The touch of a snowgie upon Elsa's face snapped her awake almost immediately. She shifted up and watched Anna's arm flop off her chest, her sister in complete shambles with the blankets thrown about on her side, inadvertently affecting Elsa's own normally perfectly calm rest.

'Thank-you.' Elsa nuzzled the few snowgies that had managed to do as they were asked. The little creatures smiled goofily and looked to Anna before questioning Elsa's need for them. 'It's fine, my friends. I will wake her.'

The miniature snowmen grinned and bounced about back to their bowl, quick to return to resting and lazing about for the better part of the morning. They thought nothing of Elsa and Anna's relationship. They couldn't discern the problem with two people indiscriminately loving one another. If only the populace was so understanding. Elsa swallowed, rubbing her eyes and letting herself wake up properly prior to disturbing Anna's snoring rest. She stared at her sister with loving eyes, her face heating up at the thought of the intense intimacy that had transpired between them as of late. Elsa saw her and Anna's undergarments strewn about the floor, and she was quick to clean up both pairs, staring at Anna's briefly before folding it up gingerly and placing it upon her dresser.

Their first time together, Elsa had taken the lead, and it was mostly about Anna, which was fine with the queen. Simply performing for her sister was anything and everything Elsa could have asked for. Her little sister's voice slipping between the cracks of eroticism was a compelling contrast to her usually bubbly, innocent, and hyperactive personality. Her body was even more alluring to Elsa than she had expected as well, the curves of a woman, let alone her sister, so beautiful to the queen she couldn't imagine being with anyone but. The sensation of Anna's tight body gripping Elsa's hand wasn't something she wished to forget either. It was intoxicating, and knowing just how much pleasure she delivered to her sister was a badge of honour for the somewhat unsure woman.

Then, the night before occurred, and Elsa was the one taking the brunt of rapturous fulfillment. It was difficult for her, and she thanked her nearly drunk-tired state for allowing such a brilliant interaction to occur. Anna was a touch clumsier than Elsa, as expected, but quite honestly, it hardly mattered. Anna's desire was obvious, and she enacted that same longing with enough grace and, most importantly, authentic care that Elsa sunk into the abyss of love that couldn't be explained, her body convulsing with a release she shivered just thinking of.

Making love with the person Elsa cared about more than any other…could become addictive.

Due to such recollections, Elsa didn't want to do today. The thought of laying with Anna and chatting the hours away was more appealing. But there was much to contend with, and hiding from it all, even if only for a day, would do little to help matters.

Elsa dressed herself and quickly cleaned up a bit, needing to be out of her room before Laura decided she should be up. With the suitors dealt with, there was likely less pressing matters to attend to immediately, but that didn't mean Elsa lacked regular duties to potentially handle depending on the needs of her kingdom. Citizen complaints, letters from and to neighbouring kingdoms, balancing budgets, managing her employees, and overseeing the various plans she, the council, and Leonard had begun putting in play for the prosperity of Arendelle were all necessary evils that didn't even include the social demands placed before the queen of Arendelle almost daily.

Anna stirred, grunting as she turned over in bed and adjusted into a seemingly more comfortable position. Elsa could only gaze at the girl longingly, thankful she had lowered her guard and allowed yet another embracement of love and affection between herself and her sister. Her stomach still turned a bit when she thought about the fact Anna was her own flesh and blood, but it was easily pushed down into the depths of her unconscious psyche, Elsa hardly willing to curb what she knew was the truth no matter what her contemporary world tried to convince her of otherwise.

To try and distract herself further, Elsa allowed some magic to course about her arms, originating from her chest and flowing through a set of conducts unique to the manipulator of winter's force. The pinching in her brain returned, but she dared to note it wasn't as brutal as the day before. If she could get away with not utilizing the ability too much throughout the course of a week or so, Elsa was confident she may find relief sooner rather than later.

The queen looked in the mirror, knowing she was far too natural for the council, but caring not. She preferred a less artificial presentation, and she favoured the minimalistic use of makeup and extravagant outer wear. Elsa opted for a dress, at least, although it too was simple, falling over her slender form easily enough with a neutral base colour throughout its entirety save for some intricate designs along its hems.

Finally, Elsa went to Anna, aware she was running out of the timeframe she had created in her own mind. She was initially going to simply push at Anna's shoulder, but decided otherwise, instead, climbing atop the bed and straddling Anna with her legs squeezing the smaller girl's waist beneath the thick blankets. Elsa felt a little awkward being so boisterous, but with Anna she always gained extra courage, and tried to grin mischievously to hide her embarrassment.

'Huh…?' Anna's eyes glazed over as they scrunched open and close. The moment her mind registered Elsa, however, her blue orbs stretched wide and she beamed like the sun she was. 'Elsa! Hey! This is kind of the best wakeup call ever, if you ask me.'

'…I have you pinned.' Elsa responded quietly, revealing her inability to act naturally when positioned out of character.

'Meh. I'm okay with that.' Anna giggled, stretching her arms outside of the covers and holding Elsa's hips. 'You're leaving soon?' She asked once she realized Elsa was already changed and presentable.

'Yes. I just wanted to…wake you up first. Remember: the moment I make it to the guards, that is your chance to sneak into your room. You can go back to sleep, if you want, but I should speak with Leonard and understand where the majority of Arendelle stands before I decide what to do with myself beyond the normal duties of the day.'

'Oh, boy. No rest for Anna, huh? That's fine. I'll sneak a nap in the day somewhere.' Anna shuffled up once Elsa allowed her to, the queen sitting on the edge of the bed and leaning in close to her little sister. 'How are you feeling anyway? You're not…hurt or something, are you?'

Elsa had to turn away at the mere suggestion. If she were to be truthful, her backside was a little tender, but not painfully so. She was still shocked she had allowed Anna to do such a thing, and simply thinking about it all made the queen overheat.

'I-I'm fine. Thank-you for asking.'

'Did I cross a line last night?' Anna asked directly now.

'…No. I don't think so. I…I enjoyed it all, admittedly.' Elsa went to the door finally, avoiding eye contact. 'Anyway, we will meet up later…right?'

'Of course! I mean, so long as it's okay. If the rumours are bad…'

'You're still the princess and my sister, Anna. You are allowed to be around me to some degree even if the rumours have circulated negatively. Just know that, without any solid proof, we do not need to humour any accusations. If we're careful, all will be fine, and I will go so far as to call out treason against the crown if it comes down to it.'

Anna shivered for a number of reasons.

'Hopefully it doesn't.'

'I agree. With that said, I wish you a good morning until I see you again.'

'Yep!' Anna hesitated, but called out to Elsa with true affection. 'I love you.'

Elsa clenched her mouth but then smiled in spite of herself.

'…And I love you.'

'Forever?'

'Forevermore.'

Elsa exited her room and proceeded to the guards, greeting them both as they stood at attention on either side of the royal sisters' hall. She made sure to block the entrance partially, drawing the men's focus onto her so that Anna could easily escape their risky circumstances. Pleasantries were exchanged well enough, but Elsa felt a lingering evaluation upon her person by the younger of the two men, wondering if he was simply interested in Elsa's natural beauty, or if word in the city had truly spread so far already. Once Elsa assumed she had given Anna more than enough time to relocate, she traversed the palace halls on her own, a strange sense of uncanny intrigue at her mere presence noted. Elsa didn't wake up this early all the time, and seeing the various maids and men employed under her name working away at maintaining the prestige condition of the castle was both satisfying and a little disheartening.

Although Elsa was glad she could provide a safe and consistent place for the numerous men and women to work, she hated the hierarchy of it all. She was simply born to the right parents. The luck of the draw deemed her royalty, and Elsa had no choice but to accept. Still, she didn't value the concept of class and social standing unless such high positions were earned through honest and good work.

"Good mornings!" were exchanged with ease, but Elsa could sometimes see the obedience in her employee's eyes, not daring to appear anything but submissive to a woman who wasn't even sure she deserved the role given to her. Not only that, but more than a handful of individuals appeared to give Queen Elsa a lingering gaze of masked questioning. Did it have to do with Anna and Elsa's relationship? Quite possibly. And Elsa remembered how her guards had questioned Anna's absence from Elsa's side a few nights ago. Even then, Devil's plan had been in motion, seemingly. How much had he put into play? How far back did this slew of trials date?

Elsa took a minor detour, knowing she had a little bit of time to kill, and proceeded to the encased garden, which she had always loved. Upon entering the area, she almost expected to meet with Arthuria again, but was more surprised to experience a semblance of déjà vu with one of Daryun's men present and the battle lord himself grunting as he flung his spear over his shoulder in an acrobatic display of impressive prowess, all things considered.

'Lord Daryun!' Elsa said with more excitement than intended, having been granted access with ease by Daryun's man and Elsa's own who also supervised the area.

'Queen Elsa! It is a pleasure to see you well!' Daryun's right eye twitched while he brought his weapon down to the ground beside him. He wasn't wearing a shirt, and the bandages holding his wound in place and safe made him look rather mummy-like in the torso region.

'I should be saying that to you, Lord Daryun. I intended on visiting you this morning, but I didn't expect to meet you like this.'

'Heh. I am a stubborn oaf at times. A mere injury like this wouldn't have kept my father down for longer than an afternoon. I am shamed.'

'You can't possibly be serious.' Elsa giggled, but when Daryun didn't join her in laughter, she knew it was no joke.

'It's something of a family trait, I suppose.' The man elaborated. 'We are not called battle Gods lightly, Your Majesty. Anyone with my blood coursing through them has the ability to heal at nearly double the rate of a normal human being. What could kill many would not necessarily end my life. It is nothing compared to your magic weaving powers, but it is a strange mutation in my bloodline that is more beneficial than not.'

'That's incredible…' Elsa considered what her child would be like should he or she inherit both her and Daryun's powers. It would curse them for life, surely. To wield so much potential? Elsa shuddered, although knew a ruler of Arendelle with said traits could guarantee the kingdom's prosperity long after Elsa's life was over as well. Did she owe such a promise of safety to her people after everything she had done?

'Still, this hole in my body is proving troublesome even for my unique ability.'

'You should really not be training, I would think.' Elsa scolded, arching her brow down.

'I cannot shake anxiety otherwise, Your Majesty.'

'Anxiety?'

Daryun glanced to the doorway and extended his hand to the lone bench, reminding Elsa of her intimate chat with Arthuria. She missed the woman quite a bit already, and didn't think she felt such a strong connection to her until she was gone. Kindred spirits? It seemed that way.

Daryun allowed Elsa to seat herself first, and then he joined her, keeping a foot between the two of them.

'I am ashamed for causing you and your people harm as well as danger, Queen Elsa.' The man grimaced, fondling his spear's body fidgetily. 'It is a failure I won't soon forget.'

Elsa shifted in a little and touched Daryun's shoulder kindly.

'Do not think for a second I fault you for what happened. None of us could have possibly known the mirror would have such evil within it after being destroyed. I don't feel the need to forgive you because there is nothing to forgive. None hold a grudge, Sir Daryun.'

'Still…'

'Stop it. I command it as your future queen.'

Daryun paused, turned, and grinned a little at Elsa, his haggard, but still handsome, features flattering.

'I should practice obeying, then.' He shrugged.

'I have a question, however.' Elsa went on, her imaginative mind wandering. 'If you shared your blood with someone in critical danger, would it help expedite the healing for a limited amount of time?'

Daryun chuckled melancholically.

'Seemingly not. It has been attempted, and appeared to do nothing. Apparently my father had an instance where it helped to a degree, but he claims it is a very rare and improbable use of the power. We keep the source of our durability fairly secretive for that very reason. Most simply consider my family abnormally tough and leave it at that.'

'Then your secret is safe with me.' Elsa almost sighed. It would have been too good to be true anyway, and she wouldn't like to exploit Daryun regardless. Still, she fancied the immediate notion of it all for a moment. She was so scared of losing Anna with Devil prowling about, but at least doubted the creature would stoop so low considering the options long available to him as a shapeshifter.

'I had very little doubt it wasn't.' Daryun nodded.

There was a pause, giving Elsa a chance to admire the freshness of her palace's garden thanks to the rain from the night before. Her mind was beginning to cloud with apprehension the more she thought about the day, however, and she looked to Daryun and his spear, some sweat glistening about his muscular shape.

'You say training helps with your anxiety?' Elsa inquired bashfully.

'Any form of physical activity will, really. Are you interested in such a pastime, Your Majesty?'

Elsa swallowed, but nodded slowly.

'…Somewhat.'

This answer brought a large smile to Daryun's previously quieted features.

'I wasn't completely serious, but it is not a bad idea for one who bears such responsibility.' Daryun excused himself and ventured to the garden's entrance, muttering something to his guard that couldn't quite be made out before returning with the same guard's sheathed longsword.

'Here.' The warrior offered, still beaming from ear to ear.

Elsa stood and accepted the weapon delicately, the weight surprising her still even after having handled the blade Arthuria had gifted her.

'Heavy, isn't it?' Daryun grinned teasingly.

'Very. I don't think I could swing this overly well…' Elsa admitted, immediately a little discouraged.

'It is something to work toward, if you'd like. Building the correct muscles in your body is necessary for any fighter. You would start with a wooden, practice tool first to help with this. Surely your guards would know where to obtain such a thing.'

'I think so.' Elsa nodded, placing the weapon down and pulling out the sword ungracefully. She was too focussed and exerting much more effort than normally required to see the way Daryun appraised her then.

'Hmph. I can barely hold it correctly. Maybe this is a silly idea…' Elsa muttered.

'Do not be discouraged, Queen Elsa. If this is something you truly want to pursue, then allow me to personally teach you. Not only does training in any capacity help one manage their mind, it also builds confidence and better health, overall. I highly support your decision.'

Elsa thought about the offer carefully, eyeing the weapon in her hand and more than aware that it didn't fit the image Arendelle's people had of her. But that didn't matter. She was tired of enduring her fears and apprehensions. Conceal, don't feel? No. That wasn't right. It never had been. Being with Anna helped, of course, but she wanted to build her own person up for Anna just as much. Some sort of meditative, physically active routine implemented into her day didn't sound like a terrible idea. She had to remove the box she herself erected at times.

'…If you are willing, I would be honoured.' Elsa answered simply, holding the sword up with shaking arms.

'A morning meeting, then?' Daryun went on, his eyes glimmering still.

Elsa nodded, haphazardly placing the blade back in its sheath and handing it over to Daryun, who easily shouldered the dangerous piece of equipment.

'If you wouldn't mind.'

'Heh. Not a single bit, Your Majesty. I look forward to it. Um…' The man hesitated a little, stepping slightly closer to the woman that had won his admiration and respect on multiple occasions now. He had managed to maintain a natural flow of conversation up until this point, and Elsa was a little surprised, but now she felt relief at the awkwardness that Daryun exhibited, knowing he was still treating her as normally as possible. 'I may have to return to my kingdom sooner than I would like to work out the details with my family. I sent word through a letter before we set out for your ice palace, but if I am truly going to move to Arendelle, I should do it proper.'

'Oh. That's understandable.' Elsa wouldn't ask for additional favours from Daryun. He had given her so much. And yet, the warrior showed that he saw and heard a little more than he let on when it came to social situations.

'You do not want me to go?'

Elsa hesitated to reply honestly, but knew she shouldn't hide when help was needed…primarily when her magic's reliability was in flux. Daryun was still healing, regardless, so what was she even thinking?

'No. But please do what you must.'

Daryun made a noise of contemplation before he patted Elsa on the shoulder like a comrade-in-arms. It made the woman feel better than she would have ever expected. Another reliable soul.

'I will send word that I am needed for a little longer here in Arendelle. Devil, I am guessing?'

'You can go, Sir Daryun. You need to recover.'

'Travelling wouldn't be good for the process anyway. On second thought, I will remain.'

Elsa grimaced. She shouldn't have said anything, but Daryun simply grinned, tossing the sword lightly into the air and appearing overjoyed.

'We'll start tomorrow, then.'

'So be it.' The queen smiled back, knowing the proud individual's mind had been made up. Denying him further would only serve to insult.

Elsa's slightly elevated mood didn't have the chance to last very long, for a rather tired looking Leonard found his queen and waved to her in relief, walking as fast as he could without shifting into a jog or run. Elsa prepared for what was coming, because Leonard kept a very close eye on the mood of Arendelle and where problems might occur before they happened. By the expression Leonard wore, Elsa's ability to remain optimistic began to plummet alongside her disposition.

'My queen. I am happy to see you up so early. As much as I'd like to offer you yet another day to relax and enjoy a well-earned break, there is little to no time for that.'

'Understandably.' Elsa answered almost sternly, holding her frustration back.

'So, you have a notion of what is transpiring?'

'I would like to know every detail you have for me, Leonard.'

The queen and her attendant went to her office, shutting the door tightly and moving to the extravagantly crafted desk and large, comfortable chair that resided behind it. Elsa eased herself into the seat, exhaling slowly as she did so while Leonard remained standing, extracting multiple papers from under his arm as well as two letters.

'From Prince Sorey and Prince Maxwell respectively.'

Elsa opened Sorey's first, scanning the somewhat messy writing and feeling her temple throb the more she delved into the contents.

"In lieu of the recent events and rumours about town, I have decided to depart for the time being, Queen Elsa. I am not so foolish as to believe anything without solid proof, but I am a firm supporter of the phrase 'where there is smoke, there is fire'. Your selection of King Arthur, the most – I mean no offence when I say this – feminine of all the suitors, already rubbed me the wrong way, but there are many within the city who suspect your unnatural closeness with your sister paired with your disinterest in a companion until now to be uncanny all on its own, and this gives me pause more so than I would prefer. By remaining, I risk my kingdom's own reputation should any of the rumours gain enough traction. I cannot do such a thing to my father and mother. Thus, I bid you adieu for now. It was a pleasure.

Sincerely, Prince Sorey Michlaos."

Elsa handed the sheet to Leonard, finding a small piece of paper falling out from behind it the moment she fully removed the letter from the envelope. Elsa read this as well, doing so very quickly, somehow knowing she didn't want Leonard to discover the secret addition.

"Prince Sorey is immature and impatient. His pride hinders his ability to make a sound judgement. Queen Elsa, you have my support, at the very least, should you need it. Lean on your closest allies. Good luck."

Elsa didn't need to read a signature. She knew Rose had written the piece. Rose's eyes were ever a mystery, and now the queen of Arendelle was fully aware of just how much the unique-looking woman might have possibly seen. Sorey's surprisingly eloquent words stun for a number of reasons, but Rose's soothed the potential wound. Elsa folded the sheet until it was no larger than her thumb, slipping the letter into her heeled shoe and feeling it press against her just so.

'Hmph. To think he made it as far as he did in the selection process.' Leonard scoffed.

'The others would have been worse, surely.'

'Quite. And what does Prince Maxwell have to say?'

Elsa was already reading when she had replied to Leonard. Maxwell's letter was much shorter, but his words also carried much more weight.

"I am here, Queen Elsa. I am in no rush to return home.

Sincerely, Prince Maxwell Torreux"

'He simply states that he is here in Arendelle if I need him.'

'I always liked that one.' Leonard grinned, but it lasted for but a second before he finally seated himself, shuffling in close to the desk so that he was across from his queen. Elsa had a disturbing feeling that she might have to provide Leonard with a lie she didn't want to tell so soon. His gaze was full of restrained questions that he had every right to ask, especially considering the work Elsa was providing for him.

'What is the status of my people, Leonard?'

'It is hard to say with complete confidence, my queen, but it is a scandalous rumour that has gained much more traction than any normal news would. My men have discovered numerous individuals who have been quite adamant about your apparent relationship with your sister, and such outlandish, verbal exclamations have been subdued as best as possible, some cells within the dungeon occupied by especially passionate traitors to your name.'

Elsa held her breath. This didn't feel like reality. Anna's and her connection was a completely separate life from the normality of a queen's duties. Elsa wasn't the queen when she was around Anna; she was an older sister who happened to also be attracted to her younger sibling. Discussing the very idea of such a taboo love as Queen Elsa gave Regular Elsa whiplash, and she had difficulty not assuming she was entrapped within a nightmare when the words moved from Leonard's lips. She couldn't respond quickly enough, and Leonard cleared his throat, snapping the young woman back into reality.

'I see. Well, it is slander and treason. You wouldn't have a choice.'

'So, you support the actions I have taken against such "slander"?' Leonard leaned back. Elsa could feel his accomplished eyes burrowing into her, and she almost feared he would somehow be capable of understanding precisely what the truth was that she couldn't say.

'I do.'

'Then Kristoff has gone mad.' Leonard went on, still fixated on Elsa's reactions.

'The mirror's remnants, which caused Daryun injury, have attacked Kristoff, yes.'

'The mirror's remnants, you say?'

'Yes.'

'And they amplify the emotions within their prey? Similar to the mirror, but much more concentrated and influential?'

Elsa hesitated, but knew she couldn't not agree with this. Clearly Leonard had spoken with Daryun or gained some new insight using his powerful network throughout the palace and Arendelle. It made Elsa shiver, and she realized, in this moment, that she had allowed Leonard too much power. She had relied on him too much. Her shirking of many responsibilities had come back to haunt her in the worst way. Leonard was putting the pieces together, and Elsa would only show her entire hand the moment she stumbled over another lie.

'Yes.'

'Kristoff is a calm, collected individual who would never make false accusations otherwise.'

'Yes.'

'The mirror's fragments do not force one to lie, but to simply remove their social filter, as it were.'

'Leonard.' Elsa spoke sternly, closing her eyes for a beat longer than needed and then meeting her attendant's calculating stare. 'What do you honestly think of the rumours? Because I am beginning to suspect that you yourself do not trust me.'

Leonard didn't answer for an extended amount of time, the silence hanging heavily in the room that was closed off from the rest of the palace. Elsa couldn't believe she was having this conversation now so early in the morning. She missed Anna greatly, but knew she couldn't lean on her for everything. Elsa was the queen; not Anna.

'I have pledged allegiance to you, Queen Elsa, and I take that very seriously. I have no intent of leaving your side no matter what the circumstances might be.'

'But that doesn't answer my question.' Elsa spoke just a little more harshly now.

'The truth, then?' Leonard almost grinned, but it was full of agony.

'Please.'

'So be it.' Leonard sighed, rubbing the same shiny head that Anna always found joy in joking about. Simpler times. 'There is a frighteningly solid foundation to these rumours that my years of wisdom and experience do not allow me to overlook blindly. I cling to the fact there is no "solid" proof, as our young Prince Sorey pointed out, but I cannot help but be wary of what your actions of late might mean given the circumstances surrounding some disturbing events filtered throughout the suitor selection process.'

That was it. Leonard suspected Elsa as well.

'Then I best seek out a new attendant if the one I have cannot provide the assistance I need when Devil's work is producing the sought-after results.'

'My queen…!' Leonard's old voice cracked, and he almost seemed to slam the table. 'I cannot help such thoughts, but my actions certainly claim otherwise, don't they?'

This was true, but Elsa had difficulty with the knowledge that Leonard was keeping a very close eye on her now. She had to show some form of control in this discussion. Her heart was racing, but Leonard couldn't know the fear that was creeping up her body.

'Anna is very, very important to me. I care about her more than any other.'

'We all know this.' Leonard agreed, his tone softened after Elsa's, admittedly, punitive attack.

'Devil also knows this. He has been planting this seed since he was in the guise of Grimoire. He is a patient foe, willing to chip at armour until a weakness is found. What better way to ruin me and my kingdom than to create such an irrefutably sinful truth out of misconstruing reality?'

'Certainly. I would more than agree if not for…'

'For what?' Elsa's eye twitched. She knew she was being unfair to the brilliant man, but the day had just started and she was already combating suspicion and threats to her fragile happiness.

'My queen. Why did Princess Anna break that poor man's heart? The fact of that matter is a terrible blow to the credibility of your argument. You and Princess Anna also slept together the night before last and since following the said separation. If I can have a sound reason to Princess Anna's actions, I may have more to work with, but for now, it is difficult to completely deny those who speak out against you, and I doubt the space in the dungeon will remain vacant for long. I know Princess Anna addressed the people yesterday, but I think you need to make another speech to silence these rumours once and for all. Remaining hidden only allows the fire to spread. Give Arendelle answers. Give everyone answers.'

Leonard's network again. Elsa was watched far more closely than she could have ever imagined.

'I cannot reveal Devil's presence. It would cause even more panic.'

'Devil is only partially responsible for the equation before us all, my queen. Did he force Princess Anna to break up with Kristoff? Did he make Kristoff lash out in such an unnatural way? Even if he used his shapeshifting abilities, the end results tell a canonical tale.' Leonard leaned in, his visage full of emotional support. 'I say these things not to contest you, my queen, but to provide you with the knowledge you need to create the best argument possible. There can be no room for doubt if you desire to sway the mass's opinion.'

'Including yours?' Elsa nearly hissed, her voice squeaking. She felt as though she were suddenly in a very narrow, and claustrophobic corner.

Leonard sat back in his chair and nodded slowly, his voice deep and pained.

'Even mine.'

'And the council?' Elsa went on, her jaw stiff.

'You don't want to know what the council is saying.'

'If they cannot say it to me in person, then their thoughts are worthless. I'll disband them completely if they give me reason to.'

'I would not be opposed to removing more than half of them myself.' Leonard chuckled, and then Elsa, upon hearing his low, familiar laugh, found relief in her face relaxing some.

'…You truly care about this kingdom, don't you?'

'Yes. I am loyal to you first, and this land second, my queen. I will raise you up, and I will fall with you, come what may. I do not pass judgement easily. You have my word: I will do everything in my power to help you overcome this latest trial, even if I do it in the guise of ignorance.'

Elsa sighed shakily, a frightening realization coming over her that she wasn't sure to believe or not.

'Leonard,' She began breathlessly. 'How long have you known?' The queen finally asked, her skin going paler as fantasy mixed with reality anew.

'Known what?' Was the only answer she would receive.

Elsa felt the eyes of a majority of her employees thricely as she traversed her palace's halls after finishing her meeting with Leonard. She had written a letter for Arthuria, urging her and Rynn to return at their earliest convenience in order to proceed with the marriage as hastily as possible. Elsa and her attendant attempted to map out a plan for dealing with Devil immediately as well, coming up with only the undesirable need to use Gerda effectively to at least locate the troll. Ultimately, they had to wait for the monster's next move, and it was beyond vexing. Finally, Leonard revealed that Percival, his partner during the tailing of Grimoire and Leon, and Nils had finally returned to the palace. This news surprised Elsa, and she almost wished for an instantaneous audience with the men until Leonard stated he had relieved the three of them for a few days to spend time with their families and rest. Elsa decided to leave it at that, her mind in disarray and her focus lost considering the state of her kingdom.

This was always a possibility in the archives of potential scenarios linked to Elsa's decision to pursue a relationship with Anna, but she really didn't think her normal, everyday life would crumble so easily. Elsa didn't like the idea of being stared at, but she had practice discarding inquisitive gazes. It wasn't herself that Elsa was now worried about, but Anna. Anna was flustered easily, and she certainly wasn't trained as a true heir to the throne as Elsa had been. The queen moved toward the dining area, hoping to find Anna for breakfast and stay by her side to dissuade actual interaction with the somewhat clumsy individual. She had little doubt she wouldn't discover her little sister, a plate full of food and her cheeks puffed like a chipmunk.

But that would have been just another regular day. There were no more of those.

Elsa rounded the corner and entered the hall only to find it somewhat vacant. She supposed Anna could have fallen asleep in her room again, but somehow Elsa suspected the girl would be looking for her, longing to support Elsa in any way possible considering how anxious Elsa had been for this day.

'Queen Elsa?' Laura had been sitting with her fellow maids, Kristen and Kathleen, before she rose and scurried over to her monarch. A part of Elsa flinched back, knowing this woman had no trouble revealing more evidence in favour of the speculative rumours surrounding Elsa and Anna.

'Good morning, Laura.' Elsa tried to sound civil, but the anger was rising.

'Where is Princess Anna?' The maid looked about, her eyes alit with immature curiosity.

'Still in my bed.' The queen practically growled, and Laura seemed to understand instantly where this tempered rage originated.

'M-my queen, I meant no ill-will. It was a slip of the tongue, and truthfully, I thought nothing of it considering you have always been so close with her. I-I do not believe the rumours for a second.'

'Where is Gerda?' Elsa decided to ask.

'Gerda? She wasn't able to make it to work today. She is sick again, apparently. Please let me know if you need anything, my queen.'

'Thank-you.' Elsa whirled, exiting the hall and feeling a lump in her throat. Was Gerda still not feeling well because of the night before? Was Devil torturing her because of her transgressions? Elsa would find Anna, touch base with her, and then seek out Gerda to confirm her safety. If all went well, Elsa would be married to Arthuria by the end of the following week. Devil's final trial was likely to occur before then, which meant Elsa would have time to settle the unrest in Arendelle leading up to her taking of Arthuria as her king. Kristoff needed to see Grand Pabbie as soon as possible to have the curse removed, and escorting him with a few guards seemed like an appropriate option considering Anna and Elsa couldn't accompany him.

Too much. There was just too much to contend with. And yet, Elsa knew it was worth it. All she had to do was reflect on the night before with Anna and the days that could follow. Anna's smiling face. Her beaming eyes. Her awkward laugh. Her silly jokes. Her kind and caring personality.

'Anna…' Elsa mouthed, a wisp of sound exiting her parted lips and her temples finding some relief as Elsa calmed her own mind.

'Psst.' A familiar beckon rang, and Elsa's head jerked up. Anna was suddenly standing next to her, the small alcove connecting the right wing and the main part of the palace lightly facilitated. They were alone, and yet, Elsa's face construed in doubt.

'Heya, Elsa. Sorry it took me a sec to find you. You okay?'

'You're not Anna.' Elsa claimed, and her sister's face lit up as an abnormally large smile stretched across her charming features, reaching up to her ears and curling into her hair.

'Amazing. Amazing as always, my Elsa.'