✔𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐳𝐞𝐧 𝐈𝐈𝐈: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈

Chapter 72: Blizzards and Hells (EP. 01)

"Anna, please. You have to go with mama and papa to the Enchanted Forest, it's where Aiden and I know you all are safe."

"But I want to stay here, with you and Aiden! What am I going to do there, play guessing games if you got killed or not? So mind you!"

"What you're going to do there is keep safe and watch over Auriana and Chandler, and make sure mama and papa are doing well. Lieutenant Matthias and a few other guards will accompany you all. Please, Anna. I can't afford to lose you. Any of you." Elsa pleaded, caressing her sister's damp cheek, her thumb gently wiping a stray tear away.

"You better swear it'll just be for three days." Anna clenched her teeth stubbornly.

"I promise." Elsa squeezed her hand, "You're doing me a favor. Just so you know."

Anna locked eyes with her with her vision blurred by tears, "I know."

Because the last time you turned your back on him, he almost chopped your head off. Yes Elsa, just pretend that didn't happen.

Just pretend that I didn't almost lose you.

"Kai, were our guests aware of the situation?"

"Yes, your Majesty. King Aiden and I had advised all of them to sail away a day early because of precautionary measures. All of the foreign monarchs had parted ways except for one."

"Which one?" Elsa raised a suspicious brow.

"Princess Maria, your Majesty. We had spoken personally with her highness but she had reasoned that she would like to extend her stay for more excess hours to recover from a fever."

"Fever? What, she stubbed her toe and she lost a string of her hair?" Anna rolled her eyes in sarcasm, "I don't even know how I am agreeing with you to stay in the forest when I smell something fishy with that woman."

"Something fishy? Anna, we're just taking things the decent way, but we all know she's surely responsible for poisoning Sergeant Eirik and Kirk."

"I'm sorry to interfere, your Majesty, but I have to admit I completely agree with you and King Aiden's suspicions. Why would the Princess of Spain wish to poison the dungeons' current guards? To seek the only prisoner in it. And why would she seek an ex-prince?"

"To form alliance." Elsa breathed heavily, gasping, "... And I thought things could not get any worse."

"Last I checked, we haven't done anything bad to her. What's her problem? Cat got her tongue last night?" Anna scoffed.

"Simple. She wants my husband," Elsa growled, "While the Southern traitor wants either the crown or vengeance. And you question me why I wish to send you and the rest to the forest."

"I'm not a damsel in distress, Elsa! Should I repeat how I survived a frozen heart, saved you from a throne greedy prince and now may I add I broke a dam for the future's sake?"

"You're going. No arguments. End of story." Elsa firmly declared, "Kai, please make sure Princess Anna gets to Prince Kristoff and the others."

"And what of the Royal heirs, your Majesty?"

"I wish to hold them before I face my greatest foe. Don't worry, I will give them to my mother before their departure."

"Of course, my queen. Princess Anna, please follow me."

Anna slowly whirled her head around to lock her gaze on her sister one last time, her ocean blue eyes reflecting both worry and defeat. Elsa nodded at her solemnly before mouthing an I love you and receiving another back.

She just hoped it wouldn't be the last time she gets to do that.

Heavens above know what Hans can do, Elsa sighed, But I shouldn't really fear for the worst.

While she heard the door close behind the head butler's back, she walked swiftly to the cherry wood cribs just standing beside her desk; taking her time to caress the soft, velveteen blankets covering two precious creatures she holds dear the most.

"Mama's going to miss both of you," She whispered, carefully picking up both of her heirs and gently kissing their crowns, "Very badly." She finished, brushing her nose against their hairs.

It'll only be for three days, She mentally noted. Don't blame yourself for growing too attached. You're a mother.

You have every right to stay close with them.

"But mama will be back for you. It'll just be a bit," She reassured, feeling her son squirm, "So be good for your Aunt Anna."

Don't drive her crazy or she'll hunt me down like the wild woman she is.
______________________________________

"Ready, everyone?"

After receiving nods and mumbles of agreement Kristoff motioned for Sven to start the trek. The reindeer began to walk away as he spared one last glance at both the King and Queen of Arendelle, before firmly going forward to endure his now fixed speed.

Soon, the wagon and its passengers were no longer visible as it grew smaller and smaller in the horizon. Elsa folded her arms against her body with an exasperated sigh, her eyes shutting tightly to stop the tears prickling through.

A bigger frame engulfed her form tightly, a pair of arms tightly holding her in a supportive way. Her eyes remained closed as she squeezed the hand that went to her waist, already feeling Aiden's warm breath on her ear.

A familiar phoenix perched on top of her creator's shoulder, her fiery feathers flowing elegantly on the edges of her wings.

"Cyra."

The fire bird turned her beak on Aiden.

"Keep an eye on them. Make sure they travel safely."

With an affirmative nod, she broke into a mighty squawk and parted from her perch with glowing inferno eyes, soaring to the skies and then pushing through one direction.

Her shadow loomed over the traveling wagon, Iduna finding the fire bird's flying figure just above them. She shot her a smile and hoisted her grandchildren onto her chest, covering their heads with her scarf to keep them warm from the cold breeze.

"It'll only be for three days, snowflake." Aiden comfortingly reassured, "Heaven knows if we can catch the traitor early or not."

"I hope we find him soon. I don't even know if I can sleep tonight with knowing that our children are far away from their home."

"Everything will be okay in the end," Aiden kissed her forehead, "That I promise you."

"What would I do without you?" Elsa smiled, brushing their noses together.

"Oh, love. You know I won't ever leave you."

You'll always have me.