Frozen: The Blackest of Tidings

Chapter 1: The Table

COLD WINDS swept around her, the unyielding fog giving nothing but vague grey and blue. Her dry lips quivered and her eyes fluttered opened, rime screeching under her fingernails as she sat up. A loud ringing in her ears gave way to screams and wails muffling with the sounds of steel clanging against each other.

Her platinum blonde hair shifted gently as she turned, a sense of deep worry and confusion enveloping her. Her sister lay unconscious across from her, strawberry blonde hair obscuring her face and soaking in crimson. Blood pooled around her, streaking up to her fingers.

"A... Anna?" She inched toward her sister, pain radiating in her right shoulder as she sobered slowly.

A figure parted the mist behind her, its colossal form towering over as it approached. It swung a large sword down at her, its sheer girth emanating a muffled sound as it moved.

THE MORNING light met her face, welcoming her to the new yet worrisome day. Three months had passed since the appearance of the flying knight called Tony Stark and his presence brought more confusion in the kingdom. He explained how the times changed, how the worlds had merged and all of it troubled her.

What did it mean? Who caused it? What was she to do? Elsa's heart was deeply troubled and confused. Nothing made sense to her and as Queen of Arendelle; it seemed to rest all on her shoulders. With the Order of the Nine Stars having deserted the kingdom during the same time, fear had bored its way into her mind.

Neither she nor Queen Rapunzel or Duke Eugene had heard from Lord Erhard and the Order and it was unsettling. She feared for her sister and herself, wondering how the kingdoms that lost their monarchs were fairing out. Despite her remorse for their loss, Rapunzel urged her not to attend the burials of the fallen royals for their safety as they would surely be blamed for their deaths.

As she gripped her arm worriedly, another feeling swelled within her, one which met her rarely. Ruling the entire kingdom had had its ups and downs, but she always felt strong no matter what came her way. Now that her first year as Queen was nearing its end and her sister was betrothed, she felt lonely.

She sighed as a familiar pattering of feet met her ears, her eyes turning to the man who approached her. The light reflected against his curly blonde hair, blue eyes glinting brightly and a smile stretching his beard that was warm and inviting. His muscular build lay hidden beneath a white three-quarter, twin-tailed blazer that covered a black shirt and trousers which wrapped around leather shoes.

"Sir Balder." A small smile curved her lips. "What is it?"

"You worry me, my Queen." He walked up to her. "Ever since the flying knight arrived; you've spent many a morning at that window. Does it trouble you that much?"

"What am I supposed to do?" She turned back to the window. "First dragons, then demons and giants, my sister controls fire and now time is on its head. Are we supposed to turn our clocks back? Forward? Inside out?"

"Doubt references would make a good jest." He smiled, a chuckle emanating from him as he clasped his hands on the windowsill.

She glanced at him, stifling a wider smile at his company. His advice was always welcome when she was confused or troubled, but even he had no idea what should be done, if they could do anything at all about the situation. She sighed, a source of relief coming to mind as her smile widened.

"At least our food problems are solved, Rapunzel's really nice." She turned to the palace grounds.

"Yes, her kindness is most appreciated." He nodded. "I would like to ask, if I'm not intruding, what your relation is with her."

"She's my cousin."

"Good thing Anna did not know or someone else would have ruled Arendelle in your stead." He huffed slightly. "She really detested being queen."