Chapter 3.

It's been a whole week since I started living at the palace, and in all that time I haven't seen Anna besides a couple of times during dinner because normally she's too busy to waste her time by spending it with me. Of course, she never said it like that; she's too kind and polite. But that's how it feels, and it hurts, though I do understand. Anna is the Queen, and her whole kingdom needs her to do all she can to ensure their wellbeing.

However, I'm worried about her, because she looks pretty tired every time I see her, like she hasn't slept properly in days. And based on how little she eats when we have dinner, I doubt she's eating enough either. She always sounds so drained during our conversations, like she didn't want any of this, but she knew it was her duty. She is a slave to her kingdom.

I want to help her, of course, but how do you tell a Queen she shouldn't overwork herself without it coming across as an insult? Especially to Anna, who already seems to have major doubts about her abilities as a ruler.

But anyways. I don't know why I worry about something I won't be able to solve. I have my own problems, after all. Like Kristoff. Yes, he's still being hostile towards me, and though I have learned to ignore him, it still hurts he thinks I'm dangerous just because of this… curse? Gift? I don't know how to call it, but I know I could have kill him with it long ago if that's what I wanted. But I don't, and that's what he doesn't seem to realize.

Though I still don't have much control over my magic. I can't practice for fear of getting caught and everyone freaking out. They would probably think I'm planning an attack on the castle, and even Anna wouldn't be able to stop them from executing me. Still, I've tried cooling my bedroom a little before I go to sleep, and at least now I don't cover the walls in ice. Thank God Gerda was understanding and didn't get mad at me when that happened.

Now that I think about it, Gerda is probably the only person in the castle, besides Anna, that doesn't hate me (yes, even if no one would dare attack me with Kristoff at my side, some have insulted me, and even more look me in fear and contempt when I walk by). I'm grateful to have her, otherwise I'd probably hate being here… and have awful headaches all the time (yes, they haven't disappeared yet).

But enough about that. Right now I'm doing the only slightly entertaining thing I've been able to do lately; running away from Kristoff. Yes, I know it's dangerous, but it's like playing hide and seek, and it's pretty much the only thing I can do to stave off dying of boredom. Right now I have a fair advantage, and if turn here I may be able to lose him for a while longer, but… I don't know where it leads. I've never been here before, what if I'm not supposed to come to this part of the castle?

No, Kristoff would have told me if there was a forbidden wing, right? Plus, it seems to be mostly empty, so maybe I could find a secluded place to practice a little with my powers without anyone noticing. I probably won't do it, even if I find a good place though. I don't trust myself not to cause an early winter in Arendelle.

Just as I round the corner, however, I collide with something and end up falling on my butt. At least whatever I bumped into wasn't taller than me, so it didn't hit my already sore head. I look up to see the object that got in my way and… to my surprise, it's a person. And not any person either, but Queen Anna, who is sitting on the ground and rubbing her forehead, obviously hurt because of me. Still, I can't help noticing she looks quite beautiful today, wearing a finely embroidered black and magenta sleeveless dress and having a beautiful golden tiara atop her intricately combed hair.

But this is not a good time to appreciate Anna's beauty, and so I quickly get up to assist her, utterly ashamed and regretful for my carelessness that now is causing her discomfort.

"An-… Queen Anna!" I say, still not comfortable with using her name when addressing her. "I'm so sorry, please let me…" I try to reach out to help her get up, but in that moment, I see two sharp spearheads pointing in my direction dangerously, and finally notice Anna is with two guards, who are looking at me with distrust.

"Get away from her, you monster." One of them spats, and I almost fall in my haste to take a few steps back, genuinely fearing from my life. Fortunately Anna has now recovered enough to notice what's happening, and soon gets up trying to calm down her guards.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" She says, placing herself between me and her guards, raising up her hands in a placating manner. "No need to be so jumpy, Gerard. She's my new guest, remember?" She addresses the guard that spoke to me.

"But, Your Majesty, she's not supposed to be here." He protests.

"I-I'm not?" I stutter, fearing I overstepped my boundaries. "I'm sorry. I didn't know." I apologize, truly regretful of my actions.

"It's okay, Elsa. Don't worry." She looks back, giving me one of those precious smiles that always make me stare at her in wonder, asking myself how could there be someone as beautiful as her. "But where is Kristoff? He should be escorting you, right?"

"Uhm… about that…" I blush and lower my gaze, but I don't have time to explain because is that moment I hear my guard's voice behind me, obviously breathless after chasing me around half the castle.

"There you are." He says, gasping for air. "This is the royal wing, you shouldn't…" He stops talking once he notices Anna and her two guards. "Oh, Anna. Hey, I didn't see you there." He greets her casually, but then seems to remember his position and tries to correct himself. "I-I mean. Queen Anna, I apologize for this inconvenience. I promise it won't happen again."

"Thank you, Kristoff." She chuckles, obviously amused at hearing him being so formal, but knowing it was necessary to keep up appearances in front of her other two guards. "No apology is necessary. No harm was done."

"Okay." He nods before wiping his sweat off his forehead.

"Well, I guess I should go now, there are lots of things I still have to take care of." She says, but a yawn escapes from her mouth and she blushes in embarrassment.

"You look tired." I point out, looking at her nearly black eye bags. "You should rest."

"No, I'm fine." She tries to brush it off, but her eyes tell me she's about to pass out, so I eye her in disbelief. "And I really can't rest. I'm very busy right now."

"Well, then let me help you." I say without thinking, and instantly all the gazes in the room, including Anna's, turn suspicious and distrustful. I almost cringe. That sounded bad, like I'm using this as an excuse to look into Arendelle's secrets. "Just… with mindless tasks, like putting seals into envelops, or classify your books… or anything to alleviate your workload, really." I try, but no one seems to believe me and I unconsciously hug my midsection, feeling nervous.

"Why?" She narrows her eyes. "You don't think I can do this by myself?" She says, clearly upset. She's probably heard this hundreds of times by now, if it still hurts her this much.

"N-no, I just… I'm worried about you." I try to excuse myself, but then I realize it sounded silly, considering I don't even know her, so why should I care for her, right? But… I just… I do, and I can't explain why. "I mean… you've been so nice to me, letting me stay here and all, and I want to repay that favor." I say something that doesn't sound too crazy and still is partially true.

Anna looks at me intently, apparently trying to discern if I'm saying the truth or just trying to gain her trust because of some ulterior motive, and I try not to deviate my gaze even though those teal eyes pointed directly at me are making me nervous and self-conscious. Still, I'm somehow able to hold her gaze and resist her scrutiny until she nods, apparently satisfied with what she saw.

"Very well, then. If you really want to help me, meet me at the library in half an hour. Kristoff, please show her the way." She orders before she starts walking to wherever she had been planning to go before.

"But Anna…" He tries to protest, but the redhead stops and glares at him.

"That was an order." She says curtly, voice infused with all the authority she can muster. She is no longer cute, sweet Anna, but the Queen, ruler of this land. At least that's how I feel, and apparently Kristoff thinks so too. Despite his misgivings, he and the other guards don't dare utter a word in protest as she turns and walks away.

I smile as I watch her go and then turn to my guard.

"Well? Where is the library?" I ask, smiling when he glares at me but starts walking towards our destination anyways.

Kristoff takes me to the library and stays at my side, looking at me with distrust until Anna arrives, and he has to position himself at the entrance to give us some privacy. The redhead comes in along with a few maids that carry tons of papers, letters and a scroll, which actually takes me back; I didn't think she'd let me help that much, but… I'm glad she did. If it means she'll finally have a whole night of sleep and a proper meal, I won't complain.

As the maids place the papers on a nearby table, I notice Anna has changed into more casual clothes (a gray long-sleeved dress with no ornaments) and redone her hair into her usual braids. I have to say, even if she doesn't look as beautiful and regal as before, I'm glad she did it; she doesn't look much like a queen now, and that puts me at ease. Maybe I could even make some casual conversation with her? No. She'll probably leave now to sleep in her room. Well, maybe another time.

"Elsa." She addresses me once the maids have left all the stuff at the table and are retiring. "Listen, while I'm grateful that you want to help me, and I do trust you… it wouldn't be wise to just hand you documents related to affairs of state. So please don't take this personally." She says with pleading eyes, clearly not wanting me to feel offended.

"… okay?" I say confused. What are those papers for then?

"Here." She hands me the scroll. "This is what I want you to help me with."

"Uh… what is this?" I ask as I open it to see a bunch of names and numbers.

"It's the list of people who were exiled to the Northern Lands. I want you to search for your name in there." She says, and I feel a chill run down my spine. If my name is indeed in here… damn, I'm screwed! And she's making search for it! Like I'm signing my own death sentence! Doesn't she realize how cruel that is?

"Don't worry, even if you find someone who has the same first name as you and is around the same age, and even the description matches, I won't execute you." She says as if reading my mind and chuckles nervously, obviously disliking the idea of executing anyone for any reason. "I won't exile you either. I won't make any decisions until you get your memories back." She smiles reassuringly at me and I sigh in relief, glad that she's not just trying to find an easy solution to get rid of me.

"Okay then." I agree, now not so uncomfortable with what I have to do. "Is there anything else I can help you with?" I ask, because really, I want to do more for her if possible, after all I'm living for free here! But even as I say it, I have a feeling she won't accept.

"No, thanks." She says a bit courtly, like she doesn't like my offering. She's probably thinking I doubt her abilities, just like everyone else apparently "I'll be doing some paperwork. Tell me if you need anything." That said, she sits near me, takes one letter and starts reading it.

Sighing, I force myself to tear my eyes off her and focus on my task. This is not how I would have expected spending a whole evening with Anna to be like, but… well, at least she didn't go back to her office, so maybe she also wants to spend some time with me? I almost laugh at the thought. Most likely she wants to keep an eye on me. She may not hate ice wielders, but she doesn't trust us either (at least that's what the most pessimist part of my mind thinks). Oh well, I think I should be used to it by now… even if it hurts more when it's Anna that doesn't trust me.

Anyways. Time to start working.

I take the scroll and extend it a bit, reading the first names.

1.Martha Westergard. 1868.

Age: 29.

Sex: Female.

Description: Red hair and green eyes. Not an ice wielder.

I'm taken aback at this. Why would they exile a non magical person there? Was it common before ice wielders existed? Why didn't Anna mention any of this? Should I ask? I turn to look at her, and see her concentrated on her task, so I decide against it. I'll ask later. I better keep reading.

2.Hans Westergard. 1868.

Age: 2.

Sex: Male.

Description: Auburn hair and green eyes. Not an ice wielder.

Okay. That's weird. Two non-ice wielders in a row, and they are the first ones on the list, no less! This is very intriguing. I wonder if Anna knows something about it.

Noticing she's already finished tat letter, I decide to ask before she takes another one.

"Anna." I call, making her turn towards me with a questioning expression. "Why were non ice wielders exiled to the Northern Lands?"

"Uh… W-wha…? No, they weren't." She exclaims, scrunching her eyebrows in confusion.

"Yes, look." I point to the two first names as I bring the scroll closer to the redhead, who leans in to examine it closely, her eyes widening when she realizes I'm telling the truth.

"I… I don't know." She answers honestly. "Father never mentioned something like that."

"Are you sure?" I insist, because really, this is so intriguing.

"Well… he did say that, when exiling children, he gave the option to the family of being exiled as well, but…" She pauses, frowning. "It was always kids with powers." She shakes her head. "I'll need to investigate those two. Tell me if you find any more names like these, okay?"

"Okay." I nod and return to the task at hand, but as I keep reading name after name of fellow ice wielders, I can't help finding the presence of those two first people the strangest part of the list. Something just doesn't add up here, and I wish I could find out why they were exiled.

A few hours later I'm halfway through the scroll, while Anna has reduced her paperwork… only a little bit, actually, but I'm so tired I suggest a recess and the queen promptly agrees. Her relief at being able to tear her eyes off the numerous documents and letters is obvious, and she swiftly calls a servant to bring us dinner here. I have a feeling we probably shouldn't be eating in the library, but I don't dare disagree with her.

We sit at on couches in front of the fire and, while we wait for our meal, Anna stretches a bit, yawns and then turns to look at me with a tired but happy smile.

"I ordered hot chocolate. I hope you like it." She says.

"Of course I do." I answer honestly, because really even though I've only tasted it once, it's my favorite drink ever.

"Good. Now tell me, how's it going?" She asks pointing with her head to the large scroll still lying on the table.

"I haven't found much." I shrug. "The first Elsa was too old, and was the mother of another ice wielder; she didn't have magic herself." I explain. "The second one was younger, must be like 27 now, but she has grey eyes. And the third one… she has blue eyes, is about thirty, but her hair is white, not blonde." I sigh, not sure if annoyed or relieved that I haven't found anything.

"I see." She nods in thought. "Yes, I don't think you are any of those. You look definitely under 25. I mean, I guess you could be older, but it's highly unlikely."

"Yeah, that's what I thought." I agree.

"And… hasn't anything triggered your memory? Any names that sound familiar?" She asks, and my eyes widen in realization. Of course she wanted me to read all the Northerners' names! She thought I could remember them if I was indeed one. That was actually pretty cleaver, and though I would've loved to regain at least one memory… that wasn't the case.

"No. Sorry." I sigh, hanging my head low.

"It's okay. I'm sure you'll remember something eventually." She says reassuringly.

"But… what if I don't?" I voice the fear that's been tormenting me all this week. I mean, shouldn't I already be remembering something? At least my parents? My best friends? Anything?

"Well, in that case you could stay and be my assistant." She jokes. "Since you are so concerned about me working too much." I blush at the teasing smirk with which she said it, because really, it's ridiculous! I shouldn't care so much about her. And yet I do.

"Relax, I'm actually glad you wanted to help me. I've been wanting to read that scroll the past few days but… I always ended up drooling over it before reading a single word." She chuckles, and I giggle at her statement. It's so un-regal, something a queen would never say, and that makes Anna seem so… human. It makes me want to be more open with her.

"Well, I'm certainly glad that the scroll is still legible after you used it as a pillow." I joke, and she laughs at this, in that carefree way any teenage girl would, not caring about manners, not wanting to impress or keep composure, but still not sounding vulgar or annoying. I love it. And I love being the cause of it.

In that moment, the servants come in bringing plates of food, mostly sandwiches, and mugs with steaming hot chocolate. I don't complain; I love chocolate and I like sandwiches, but I'm curious. This doesn't seem like something royalty usually has for dinner. I decide to ask.

"Sandwiches again?" I raise an eyebrow. "You most love them."

"I'm sorry." She apologizes, blushing and taking a strand of hair behind her ear. "If you don't like them I can ask for something else?" She says this like a question, insecure and worried about what I want. Part of me wants to giggle over how cute she looks, but instead I rush to reassure her, not wanting her to feel bad.

"No, it's fine. I like sandwiches. I was just wondering if they were your favorite food, since we also had them the other day."

"Oh." She sighs relieved. "I'm glad you like them, because yes, they're my favorite food." She smiles as she takes a big bite of her sandwich, so big in fact that some lettuce sticks out of her mouth, prompting her to inhale it in a very unladylike manner. I chuckle behind my hand, smiling fondly at her as she blushes and quickly tries to put the rest of the lettuce into her mouth. I find the sight quite endearing.

Then I start eating, loving the taste of the chocolate and the sandwiches. But most of all, I like the company. I think Anna and I could be good friends… that is if the queen of Arendelle can be friends with an ice-wielder. I know it's pretty much impossible, but I can dream, right?

After dinner we got again to work, even though I insisted Anna she should retire for the night, but she is very stubborn and she's the queen, so there's really no way to argue with her. I've been reading name after name and description after description for hours, but… I don't find anything and nothing really triggers my memory. I'm getting tired and I want to sleep, but I promised Anna I'd help her, and so I won't retire to bed until she does.

2465. Marshal Morrow. 1877.

Age: 14.

Gender: Male.

Description: White hair and grey eyes.

2466. Olaf Morrow. 1877.

Age: 5.

Gender: Male.

Description: Brown hair and brown eyes. Not an ice wielder.

Brothers, huh? And they were fairly young too. I wonder if they had a family, I mean, it's weird that the powerless younger brother was exiled along the older one, wasn't anyone there to take care of them?

No. Of course not. They were orphans, remember?

I don't know where that thought came from, but I don't have time to even consider that. My mind is filling with the image of a small kid, around four or five years old, with brown hair and brown eyes, looking at me with a big goofy smile, as I hear his voice saying: "Hi, I'm Olaf, and I love warm hugs!".

I gasp as the memory ends, trying to control my breathing, because I don't understand! Was that really a memory or just some weird hallucination product of me wanting to go to sleep but instead forcing myself to read all these names? I mean, I haven't remembered anything this past week, so why should I start now?

I know, I know, I'm pretty much in denial. It felt like a memory. Something I saw and heard with my very eyes and ears a long time ago. It's a bit blurry and I don't really have the context, but it's a memory nonetheless. But, does that mean I'm actually a Northerner? Did I meet this kid when I was exiled? Well, it's possible, but nothing is sure. The kid from my memory is very young, like how Olaf must have been when he first arrived to the Northern Lands. So I could have met him before that; he could have been my friend before getting exiled… Or he could actually be another Olaf, because really, it wouldn't be that strange; there are like five different Olafs in the Northern Land's scroll, so I assume in Arendelle it's a common name.

So no, this doesn't mean I'm a Northerner. It doesn't have to mean that, but the possibility is there. I guess I'll have to keep reading to find out.

After the Morrows' names there were several others, but no Elsas fitting my age and description were found. I kept reading for another half an hour, and the only solace I found was that I was about to finish. Also, Anna's snores were pretty relaxing.

Yes, she fell asleep at some point (probably before I read Olaf's name, or else she would have questioned me about why I suddenly gasped), and now is snoring and yes, drooling, over the table in the cutest way possible. I wanted to move her to the couch, but knowing she'd probably wake up, I decided against it; I somehow managed to get the letter she was reading out from under her face, so she wouldn't ruin it with her saliva. She briefly mumbled something in her sleep, but fortunately didn't wake up.

Just when I think I'm about to fall sleep myself too, bored to death by all these names that mean nothing to me, I find something. Number 3102.

3102. Classified (Classified archives. Section S. Number 7220). 1879.

Description: Platinum blonde hair and light blue eyes. Extremely dangerous.

I feel a chill run my spine. This is a description that is very similar to me. But… pretty much everything is classified, including gender, and also, extremely dangerous? I wouldn't say I'm dangerous at all, so probably this really is talking about the Evil Queen of the Northern Lands. Maybe I should ask Anna.

No, I better keep reading, there are only like fifteen names left, and when I finish I'll wake her up. Yes, that will do.

Not even five minutes later, I finish the scroll, and… my name doesn't appear on it again. Which means, either I'm not a Northerner, or I'm number 3102, the classified one. I think it's time to wake Anna up. I mean, this could wait until tomorrow, and she deserves a good night of sleep, but she still has to wake up in order to go to her room, so…

I turn to look at her, and find myself smiling lovingly at the sight. Her hair, though still in two braids, is messy; her head is resting on her arm, which has a very visible spot of drool on it, and her mouth is slightly opened, letting out soft snores. I giggle behind my hand before reaching out to wake her up… but my hand seems to have other plans, as it finds itself taking a strand of her hair and gently putting it behind her ear. Her hair is so soft! I could keep caressing it all night… but that'd be weird, and probably Anna would get mad if she discovered me, so no. I have to control myself.

My hand lingers a bit more cupping the soft skin of her face, but when she mumbles something in her sleep, I'm finally able to snap out of my contemplation and do what I have to do; shake her awake.

She blinks a few times, trying to adjust her eyes to the dim light of the library, before her eyes finally focus on me. She frowns in confusion before taking in her surroundings and coming out of her haze, to acknowledge me with a big yawn.

"Found something?" She mumbles, her eyes still half closed.

"Yes, but maybe you should go to sleep now and see it tomorrow."

"Nonsense, I'm fine." She says with her slurred voice as she takes the scroll off my hands. I sigh at her stubbornness, but I figure the sooner I tell her, the sooner she'll go to sleep.

"Okay… It's number 3102." I point out at it. "It's classified."

"And… you didn't find your name anywhere else?" She asks, yawning again.

"No. And the description of that number would match if that person were female."

"Okay… wait here." She instructs, still half asleep, before getting up with shaky legs, almost falling over the table in the process, but being able to hold herself up by clutching at the edge.

"Ugh… the floor is moving." She mumbles, but fortunately enough, the next steps she takes are a bit less shaky and she manages to get to the other side of the library in one piece. There, she gets out a little key and opens a door I hadn't noticed before, getting in and emerging soon later with a thick bunch of papers in her arms. She doesn't come to me though; she stays at a table near the strange entrance, searching between the documents for something.

When minutes pass and she just keeps looking at the same papers over and over again, I get worried and, though I'd like to go there, I decide against it because those are classified archives, so instead, I just ask.

"Anna? Is something wrong?"

"No!" She rushes to say, but then bites her lip and looks down in shame. "Yes…" She admits quietly. "Number 7220 from section S is missing."

"Are you sure?" I ask in disbelief.

"Yes." She sighs. "It shouldn't be though. I mean, supposedly, only the monarchs have access to the classified archives, so… either my parents took it out for some reason, or it got lost, which I highly doubt because they were very careful… or maybe someone stole it. I mean, it does seem pretty important."

"Maybe…" I say, fearing the last possibility, after all, who would want a classified archive? And more importantly, for what? Surely nothing good.

"Anyways." She sighs. "I think we should retire now. I'll try to find it tomorrow."

"Okay." I nod, letting a yawn escape my mouth, but covering it with my hand. "Should I help you tomorrow too? With something else?" I ask hopeful. After all, I loved spending time with Anna instead of Kristoff for a change.

"Tomorrow I have some meetings. Sorry." She casts an apologetic smile at me. "I'll tell you when I need you though. It was less tedious to work with you than alone." She smiles gratefully at me and I do so too.

"I'm glad I could help you." I answer honestly. "But now I'm pretty tired, so I should go." I get up, trying to keep my eyes open. "Goodnight, Anna." I smile at her one more time, hesitating for a moment as I wonder if I should go and hug her goodnight or something, but decide against it since I know it probably wouldn't be proper. Plus, she's still holding the classified archives files.

As I exit the library though, I see her happily waving at me, and just seeing her smile makes all the tiredness I feel suddenly disappear. I can't wait to see her again.