Frozen Beyond [gxg]

King Eirik

"Queen Anna of Arendelle and Princess Elsa of Arendelle are requesting an audience with you, brother," Hans announced with a bored undertone, bowing at his waist before standing up straight.

Two guards blocked Elsa and Anna's path with large swords crossed to form an X and keep them from passing.

Elsa glowered, trying time peer over the edge and holding onto Pips' hand, though she was shifting and swaying her hand back and forth to both keep Pips from worrying and to keep Elsa's mind moving.

The swords pulled away, the scrapping of metal causing Elsa to grit her teeth. Anna rushed forward, head up as she came to stand before the throne.

A tall man stood. He without question looked related to Hans. With broad shoulders and a narrow waist, they both had the same body type. A brown-gray beard covered his jaw, it was nicely groomed but his hair was wavy even when slicked back. Peppered pieces mingled with chocolate brown hair to show he was older than Hans. His brown eyes watched Anna closely. "Hans tells me you are harboring pirates?"

Anna curtsied, jabbing her elbow into Elsa's side before she relented and curtsied.

"We are not harboring pirates, they are assisting us on a quest and helping us sail. And one of them is a citizen of Arendelle. All are under the protection of the Arendelle crown." Anna told matter-of-factly.

Elsa smiled, looking back up at the King. She really hoped he wasn't like Hans.

The King glanced over at Hans before looking back to Anna. "I understand my brother has caused quite a problem in your Kingdom a few years back. I'd like to formally apologize for his lack of self-control then, and now."

Elsa heard Hans scoff and smirked. Thank the gods, his older brother was much kinder.

"Thank you, Arendelle holds no ill will towards the Southern Isles. But we would appreciate our crew back." Anna jokingly laughed, though it came out unsure and awkward.

King Eirik smiled, nodding his head towards the guards who immediately headed out of the room. "Done. What are you doing so far from Arendelle?"

Anna and Elsa exchanged a glance, and this time Elsa stepped forward. "There is a man, his name is Crow and he is dangerous." Elsa's voice wavered and she cleared it. Whenever his name came out of her mouth, she felt sick. "He's planning something that will affect everyone. You've heard of Nifelheim? He's planning to unleash the darkness that is trapped there." She squeezed Pips' hand.

King Eirik frowned, shifting restlessly. "That is just an old myth."

"But it isn't. I thought Ahtohallen was a myth and it's very, very real. The Enchanted Forest where I live is real, and I'm real." Elsa held up her free hand as glittering snowflakes swirled in her hand.

"So the stories of the ice princess are true." King Eirik murmured, taking a few steps from the throne and rubbing his chin. "What do you need? And do you know what will happen next?"

"We don't. The stories of Nifelheim have it placed in the mountains past Ahtohallen, the farthest northern reaches. Arendelle will probably be the first attacked and that's why we must ask you," Elsa looked over at Anna who quietly nodded, urging her to go on. "We ask if you could assist."

King Eirik rubbed his beard, thinking. "Let me think it over. Until then, Hans," he directed, his voice booming over the room.

Hans rushed forward and dropped to one knee.

"Please show them to rooms where they can stay. We will get you all taken care of. I apologize for Han's actions until now. He was only following orders. He won't cause any more issues, correct?" Eirik arched a brow at his younger brother.

Hans stood and cleared his throat, the sound rough.

Elsa almost felt sorry for him. Almost. Anna giggled beside her.

"No, sir." Hans finally answered.

Anna wavered beside her and Elsa reached for her, coiling her free arm around Anna's waist.

"What's wrong, is she sick?" Eirik asked, concerned.

"She's pregnant." Elsa promptly shot back. A guard came by to help hold Anna up.

"Pregnant?" Hans echoes blankly.

"She's traveling in her state? Guards, please bring her to the room and fetch the doctor!" Eirik ordered.

Elsa swallowed past the dry, sandpaper feel of her throat. Anna was overexerting herself because of her.

"We have excellent doctors. Your sister will get the best care." Eirik tried to ease her worry. "And who's child is that?"

Elsa paused, squeezing Pips' hand, the four-year-old hid behind Elsa when everyone's attention seemed to be on her. "Mine." Elsa finished. She was going to explain the situation but decided it wasn't needed.

"Oh, I see." Eirik looked a little confused but didn't question. "Please make yourselves comfortable and Hans will show you to your rooms. If you need anything, the servants will be at your beck and call."

It seemed King Eirik was far more likable than Hans. Even as the guards led them away, Elsa couldn't help but feel bad for Hans. Was that the shadow he had always been placed in? If so, she understood his need to be recognized. She shook her head and leaned over to scoop Pips up as they followed the guards. That wasn't something she needed to concern herself with right now.

They had far worse dangers on the horizon.