepped to the side, in walked a brunette woman. She was wearing a long-sleeved blue dress with a corset around her midsection, made of brown leather and silver. She had a large silver pendant, around her neck, bearing the crest of her family, and subsequently Botarskal's flag. The dress was floor-length, and Karl could at least say that he was blown away by her beauty. However, he still felt terrible about this whole plan.

From Tina's perspective, she had no idea what she was expecting but it wasn't this. She knew that the King was only nineteen years of age, but she didn't think that he'd look so...just so young. If it wasn't for the scruff along his jaw, she would have turned around and asked Anton if this was even legal. He had messy brown hair that somehow appeared clean on him. His eyes were a pale blue – probably closer to grey than blue at this point. Tina thought he looked like someone her that her sister, Finn, would like (ironically enough) but he wasn't too terrible to look at. Not at all. She just wished that he was a woman.

Who was platinum blonde.

And five foot seven..

With ocean blue eyes.

And ice powers.

For a moment, the two royals just stood where they were, sizing one another up. It wasn't until Anton cleared his throat and ushered the princess further into the room that anything was really happening. Finally gaining her courage, Tina took a sharp inhale and walked over to her future husband. Once she was directly in front of him and Lindahl, Karl bowed before her.

"Good morning, Princess...Raf...Tin...Her...Raftee...Raft –!" She could tell that he at least practiced it a bit. He was getting the beginning part of her name right, but she decided to put him out of his misery. She didn't want to marry him, but she wasn't going to let him suffer.

"Please," she insisted, "call me Tina." the king let out a sigh of relief.

"Yes. Um, good morning Tina." he greeted again.

"I'll take my leave now, Your Grace." Lindahl said, bowing to both of them. "I will see you both for dinner service." Tina and Karl watched him leave. They were both a little upset because they would be alone for the very first time. And if it hadn't already been abundantly clear, Tina and Karl were off to a very awkward and nauseating start.

"So."

"So."

Well.

This was off to a great start.

The king cleared his throat and ran a hand through his messy brown hair. "How was your trip, Princess?" he asked rather sheepishly.

"It was...long." Tina answered. "Long, but fine. Certainly better than the first time we tried to come here." the king cringed at the reminder of her first attempt to travel here and he instantly felt awful.

"Yes, and I am terribly sorry for that." he started to apologize to her. "My council had informed me that they truly believed they had sent the newest map."

"It's fine, Your Majesty. These things happen." Tina told him.

The king shook his head. He figured that they should both feel free to forego formalities, at least. "Please, Tina. Call me Karl. I insist."

"Okay, Karl." Tina said, "Thank you."

After some time of them just standing by the window, like awkward statues, Karl suggested that they both move to sit on the couches. In Karl's study, there were two couches parallel to one another on either side of a coffee table. Tina agreed to sit and as expected, the royal pair of fiancés sat across from one another; not yet prepared to sit side by side.

Both young royals just continued to observe the other – trying to figure out if this was going to work at all. The marriage would have to take place anyway, regardless of their collective comfort and mutual chemistry. Nevertheless, Tina and Karl still hoped to at least try to get along. Fake it 'til they make it, or what not.

"So..." the king drawled out, trying to break the ice a little more, "What sorts of injuries did you sustain, in the accident? I don't think I remember everything." he felt a little guilty that he couldn't remember, but he always believed that it was always best to be honest. He figured that he should try to be honest with someone who was going to be his future wife.

"I had a head injury," Tina answered, pointing to her left temple, "I was knocked out for nearly a full four days." The princess then unceremoniously raised her [previously] injured leg and placed her foot on the coffee tale. She smirked at the King's shocked expression but continued her summary of injuries. "And I also couldn't walk for a week – my right foot was lame." she wiggled her foot for emphasis.

"Ah." Karl said, chuckling at her antics. Feeling more comfortable, the king decided to share a story of his own. "I broke my right foot once."

"Really?" Tina asked him, suddenly very interested in the conversation. She took her foot off the table and adjusted her sitting position so that she was leaning towards him. "What were you doing then? Hunting? Equestrian?" she watched as the king visibly blushed and averted eye contact for a moment.

"No..." the king started, scratching the back of his neck nervously, "Walking down the stairs." at his answer, the princess burst out laughing, but quickly slapped her hand over her mouth to try and steel herself again.

"Sorry, Karl." Tina said, still trying to adjust her mannerisms, "I shouldn't have laughed."

The king shared a laugh of his own and shook his head at her. "That's okay – I'm not known for being graceful. You'll come to know this, pretty quickly."

The princess just smiled at him. "Well, it's a good thing you have access to world class medical care."

...

After some ice breakers and small talk, Karl and Tina decided to take a walk around the castle. The king decided to give her an official tour of the place which the princess ultimately appreciated. While Tina was no stranger to royal life, Vennesvurg Castle was certainly an intimidating residence. It was definitely much larger than Arendelle Castle and Botarskal Castle, with many soldiers making their rounds almost every five minutes. Karl explained that Vennesvurg's military history was very rich and that the kingdom prided itself on order, structure, and the feeling of security, which is why there were so many guards around. It was apparent that the King was not a fan of this tradition and he made it known to Tina very quickly.

"Despite my family's history of war and affinity for 'invasion paranoia', the thing that ended up taking them out was a hunting trip." Karl said, letting out a small chuckle at the irony of his statement. While the king seemed fine with his dark humour, Tina just took note of what he was saying. She was a very skilled person when it came to understanding people, and she decided that she'd ask him more about his family at some point.

The future married couple passed a multitude of castle workers who offered smiles and well wishes. Despite the arranged marriage being a secret, it was abundantly clear that everyone within the castle was aware of it. This made the pressure feel even worse for the young royals. Before now, they had both been so used to acting as if the arrangement was some distance away. But being next to one another, in Vennesvurg, was proving to be a new feeling entirely. While the princess inherently believed that this wedding would be nothing more than a sham, Tina thought that they should at least pretend to put their best foot forward.

"So..." Tina said suddenly, getting the king's attention. "Should we be like...holding hands or...something?" Karl's eyes went wide and felt his heart race pick up.

"Oh." he said, trying to keep his voice levelled and even. "Probably."

"Okay."

"Okay."

Despite the both of them saying 'okay', nothing happened and no one made the move.

Eventually, Karl spoke up. "You start."

"Huh?" the princess responded, bewildered [and mildly offended] at the instruction. "You're the king – you start." she shot back. Karl groaned like a toddler being told 'no' in response to putting away their toys. Tina just crossed her arms over her chest and narrowed her eyes at her future husband, absolutely not taking his crap so early in their 'relationship'. Karl just mirrored her stance, trying to best her at the 'glare' game.

A few minutes went by before Karl just gave up. "Fine." he huffed and tried to relax himself. Tina was right; he's the king – he shouldn't be afraid of holding hands. People did this all the time. It should be no big deal. Piece of cake, Karl thought to himself, easy-peasy! The king held his breath and began reaching out for Tina's hand. The princess rolled her eyes at his dramatic nature but mirrored his action as well. Their fingers were mere centimetres from one another's when the king screeched.

"GAAAH! I can't!" he cried out suddenly, "I can't do this!" the king started to sob and a few castle workers stopped to watch.

"Uh..." Tina didn't know what to do so she just grabbed the king's arm and yanked him towards her. She held him close and started laughing loudly. "HAHA – YEAH! That was such a funny joke that I just told him! Y-Yup! Ha! Indeed – I-I'm so hilarious, it brought him to tears! Nothing to see here, folks!" quickly, Tina scanned the area and saw a vacant dead-end hallway with no people in it. She quickly pulled him into the hallway and made sure no one followed them. After a few moments of being alone, Tina grabbed Karl by the shoulders. "Karl – what's up with you?!" the king was still sobbing and was wiping at his eyes with his palms.

"I-I'm s-s-s-sorry!" he cried out, trying to stop. No matter how hard he tried he obviously could not get a hold of himself. "I-I-I don't wanna get married to you." he finally said, after his sobs started to die down. He then placed his face in his hands, not wanting to see Tina's disheartened face. "You're very nice, and beautiful, but I-I just don't want to get married to you."

The king was expecting to get yelled at by the princess. He was expecting to be called weak, as he had been called before by members of his council, his late brother, and his late parents. What he didn't expect was to feel the princess' arms snake around his shoulders and hold him closer to her. She then began to rub his back soothingly, calming his nerves.

"Thank the Gods." Tina whispered into the air between them. "I really don't want to get hitched to you either." she heard him sob harder and wrap his arms around her as well. They just held one another and let their shared emotions manifest for the first time. While none of them wanted to be here in this situation, they were both mutually thankful that none of them wanted to become betrothed to the other.

After Karl's sobs had subsided, he finally got a hold of his voice. "What...what are we to do?" Karl asked in the smallest voice that Tina had ever heard ever. Throughout her life, the princess had never expected a man's voice to ever reach this level of fear and sadness. She felt as if his current state was mirroring her own inner thoughts.

Tina just shook her head and felt her own tears start to pool in her eyes. "I...I don't know..." and suddenly, Tina finally let her own tears fall. She cried for Karl, she cried for herself, and she cried for the opportunities they would both be losing. As she felt herself crumbling, Karl held her tighter around her shoulders. They were both in this situation together and that seemed to be the only good thing for now.

...

[Arendelle, Norway]

It was a day after the Botarskalic visitors had left, and it had also been a few hours since Elsa and the Nattura siblings went back to the enchanted forest. Currently, Anna was sitting in her study with Kai. She was trying to figure out what to write in her letter to Botarskal. Ever since she had been in contact with Vennesvurg's council about Tina's health and recovery, Anna had been confused about the entire arrangement. Arnold had told her not to tell Vennesvurg that she knew about the marriage and he was very insistent in doing so.

Although Anna didn't know him for that long, and she really didn't think that Arnold was threatening in the slightest, his instruction to keep the information to herself was very troubling. Vennesvurg had a very prevalent military history while Botarskal was known for its' sheer size – Anna would have expected a huge public announcement at the news by now. She knew that she should keep some things to herself, and stay out of other kingdom's affairs, but after befriending the princess, Anna felt as though she had a duty to Tina and her well-being.

She needed to write to Tina's eldest sister.

"I don't know how to word any of this..." Anna said to Kai, as he poured her some tea, "...It needs to be on a 'need-to-know' basis, but I need to address it." Kai just hummed, feeling the weight of the Queen's distress at the situation. He, himself, wasn't a royal – by any means – but he had been around King Runeard, King Agnarr and Queen Elsa (when she held the title) long enough to understand some things.

"Since I am not your advisor," the butler began, "I would caution against my word. But while that is not my role, I would just remind you to keep a level head and think through all of your options."

"Ugh..." Anna groaned, sinking further into her chair, "Elsa was so much better at this than me."

"Don't dawdle on that, My Lady." Kai admonished, channelling a little bit of Gerda in his tone. "I agree that you and your sister possess different skill-sets. But I must remind you that you have been a Queen for a little longer than your sister and have been doing just a fine job." he rounded the large desk and patted Anna on her shoulder. "I know you hate it when we tell you this, but just be patient. Be patient with your thoughts and with yourself – an idea will come to you." after the butler reassured her, he took his leave and the queen was left to ponder on her own once more.

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Anna understood what Kai was trying to do, with his pep-talk. While she understood him and appreciated it immensely, she preferred to pretend that she was Elsa in these situations. While her beloved older sister was inept at social situations and romantic experiences, she was an absolute champion at political correspondence. Anna tried to mimic Elsa's perfect posture and wiggled her fingers against the letter paper.

"Ohhhhh-kaaay..." Anna said, getting into the mood, "...I aaam Elsa...Queen of the ice...my fingers are – uh – probably always cold? Maybe?" she was by herself and Elsa was her sister – she could do a shotty impression on her own if she wanted to (and she did).

After a moment of pretending to be her sister – despite being absurd – Anna came up with a strategy. She immediately picked up a pen and began to write out a greeting to the Crown Princess of Botarskal.

...

[Botarskal, Iceland]

"Do you have all your toys?" Katla asked her son, as he adjusted the book bag on his tiny shoulders. He was four-years-old and was preparing for a small trip with his father. They were going to visit Jökull's family's estate, in the neighbouring town of Skorravik. It wasn't a colony of Botarskal, but most of the Kingdom's elite lived there – away from the sea.

"Yes Mama!" the little boy said with a large smile on his face. Satisfied, Katla then turned to her husband.

"And what about you?" she asked, with a more stern tone, "I don't want one of your family's footmen travelling all the way back here for his overnight clothes, like last time." the man just rolled his eyes at his wife's nagging.

"Now dear," he said in a fake condescending tone, "I only forgot Lórens' things once –!"

"You forgot your hunting gear that one time, with my father." Katla interjected.

Jökull laughed nervously. "W-Well...okay, but –!"

"And the map when you went away, for your bachelor party, and I had to order the navy out to find your friend's ship."

"I-uh-I forgot about that –!"

"And you also managed to forget the ring when you proposed to me." Katla said, as she finished her list with a smirk. Jökull just sighed and pulled his wife in for a hug.

"Okay..." he said, conceding to her torment, "...I'll ask the footmen to help me double check." he then kissed her on her forehead before leaving.

"Triple check as well, would you my dear?" she called back, only hearing a grumble in return. She laughed lightly, shaking her head at her husband. She was pulled out of her thoughts when she felt the presence of her butler, Jannick, approaching her. She turned to smile at him before addressing her son. "Lórens, darling?" she said in a lighter tone. The little boy's amber eyes quickly found hers and she smiled at him. "Will you go help your father?"

"Okay, Mama! I'll help Papa!" he cried and ran off, nearly bumping into Jannick on his way out. The butler just laughed at the little boy's antics.

"Your hands are so full with him, Your Grace." he said and she couldn't help but laugh.

"Yes – I just hope he takes after me in terms of his memory." Katla joked. She then saw what the butler had in his hands and simultaneously groaned in faux agony. "Ugh. Please tell me it's not another letter from Kjarradalr..." the more northern Icelandic kingdom had been bugging her about her attendance at an event, no doubt trying to get one of her sister's to marry one of their duke's sons. She didn't want to deal with another arranged marriage right now (or ever again, for that matter). The Vennesvurg one was enough. "Can you just draft a response yourself? I'll sign off on it after you draft it."

The butler shook his head. "No, Ma'am. It's from Arendelle."

Katla's demeanor visibly changed. "Arendelle?"

"Yes, Ma'am." he said, handing it to her, "On order by Queen Anna, directly. I am not allowed to open it, as it is on her order, and addressed to you." Katla just nodded dumbly and accepted the letter into her grasp.

"Yes, yes – I know. Thank you, Jannick." after handing it off to her, the butler took his leave.

Katla didn't know what Anna would want. She had already sent over her gift to Arendelle, for taking care of her sister. She didn't think she left anything out. She began opening it and read its' contents carefully.

Dear Princess Arnkatla,

It is I, Queen Anna of Arendelle. As you may be aware, Vennesvurg and I have been in direct contact over the subject of your sister's carriage accident. Vennesvurg has informed me that they believed there had been some internal issues, regarding the map's instructions.

Nothing has been discovered as of yet, but Vennesvurg has been very persistent in asking what I know about the Princess' trip to their Kingdom. I do not know how to respond to them as neither Princess Hrafntinna, nor her entourage, have answered what their affairs in Vennesvurg were. Please advise on the best way to respond to their requests.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Warmly,

Her Majesty, Queen Anna of Arendelle

Katla inhaled sharply through her nose, after reading the queen's letter. She knew that the arrangement was supposed to be private, but she looked at the picture more holistically. She and Lindahl had not yet found anything remotely close to what they needed to overturn this arrangement and she suspected she needed all the assistance she could get. While she hadn't exactly met Queen Anna, she felt that anyone who has been in good graces with her sister – let alone nurse her back to full health – would be worthy of this knowledge. She sighed, knowing exactly what she needed to do.

She needed to enlist the assistance of Queen Anna.