Hello. This is OrangeGalen with a new Frozen story. This actually has quite a bit of significance for me. 4 years ago to the day, I first watched Frozen in theaters (I still have the stub). Then I started reading (and writing) Frozen FanFiction. There are three stories I've stumbled across that are prominent for the background of this story. The first is In the Service of the Queen, by Malthazar Lord of Shadows. The second story was The Legend of Elsa, by Rinjin. And the most important one, is The Queen's Mercy, by JYN044. Don't know when I first started reading it, but I favorited it on Nov. 30, 2015.

Around that time Chapter 58 of that story came out, and for some reason I really wanted to write a story on its premise. I remember being in the car going to a winter party, writing this story down in the Notes on my iTouch, all the way back in December 2015. I made a rough outline where I wanted to take this story and since then I have not made any major changes to it. And I asked JYN044 recently if I could use the premise for Ch 58 to write a story (I might've asked a while ago, but I don't recall...) and JYN044 said go for it.

So here we are, with me finally publishing a story I've been sitting on for 3-ish years, not even close to being finished, just because I don't want to wait any longer. So if you want to understand this better, go read Ch 58 of The Queen's Mercy... actually just read all of it. This first chapter here is basically the set up, and the second one will be a bit more familiar.

I'll also put up the cover for the story on my DeviantArt page, since I drew it myself.

I don't plan on making any further long author's notes at the beginning of the chapters, so you won't see a giant block of text before you've even read the chapter anymore.

I do not own Frozen, nor am I actively trying to steal ideas from other writers. However, the language I've used is my own.

XXXXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXXXX

~"What was shattered will soon be mended. The Queen shall soon ascend to face the returning Darkness. The eldest northern flower will find her, and claim her for her own. She must regain what was lost, and remember what needs to be found. Through trials and scars, she will find herself reflected. But Rinus will try to sway her. And if love falters, if her heart cracks, all will perish. What was shattered will soon be mended. The Queen will soon ascend…"~

…

"That was…"

"Indeed, yes… unfortunately. Send word to our Brothers and Sisters, our plans need to accelerate."

XXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 1

It Had To Be Snow...

If there's one thing I wish for right now, it's less snow, Anna thought as she hunkered down on her horse, protecting her face as another gale tried to sting it with bellowing ice and snow. Glancing behind her, she could make out the rest of her entourage, her escort, doing the same as her as they trudged through the harsh weather, some holding up barely lit, sputtering torches nearly extinguished from the wind. Anna grimaced as she felt the latest gust die down enough so she could squint forward.

Or at least less wind, she continued her thought. That would be nice. Maybe something hot? Some cocoa? A soft bed in a warm room? Okay, now I sound like I'm complaining. Shut up Anna. It's not proper and all that yada-yada-royal stuff. Wow, I really am complaining. The weather sure brings out the snippy side of me.

Someone came up next to her. "Your Majesty!" The head of her royal guards, Major Deserun Bredger, loudly said, trying to overcome the gale threatening to sweep away his voice. "I recognize these standing stones. We're nearing Galørn and we should be there within an hour at most. Hopefully half that time."

Anna nodded, distracted from her inner rambling, before she realized the movement would probably not be recognized within her hood. "Good! I think I speak for all of us when I say we'll be glad to get out of this weather Major. Pass it on down the line. The promise of warmth and a hot meal for the night might make them move faster."

Deserun might have nodded but Anna couldn't see it. However he did break off and move back to join the tail end of their party. Anna rolled her shoulders to loosen some of the stiffness and muttered a curse as a small gap opened in her clothing between her trousers and coat which let in some of the cold air and ice. She fixed it as best she could and then flexed her gloved hands in an attempt to get the blood flowing better to her fingertips. I like the cold alright enough, but this is just too much. She squirmed as the snow started melting with her body warmth, trickling down her skin further into her clothes, making it even more uncomfortable. It just had to be snow…

To distract herself, she started recounting their journey. It had been three days since they landed at Ravenden, the purpose of the trip to meet with Viscount Nathanial Oulf after he sent her a letter that requested her presence, citing potential financial problems that could threaten the future of Arendelle, even more so than these dark times. The lettering of the missive was urgent enough that Anna decided to go. After spending a day in the port city, they traveled on horseback to reach Galørn, which was a crossroads city, full of traders and merchants, almost if not more so than Yvenis is. Was, she corrected. Whatever. Our spies aren't getting much out of that city right now. Damn Weasels and oath-breakers from the Isles.

She refocused as she saw dim lights through the snow below them in the valley, a good distance from the base of the mountain they were crossing over. Oh thank you, we're almost there finally.

Galørn was at the edge of a valley, just when the mountains started to rise, which made it a perfect crossroads town as the major roads and paths were close by for the caravans to sell and restock and barter. A few years after the city rose those same roads had all diverted into it. Ignoring the fact that it was situated at the base of one of the few passes, Galørn had built its reputation for being both a rest point and a place where many financial deals, trading, and projects were arranged, making it one of the wealthier cities of Arendelle.

The only problem in getting to Galørn from Ravenden was the unpredictable mountain weather that could change on a whim. The storm hadn't been unexpected, as they were going over the mountains, but the ferocity had given them slight pause. It started early in the morning and had been gradually building up power since. Even though they weren't crossing over the ridge (heaven knows what it's like up there right then) it was still miserable enough.

Anna huffed and pulled her hood tighter, then urged her poor cold horse onwards. We still have a ways to go before we're actually inside the town. Though it should get better the further down and away from the mountains we get. As if mercifully hearing her thoughts, the storm abated marginally and the snowfall lessened, allowing them to move faster. Combined with the promised warmth that awaited them, they made it to the town line in good time.

It was well into the evening when they entered Galørn's guarded southwestern gate. She gave a nod to the two unfortunate soldiers who were standing post outside the wall, dressed in heavy coats, their crossbows shouldered and swords sheathed. Who knows how long they've been standing out here.

Changing her thoughts, she analyzed their attire and weapons and found them acceptable. They're not the most 'advanced' guards we have, but give me a bow and arrow over those new hand cannons any day. Plus the archers we have are more accurate anyway, though they train more so that could explain it. Doesn't need much training to give someone one of those guns. However, cannons on a ship, those are nice…

She passed under the gate and looked around the street as her guards took up positions to protect her as they traversed down the paved street. There were still people walking around, doing business or simply shopping, but they stopped and stepped away when their group rode down the street. Anna kept her hood up so they didn't know exactly whom she was, and while she wasn't wearing the royal purple cloak, the one she had on bared the Royal Arendelle Golden Crocus, which had a winter wreath around it to mark it as part of the monarchy. Thankfully the cloak was obscured and nobody took any abnormal interest since traveling nobles were common here, and many returned to what they were doing after they passed.

The town was built in the classic Arendellian style; wooden houses with Rosemåling patterns with decorative pillars and arches supporting the structures. The roofs were a bit more slanted than average, but that was understandable given the cities' location and the amount of snowfall they had. The City of Arendelle had the same design too. There weren't many stone and brick buildings, and those were mainly storage houses for food and other materials. The highest buildings, aside from the Viscount's, were three stories, most of them being taverns or hostels.

They continued on up the road to the Viscount's manor, which was three stories tall, and with what Anna could tell had an attic on top as a semi-fourth. It was larger than the other houses in the city by a story, but it wasn't so obstinately extravagant -unlike some of the other lords Anna had to deal with who just reeked of money, like Baron Anders.

Once there, they all dismounted as a group. Several stable boys who were waiting came up to take their horses with a couple of her escorts going with them to make sure their horses were properly looked after.

A light splayed across the snowy ground and Anna looked up to see that the manor doors had opened. A moderately dressed butler came out. "Greetings, Milady. If I may ask for your name I'll take you to a waiting room to see the Viscount. He's expecting someone important at the moment so you'll have to delay what business you have with the Viscount," he said after looking her up and down, discerning she was either from the nobility and/or rich enough to approach the manor.

Anna smirked knowingly to herself. "In that case, tell him Queen Anna of Arendelle is waiting at his earliest convenience. I'm sure he'll understand how his butler made Her Majesty wait for other engagements." I love doing that, she thought as the butler blanched and not because of the cold. People often underestimated her and or misjudged her because of her age and youthfulness; and indeed, she was the youngest queen Arendelle had seen in a century, coronated at eighteen: a year and a half ago. And already I've lead my country through more hardship than my father had, she thought sadly, though she let none of it show on her face.

"M-my sincerest apologies y-your Majesty, I didn't recognize you! I'll take you to him immediately," the butler stammered and almost scurried to lead her inside.

"Thank you," Anna said sincerely, hiding the slight irritation she felt. She then turned to Deserun. "Major, make sure your men have acceptable accommodations. If there's any trouble please come get me and I'll sort it out. I don't want anyone going cold or hungry tonight."

"Yes, your Majesty," he bowed slightly.

Anna turned back and addressed the butler. "It they need anything, if you please, see to it that they receive it. Right now my men would like a hot meal and a bed for the night. It's been a trying journey from Ravenden."

"Most certainly, I'll tell the cooks to make extra broth and bread at the least," he agreed, eager to make up for his previous faux pas. He led Anna inside with two guards accompanying her. Pausing briefly to shed her coat and thicker snow trousers, she followed him further into the hall.

"Would you like a few minutes to situate yourself before meeting the Viscount?" The butler asked.

"That won't be necessary," Anna said, merely pulling her hair back and making sure there weren't any loose strands in her face. "I would prefer this to go as expediently as possible."

Nodding in acceptance, they continued without further delay. The manor wasn't extravagantly decorated, but wasn't completely devoid of posh niceties as there were such things as paintings and ornate furniture along the way, along with the few odd busts. The butler led her down the hall and then to a room with the door open. Soft mutterings of conversation were heard from inside.

He nocked on the wall and the conversation halted. Entering with a bow, he announced, "My Lord, your guest has arrived. May I present, her Royal Majesty, Protector of the Realm, Queen Anna of Arendelle." Anna took that as her cue and with a thankful nod to the butler walked in. There were four people present, split equally amongst the genders, seated around a table. The oldest was a man with dirty blond hair and a slightly darker mustache. His eyes were a light brown and he clearly was in his mid thirties.

The second was a woman with light brown hair that framed her face with curls. Her eyes were a dark hazel and she looked younger, about early thirties or so. The two kids were younger, about their pre-teens, and looked like miniature copies of their respective gender parents.

They all stood and bowed or curtseyed. "Your Majesty," the man said, "I welcome you to my home and thank you for coming here on short notice… especially through this weather, though it was harsher nary an hour ago," he added, looking out the window at the now gently falling snowflakes.

"Viscount Oulf?" Anna questioned. He nodded in affirmation and Anna continued. "I admit it was a bit of a journey over the mountains, but your letter seemed urgent enough to warrant my expediency."

The Viscount nodded, "Indeed. The issue I discovered might cause some major trouble with the war effort if it isn't rectified soon." He blinked. "But where are my manners, allow me to introduce my wife, Helé Oulf and our two children, Roark and Emily," he gestured to each person and they bowed and curtseyed respectively.

Anna gave a respectful nod to them. "I'm afraid I don't remember if you were at the last ball we had or not," or the only ball we've had since I became Queen, "but if so, a pleasure to re-meet you all again. And if not, just a pleasure to meet you," she said with a smile, unintentionally fumbling a bit with her wording. The kids seemed to find it amusing if nothing else. "…If you wouldn't mind though, I would like to discuss our problems after a hot meal."

"Of course of course," Oulf said. "We were just about to dine as well and had been expecting you coming later due to the weather. We would be happy if you would join us."

"I'd be delighted," Anna said with a small smile. "If you'll excuse me for a brief moment." She turned around and went to her two guards that had followed her. The butler from before was gone, probably doing what she had requested. "You're dismissed for the rest of your shift. Get some food and rest. Also," she reached down and unbuckled her sword and sheath and handed it to them, "see to it that this gets to my room, wherever that may be."

The both bowed and said, "Yes your Majesty." One took the sheathed blade and they walked away. Anna went back inside the room. Viscount Oulf pulled out a chair for her and a servant quickly set some dishes and refreshments on the table. Anna could smell something wonderful being brought in.

"I hope you don't mind if my guards can make use of your hospitality and have spare rooms available for them, along with a hot meal. It's been a long day especially with the weather."

"No, of course not your Majesty," Oulf said. "You, your staff, and your guards are more than welcome." Though, what could he do, refuse his Queen? Anna amusedly thought to herself. Although I do know some from my court that would dearly like to.

"Please, if we're staying for the night, then I would rather you call me Anna," she said.

"Very well, if you would do the same and call me Nathanial," he replied back.

Anna smiled, "That I can do."

At that the meal was brought out and Anna tried not to drool from the smell. It was a 'I'm hungry and been out in the snow all day' kind of drool, rather than a 'I smell chocolate' drool, and there was a difference as her kitchen staff had found out. Mercifully for her dignity, she kept it inside her mouth as the plates were served.

"What we have is freshly cooked venison, with baked potatoes and an assortment of seasoned vegetables. Not the most elaborate of meals truthfully but it's what we have available."

"It will do nicely, thank you," Anna replied as she dug in, making sure to follow polite table manners. Ooh, bread rolls! The food was almost heavenly to her cold and empty stomach, and after a glass of fruity red wine (not too aged, just right for the night) she felt warmed up to comfortable levels.

"So, how terrible was the storm?" Lady Oulf asked in conversation.

"It wasn't anything too bad Lady Oulf, but the speed and intensity took us by surprise. Thankfully we were prepared for weather like that, and as we came closer to Galørn it diminished, though the cold and ice was invasive," she admitted as she took another sip of wine.

Lady Oulf smiled, "Please, if you can call my husband by his first name, you may do the same."

"Very well Helé," Anna nodded in affirmation.

"In any case, it took us by surprise here too. Normally we have a little more warning for inclement weather, but this was rather sudden and unexpected."

"Thankfully we have a warm house and a roof over our heads," Nathanial said, "provided by your grandfather's grace and The One's blessing."

Anna politely nodded, "Indeed, it is a good thing." Internally however, she tiredly sighed. I forgot Nathanial is a devout member of the Denené*1 religion. Not that I have anything against it, since I am the Monarch of Arendelle, which is one of the two highest positions in the Kireke*2 for Arendelle. I just don't believe that The One blesses every little thing. It would probably take too much time and effort, even for a god.

"I think the Ice Witch caused the storm," Roark said eagerly, inputting his first comment to the conversation. "No storm comes this fast normally."

"Roark," Helé warned, disapprovingly.

Anna quirked an eyebrow, "Ice witch? Who's this ice witch?" She questioned, humoring the young lad.

"No one knows," Roark continued, ignoring his mother's protest. "She goes around and seals people's houses in ice so they can't escape, then she steals everything and freezes everyone inside, killing them."

Emily scoffed, rolling her eyes at her brothers' macabre tale. "That's an exaggeration and you know it. There have been no houses frozen and no one's died –and I say there is no 'Ice Witch'."

"But what about the frozen corpses the soldiers foun-"

"Roark!" Nathanial barked. "This is not a conversation to be held at the table, especially in front of the Queen," he reminded his son of their company.

Roark paled, remembering their guest, and turned to Anna. "I apologize for my crude behavior, Your Majesty," he bowed. Emily hid a smirk at seeing her brother chastised.

Anna waved him off, amused and curious for the sake of the conversation. "Oh I don't mind, I was interested anyway. Do you know if she has actual magic?"

Roark cringed at being put on the spot now, "Well… I've heard it from other people…"

"It's a rumor," Emily interjected, trying to save her brother from further embarrassment. "A new story that people tell each other to entertain each other, and to scare other kids to stay inside. There's no such thing as an ice witch."

Anna quirked an eyebrow. "You sound quite venomous to the idea of such a thing," she commented, while seeing both Nathanial and Helé were semi-worried their daughter would say something offensive. Not that she has to worry. I get so many passive-aggressive comments at council meetings that I don't care.

Emily seemed to realize herself who she was talking to and controlled herself, talking a bit more meekly. "I don't like the idea of anyone save a deity or royalty having supernatural powers. I've heard that Rapunzel of Corona has healing powers, but… it's… unnatural, wrong, for folk to have it. Magic, that is."

"Don't you wish you had powers like that? I mean, how cool would it be to breath fire like a dragon or cast spells with a staff like in the stories?" Anna asked, actually interested in her answer.

Emily paused a moment, thinking about her answer. "From time to time, yes, I think about it. But then I think about how magic has been used for evil, and the fates of everyone that used magic in old stories, and I don't want to bother with it. Mere Men or Women shouldn't have divine power. Only the ones truly deserving of it are granted it by Denené for holy acts."

Anna gave a sad smile at that. "That's… maybe for the best."

There was a slight lull in the conversation and after a moment Anna thought over what she just heard. You know, there have been rumblings in the nobility about a young woman breaking into their manors and stealing from them. Maybe it's the same person and they're just giving excuses, calling her a witch? "I will say I've heard one or two nobles mention in passing being robbed by a girl."

Nathanial gave a dry smirk. "That part of the rumor is at least true. Apparently she's a robber with a conscious, as only a few easily missed coins were gone each time –and mostly from those that could easily miss them; the only reason they even noticed was because there were signs of a break-in, which understandably is alarming for anyone. The magic part is just gossip, bloated from exaggeration, and from unreliable sources; that 'freezing lights' came from the thief, making frost and ice from thin air. Pure nonsense, but those rumors have spread among the commoners, making them a little more wary of their homes and pockets, regardless of the fact they probably won't be targeted… Though I will say Baron Anders has gone on to those in his circle that the invader was an assassin who apparently decided to rob him blind instead. Strange how his profits have soared this year -both for his Company and his personal vault- if he was 'robbed blind'."

Anna snorted. Baron Anders is good at what he does, but he's severely bigoted and narrow-minded, and I wouldn't be surprised if he's embezzling funds, but he's also contributing a significant amount to the war effort. I can't call him out on my suspicions… yet. The war won't allow me to. Regardless, he was one of the few who was opposed to me becoming Queen instead of my brother, ignoring the fact that he's only eight right now,... I wonder how Olaf's doing right now…

She brought her mind back on track. "Baron Anders may be good with numbers when they're adding up in his ledgers, but when they're getting taken away, he tends to add an extra zero or two at the end of the figures," Anna said, earning a few polite chuckles at the disliked Baron's expense. Heh, expense. Get it? Sigh. Laughing at your own puns, eh, Anna?

"In any case, tying in with the magic discussion earlier, magic is something that only should bestowed on a select few. And if there was magic involved, I doubt such a petty thief would be granted such powers by Denené," Nathanial said. Anna just hummed neutrally, neither agreeing with nor denying his statement. "More likely that the thief's just really good, to my station's chagrin to admit."

"Indeed. If there is such a thief, then they will be brought to the justice they deserve. However, I think now that I am rested and we've had our meal, we, unfortunately, should move onto business," Anna changed subjects.

"Very well, if you'll follow me to my study, we can begin our discussion," Nathanial said. The family stood up when Anna did and after she thanked the family for the meal the two of them proceeded further into the house, the rest of the Oluf family staying behind as servants came to clean up after them. Two new guards from her entourage had taken their posts, these ones looking a little more thawed out than the others, and followed the Queen a respectable distance away.

It was a short trip to another part of the manor when Nathanial led Anna inside a moderately sized room, a little smaller than her own study, and a lot neater and manageable. At least there weren't stacks of paper and parchment covering the desk like her own. The guards waited outside as Nathanial closed the door.

"So, there's a potential problem for the Realm that I should be concerned about?" Anna queried, slipping into her Official Head of State tone, asking about what was written in his letter.

"Indeed Your Majesty. I consider all aspects of trade as my strong point, but I especially keep track of the money that flows with it. Since this war has been going on, I've been going over records to make sure we can still finance our forces."

"Let me guess, you found something that indicates Arendelle can't?" Anna asked, expecting the worst, but still hoping for the best.

"Yes Your Majesty," he admitted to her displeasure, "but that's not all. I've gathered other town's business and income charts and made my own findings. We have another two years of moderately funded war, three to four if we stretch some things but by then our economy would be ruined and a post-war economic rebound would only recover a fraction of it, if that, before we're faced with a terrible economic crisis."

Anna frowned. "I didn't realize it was so bad. I admit Arendelle wasn't exactly suited for a war economy when conflict broke out, but when it did the shift was done with relatively minimal troubles to the funds we had. It was projected to me that Arendelle could continue on this economy for many years, not the significantly shorter time frame you speak of. And I refuse to put My Kingdom into someone's debt –or even worse, a Banks'."

"Unfortunately that leads me to the next point of my research," Nathanial said. "Your father did well in keeping Arendelle out of debt like your grandfather, so when we went to war, we didn't need to ask for loans or borrow from our allies –who need the money as much as we do. But early on during your father's reign, trade started going down, and with it money and our credit. That in itself wouldn't lead to Arendelle's predicament, as trade ebbs and flows, but there were a lot of little things that added up. Shipments that went bad inexplicably or due to carelessness, caravans loosing their wares due to natural accidents or bandits, or worse, those same groups just plain vanishing.

"Add to that minor accounting errors -which have been taken care of, but not before the damage was done- and the war we currently are fighting, which leads to the treasury being at its lowest in nearly a half a century, and our credit lower. If this trend continues, Arendelle will be completely bankrupt in ten to fifteen years, unable to take loans. Maybe longer if we get significant restitutions from our enemies in the case of an Arendellian victory."

"Do you have any records I can review with my own staff?" She almost wanted to say 'proof' but that would have been rude and accusatory. This information is beyond worrying. Why haven't I heard anything about this from my financial head? Or is this something that was kept from me, a dark, paranoid part of her thought.

Nathanial nodded, "Yes your Majesty," and went to a drawer and handed her the relevant papers. Anna took them and as she read them the frown on her face grew. While she would be the first to admit that numbers weren't her strong trait, she knew that what she had in her hands was pretty damning.

If our losses have been going on for this long, that's too long of a time period to be a coincidence. It seems too… calculated, too deliberate. If we weren't at war I wouldn't even consider this, but reality has opened me to other ideas and lines of thought. This almost seems like a conspiracy to destroy Arendelle…

"Can this be verified?" She asked finally after a long silence of her reviewing the files.

"I copied the records from Ravenden, and had old copies from Yvenis before it fell. I sent for other records as well from other towns. What you have in your hands are copies of those as well, so you can take them back to Heimr Àrnadalr and cross-check with the master treasury, your Grace."

Anna nodded. "This is admittedly disturbing news. I need to check some other records but if this is correct and I do find other discrepancies or anomalies, then it might mean that this war was planned a long time ago."

"How did you come to that conclusion?" Nathanial asked.

"It seems too… deliberate. Too many coincidences, and over such a long period of time as well. There are other things I need to look at before I can say anything, but it's looking like a plot to ruin Arendelle," Anna said, foregoing the stately tone she'd been using.

"I… hadn't thought of that," Nathanial said. "I assumed it was the natural tide of trade and just a series of unfortunate circumstances. I was more worrying about the present, and the future recovery of Arendelle."

"And I commend you for your duty, Viscount Oulf," Anna said officially. "You have done a great service bringing this to my attention, and further personally showed me this instead of keeping it hidden or going public with it, which would have caused further chaos that we can't afford… literally in this case," Anna smirked a bit at her own poor attempt at levity. Nathanial chuckled a bit as well. Probably just to win points with me, not that I'm complaining. Good to have people laugh at my jokes, bad as they sometimes are.

"I'm just doing what I can do for the Queen and Kingdom," he said.

"Indeed. Now, it has been a tiring day and I wish to retire for the night," Anna said.

"Of course," Nathanial said, standing up. "I'll lead you to your room." He then gestured for his Queen to take the lead out the door, which Anna did and had Nathanial join her slightly behind her at her side. Not in front as that would signify that he was above her in station, which he wasn't, and not behind like a servant or guard, which would be demeaning and mildly insulting, as this was his home. So, next and slightly behind her, as protocol dictated.

Ugh, sometimes I wish I could just do away with the monarchy mumbo-jumbo lame protocols and all that, Anna moaned to herself, but kept quiet about it. Papa made sure to drill all the customs into my head, regardless if I understood them or not. The two guards had followed them behind the Viscount, and Anna noticed that one of them had her weapon on his side. Nathanial led her upstairs to one of his guest rooms.

"I hope that this will be to your liking," Nathanial said, opening the door for her. He went inside and started lighting the oil lamps, making the room discernable. The room was moderately spaced with a (no pun intended) queen-sized bed with pure white blankets and fluffy pillows. There was a closet and a door to a washroom, with various common furniture scattered around the room and a nice window overlooking the valley. There was a fireplace that had a small fire going in it.

"Thank you, this will be more than enough." It's definitely better than sleeping out in the cold and snow. "If you could bring up the rest of my affects as one last thing, then I bid you good evening," Anna said, wanting to get some sleep.

"I will take care of it your Majesty. Goodnight," Nathanial gave a bow and then turned away, going back downstairs.

Anna spoke to her guards, "Please leave my sword and go aid him, after that, you two are dismissed for the night. And tell Major Deserun that the room across from mine is his to have," Anna gestured to the opposite door, "and there's no need to station a guard outside my door."

"Are you sure my lady?" The guard asked as he handed over her weapon.

"I think for one night I can ignore proper protection, especially in this weather. Only the determined or desperate would be out and about." Anna took the sheathed weapon from him. "And I can easily take care of both."

"As you wish your Majesty," the guard said with a bow, and the two of them followed the Viscount downstairs.

Anna left the door open and placed her sword on the bed stand next to the bed. She sat down and sighed wearily, leaving the papers that she had been given next to her. This isn't good news. This needs to remain secret if it is true, which I have a feeling it is. This would only cause us to loose the war sooner since our money would stop flowing as people will make stupid… no, not stupid, just more selfish than anything, decisions with their money. Like a pile of dominos Arendelle would fall like Westelton and The Isles would like so much. I can't let that happen. I am the Queen and it's my responsibility to care for my people.

Well, at least it won't happen immediately, there's still some leeway. We just have to be careful. She looked up at the sound of people approaching and saw them carrying her trunk. "Thank you, just place it over there," Anna gestured to the wall. The guards did as she instructed and she said, "I bid you good night."

"Your Majesty," the guards said with a bow and a fist clenched over their heart and exited. Then Major Deserun entered after them.

"I heard no guards?" He opened up, sporting a raised eyebrow.

Anna smiled a bit. "It's only for one night, and you'll be right across from me if I do need anything. Besides, I can protect myself," she looked back at her sword, then tapped her chest knowingly.

"I know you can, but it's my job to be concerned about such things Anna." While almost all would say that Anna was someone that wasn't the most traditional monarch and didn't strictly adhere to rank and protocol, there still was a certain formality they needed to keep when talking with her. But Major Deserun was one of the few that could talk frankly with her without any consequences since they had known each other for a long time, as he was one of Anna's friends and drill instructor. Not to mention in charge of her safety.

"And you do such a good job at it. But for tonight, I think a little slack can be given," Anna said.

Deserun sighed. "As you wish Anna. I'm honestly too tired to argue with you this time."

Anna smiled. "Glad you see things my way. Have a good night Deserun." He left with a slight bow and closed the door. Well, time to follow my own advice. Anna went over to the window and closed the curtains, then went over to the trunk and brought out her nightclothes and did a quick change, putting her unwanted clothes inside, along with several other items that she had on her person- like her purse and winter gloves. She then took the papers and put them inside a folder she had, and then secured it inside a hidden compartment in her trunk. After that she added more fuel to the fire to heat up her room a bit more before she went to sleep.

Making one final trip around the room, blowing out the candles and turning off the lanterns she then went over to her bed and crawled under the blankets and sighed, resting her head against the pillow. Ugh, what a day. She looked up and then blew out the last candle on her bed stand, making the room lit only by the softly crackling fire. She closed her eyes and slowly went to sleep.

XXXXXXXXXX

*1- Denené: The One- referring to the Creator, God.

*2- Kireke: Slang for 'Denené O Kireke', meaning 'Religion of The One'.

Well, what do you think? Like I said before, this chapter is set up and a little bit of world building. In two days I'm going to be putting out Chapter 2 of this, so please stay with this! I don't have anything else so please Read, Review, Favorite, and Follow.

-OrangeGalen