Chapter One

The Commander

"Your highness," she heard the deep voice after a simple knock. The guard stood solemnly by the door, "the company has arrived. The Commander is holding a briefing with the Field Marshall, they will retire shortly."

The princess' breath fogged the window as she sighed, late night blizzards had a unique beauty that not many had the mind to appreciate. Even if they were being used as tactical leverage.

"Tell me, soldier, why does everyone insist on calling her Commander? She's your Queen, is she not? She's intimidating, of course, yet I don't see how that demerits her royal title. Truly, in what world is a Commander better than a Queen? It's senseless!" She held the shawl around her shoulder with one hand while she gesticulated with the other. The guard still stood motionless, he awaited an instruction.

Anna barely glanced at him, standing rigid, shadowed by the light seeping in from the hall. "Inform the Queen there is an urgent matter to be discussed. A high ranking officer has something to disclose about some… mountains in the north. Swiftly now." Turning her head back to the window, the guard knew he was dismissed and quickly closed the door, the light reducing to a thin line until it disappeared.

It took the Arendelle Army Commander just over thirty minutes to walk into the office, the air immediately filled with the authoritative presence. A firmly stated 'please retire' could be heard, along with the fading footsteps of soldiers and the door being shut gently. Looking around the dimly lit room, the form of the princess was visible near the window.

"Ah, your highness. I almost thought I wouldn't find you here with so little lighting."

Anna turned to face the Commander, white gloves pristine against the dark uniform. "Gives you a good idea on how long I've been here waiting. Waiting for you, your majesty." Anna found the Queen's posture was relaxed, her gaze soft as she slowly walked closer. "Or no, I'm sorry, it's Commander now. Silly me."

"No… for you it's Elsa. Or Els. Or God, if we were to consider a few nights ago." She tried to ease the tension from the princess' mood, smiling as she placed her hand on the woman's elbow.

Receiving only an annoyed look, Elsa gave a small sigh and began undoing the buttons on her heavy military coat. After the second button she felt Anna's hands on her own, taking over the task, eyes focused on the jacket.

"You know how I feel about all this, Els." Her touch was familiar and well-practiced, "Why haven't you stopped the storm?"

"I was under the impression it pleased you."

"What pleases me," Anna undid the last button and slid her hands to the top, gently nudging it off, "is when you are home for dinner. And I like your snow. Gods, I love your snow. Just not when you're using it for war, Elsa." She watched the queen place the heavy garment on its perch.

"Anna…" Elsa stood closer, taking Anna's hands in her own, "It's not for war, it's to prevent it. We have discussed this."

Anna sighed, still not looking up at Elsa. She decided to busy herself with the Queen's gloves, carefully removing them. "Yes, I know. But do you really have to be out there, looking for any trouble you can find?" The princess frowned, "half the world already knows of you, they wouldn't dare try anything. They have enough examples."

"Darling…" Elsa allowed Anna to remove the gloves at her leisure. "We have led this kingdom into greatness and prosperity. The other half of the world wants to take that. And there are still those who are ignited by the prospect of possessing such a lethal, cold weapon."

Anna let the gloves fall soundlessly, she was never really fond of them. She held Elsa's bare hands, bringing one of Elsa's palms to her own cheek. She closed her eyes and kissed it softly. "You are not a weapon. You are the Queen of Arendelle, you have kept the kingdom from harm, protected the people. Protected me. You are my love." Anna's eyes glistened in the faint light of the candles.

"My love…" Elsa let her thumb stroke Anna's cheek.

"I want you here. I want you safe, not off with your infantry looking for imaginary enemies under every rock you come upon."

Unable to resist the emotional pull any longer, Elsa's hand slid to Anna's neck as they drew together to connect their lips. Lips soft and seducing, Anna rested her hands on the Queen's waist to caress and pull closer, the other woman giving in easily. They kissed without hurry, tasting purposefully. Elsa allowed them to breathe but didn't let their faces part, smiling fondly at their little touches.

"At least admit you enjoy seeing me in my uniform," she spoke quietly.

"Hmmm…" They swayed gently, "you are rather… dashing." Anna bit her lower lip, eager for another kiss, "but you know I enjoy you the most out of it."