Author's Note:
This chapter is mostly dialogue-heavy, focusing on how Magnor handles his situation. He's a smart guy, so a lot of it is him figuring out how to navigate things.
I also realized I've been putting a lot of attention on the OCs, and in doing so, I haven't given enough focus to the actual Frozen characters. That's something I'll work on improving. So if this chapter feels a little too OC-heavy, that's on me.
Anyway, on to the next chapter!
Chapter 2: Biggus Dickus
I sat in an ornate chamber, facing two of the most powerful people in Arendelle.
King Agnarr studied me from across the table. Queen Iduna had just returned after taking Elsa to her room, leaving the three of us alone. Candlelight flickered, casting long shadows over deep blue tapestries. The room felt heavy with history and power.
To be fair, my biggest concern was that I wasn't in chains or being dragged to a dungeon.
Well, this was bound to happen. Sucks that it had to be now. I figured I'd get at least a week to enjoy my success before getting caught.
And yet… no guards had thrown me in here. No one was shouting or demanding my punishment. The King and Queen had escorted me themselves, which probably meant I wasn't about to be executed.
That was promising!
King Agnarr's gaze was sharp and serious, but not cruel, more like a man trying to make sense of the impossible. Queen Iduna's expression was harder to read.
I was a five-year-old who had just infiltrated their castle like a trained spy, and instead of outrage, they looked… interested?
Now that I thought about it, they weren't as shocked as they should be. Cautious, sure, but not completely stunned. If I remembered the movie right, they'd seen weirder things? Maybe a kid sneaking into the castle wasn't the wildest problem they'd dealt with.
Then again, their daughter could control ice.
Still, this was the first time I'd been this close to them. I'd seen them from a distance plenty of times, but now I was face-to-face.
Five years in this world, and somehow, it felt like no time at all.
"Let's start with something simple," Agnarr said, breaking the silence. "What is your name, young one?"
Alright, stay cool. Play this right, and I might just walk out of here in one piece.
I straightened up. "My name is Magnor, Your Majesty."
King Agnarr studied me for a long moment before giving a slight nod. "And where are you from?"
"I live in the village, near the mountain slope."
Queen Iduna tilted her head. "And your family?"
"My mother's name is Kaelina, and my grandmother's name is Freja. They run a flower shop in the town square with my aunt."
Something flickered in their expressions. Recognition? It was subtle but definitely there.
"I see," Iduna said thoughtfully. "Well then, Magnor, would you mind telling us exactly how you got into the castle?"
Here we go. Time to flex my totally legal and not-at-all suspicious skill set.
"First off, let me just say that your security is top-notch." I flashed them a sheepish, almost goofy grin.
Agnarr raised an eyebrow. Iduna's lips twitched like she was trying not to laugh. Good. Humor was my best bet here.
"But," I added, tilting my head slightly, "it's got a few weak spots."
"Weak spots?" Agnarr repeated, his tone sharpening.
I shrugged. "I timed the guard rotations. There's a thirty-second gap when they switch shifts. Took a boat around the moat since the western side has fewer patrols at night. Climbed the south-facing wall with a grappling hook. Found a low-security window near the back courtyard, picked the lock, and slipped inside. Expected to run into a few guards, but… weirdly, no one was there. Not that I'm complaining."
I was probably oversharing. But come on, how could I not flex a little?
A quick glance at their faces told me I'd made an impression. Agnarr's expression darkened, brows furrowed like he was mentally reviewing every security flaw I just exposed. Iduna's lips parted slightly, eyes locked onto me with something between intrigue and mild disbelief.
"...And you did all of that?" Agnarr asked, sounding almost offended.
I nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Yeah, he wasn't buying it. Can't blame him. If someone had told me this back in my old life, I'd have laughed them out of the room.
"...How old are you, Magnor?" Iduna asked.
"I'm five."
"F-Five!?"
Agnarr nearly jumped out of his chair. Iduna's expression softened—fascination mixed with quiet concern. They exchanged a look, one of those silent conversations only married couples seem to have.
Leaning in slightly, Iduna continued, "So you managed to sneak past the royal guards, cross a moat, scale the castle walls, and slip inside… all without being detected?"
"That about sums it up."
Agnarr's voice shook. "But that shouldn't be possible… it's unbelievable."
"But it is," Iduna murmured. "And judging by the look on his face, he knows it too."
Agnarr shot her a look. "Iduna, darling—"
She smiled. "You have to admit, dear, it's pretty impressive."
"I… well, yes."
Iduna turned back to me. "For someone so young to pull this off, you must be remarkably agile… and pretty resourceful."
I grinned. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Iduna chuckled softly, shaking her head.
What? Getting some recognition for my effort felt pretty good, even in a situation like this.
"I'll be having a long talk with the guards tomorrow about this… oversight." Agnarr sounded more thoughtful than angry.
Then his gaze landed back on me, his expression more serious than before.
"Magnor, do you fully grasp what you've done? Infiltrating the royal castle isn't something to take lightly. If you weren't just a boy, this conversation would be going very differently."
Yeah, no kidding.
"If word got out that a mere child managed to break into the castle undetected, what do you think that would mean for Arendelle?"
Yeah, that'd be… really bad. But if you ask me, that sounds more like your problem than mine—
"It would mean our borders are weak, leaving us exposed. If the wrong people learned about this, they wouldn't hesitate to take advantage of the situation. Arendelle is a small kingdom, and we cannot afford that kind of risk."
Okay, when he spells it out like that, it sounds a million times worse.
His tone softened a little. "Did you do this because you were angry? Did someone in your family wrong you? Or… did you come here with ill intent? To take something that doesn't belong to you?"
I blinked. "What? No, not at all."
His shoulders relaxed slightly. "Then tell me, boy. Why? What compelled you to do something so reckless?"
I hesitated. Not because I didn't know the answer, but because I wasn't sure if telling the truth would make things better or so much worse.
"…I wanted to meet Elsa."
Agnarr's brow furrowed. Iduna's expression shifted. Concern? Curiosity? Hard to tell.
"You wanted to meet our daughter," Agnarr repeated, his voice careful. "So you broke into the castle?"
"Yeah, pretty much. But more than that… I saw something."
Their eyes widened slightly. A flicker of fear crossed their faces.
I quickly raised my hands. "Okay, before you panic. Yes, I saw her using ice magic. No, I'm not freaking out. And I swear I won't tell anyone, so you can both breathe."
That did not help. If anything, they somehow looked even more tense.
Agnarr's voice was quiet but firm. "…How much did you see?"
I scratched the back of my head. "Well… I kinda played with her. I was sneaking around the Great Hall, and she was there. That's when I saw what she could do. And, well, the rest is history."
"So, she's done it again…" Agnarr exhaled sharply. "We've warned her over and over to be careful, yet she still makes herself seen."
"She's just a child, dear. She doesn't understand what it means to hide a part of herself yet," Iduna said gently.
"I know… but if this continues, it is only a matter of time before another sees. And not all would show the same restraint as this boy."
Uh… hello? Still in the room, guys.
I frowned. "Wait. Your Majesties, did you not see us playing? You were standing right there when I looked at you."
Iduna shook her head with a small smile. "No, dear, we only saw you talking. But our little Elsa was very worried about you. She kept asking what we were going to do with you."
Oh?
"Really?"
Iduna nodded. "It seems you made quite the impression on her."
I smirked. Ha! And here I thought my influence would be minimal.
Clearing my throat, I nodded with mock seriousness, tapping my chin. "I see."
Iduna's expression altered, her amusement fading. "You are the first person outside our family to witness her powers. Anna has seen glimpses of them as well, but she is too young to truly understand what she witnessed."
Her face grew serious. "This isn't something people will ignore. If word spreads, it won't just be idle gossip. It will turn to fear. Panic. And when people fear what they don't understand, they react… often in the worst ways."
Didn't you live with magical spirits before you married Agnarr? Kinda ironic, if you think about it.
Agnarr's tone was grim. "And that fear won't just stay among the people. It will turn on her. On all of us."
…
"Your Majesties, may I ask… is this why there are no guards inside the castle?"
Agnarr hesitated for a fraction of a second. "…Yes."
…
"With all due respect, this is a terrible idea."
They both stared at me, shock flashing in their eyes. Agnarr's gaze hardened.
"A terrible idea?"
Yeah. A really bad one. One of the worst decisions in Frozen, if you ask the internet, anyway.
"Keeping her isolated won't make the fear go away. It'll linger, take root, and shape how she sees herself. If Elsa is taught that her powers are something to be afraid of, she'll never see them as anything else."
Their expressions shifted. Iduna looked like I'd just smacked her with a realization. Agnarr, still guarded, seemed a little unsettled.
Good.
I pressed on. "What happens when she loses control? Because she will lose control if she doesn't understand what she's capable of. And when that day comes, when she's older, more powerful, and still terrified of herself, what do you think will happen?"
When I first watched the movie, I figured Anna and Elsa's parents were the real villains. They locked Elsa away, cut her off from her sister, then left before dealing with the fallout. If there were a guide on how not to handle a magical child, they wrote it.
"We are doing what we must to keep her safe," Agnarr replied.
That's like refusing to teach someone how to swim because you're afraid they'll drown.
"That's the problem. You're keeping her safe. You're not helping her live."
Silence.
Agnarr glanced at Iduna. For once, neither had an answer.
They were scared. Simple as that.
And I got it. Elsa was different. People fear what they don't understand. A kid with enough power to kill, by accident, even. One mistake, and Anna or even they could pay the price.
This wasn't cruelty... it was fear.
Still, Iduna had to know at least something about this, even a little. And she actually agreed with Agnarr that isolation was the answer? Elsa already had limited interaction with anyone besides a few staff, her parents, and Anna. After she hurt Anna, that went from little to none, locked away in her room. Yeah, great parenting.
I exhaled. "Even before I knew she had magic, I wanted to talk to her. She just looked… lonely."
Agnarr didn't answer, but his face darkened, lost in thought.
"Even when the castle is full of people, you keep your daughters apart. I get it, you're protecting them. But protection shouldn't mean isolation."
I could see Iduna's hands tightening in her lap.
"You're not helping her understand her powers. You're making her afraid of them. Locking her away won't keep her safe, it'll just make her believe she's dangerous. If you treat her powers like a curse, that's all she'll ever see."
No one had answers. Not even Disney. Elsa's powers had no explanation, no logic, just a question no one knew how to solve. So they hid her. She needed control. One day, she'd be queen.
But shutting her away wasn't going to teach her that.
Maybe I was pushing too hard, but someone had to. People had been pointing this out for years, Agnarr and Iduna were good people, but no one ever called them out.
And honestly, who would? Hearing this from a five-year-old wasn't exactly what they were expecting. Yeah, no wonder they looked stunned.
Agnarr exchanged another glance with Iduna before finally leaning back, fingers steepled as he regarded me. Iduna looked just as uncertain.
They didn't know what to say.
"…Magnor, you are but five years old, are you not?" Iduna finally asked.
"Yes, I am," I replied.
"You speak as though you are much older than your years," Agnarr added.
"For a child to think this deeply… it's remarkable," Iduna said.
I shifted my weight. "It's really not. People don't listen to kids, but that doesn't mean we're not thinking. If you tell a child something enough times, they either believe it or start asking why. That's all I did. Ask why. And sometimes, the answer sucks."
Agnarr let out a soft chuckle, but there was no humor in it. Just… exhaustion.
"Or so you say. Perhaps we've been blind to it all this time."
Wait. They… weren't arguing? No deflections? No how dare you speak to us this way?
I knew from the movie that they were kind, but holy shit. Adults never listen to kids like this. I just tore apart their entire parenting philosophy, and instead of brushing me off, they were actually listening.
"Then tell me, Magnor, since you seem to have such a strong opinion on the matter, what would you have us do?" Agnarr asked.
Eh?
"…You're asking me?" I said, completely caught off guard.
"Yes," he said plainly, like this was a totally normal thing to ask a five-year-old. "Seeing as you have such knowledge on this matter despite your age, do tell us—what are we supposed to do?"
Holy shit.
They were actually asking me.
I didn't even hesitate.
"She needs a friend."
Agnarr and Iduna both blinked. Definitely not the answer they were expecting.
"A friend?" Iduna repeated.
"Yes. Someone who can just… be with her. Play with her. Make her laugh. Give her a reason to enjoy life instead of being afraid of it. You've already decided her life is going to be different. That it's going to be limited. That she has to be careful, that she has to be controlled. She's already carrying a weight no kid should have to. So at the very least, give her something to balance it out."
Yeah, because Anna's not enough, even after everything they went through. Accidents that hurt people, freezing a kingdom, hearing voices, going to an enchanted forest, facing trials, and shutting each other out when it came to real emotional support. That's what I need to change. They should grow up like kids, not be weighed down by all that emotional baggage.
I pushed on. "She needs someone who isn't afraid of her. Someone who can teach her without making her feel dangerous. Someone who can make her feel normal."
I saw the moment that hit them. The slight shift in their expressions. The realization.
Iduna's eyes softened as she studied me.
"And who, pray tell, would you have us choose for that role?" she asked, her tone gentle, curious.
I grinned.
"Well, you're looking at him," I said.
They both stared. Agnarr's gaze met mine, steady.
"...You're serious," he said, voice measured but laced with disbelief.
"Completely," I said, lifting a hand in emphasis. "I know it sounds wild, but just hear me out."
Agnarr frowned. "You claim you can help Elsa, but how? You're five years old."
I nodded, expecting that.
"I can be more than a friend. I can be her tutor. I know arithmetic, literacy, a bit of science, even some art and animal care. History... not so much. But everything else, I can teach her. You don't have to bring in outsiders or risk someone who won't understand her. I already do."
I'm no teacher, but I'm still better than hiring strangers.
"... You truly believe you can guide her?" Iduna asked.
Guide her to not accidentally freeze the entire kingdom? Hopefully. At the very least, I could keep her from giving Anna a magical ice migraine.
"I know I can," I said. "I don't have proof. No formal training, no big accomplishments. Just my words and what I've done tonight. But isn't that enough? I got into the castle undetected, stood here talking to you, and reasoned with you about your daughter. I gave you a solution. If nothing else, that should prove I'm capable."
Their eyes still held uncertainty.
"... If you're still doubtful, remember, my family lives near the mountain slope, and our flower shop in the town square is well known. We're not strangers here. I risked everything just to be here. In any other circumstance, they might have paid the price for that. But a child's curiosity… well, that's not so easily contained."
I banked on what I knew from the movie. Agnarr and Iduna were good people. They wouldn't throw a kid in a dungeon or punish innocent bystanders. But I wasn't stupid. If this were a different kingdom, under different rulers, I'd be screwed.
Agnarr, who had been deep in thought, finally spoke.
"Magnor, your words carry weight, and this is not a decision to take lightly. We will consider your proposal carefully. But we need time to deliberate." He met my gaze, studying me. "We will inform you of our decision soon. Would that be acceptable?"
FINALLY!
I kept my face neutral. "Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you. If you accept my offer, I'll do everything I can to help."
Rising, I gave a deep bow. Well, as deep as a kid like me could manage.
Then Iduna's voice cut through, warm and amused. "My, my, such manners."
I flashed a modest smile. "I try."
The old ladies always ate this shit up. Classy.
Clearing my throat, I hesitated. "Uh… Your Majesties, how exactly am I getting home? I assume I'm not just being sent off on my own?"
Agnarr exchanged a glance with Iduna before answering. "You won't be wandering back alone. I will escort you personally."
I blinked. "Really? I mean, I can just retrace my steps—"
Agnarr chuckled, low and knowing. "No, Magnor. You've done enough for one day. And given where you claim to live, near the mountains, close to the wilderness, it would be reckless to send a child back alone."
His expression sharpened.
"Unless, of course, you haven't been entirely truthful about where you come from."
I stiffened. "No! I mean, yes. I'm telling the truth. Completely."
His gaze lingered for a second before softening. "Then there's no issue. I will ensure your safe return."
Iduna spoke next, her voice softer. "You must understand, dear, we only wish to protect you. And… your words have given us much to reflect on. Perhaps, in trying to keep Elsa safe, we've only made her more alone."
"Your suggestion is… unconventional. Highly so. But I cannot deny that you've pointed out flaws in our approach." Agnarr said, his eyes flickering with something unreadable. "That is why we must think on this further."
I kept my expression steady, but relief settled deep in my chest. This had gone way better than expected.
I bowed again. "Thank you, Your Majesties."
Agnarr nodded. "Come. I'll see you home."
As I turned to follow, I felt Iduna's gaze on me. Not just watching. Assessing. Measuring.
Whatever she decided, my part was done.
"So, this is your home?" Agnarr asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty," I said.
"It looks peaceful."
"Yup."
We walked side by side, leaving the horse behind. Too much rough terrain for riding. The lantern in Agnarr's hand flickered, casting long shadows against the night.
"Thanks for walking me back," I said.
"No child should be out alone," he replied.
"Fair. Still, kinda wild how the guards didn't stop you. They hesitated when they saw me, but a few words from you and they just fell in line. Well… some still looked unsure, but one glare from you shut that down real quick."
Agnarr chuckled, the sound low and knowing. "That's what happens when vigilance slips. If a child like you got past security, I need to reevaluate it."
"Well said, Your Majesty."
We reached my house, and I hesitated at the door. A strange mix of relief and nerves settled in my chest. I glanced back at him.
"A lot of kids in town want to meet your daughters," I said. "Might be good for them to spend time with people outside the castle."
Agnarr was quiet, his expression unreadable. Then, after a long moment, he nodded. "I'll consider it, Magnor."
"Thank you. Safe trip back, Your Majesty."
"Rest well, child," he said with a small smile.
I slipped inside, shutting and locking the door behind me. The house was still, the only sound my own quiet footsteps as I made my way to my room. With practiced ease, I nudged the door open, slid inside, and shut it softly.
Finally.
With a slow exhale, I let myself collapse onto my bed, staring up at the ceiling.
This wasn't the plan. I was supposed to stay under the radar, gradually work my way into Elsa's life. Instead, I ended up having a full-on conversation with the king and queen. And somehow… it worked. I used what I knew, played my cards right, and they actually listened.
Maybe they'll follow through. I think they will. But I won't get ahead of myself.
I expected small progress, not to upend the whole situation. But somehow, things turned out better than I ever could've planned.
For the first time, I felt like I wasn't just grasping at straws… I was actually getting somewhere.
With that thought, I let out one last slow breath, closed my eyes, and let sleep take over.
Morning came with the kind of warmth that clung to the air, the last traces of a crackling fire and the smell of fresh bread filling the house.
I knew they'd call for me soon. Maybe today, maybe tomorrow, maybe next week—but it was coming. I mean, I snuck into the royal palace, had a full conversation with the King and Queen, and somehow convinced them to rethink their approach to Elsa.
No way they'd just forget about me after that.
Still, I was tired. But if I wanted to keep up appearances, I had to act normal.
I sat at the wooden table, spooning porridge into my mouth while Kaelina and Freja chatted across from me.
"I've been thinking," Kaelina said, buttering a slice of bread. "We should keep poultry."
Freja barely looked up. "And where exactly do you plan to keep them?"
Kaelina sighed like she already knew this was about to be an argument. "The backyard. There's space. Fresh eggs, meat when needed, fewer trips to the market. Makes sense, doesn't it?"
Freja finally set her spoon down. "And what about winter? You think those birds will survive a blizzard?"
Kaelina groaned. "Mother, just once, can you hear an idea before tearing it apart?"
Freja muttered something under her breath but didn't argue further.
Kaelina turned to me next, eyes bright. "What do you think, Magnor?"
I swallowed a bite of porridge and shrugged. "Practical. But you'll have to deal with foxes."
She let out a soft laugh. "You always sound older than you are." Reaching over, she ruffled my hair. "Maybe I'll start with just a few."
I let her, the warmth of her touch familiar. But for some reason, I really looked at her for the first time in a while.
She looked young.
I'd been with her for years now, but it had never really hit me until now.
Brunette hair falling loosely over her shoulders. A simple wool dress, earth-toned and practical. Not overly slender, not overly curvy. Just… normal. But in a way that felt right.
And yet, I had never really processed her presence before.
Same with Freja. I spoke to them, ate with them, lived with them. But deep down, there was always a part of me that hadn't fully accepted them as mine.
Not because I was ungrateful, but because no matter how much time passed, I couldn't stop thinking about the family I left behind. My real mother. My real world.
…Maybe it was time to stop thinking like that?
"Ma, can I ask how old you are?" I said.
Both women turned to me, caught off guard.
"Hm, I'm twenty-five. Why?" Kaelina replied.
I blinked. Wait, twenty-five? Jesus. I was almost a decade older than her in my past life. She had me at twenty.
Holy shit. That's… young.
I quickly shook it off. "Nothing," I said. "Just curious."
Kaelina narrowed her eyes suspiciously before smirking. "No, no, I think there's something more to it." She leaned in, playful. "Do you think I'm looking old?"
"Ah, no, quite the opposite." I grinned. "You're beautiful, Mama."
Honest words.
Disney characters always looked too perfect. Either exaggeratedly ugly or ridiculously attractive. No in-between.
The reaction was instant.
Kaelina squealed before scooping me up and squeezing me against her chest.
"Oh my goodness, Magnor! When you grow up, I'll have to keep an eye on you!"
... I had no idea how to respond to that.
Freja snorted. "And where did you learn to talk like that?"
"I wasn't even trying to be—" I sighed. "Never mind."
I'll never understand women.
The conversation drifted, shifting to talk about the market, the coming winter, and whether we could afford new boots before the snowfall.
**Knock**Knock**
Then came the knock.
Not hesitant. Not polite. Firm. Steady. Official.
I knew knocks like that. Debt collectors, landlords, those guys in movies who show up with bad news.
And it was quick. Morning just started.
Kaelina froze mid-sentence. Across the table, Freja's grip on her spoon tightened, knuckles going white.
No one moved.
Kaelina shot me a quick, worried glance before slowly pushing back her chair. Freja followed, shoulders squared like she was bracing for impact.
I wasn't. Because I already knew who it was.
Kaelina hesitated, fingers hovering over the latch. Then, with a deep breath, she pulled it open.
Two royal guards.
Greenish robes, intricate floral embroidery, Arendelle's crocus emblem stitched onto their chests. White gloves, polished boots. Swords at their sides, spears in hand.
Kaelina gasped, stepping back. Freja let out a sharp breath, fingers twitching. Not fear, just that wary kind of respect you give people who can ruin your life if they feel like it.
Royal guards didn't knock without a reason.
I expected them, but I still wasn't thrilled about how loudly they were making their presence known.
Seriously? Couldn't they be a little more discreet? They didn't need to announce this like I was about to be tried for treason. Just slip me a note, a whisper, a hey kid, time to go. Something that wouldn't immediately send my mother into a panic.
Now they had both of them on edge. Now my family knew.
Fuuuuuuuuuck—
The bearded one at the front bowed slightly.
"Madam Kaelina. Madam Freja." His voice was deep, even. "We come on behalf of His Majesty, King Agnarr of Arendelle."
Kaelina's hand flew to her chest. "The King?"
Freja tensed beside her, lips parting slightly.
The younger guard nodded. "We have been sent to fetch your son, Magnor."
Kaelina's head snapped toward me, eyes wide. "M-My son?"
Freja was faster. She turned, sharp and accusing.
"Magnor, what did you do?"
I kept my face calm, tried to sound believable.
"I-I d-did nothing."
WHY THE FUCK DID MY VOICE JUST SHAKE!?
Freja's stare could peel paint. Yeah. She wasn't buying that for a second.
Jesus, Grandma, relax.
The guards stepped in.
"There is no wrongdoing, madam," the bearded one assured. "On the contrary, Their Majesties have taken notice of the boy's actions in the village."
Kaelina let out a breath, clearly confused. "His actions?"
The younger guard nodded. "Yes. People have seen him speaking with elders, nuns, even traders, holding conversations far beyond his years, according to the townsfolk. His presence in the village hasn't gone unnoticed. The King and Queen believe he has great potential and wish to offer him an opportunity to develop it."
Yeah, right. Like they would've even noticed me if I hadn't gotten myself caught red-handed.
Kaelina gasped, covering her mouth with both hands.
"Oh, Magnor," she whispered, her eyes shining. "The King and Queen noticed you?"
Before I could respond, she threw her arms around me, nearly squeezing the breath from my lungs.
"Oh, my smart, wonderful boy!" she gushed. "How did I end up with such an amazing child?"
Freja, however, didn't look nearly as thrilled. Arms crossed, she kept her sharp gaze locked on me.
"This is not ill news, is it?"
The bearded guard shook his head. "Not at all, madam. King Agnarr himself has ordered us to bring him. He would not do so without good reason."
Freja exhaled slowly, rubbing her forehead.
"The King is a good man," she admitted, though worry still tinged her voice. "I trust him… but I don't know if I trust this."
She looked at me again, her brows furrowed.
"Are you sure you did nothing, boy?"
I nodded vigorously, doing my best to look as innocent as possible. But her gaze was piercing, the kind that could make even a guilty man confess on the spot. It felt like she could see straight through me, peeling back every little lie before I even spoke it.
After a long moment, she turned to the guards, her expression calm but firm.
"Would you mind giving us a few minutes?" she asked. "This is... much to take in."
The bearded guard nodded. "Of course. Take your time."
The moment the door shut, the warmth in the room vanished. Freja's eyes locked onto me, sharp as a blade.
"Speak."
I swallowed hard.
Kaelina, still hugging me tightly, frowned. "Mother! Why are you being so suspicious? Shouldn't we be happy for him?"
Freja didn't waver. Her voice remained calm, but there was a weight behind her words. "Because there is no way, in the Lord's name, that this happened out of nowhere."
She narrowed her eyes at me. "The King and Queen do not simply take notice of village children. For this to happen, Magnor must have done something, something big, to catch their attention."
Crossing her arms, she leveled me with that same piercing gaze.
"Now, tell me what it was."
Ah, shit. She's too smart to be my granny.
Kaelina looked at her, exasperated. "Mother, please, shouldn't you be happy—"
"Kaelina, I wasn't talking to you."
Oh god.
She cut Kaelina off.
She never cut Kaelina off.
Freja's gaze snapped back to me, sharper than before. "Magnor, I've known you were different since the day you were born. You've always thought ahead of other children, always seen the world in a way they don't."
Her eyes narrowed. "But whatever you did this time… it goes beyond that."
She leaned in slightly.
"Your mother and I deserve to know exactly what you did to get the royal family's attention."
Kaelina's arms around me loosened slightly. She looked down at me, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.
"Magnor, dear?" she asked gently.
I was quiet. Because right now, I was trying to come up with a good reason. A believable one.
I took a breath. "…I saw the princess."
Freja's brow lifted slightly, her sharp gaze pinning me in place. Waiting.
"I was near the castle one day, and I got curious," I said, keeping my voice as natural as possible. "I may have… wandered a little too close. Before I knew it, I was inside."
Kaelina gasped, her hands flying to her mouth.
"YOU WHAT!?"
Freja exploded. She took a step forward so fast I instinctively moved back.
"But I didn't mean any harm!" I rushed to explain, raising my hands in defense. "I just wanted to see what the castle was like! And then… I met her. Princess Elsa."
I glanced between them, gauging their reactions.
Freja, who had looked ready to strangle me a second ago, now pressed a hand to her forehead. Her anger had shifted into something else, not quite frustration, not quite disbelief. She was still watching me like a hawk, waiting for me to slip up.
Kaelina, on the other hand, looked completely floored.
Freja finally spoke, her voice slower, more deliberate. "Magnor. I need you to listen to me."
I straightened slightly, resisting the urge to fidget.
"In fifty-eight years of life, I have never, not once, met someone quite like you."
She slowly knelt in front of me, leveling her gaze with mine.
For a second, I tensed, half-expecting her to pull off her sandal and deliver the kind of justice only grandmothers know how to give. Instead, she raised a hand and gently rubbed my head.
"…You're not like other children."
The warmth in her voice made my chest tighten.
"But your strangeness has been both a blessing and a curse," she continued. "A child your age shouldn't understand the things you do. Most villagers struggle to count past twenty, yet you..."
She sighed, searching for the right words.
"You do sums in your head as if it were nothing. You talk to grown men and women as if you've lived their lives twice over, and half the time, they're listening to you instead of the other way around, offering various ideas which are seem effective and weird."
Because she wasn't wrong.
I had spent time with the village elders, listening, observing, asking questions. I had pointed out obvious things, at least, obvious to me, that left them stunned. Some had even started seeking me out for advice.
On money, food, trade, even household work.
Not because I wanted attention.
But because I couldn't ignore it.
When you live in a world where food spoils faster because people don't store it properly, where wood rots because it's not dried right, where people waste materials because they don't know better, you start making suggestions real fast. And sometimes, they listened.
But at the end of the day, knowledge isn't everything.
Knowing how to improve things doesn't always mean you can. You still need the resources. The hands. The willingness to change.
Freja reached out and gently pulled me into a hug, prying me from Kaelina's grip.
For a woman with calloused hands and a sharp tongue, she was incredibly warm.
"Magnor," she murmured, her voice softer now. "I love you. But your intelligence terrifies me."
I froze.
"You see too much. You understand too much. And one day… someone is going to notice."
She wasn't afraid of me. She was afraid of what might happen to me.
She had seen enough of the world to know that being too clever could be dangerous. People noticed. People remembered. And when that happened, it wasn't always a good thing.
She let out a slow breath, brushing a stray strand of hair from my forehead. Her voice was softer now, almost hesitant.
"Promise me you'll be careful with that mind of yours."
She wasn't giving me a lesson. She was asking me for something.
I swallowed, feeling the weight of it settle in my chest.
"…I will."
She held me for a moment longer before finally letting go.
"Good" she said smiling.
With that, I glanced at Kaelina. She had been unusually quiet, her expression simply watching me.
"Magnor."
Kaelina's voice was soft but steady as she stepped forward. Her hands hesitated for just a moment before cupping my cheeks, her thumbs brushing gently against my skin.
She was warm. Comforting. And holding back more than she wanted to admit.
"My sweet boy."
Her hands trembled slightly, but she took a slow breath, grounding herself before speaking again.
"I know why the King and Queen have taken notice of you." Her voice was steady, but worry flickered beneath it. "You walked into their world and made them listen. You changed something."
She stroked my hair gently. "I won't tell you to be careful with your intelligence, you already know that. But I will tell you this."
Her eyes met mine, unwavering. "No matter what happens in that castle, no matter what they ask of you, you are still my son first."
Her smile wavered, full of love yet lined with unspoken fears. "Never forget that."
I swallowed hard. "I won't, Ma."
Her lips wobbled, and before I could react, she pulled me into a tight embrace.
"Oh, my love…" she whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "You are so precious to me."
Something settled deep in my chest, heavy and unfamiliar.
…Is this what unconditional love feels like?
She took another breath, her arms tightening for just a second before she finally pulled away. With one last lingering touch, she smoothed down my hair.
Then, she turned to Freja.
Freja sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose before stepping past me and unlocking the door.
A cold draft swept into the room as she pulled it open.
Outside, the two guards straightened, waiting patiently.
Kaelina hesitated for just a fraction of a second before stepping forward. She met the bearded guard's gaze, her usual warmth now tempered with quiet determination.
"You will look after him."
It wasn't a question.
The guard nodded, his tone respectful. "He will be treated with the utmost care, madam. The King and Queen have personally ensured it."
Kaelina's lips pressed together. "Will… you return him home immediately?"
The guard hesitated, just slightly. "That is for His Majesty to decide."
Her fingers curled at her sides, but she only exhaled through her nose, nodding slowly.
"…I see."
She studied him for a long moment, her expression unreadable, before finally nodding again. This time, in reluctant acceptance.
Then, she turned to me.
"Go on, Magnor." Her voice was soft, but there was no mistaking the tightness beneath it. "Make me proud."
I threw my arms around her one last time before finally stepping toward the door.
With one final glance back at the only home I'd ever known in this world.. and stepped forward.
As we walked through the village, the morning hum of daily life surrounded us. Neighbors chatting by doorsteps, the distant clang of a hammer, and the warm scent of fresh bread drifting through the air.
The two guards flanking me didn't go unnoticed, and I could feel the weight of curious stares trailing behind us.
"Is that Kaelina's boy?"
"What's he done to be escorted like that?"
"Did he upset the King?"
I kept my eyes forward, ignoring the stares.
This wasn't the first time I'd drawn attention, but this was definitely the first time it came with an escort.
"You're lucky, boy." The bearded guard glanced down at me, amusement in his tone.
"Lucky?" I looked up at him.
"Not everyone has two women who care for them that much." He nodded toward the house we'd just left.
"You had your grandmother ready to skin you alive, and your mother acting like you're the best thing to ever happen." The younger guard smirked.
"…Yeah, it's a balance." I sighed.
The younger guard barked out a laugh. "Aye, I believe it."
The younger guard barked out a laugh. "I believe it."
The bearded one smirked slightly but kept his gaze ahead. "It's not just them, though. You've got quite the reputation in the village."
I frowned slightly. "It's not that much."
He nodded. "His Majesty wanted us to confirm your legitimacy. We were supposed to wait a few days before escorting you, just to ask around first." He let out a small chuckle. "But the moment we started asking who you were this morning, well… turns out most of the village already knows."
The younger guard smirked. "A curious boy, a little too smart for his own good. Talks to the old folks, asks too many questions, gives advice to people twice his age." He shrugged. "Word gets around."
Yeah, that tracks. Still, how the hell did they gather all this information so fast? Morning had barely started, and I was pretty sure half the village was still waking up.
The bearded guard continued. "Eirik spoke of you quite well."
My brows lifted slightly. "Eirik?"
"Aye," he confirmed. "He was the first one we asked, and we were surprised that he knew exactly who you were. He said you were peculiar, not in a bad way, just different, and that you make good company for a child." He paused before continuing. "And coming from him, that means something. He was not just any guard. Eirik served the previous king, Runeard, and was one of the finest men to ever wear the uniform."
Wow. That was a save from the old man.
I shrugged. "I just like talking to older people."
The younger guard shot me a sideways glance. "You don't just talk."
I turned my head toward him, waiting for him to continue.
"You ask things. Odd things. Hard things." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Gregor, the blacksmith, mentioned you too. Said you know more about metal than some of his apprentices."
Okay, seriously. How the hell did they gather all this information in just a few hours?
"Gregor does enjoy a good conversation." I said simply.
The younger guard smirked. "And you like to listen?"
I nodded. "Better to listen than to talk nonsense."
The bearded guard hummed in approval. "A rare trait for a boy."
The younger guard straightened slightly. "Alright, let's test that mind of yours." He grinned. "Tell me, what metal makes the best swords?"
I took a moment before answering. "That would depend. Are you looking for durability, sharpness, or flexibility?"
The younger guard blinked. "What?"
"A sword needs to hold an edge, but if it's too hard, it'll shatter. If it's too soft, it'll bend. The best ones use layers, with hard steel on the outside and softer metal on the inside. That's why some blades are folded."
The bearded guard chuckled. "Sounds like something Gregor would say."
"That's because Gregor did say it."
The younger guard frowned, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Alright, fine. Let's move away from metal. What about something else?" He snapped his fingers. "Why is the sky blue?"
"Sunlight hits the atmosphere," I said easily. "Blue light scatters more because of its shorter wavelength."
The younger guard's mouth parted slightly. "… Right."
The bearded one smirked. "You'll not win this, you know."
The younger guard huffed. "Fine. Here's another. What happens if you drop a stone and a feather at the same time?"
"Depends," I said. "If there's no wind, the stone lands first because the feather has more air resistance. But if there's no air at all, like in a vacuum, they'd land at the same time."
The younger guard squinted at me. "Are you secretly an old man?"
I smiled. "Not the first time I've been asked that."
The bearded guard laughed outright. "By the gods, boy, if you were born to a noble house, you'd have tutors fighting over you."
I looked up at both of them. "I just realized... I've been answering all your questions, but I don't even know your names."
The bearded guard raised an eyebrow before giving a small nod. "Fair enough. I'm Alric."
The younger guard smirked. "And I'm Lukas."
I tilted my head slightly. "If I may ask, is it uncommon for you to introduce yourselves?"
Lukas let out a chuckle. "Not to most people. But then again, most people don't ask."
Alric hummed. "In our line of work, names matter less than duty."
I gave a thoughtful nod. "Still, I believe knowing who you're speaking with is important."
Lukas grinned. "Well then, now you know. Feel better?"
I allowed a small smile. "A little."
As we made our way through the village, I couldn't ignore the growing number of eyes on us.
The town square was busy, despite not being a market day. Housewives bargained, their voices sharp with negotiation, while errand boys wove through the crowd, baskets in hand. Yet, their attention drifted from their tasks.
Whispers spread like ripples in a pond. Curious glances turned to lingering stares as we crossed the causeway. By the time we reached the castle gates, the guards had already taken notice, exchanging brief glances before straightening.
Lukas gestured ahead. "Are you ready?"
I exhaled, my gaze settling on the towering silhouette of the castle.
"Yeah."
With a deep groan, the heavy gates swung open, revealing the grand courtyard beyond. Sunlight glinted off polished stone, banners bearing Arendelle's crocus emblem swayed gently in the breeze, and the soft murmur of fountains echoed through the open space.
This time, I wasn't sneaking in.
This time, I was invited.
Alric and Lukas led me up the marble steps, through the massive wooden doors, and into the castle's halls. Sunlight streamed through tall arched windows, casting warm streaks across the polished floors.
We stopped in front of a set of double doors. Without hesitation, the attendants pushed them open.
Inside, near the grand hearth, sat King Agnarr and Queen Iduna.
The weight of the moment settled heavier than I expected.
Agnarr's gaze was steady, unreadable. Beside him, Iduna's eyes held a quiet warmth.
"Leave us," Agnarr said with a nod.
Alric and Lukas bowed without question and stepped out, their footsteps fading down the hall.
Even though I'd been here before, under much more questionable circumstances, the sheer size of the place still got to me. Towering stone walls, tall banners bearing Arendelle's crocus emblem, and an overwhelming sense of grandeur.
Before either the king or queen could speak, I heard soft, hurried footsteps approaching.
From behind Queen Iduna, a small head peeked out.
Platinum-blonde hair. Soft braids. Big blue eyes.
Elsa.
She hesitated, her fingers clutching the fabric of her pale blue dress. Then, carefully, she stepped out from behind her mother, staring at me.
"…Magnor?"
I smiled a little. "Hey, Elsa."
She bit her lip, shifting on her feet. She took a few tentative steps toward me, then stopped.
Her fingers twisted together as she hesitated, a faint pink dusting her cheeks.
Oh. She was shy.
I tilted my head. "What's wrong?"
Elsa glanced down at her hands.
"I'm sorry…"
I frowned. "Sorry? For what?"
She hesitated. "Because I saw Mama and Papa with you, and I thought… maybe they were being mean to you."
I blinked, then let out a quiet chuckle.
"It's okay. Nothing bad happened to me, see?" I raised my arms and flexed playfully. "I'm perfectly fine. No need to apologize."
Elsa still looked a little unsure, but her expression softened, and she gave me a small, relieved smile.
Then, in a tiny voice, she asked,
"…Do you think I'm weird?"
I paused. "Weird?"
She nodded, eyes flickering toward her hands, like she half-expected frost to form right then and there.
Ah.
"Elsa."
She peeked up at me.
I offered a reassuring smile. "You're not weird."
Her brows scrunched slightly. "But no one else can do this."
I shrugged. "So? That just means you're special."
Elsa hesitated. "Special… like a good thing?"
I chuckled. "Of course. Being different doesn't mean something's wrong with you."
She stared at me, like the thought had never crossed her mind before.
"…Oh."
And just like that, some of the tension in her shoulders eased.
She hesitated, then mumbled, "I tried making a butterfly."
I raised an eyebrow. "A butterfly?"
She nodded quickly. "B-But it was hard!"
Her little hands waved animatedly as she explained.
"I made the wings too thin, and they kept breaking! So I tried making them thicker, but then they looked all weird and chunky."
I grinned. "Yeah, butterflies are tricky. You gotta shape them just right, or they end up looking all lopsided."
Elsa blinked, curiosity sparking in her eyes. Then, after a beat, she tilted her head and asked,
"…How do you know that?"
I smirked, placing a hand over my chest. "Because I'm a genius, obviously."
Elsa blinked, then giggled.
Iduna, watching with amusement, as she finally stood up, and approached up and gently placed a hand on Elsa's shoulder.
"Elsa, dear, we need to speak with Magnor now."
Elsa's smile faded slightly as she glanced between me and her parents.
"…Will I see you later?" she asked hesitantly.
I grinned. "Dunno. Depends if I survive."
Elsa's eyes widened. "S-Survive!?"
Iduna sighed. "Magnor, please don't say things like that."
I chuckled softly. "Alright, alright. Yes, Elsa, you'll see me later."
That seemed to satisfy her. Elsa gave a quick nod before hurrying off, her braid bouncing behind her as she disappeared down the hall.
Iduna watched her go, a soft smile lingering on her face. "We've never seen Elsa this happy before."
I glanced toward the doorway where Elsa had vanished. "She seems happy with you both," I reasoned.
Agnarr stood up, moving to stand beside Iduna. "Magnor, we know the difference between a child who is truly happy and one who is simply being obedient."
Iduna chuckled lightly, shaking her head. "It's quite obvious. Her happiness with you is different."
I wasn't sure how to respond to that, so I didn't. Instead, Iduna gestured toward a nearby tray, where a spread of bread, fruit, and cheese had been neatly arranged.
"Would you like something to eat?" she offered warmly.
I shook my head. "Thank you, but I already ate."
Iduna gave a small nod, not pressing further.
With that, the conversation shifted.
I climbed into a chair. One clearly not made for someone my size. My legs barely reached the edge of the seat, let alone the floor.
A brief silence filled the room.
Then, finally, Agnarr spoke.
"We have thought deeply about your proposal."
I sat up a little straighter.
Agnarr's expression was unreadable, but his voice was steady. "Your words the other night… were not spoken lightly. You challenged us, and in doing so, forced us to reconsider things we had long believed unchangeable."
Iduna folded her hands neatly in her lap, nodding. "You were right to say that isolation is not the answer. And that fear should not be the only thing guiding our choices."
My chest tightened.
Agnarr continued, "That being said, what you're suggesting is highly unconventional."
There it is.
Iduna studied me carefully. "You are a child, Magnor. A bright one, certainly, but still a child. Entrusting Elsa's growth to you… that is not a decision we can make lightly."
I took a slow breath. "I understand."
Agnarr leaned forward slightly. "So tell me, Magnor, why should we trust you with this?"
I met his gaze without hesitation.
"Because I understand her."
Agnarr raised an eyebrow, waiting for me to elaborate.
I exhaled. "Elsa isn't just a princess. She's a kid. And right now, she's scared. She needs someone who won't see her as a problem to fix, someone who can help her without making her feel broken."
I folded my hands.
"And I can be that person."
Agnarr and Iduna exchanged a glance before Agnarr finally leaned back.
"You make a compelling argument," he admitted. "But trust is not given easily."
Iduna nodded. "We have considered your proposal. And while we are not yet ready to make any permanent decisions. We want to see it for ourselves."
Agnarr added, "You will return home in the evenings. There is no need to separate you from your family, not yet, at least."
…Not yet?
I frowned slightly. "What do you mean by 'not yet'?"
Agnarr met my gaze evenly. "If this goes well, you will move into the castle."
I nearly slipped off my chair. "Move in? As in, live here?"
Iduna chuckled at my reaction. "You will still be allowed to visit your home whenever you wish. However, staying here will allow you to better adapt to royal life. If you are to play a role in Elsa's upbringing, you will need to understand court etiquette, noble expectations, and the responsibilities that come with it."
I processed that for a moment. It made sense, kind of. If they were planning to keep me around long-term, I'd have to fit into their world.
I hesitated. "And if I don't want to stay here full-time?"
Agnarr inclined his head. "Then we will not force you. This is an opportunity, not an obligation."
That was a relief. At least they weren't trying to trap me here.
I let out a slow breath. "Alright… I guess that's fair."
Iduna smiled gently. "Now, you said you could teach her. You mentioned a few things, but we'd like to know more specifically what do you have in mind?"
"Well, obviously, I can't teach her magic."
"No. You cannot," Agnarr said firmly.
I raised my hands. "Didn't say I'd try."
Iduna chuckled. "Then?"
I tapped my fingers against the chair. "She's five. She doesn't need strict lessons. She needs to feel comfortable with herself first. The easiest way to do that is to make her feel normal."
Agnarr's expression softened slightly. "And how do you propose to do that?"
"I'll start with simple things. Games, conversations, little challenges to help her focus. I'll ask about what she's already learned and what she wants to learn."
Iduna tilted her head. "And beyond that?"
I shrugged. "Like I said the other night, literacy, numbers, problem-solving, science. Maybe introduce her to art, since I imagine her powers would be pretty useful for that. Just… things that make her feel like a kid."
Agnarr sat back, considering. "And if something goes wrong?"
I met his gaze. "Then I'll help her through it."
Silence settled over the room, heavier this time.
Agnarr exhaled. "If you are to do this, you must be cautious. Should anything happen, anything at all, you will inform us immediately."
I nodded. "Of course."
Iduna's smile was soft but approving. "Then we shall begin soon."
Hell yeah! I couldn't help the brief surge of happiness that rushed through me.
"So… does that mean I passed?" I asked, barely containing my excitement.
"It means you've been given a chance," Agnarr said, smiling.
I'll take it.
A couple of hours after Magnor infiltrated the castle:
The night was cold, the sea below a restless mirror of the sky. High above, on the castle's outer wall, King Agnarr, Queen Iduna, and Commander Halvard stood in silence. The grappling hook embedded in the stone was small, almost inconspicuous. A rope dangled from it, trailing down the sheer surface of the wall, all the way to the rocky shore where an empty boat rocked against the tide.
Captain Halvard shifted his weight, his eyes calculating He was a man in his late thirties, built like a bear, his thick blond mustache resting above a mouth set in a firm line. His green uniform bore the insignia of his rank, marking him as the highest-ranking guard in the castle.
Halvard, standing slightly apart, exhaled sharply as he tugged the rope. It held firm. His expression remained unreadable, but the furrow in his brow deepened.
"This… should not be possible."
Agnarr turned to him. "Explain, Commander."
Halvard straightened, his deep voice firm. "A child does not climb castle walls. Not in the dead of night. Not at this height."
He ran a gloved hand over the stone wall.
"The surface is smooth, without footholds. Even trained soldiers struggle to scale it." His gaze darkened. "A five-year-old does not do this."
Iduna swallowed. "But... he did," she murmured.
Halvard's fingers curled at his sides. "Yes, Your Majesty. He did."
Agnarr exhaled slowly. "That cannot be, can it?"
Halvard met the king's gaze, his expression tense. "I find it hard to believe, but the facts remain. The hook was secured, tested, and had it failed, the child would have fallen to his death." He hesitated, his voice low and edged with disbelief. "Yet, inexplicably, it did not."
Iduna's breath caught. "He knew how to do that?"
Halvard turned to her. "Your Majesty, this was not the reckless act of a curious child. This was precision. Intentional." He gestured toward the ivy-covered window above. "That window is barely wide enough for a grown man's arm. He slipped through it."
Agnarr's brow furrowed. "The window was locked."
Halvard met his gaze. "Yes, Your Majesty. And he opened it." His voice was heavy with certainty. "Not forced. Opened. With a lockpick." He hesitated, then added, "I have seen seasoned infiltrators fail to do the same."
A tense silence followed. Agnarr's mood shifted, but Iduna spoke first.
"You're saying… he studied us?"
"Yes," Halvard said. "And not just the window. The shift changes at the back wall occur twice a day. It is the only time the guards are distracted enough for someone to slip past."
He turned to the king.
"Your Majesty, he knew that. He observed us. And he waited."
"... For how long?" Agnarr asked.
"Months," Halvard answered. "Perhaps longer." His voice grew quieter. "He would have needed sketches. Practice attempts. Precise timing." He looked back at the rope. "Had he attempted any other route, we would have caught him. But we didn't."
Agnarr's expression hardened. "Which means he is not simply intelligent."
Halvard's gaze grew heavy, a flicker of concern passing through his eyes. "No, Your Majesty." He exhaled slowly. "He is a prodigy."
Halvard then adjusted his stance, turning fully toward them, his shoulders squared. His expression was unreadable.
"Your Majesties," he said carefully. "With all due respect, this child is dangerous. A child with skill is one thing. A child with knowledge is another. But a child with both?" He let out a sharp breath. "That is a different matter entirely."
His gaze flicked to the rope again.
"This was no mere accident, nor an impulsive whim." Halvard's voice carried the weight of certainty, measured and firm. "This was deliberate. A calculated risk, executed with the precision of a seasoned infiltrator." He exhaled, his expression unreadable. "A child of his years ought not possess such cunning."
Agnarr's gaze remained steady. "You suspect him to be a danger?"
"I suspect he may become one," Halvard replied, his voice unwavering but edged with an unspoken warning. "Should he remain unchecked."
Iduna took a step closer, her voice softer, but no less pressing. "Are you afraid of him, Commander?"
Halvard hesitated, just for a breath.
"…I am wary of him."
Another silence.
Then Halvard inhaled, straightened, and folded his hands behind his back.
"Which is why I have a request."
Author's note:
Don't hesitate to share your thoughts! I'm always open to reviews and would love to hear your opinions on this.