Elsa could feel her eyes shifting as she furiously scanned the crowd, their rapid movement almost painful in the back of her head. It was Devil. It had to be. Of course, he would come. This was the perfect opportunity. She needed to find him. But how did one locate someone that could take the shape of any individual and simply mingle in the crowd?

Not only that, but a murmur began to circulate, which made discovering the fire starter even more challenging. A rift sparked and spread, with hushed voiced uttering doubt that underlined cheering and praise. Elsa could see it clearly. Suspicion and gossip. Intrigue and scandal. She wasn't imagining anything at all.

What would she do? Everything was finally falling into place only to be scattered again by a single, powerful question that cast a shadow over all that Elsa knew. Devil was a menace. There was no doubt he was behind this. Did he know? He must know. How could he not? But why didn't he do more? He could crush Elsa's relationship with Anna so easily, yet he seemed to wait. "Grimoire" backed off, and this latest outburst also seemed half-hearted.

What was he planning? There was more to it. The mirror. Anna. Gerda. Grimoire. Leon. They were all connected, but Elsa couldn't find a true method to the madness.

Was it simply that? Was it simply the longing for chaos? But why? There had to be motive. There had to be. Elsa wanted to think on it further, but the current crisis required her attention. "What about Anna?". The timing of the question left little to the imagination. Elsa was getting married, so, what about Anna? What about the whispers that accompanied discussion of the sisters and their abnormal closeness? If word spread that Kristoff and Anna split, would that only fan the fire?

Elsa's jaw cracked as it grinded. She found Gerda's doe eyes and was greeted with the same blank stare the girl harboured in the dungeons. The queen continued to search, and breathed out slightly easier at the sight of Sorey and Maxwell apparently continuing to cheer and clap in an effort to maintain the celebration.

The seconds went on, and just as Elsa knew she would have to say something – anything – an unexpected response erupted beside her, a voice like morning dew's freshness sending Elsa's heart over the moon and back.

'U-um…I'm okay with it! Thanks!' Anna squeaked, the words cracking uncomfortably. 'Everyone in Arendelle basically knows how much I care about Elsa, right? I mean, she's been my idol since I knew what an idol was.'

A little laughter in the crowd, with the cheering dying to listen more closely to the younger sister. The morbid whispers faded slightly, and Elsa stared at Anna in bewilderment, a small sound of approval humming in Arthuria's throat.

'And…Oh. Where was I going with that?' Anna scratched the back of her head to more humorous responses from her people. 'This is why Elsa does all the speeching. I know most of you, and you wouldn't think I have trouble talking, but I'm definitely heating up over here.' Anna pulled at the collar of her dress to let some air in, and Elsa couldn't move, stuck in place as she watched her red-faced sister step forward and counter the comment that could ruin them all if left unchecked.

'I've known Elsa would probably get married and need to make a baby for us all for a while now. It kinda comes with the job or, you know, ruling a kingdom and all that. No big deal.' A pause for the positive reception of a very unconventional speech. Elsa could only imagine the council's thoughts on this, but she didn't care. She was enthralled.

'Do I love it? No. Not a one bit. So, when you – Mr. Random Guy that thought it was okay to butt into a major part of my big sister's life – asked "what about Anna?", I guess you were looking out for my feelings as someone who's always gazed at Elsa with big, wondering eyes. For that, I say "thanks a whole bunch". But seriously, not the time or place. Nope. Bad boy.'

Chuckling alongside some accusatory stares at potential suspects.

'I love Elsa.' Anna claimed, making her sister's heart swell. Elsa knew what Anna meant, and it brought her nothing but ecstasy. 'I love her so much that I told myself only the best could have her. King Arthur here is the best.' Anna patted the king on the shoulder, Arthuria having stood back up a little while ago. 'Honestly, I'm super jealous and don't want to let anyone have my Elsa. Sisters are protective like that. But Elsa is smart. She can be a little sensitive sometimes, but she's really, really smart.'

The smiles that were spreading through the crowd were numerous, and Elsa was so proud of Anna in that moment. She was fixated on Anna's rhetoric and presentation. She couldn't believe how easily she herself had been frazzled. "What about Anna?". How simple it was to misinterpret, and evidently Devil was testing the waters yet again. Surely he had whatever he sought, just as he obtained similar information during his grand display as Grimoire. Elsa almost felt thankful for the opportunity to watch Anna address such a large crowd. She was shining, if however awkwardly.

'King Arthur is a smart choice. I like him, and that's half the battle when getting into another family, right? Elsa is going to marry King Arthur, have some ridiculously adorable babies to take over when we're gone, and Arendelle will go on being amazing. How does that sound?'

Deafening. The sound was deafening. Revitalized and swayed into optimism, only a very select few continued to think more deeply on the supposed rumours that had made their way into the city.

'I can't hear you!' Anna went on, waving and laughing all the while. Elsa beamed, her charming, slightly crooked smile exposed. She wished their situation could be different, but she could bathe in Anna's light forever, even if she had to hide the feelings that evolved into something beyond what she thought love could be.

'Now, I think you were about to do something there, King Arthur?' Anna maintained her pace.

With that, a page in Arendelle's history was crafted as a ring was slipped onto Queen Elsa's slender finger, its splendour enchanting, and the populace of Arendelle shaking the very earth with their celebration. The music began, and Arthur took Elsa's hand in his arm, the two of them waving and acknowledging the people they would rule for minutes upon minutes of unfiltered celebration for what was to come…

'Although a banquet would be more than welcome, I should not leave my kingdom for longer than I already have. I sent word of my extended absence, but my knights are sure to grow anxious should I be gone for much more time.' Arthuria and Rynn had almost immediately begun preparations to leave Arendelle. It seemed too soon for Elsa. She didn't want the admirable women to leave so quickly, yet she completely understood their haste. Arthuria was a king already. It's not as if she was a prince waiting to ascend the throne.

'Leonard has been more than generous with the paperwork for us to work through to make this union a successful one as well. At least the lull between our visits won't be boring.' Rynn rolled her eyes, knowing it would be primarily up to her to ensure all the details had been taken care of.

'I appreciate your cooperation.' Leonard bowed.

The group was at the castle entrance, with a number of guards blocking out any citizens at the gate looking to speak with the queen and her new fiancé. Arthuria's entourage was impressive as always, ready to incorporate whatever demand their king deemed necessary. The king herself was still dressed to the nines, and perhaps it was for the better considering the distance she had to travel. How many bandits and the like would be foolish enough to take on an individual with as much presence as Arthuria? Elsa was curious.

'We will exchange letters these coming weeks, Queen Elsa?' Arthuria was already mounted on her pure white horse, the proud animal looking the part of the stead serving such an impressive king.

'I would like that. Finalizing the date of the wedding is important…and I will miss you. So, keeping in contact will be nice.' It wasn't a lie. Elsa would miss Arthuria. She was an unexpected friend and ally; one the queen of Arendelle hardly had been expecting.

'Then it will be.' Arthuria nodded, eyeing the ring on Elsa's finger and then looking back to Rynn, who was forced to ride with one of the other knights. It wouldn't do for the king to be held so tightly by an attendant of the opposite gender.

'Thanks for being grand, King Arthur.' Anna waved. She was still recovering from the impromptu speech she had delivered, taking almost ten minutes of sitting and breathing to get her heart under control immediately following her rather well-received delivery.

'Take care of your sister in my absence, Princess Anna. It was a pleasure.'

'Same. Bye, Rynn.' Anna grinned, a strange sort of conversation happening between the two girls.

'I will write you, Anna. Don't want you to feel left out, after all.' Rynn giggled.

Elsa looked between the two girls, her curiosity enhanced further. When had this connection deepened?

With that, King Arthuria bid adieu to Arendelle, her party of blue and gold trailing behind her with the grace befitting the woman's persona. Elsa instantly felt a little emptier and slightly more alone. Arthuria knew her and Anna's secret. She knew and supported it with all her heart. An ally like that was very few and far between, and the queen almost wished the wedding would come sooner rather than later.

'There they go.' Anna had her hands on her hips, and only Elsa could sense the faintest touch of irritation in her sister's voice. It was so well hidden, even the queen herself wasn't sure if she was simply imagining it.

'Well done, Queen Elsa. This concludes the suitor selection process, and I am pleased that you seem very content with the results. We will be in constant communication with Candolian from this point forward, but it is an alliance I am most looking forward to. Arendelle's safety, at the very least, is quite secured with King Arthur on our side. His exploits of success on the battlefield are known even amongst the most ignorant.'

Elsa thought of the sword that rested so powerfully at Arthuria's side. Elsa could sense the magic within it, and that in and of itself was something to marvel.

'Otherwise, life can return to the way it was, as we know it. I may need your assistance from time to time with the documents that will require your approval moving onward, but that should be just about it for a while. I encourage you to enjoy some well-earned normality for the time being.' Leonard was standing with his hands clasped behind his back as he went on. He was apparently in a good mood. Elsa couldn't blame him. The relief he must've felt was likely more than even hers, for Leonard, as her attendant, had looked after most of the planning and communication between all the kingdoms.

'Leonard,' Elsa began, pondering for but a moment. 'Would you like a vacation?'

'Oh!' Anna exclaimed, her face lighting up. 'Lenny's earned a spontaneous break? Nice one!'

But the older man simply chuckled deeply, rubbing his bald head as it gleamed with just a little sweat in the sunlight.

'No. There is still work to be done. A scouting team is being put together to find Percival, and Nils is still looking for a mirror that no longer exists. I fear the greatest trial is far from over, my queen.'

Elsa closed her eyes and nodded. She didn't like to think about it, but Leonard certainly spoke the truth.

'That being said,' the man went on, lowering his voice and leaning in next to the queen. It was only the three individuals now, with guards at their normal posts, but otherwise, the space between the palace's gate and its entrance remained fairly clear, with perfectly maintained gardens and grass on either side of the trio. 'Should I be concerned regarding what transpired today during your engagement?'

'No.' Elsa answered flatly, belying the panic that coursed through her body at the mere suggestion of Leonard suspecting her.

'It is the second time such a situation has occurred. Why is Devil attempting to spread a scandal of this nature? Based on his actions, one might assume he harbours a different form of intelligence. Thus, why push for such an unreasonable defacement without any basis?'

Elsa didn't want to hesitate, but she couldn't find the words fast enough, opening and closing her mouth twice before settling on an appropriate answer.

'He seeks chaos and manipulation. Think of the fulfillment he would feel by spreading such an incredible lie successfully.'

A beat, with Leonard touching Elsa's shoulder softly.

'I will listen to your words above anyone else's, my queen. Now, if you will excuse me.'

Elsa's attendant departed, and her entire posture relaxed as the air left her body. Anna was by her side within milliseconds, standing so close that Elsa could feel her presence resonating with her own.

'What the heck?' The little sister looked disgusted, and Elsa could completely understand. 'You don't think Gerda said something, do you? Is that why things are getting a little uncomfortable?'

'I don't believe she would. But, then again, it is difficult to say what she's thinking at all. I will perhaps need to have another word with her in the near future.' Elsa shook her head, turning to Anna and discovering her voice was caught at the sight of her. 'We…can continue this conversation in my room. This dress is lovely, but a little restrictive.'

'I hear you there.' Anna pulled at her own outfit.

'Shall we?' Elsa almost offered her arm to her sister, but even Anna didn't seem opposed to the idea of keeping a low profile on their way to their private chambers respectively.

Elsa had a brief moment to herself as she discarded her dress and the multiple layers that came with it. Anna was changing in her own room for the time being, and only the ever-present snowgies continued to keep the queen company.

In her mind, Elsa wanted to tell herself that there was an occasion to celebrate, but the surreal nature of her reality was quickly becoming more and more uncanny in the sense that she never thought it would come to this. The weight on her finger was bearing down on the young woman, and what was once a grand scheme to pursue Elsa's own selfish and twisted desires was now truth in every way. Was she doing her kingdom a disservice by lying to the people so blatantly? Elsa felt the thin ice she tread upon, and the outburst during her engagement wouldn't be the last. How stressful it would feel to be so very careful all the time. She would always have to be aware of who was around her and how loudly she was speaking. Making love to Anna again would prove difficult, especially with this heavy, painful knot in her heart that suggested she needed to be extra careful for the moment.

Part of Elsa almost regretted taking this route, but then Anna snuck in, dressed in a simple one piece that had small designs along its base and collar, with only a stylish belt shaping the younger sister's body ever so pleasingly.

Elsa smiled, having just put on a very similar outfit, apparently on the exact same wavelength as her sister, which was of little surprise. Seeing Anna was all the reassurance the older sister needed. Knowing Anna was hers made Elsa want to scale the highest mountain for her all over again.

'Hey, there.' Anna waved, shutting the door behind her with a soft click and flopping on to Elsa's bed. 'I feel like I need a nap already and we're barely past lunchtime. The sky's awake, so I should be awake, but I totally want to sleep.'

'I can understand that.' Elsa wiped off some of her make up, using various chemicals to help her do so. She could feel Anna's eyes on her, but she didn't mind. 'I'm thankful there won't be a banquet or anything tonight…as much as I wouldn't mind spending more time with Arthuria and Rynn.'

'Arthuria? Is that her real name?' Anna sat up, moving so that she was parallel to Elsa, who was at her vanity desk.

'Er…Yes.'

'Didn't know she told you that.'

'…I went for a walk last night after we fell to sleep. I was restless.' Elsa teasingly glared at Anna. 'And you were flailing about.'

'Whoops! Sorry.' Anna sheepishly replied, becoming serious suddenly. 'So, you had a midnight chat with King Arthuria, huh?'

'Yes. But we only talked.'

'What else would you have done?' Anna kicked her feet, turning away and pouting a little.

'She…told me something in confidence, but I'm sure she meant for the information to be used for your benefit as well.' Elsa wetted a cloth and rinsed her face haphazardly prior to turning to Anna and beginning to remove her subtle makeup as well. It was intimate somehow, and Elsa loved being so close to Anna's features, allowed to observe her more thoroughly than any other.

'What's that?' Anna sounded curious.

'It would seem that Rynn has experience with…Ahem…Sisterly affection…'

'Huh? Really? That's…unexpected.'

'Yes. Arthuria was present during the exchange. She was even involved, from what she told me.'

'…I don't get it. She watched while Rynn and her sister…?'

'No. She made it sound like all three of them…well…y-you know.'

A long pause, and during the break Elsa felt her face burning red. She was fortunate to be cleaning around Anna's eyes, so they were shut, unknowing of Elsa's embarrassment at even the topic.

'A love triangle?' Anna finally suggested innocently.

'Arthuria made it sound like it was a mutual agreement of…of sexual affection between likeminded desires.'

'Huh.' Anna huffed. 'That's…a little strange, don't you think? I mean, just thinking of you being with anyone else kinda gets me riled up in a bad way. I can already feel my chest prickling.'

'…It's a curious thing, that is for sure.'

'Y-you wouldn't be okay with that would you? Elsa?' Anna blinked rapidly, rubbing her arm against the lingering refreshment she currently felt upon her visage.

'…I don't know. I haven't given it very much thought.'

'I didn't think you'd need to!' Anna poked at her sister's face, her pupils shifting back and forth. 'I-I mean, I'm the only one you love, right?'

'Of course.' Elsa placed her hands on Anna's legs that bent over the side of her bed. 'But I can understand the allure…somewhat.'

Anna pushed her hands through her hair and sighed loudly.

'Elsa…? You're kind of a deviant here and there, aren't you?' She grinned eventually.

The queen shrugged, trying not to blush again.

'I-I just explore every venue available to me. I'm not suggesting we do anything of the sort; it was just a discussion.'

'Hold on. Hold on. Hold on.' Anna waved her hands, cupping her chin afterward. 'What about this? Say you and I never got together, okay? If Kristoff and I were still dating, and eventually, in some separate timeline or whatever, he was one day like, "We should totally let Elsa in on our fun!". You would be kinda sorta maybe into that?'

'Absolutely not.'

'Huh!? But you just said…!'

'Kristoff is a threat. You care about him. He could take you away from me if I gave him a chance.'

'No. He couldn't.'

Elsa puffed her cheeks a bit.

'Either way, I would not accept such an offer.'

'But pretend you didn't love me. How about that?'

'There are no Elsas in any reality that wouldn't love you.'

Anna shook her head with a big smile, entangling her fingers with Elsa's happily.

'Fine. You love me. So…?'

Elsa breathed out heavily, gripping Anna's hands tightly within her own.

'If there was no possibility of you returning my feelings in any way, and you approached me with such an offer, I…I suppose I would accept if only to be with you and feel your love temporarily. I would mostly ignore Kristoff, surely.'

Anna giggled, giving Elsa a quick kiss. The little sister paused, her eyes shifting back and forth.

'Oh…I think I know what you mean now.'

'Pardon?'

'There is something a little interesting about all of this. Hmm…' Anna's expression changed contemplatively.

'W-we shouldn't discuss it anymore. As it stands, we need to be very cautious going forward until Devil is taken care of.' Elsa hastily changed the subject. She was becoming aroused, and that wasn't good for how she knew she had to behave for now.

'Ugh. Seriously. That guy has problems. What was the point of messing with the engagement like that anyway? And how the heck does he even know? It's gotta be Gerda, right?'

Elsa swallowed, knowing there was little to deny such a developing fact with.

'It is very possible…'

'So, what's the plan? Do we look for Devil, or…?'

'Honestly? I don't have a plan. Finding Devil is next to impossible. Our only lead is Gerda, and I doubt she'll suddenly start talking.'

'Isn't it a little dangerous to have her as your head maid still?' Anna's brow narrowed.

'I do it to keep her close. Her motives are not yet clear, but making an enemy out of her doesn't seem smart either.'

'She obviously likes you…like a lot. Maybe we can use that to our advantage and find out about Devil that way?'

'I've already tried, but she clamps up very quickly when I even attempt to touch that subject.'

Anna groaned.

'I have a bone to pick with that troll, too. He made me talk in front of way too many people. Elsa, my chest was going to explode. I was actually scared I was just going to burst in front of everyone. I probably sounded like a crazy person up there.'

Elsa giggled, but gave her sister's hands another squeeze.

'Not at all.' Elsa pressed her forehead against Anna's, staring into her little sister's gorgeous, blue eyes. 'I was beyond proud of you, Anna. Proud and very attracted to the charisma that you displayed despite not preferring to make such speeches. You did it for me, I know, and I was so very flattered and enamoured.'

'Heheh. Good. I was definitely trying to impress you, I'm not gonna lie.'

'Well, you succeeded.'

A moment where both girls simply stared into one another's eyes, Anna giggling shyly while Elsa grinned, rubbing her thumb around Anna's hand.

'I'm so happy I'm with you, Anna. I'm scared, I won't deny it, of what the future holds, but having you by my side makes me believe I can overcome anything. You are my other half. I am more comfortable with you than when I'm alone. I feel whole. I feel full of love. I feel so lucky to have you in my life.'

'Heheh. I definitely know what you mean. We've had some bumps here and there, but I think we're closer than ever because of those hiccups. I know you better than I thought I could, and I feel so excited when I think of what else I can learn about my sister, best friend, and…the person I'm in love with.'

'…I wish we didn't have to hide this. It seems too wonderful not to share.'

'I hear you loud and clear. You think I liked seeing you get "engaged"? It put things into perspective for me, and I know it's not going to be easy. I'm going to do my best to play it smooth, but man…It's hard not to get jealous.'

'Is it strange that it makes me a little happy that you get so envious of me?'

'A little!' Anna laughed, shoving her sister a bit only to bring her back close.

'But green would go so nicely with your hair!' Elsa continued to giggle.

'Stop it!' Anna gripped at her sister's sides and began tickling her, Elsa immediately losing all composure she thought she had and howling with little restraint. 'Don't forget that I know all of your weaknesses!'

'Y-you…cheater…!'

'This is what you get for teasing me!'

'Hahahah! S-stop…! Stop, Anna! I'm sorry!'

Anna clutched onto Elsa's sides for a second longer and than released her, crossing her arms and smugly humming to herself.

'Heheh. You're still so ticklish, huh? Next time you think about messing with me, remember that – Ohmygosh!' Anna screeched, a wave of an ice-cold sensation coursing through her entire body.

'How quickly you forget about the power I command.' Elsa slapped her hands together, raising a brow confidently.

'That's playing dirty, "Queen" Elsa.'

'And tickling me wasn't?'

'Fine. Fine.'

Elsa breathed out for a moment, thinking her coming days over and how best to use this lull between major events for what it was. She considered the kind of queen she wished to be, and although she had made grand strides, there was still some work to be done. Not only that, but she felt her physical presence amongst her people was important during this strange transition. A new king in Arendelle was enough of a change, but the rumours that threatened to worsen needed a salve of some form, and Elsa knew the best way to apply said medication was to become more human and real to her subjects. Thus…

'I think you and I should tour Arendelle tomorrow and connect with as many people as possible, Anna.'

'Whoa! Where'd this come from? I definitely don't mind, but…'

'I've been rather busy as of late, and would like to level with our citizens. The rumours are troubling, and I'd rather not allow them to circulate further beyond my consent. Keeping face is much simpler in person, don't you think?'

Anna nodded enthusiastically.

'Okay. Then that's what we're doing tomorrow! Nice! Sounds fun!'

'…I wouldn't say "fun", but it will be productive.'

'Oh, come on; you'll be with me!'

'Fine. Productive and tiring.'

'Hey!'

The sisters smirked and then laughed heartily, enjoying the time they had for what it was. Devil would be the primary focus from this moment onward when he could be. So long as he was at large, Elsa couldn't relax…at least, relax as much as possible considering the secret she held from all of Arendelle. Devil was becoming more and more bold, and Elsa knew he would love to make the truth of her and Anna's relationship known in the most painful way possible. He was still testing some boundaries, it seemed, so Elsa planned to contend at the first given opportunity.

'You're not alone anymore, Elsa.' Anna said suddenly, as if reading her sister's fears. 'I'm not going anywhere ever. We'll take care of Devil together.'

'Yes…' Elsa breathed out, realizing this was a rare moment that she should value more than panic over something she could do nothing about immediately. 'Thank-you, Anna.'

'No problem.' Anna touched her nose to Elsa's, rubbing it playfully. 'Eskimo kiss.' She whispered.

'Heheh.'

'Now, a real kiss.' Anna went on.

And Elsa felt her sister's lips anew, closing her eyes and tasting every facet of the joy she had finally allowed herself. Alone she was not. She would defend this feeling with her life. What better way to use the "gift" she had been born with? Elsa's infinite imagination could not think of another cause more worthy.