(This chapter has been revised on 8/31/2024)

Questions and an Answer

15 years ago...(The next day after 'The Incident')

It was almost noon. By then, the citizens had been doing their daily activities except for Agdar, who was lying in bed in his chambers. He was in the middle of the bed, facing the balcony doors. A headache plagued him, most likely a hangover from the alcohol. A headache that was the least of his worries. To put it bluntly, he was a huge fucking mess. Events from last night still played through his head. Over and over. It would still play out no matter how hard he tried to ignore it.

The sound of the door opening was heard. Lifting up his head, Agdar saw Idun holding a cup of water. She walked in and closed the door, giving the couple some privacy.

"Hey," Idun greeted. "I brought you some water."

"T-thank you," Agdar replied as he fully sat up, moving to the left side to be closer.

Idun walked to his side and gave him the glass of water. Agdar took the glass and drank the whole glass rather quickly before setting the now empty cup down.

"How are you feeling?" Idun asked, trying to break the silence.

"Fine..." Agdar answered rather dejectedly as if he had given up.

Idun looked at her husband. In all the years she had known him, she had never seen Agdar in this state. He was always filled with confidence and bravery, but now he looked so...broken and vulnerable. It honestly ached her heart just looking at him like this.

"The council said they will handle your duties for however long you need to rest from your...fight last night."

The royal council had been informed of last night's events, with specific details being changed. Idun told them a version where Agdar tried to stop Stonewall from escaping, but they both got into a fight, while Kai and Storstrand also tried to help. The altercation ended with Agdar shooting him in the arm and leg as a last resort. It was a lie, but no one must ever know the truth. Agdar didn't respond to that statement.

"Kai and Storstrand are doing alright. Kai's cut wasn't anything serious, and Storstrand's rib area was only bruised. They're not angry at you, if you're wondering. I'm certain they'll forgive you."

Nothing still came out of Agdar's mouth. When it did, it wasn't anything Idun didn't expect nor wanted to hear.

"I'm pathetic."

"You're not."

"Idun, look at me. I'm the king. A symbol to the people. I represent good morals and high esteem. I'm supposed to be someone people can look up, children included. Last night, I wasn't any of those things. I almost murdered a man in a drunken rage, I'm lying in bed with a hangover, and I'm emotionally crippled. I. Am. Pathetic."

"You're anything but pathetic."

"How can you still talk, much less look at me? After how I acted the past several months? You deserve better than a monster."

"You're not a monster!" Idun exclaimed, gently gripping his arms. "You're a good man, Agdar. A good man who was hurting. I still love you because I know that person last night wasn't the real you. Under all that anger, the real you stopped yourself from killing Stonewall in cold blood. If you were a monster, would you still have slain him once you had that choice again? Would a monster regret what he did like you are right now?"

Agdar did not respond because he did not know what to say. Idun suddenly let out a small grunt, and she clenched her stomach, immediately alerting Agdar.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. It's just the baby kicking," Idun assured, patting her swollen stomach. "I can tell he or she will be active when they start walking. I hope we can keep up with them."

Agdar brought his attention to his wife's bump. Idun was almost full term, meaning she would likely give birth sometime next month. More guilt then washed over him. Here he was, letting her care for him when it should be the other way around.

"You shouldn't do this," Agdar voiced.

"Beg your pardon?"

"You're my wife. I should be taking care of you."

"But you're also my husband. I take care of you when I need to."

"You're with child."

"Doesn't mean I'm incapable. Agdar, I know you like to do everything yourself, but you can't do it alone. We're supposed to have each other's backs. No matter what, I'm always here for you."

Silence lingered in the airspace occupying the royal bedchambers. Agdar sucked in air through his nostrils, building the strength to speak. "Would you like to lay down?" He said to Idun, gripping her hand.

"I would like that." The queen smiled.

Agdar moved to the right side of the bed. Idun slowly laid down on her back.

"Better?" Agdar asked Idun, propped on his side.

"Much better."

Both gave small smiles to each other. Agdar moved a bit closer to his wife. His eyes move to the baby bump.

"Do you mind if I…" Agdar's hand hovered over the bump.

"Of course, dear." Idun knew what his intentions were.

Agdar shifted himself near Idun's stomach area. Slowly, he placed his hand over her bump and rubbed it gently.

"Hello, little one," Agdar started. "I know I haven't talked to you in a while. Your mama and I have been...going through a rough time. But we're doing alright now. I haven't forgotten you..."

Before Agdar could continue, he paused. He looked away as he tried to think of his words. Agdar brought his attention back to the bump.

"I just want to let you know that...I'm so sorry for neglecting you for the past few months. I was so distraught about what I lost that I had forgotten what I had left. I hurt the ones that I cared about, and I almost destroyed myself. If Elsa were still here..." He hesitated momentarily, holding back a sob. "...she would've hated seeing me like this. It would've hurt her. Could you ever, ever forgive me?" Several tears trailed from Agdar's eyes as he expressed those final words.

Shortly after giving his little speech, he felt a kick inside Idun's baby bump. A small smile crept across his face.

"I think the baby accepted your apology." Idun placed her hand over his. "...And so have I."

Agdar looked at his wife, who had her own tears as well. They both stared at each other before they wrapped themselves together. Laying back on the bed, they held each other tightly. They kissed each other deeply as if they were reunited after being separated for an extended period. In a way, it was true.

"Thank you, Idun," Agdar whispered as he pulled from the kiss and pressed his forehead against hers.

"I missed you…" Idun stroked his face, and more tears streamed from her eyes. "I missed you so much."

"Don't worry, love...I'm never leaving you or the baby ever again." Agdar stroked his wife's face before giving her another kiss.

Agdar was on the balcony connected to his and Idun's chambers. To put it mildly, he was tired. It was around the early hours of the evening in Arendelle, which signifies the drop in temperature at this time of the year. It didn't bother him all that much, even when his bare hands touched the cold railings and the air was cold enough for him to see his breath. Living in Norway all his life does have that effect.

"You'll catch a cold if you stay out here."

Agdar turned to see Idun standing at the balcony doorway, her shawl wrapped around herself to keep warm.

"I'll be inside in a moment," Agdar assured her.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Just thinking about today."

Both rulers had spent most of the day telling Anna about her older sister. They gladly answered whatever questions she had. They had told Anna stories of Elsa's early life and every important detail about her.

All except one crucial detail.

"You told Anna everything about Elsa, but you didn't tell her what Elsa could do?" Idun asked as she strolled to her husband's side. "Why?"

"It's a different topic to talk about. Besides, I don't think Anna would believe us if we did tell her about Elsa's...gift."

"You're not going to wait 15 years again to tell her, are you?"

"Don't worry, I won't," Agdar assured. "Once Anna gets the hang of her queen lessons, I'll take her to the Valley of the Living Rock. I suppose it would be a good place to help her understand. When that's handled, I'll tell her then."

After their talk in the garden, Anna's queen lessons were discussed. To Agdar's surprise, Anna suggested that she start them after she turns fifteen. This would give her and Agdar time to prepare.

"Though it's not a visit I look forward to..." Agdar trailed off that sentence glumly.

Idun comfortably places her hands around his arm.

"I'm sure they forgave you long ago. They've been connected to your family for many, many years. Surely, they won't let that event ruin it."

"Still...I'll cross that bridge when it comes. Plus, it gives me time to prepare. I hid the fact that Anna had a sister for fifteen years. Hiding one more secret for several more months wouldn't hurt. After that, no more secrets. That I promise."

"If you say so…" Idun agreed, although reluctantly. For some reason, a nagging in her head told her this wasn't a good idea. "We probably should go back in now." She brought up after feeling a cold breeze.

"I suppose that's a good idea."

Arms hooked together, both rulers walk back into their bedroom.

"I think you could use a warm bath," Idun suggested. "You've been out in the cold most of the day."

"It's not that cold."

"Your freezing hand says otherwise."

"You worry too much about me, love. I've told you this many times before, the cold doesn't bother me. My Viking ancestors used to face colder weather than this. I'm resistant to the cold. It's in my blood."

"So you often boasted about."

Both chuckled at that statement.

"After the past several days, I could use a warm bath. Maybe a glass of wine as well."

"Both do sound nice."

"You're welcome to join me for either. Or both..."

"Agdar!" Idun chided with a blush as they both stopped at the doorway inside their room at that very moment.

"It's not a bad idea, and you know it," Agdar smirked slyly.

"I suppose," Idun admitted, giving a flustered smile.

Agdar chuckled as he closed the balcony doors. Whatever happened in the chambers that night remained strictly between the couple. They may be king & queen, but they're still husband & wife.

The chapel in the castle courtyard doesn't usually receive visitors at this time of day, save for the bishop himself. However, a lone individual occasionally stops by the holy place. As of now, that individual is Princess Anna.

After talking to her parents most of the day, Anna managed to get time to herself. Once she got through talking about Elsa and her Queen duties, she was given her punishment. The punishment: she wasn't allowed to ride Kjekk for the rest of the winter. Usually, it wouldn't bother her since she would find other things to do. But it did because it presented her with a problem.

Since leaving Ice Palace, Anna contemplated plans on when and how to see Elsa again. And she wasn't talking about a possibility. No, Anna vowed to see her again. She didn't like the idea of Elsa being lonely up there, especially after everything they went through. The friendship Anna had formed with her is something she cannot overlook. Anna didn't know what else to do with her horse out of commission and not wanting to expose her. So she figured she would go get her answers in a place where people go when they have no other options.

Anna entered the chapel. There was no one around, not even Bishop Ruud. Perhaps that was a good thing, she supposed. Entering the chapel, Anna walked down the aisle between the pew benches. She walked to the very front row of the benches and sat down. She put her hands together, lowered her head, and prayed there.

"Hey, Lord, it's me, Anna. I know it's been a while since I last talked to you, but there's a reason why I'm here."

Anna stopped her prayer and took this moment to think about what to say next. Once she had, she continued.

"I know that you can hear me and are always there. I know that you would listen to a princess's prayer. Yes, I know I'm of royal blood, I shouldn't ask for more. Still, I can't help but ask you to help someone I know. There's a girl who's named Elsa. I'm talking about the other one, not my sister. Boy, that's gonna get confusing...Anyway, I don't know what to do. I want to help her, but I don't know how without anyone knowing...for now."

Anna paused again.

"Please, Lord, I ask for nothing. I can get by. But I know somebody less lucky than I am. God, help me find a way to help Elsa. Please."

"Princess Anna?" a voice said that made her jump.

"Oh, hello, Bishop Ruud." Anna sees the Bishop walking towards her.

"I didn't interrupt anything, did I?"

"You didn't. I was just about done. How you've been?"

"I've been fine, thank you. It is good to see you. I was worried about your well-being when word got around that you were lost. I helped in the search and prayed for your safe return. Looks like the latter had paid off."

"Thank you, Bishop. I'm doing alright now."

"Yet, you looked troubled. Is something on your mind, princess?"

"Something like that," Anna paused. "My parents told me about my sister."

"Ah, so they finally told you about Elsa?"

"Yes."

"That was a difficult time for Arendelle. Although it was long ago, it still feels fresh." Bishop Ruud sat down next to her. "I remember that almost every day afterward, many gathered here to offer their prayers for your parents and for the safe return of your sister. Your father especially took it very hard."

"So I've been told…"

"Indeed. King Agdar was a frequent visitor during those times. Even more so after his little...incident. I assume he told you about that."

"He did. It's still hard to believe, though."

"While the way he handled it was wrong, I do not blame him. He may be a king, but he's still a person. There's no such thing as a perfect human being. Everyone makes mistakes at some point in their lives, small or huge. Even I am guilty of making such mistakes."

"Hmm." Was what Anna managed to reply.

"Though I imagine something else is bothering you." Ruud took notice of Anna's deep-thinking expression.

"Yes...It's not anything bad!"

"I wouldn't think of that. Do you wish to speak of it?"

"If I tell you, will you promise to keep it between us?"

"The only person who will know besides us would be God himself. Speak away, princess."

"Okay, I recently met this...girl, several days before I got lost," Anna added that detail so as not to get the bishop suspicious. "She hasn't had an easy life. Her parents were nonexistent, and she was abused by her caretakers in her early life. She lives alone now, but she's afraid of coming near people."

"Do your parents know about this?"

"No. I much rather not tell them about her for the time being."

"Does this girl have a name?"

"I prefer not to mention that as well, out of respect for her."

"I understand."

"Anyway, when I think about what she went through, it just makes me feel so bad for her. What would possess someone to hurt a person, especially an innocent child!? It's just...Ugh!" Anna's hands balled into fists before she paused, taking a deep breath. "I don't understand why the world is so cruel sometimes."

"There are things that happen beyond our control," Ruud softly responded. "You can't right every wrong in this world."

"I can sure as well try. I know I've only known this girl briefly, but whenever I think about her...I get this feeling in me. Like I...I…"

"Like you want to help her?"

Anna gave a slight nod. "I just don't know if I can."

"The Lord works in mysterious ways. Perhaps it was his plan for you and this girl to meet." Ruud put his hand on Anna's shoulder and gave a small smile. "Where it'll go can only be up to you, princess."

With that, Bishop Ruud stood up and walked away, leaving Anna alone with her thoughts.

Later that night, Anna was back in her room, lying on her bed. So far, she still hadn't found the answer to her question about what to do about Elsa. As she relaxed on her bed, she thought about the other Elsa, her sister.

Anna did find it a coincidence to meet someone named Elsa and have a sister with the same name. At one point, her parents showed her a painting of her sister in her toddler years. Anna noticed some similarities, such as the blonde hair and blue eyes. Could Elsa really...

"No way, she couldn't be."

Anna did have her reasons for thinking this way. In the past, Anna had met other women and girls named Elsa before. Some of them were blonde and had blue eyes, though not the same shade of blonde as the Elsa she knew. Also, the name Elsa wasn't rare, like her cousin Rapunzel. Second of all, from what Anna could gather, Elsa had spent all of her early life with immoral people, while her sister was taken at the age of three without a trace. And lastly, Elsa has magic. Not once did either of her parents bring up her sister having magic. If she did, they would've indeed told her that, right?

Pulling that out of her thoughts, she reflected on Bishop Ruud's words. Was it really fate for her and Elsa to meet? If so, will they see each other again?

Hoping it'd help her think better, Anna exited her bed and walked to her window. Out in the distance were several mountains. They were part of a mountain range a little north of the kingdom. The North Mountain, where Elsa resided, was part of that range. Going there by horse wouldn't take long, but that wasn't an option right now, and there was no way Anna would wait until spring. There's also the option to hike over there. That would take longer, but it wasn't out of the question.

That presented two more issues. The first problem is that the townspeople would be interested in Anna going in and out of town several times, especially since she's a frequent visitor. They may notice after a short while. The second problem is walls. Surrounding the town of Arendelle were large walls that went on for miles. One side was connected to the castle, the other to the fjord entry. The walls go deep into the woods. It would take a lot of time just to go around them. Time that Anna did not have, especially without a horse.

"What do I do?" Anna then stared at her ceiling. "Send me a sign or something! Anything, really!"

Nothing was heard. As Anna sighed in frustration, she leaned on a nearby desk. In the process, she accidentally knocked several things off. One slightly big round object fell off her desk and rolled to a corner of the room. Its speed was fast enough to knock into the wall. However, Anna took note of the sound of the knock.

Deciding to examine the wall, she went to the corner. She knocked on the wall as she would on a door. It was hollow, much like a door. At that moment, Anna had a sudden epiphany. Throughout her childhood, Anna discovered several secret passages in the castle. She even used some of them but never told her parents about them. The passages Anna found were in almost every room in the castle—except in her room since she never really spent much time there. She wondered…

Anna knelt down and slowly felt around the wall. After several moments, her suspicions came true as the wall opened. On the other side was a small tunnel big enough for a human to crawl in. As she continued to examine the door, Anna noticed something on the latch door. It looked to be a piece of paper that was pinned on the wall of the door. Judging by how it looked, Anna guessed the paper was at least several decades old, if not older.

The piece of paper looked like a drawing. After careful examination, Anna concluded it to be a map. A noticeable line went from what resembled the castle through the walls that connected it to the very end. That end looked to be several miles from the mountain range.

Anna stared in disbelief. She took another look down the tunnel. A yawn escaped her mouth before the princess could get more ideas. Looking over at a clock in her room, she saw it was late. It had been a very long day and she could use some sleep. Tomorrow, she'll explore more of the tunnel. If it is as accurate as the old map, perhaps she had finally found the answer to her question.

(Update 4/10/2020: I've added in Idun(a)'s shawl from Frozen 2, and removed the detail about her from Corona as well)

Because the internet could use some more AgdarxIdun (Agdun? Idar? Idk..) goodies. I admit, I may like them more than KrisAnna and HElsa (Yes, I like HansxElsa. If you don't, that's fine). The reason why is probably because we know little about them. Plus, they're pretty much fun to write, especially Ags (even though I'm making him suffer a lot in this story, hehe...).

Okay, I can probably hear some of you groaning in frustration already at both Agdar & Anna. I don't blame you if you do, but I have several other things planned for this fic. It'll probably be a little while before...things happen. So please try to bear with me. That being said, I hope the reasons for their actions are believable enough.

I figure magic isn't really something Agdar & Idun would like to talk about since it probably does bring painful memories (keep in mind that in this fic Agdar couldn't even step out in the snow for 5 years after Elsa's kidnapping). As for Anna, I don't see her as an idiot nor do I wish to portray her as such. Given the information she was told, and other things, I figure it was logical for her to come to the conclusion she had made.

I got the idea with Anna in the chapel and talking to the Bishop from a scene in The Hunchback of Notre Dame where Esmeralda talks to the Archdeacon. I thought it would a little neat scene to add (I actually did consider adding 'God Help the Outcasts' but I didn't think it would be fitting. Though I managed to sneak in some lines).

And yes, Bishop Ruud is the same guy who crowned Elsa in the movie (though thats not his official name).

Putting all that aside, I still hoped you guys enjoyed this chapter. Next chapter, we'll find out if Anna will visit Elsa again.

Thanks for the favs, follows, and reviews. Happy Reading. (Also, a quick thank you to SmilingStarcat for your thoughtful review. You did not bring me down, you were just giving out some helpful tips which I do appreciate. I do hope to improve in the future).