The Queen's Admiral

Chapter 24: Turn

“WAIT-WHAT???!!!”  Olaf and I screamed at Lt. Andersen in unison at the revelation that my aunt just offered her hand in marriage to the son of King Sigurd of the Southern Isles.

“She can’t be serious!” I went on.  “She wouldn’t… she couldn’t…” I stuttered while Olaf seemed to be caught in a daze and kept muttering incoherently:

“Elsa’s getting married… Elsa’s getting married…  And she didn’t tell me.  When is she going to tell me?”

“Hang on,” Lt. Andersen said.  “Snap out of it Olaf!  I’m not finished with the story yet.  There’s still a lot that went on.”

“You mean King Sigurd said no?” I asked as the little snowman did snap out of his daze and looked up hopefully.

“Errr… it’s complicated.  He—”

“No! Don’t tell us directly!” I begged.  “Tell it like it happened.”  Despite my shock, it was still the most interesting twist of the story yet and I wanted to know all the details.

“Are you sure you’re going to be okay with that Olaf?” Lt. Andersen asked. 

“It does have a happy ending right?” he asked.

Lt. Andersen looked uncomfortable.  “Well… uhhhmmm… slightly… happy…”

Olaf frowned.  “Okay, I’ll take the chance.  But promise to hug me when you get to the bad parts.” 

I moved next to Olaf and put an arm around him.  I had a feeling this story was about to get really bad.   

Lt. Andersen sat on Olaf’s other’s side and offered his own arm around the snowman before going on…

The silence that hung between Queen Elsa and King Sigurd after her offer seemed to take forever.  The king didn’t break eye contact with her but I can tell his mind was racing.  There was a sudden twinkle in his eye that made me feel uneasy.

“That is an interesting proposition, Queen Elsa.  Of course, Morten would be honored with such an offer as yourself as his bride.  But this is no easy decision. May I ask for some time to consider it?”

I sighed with relief and although Queen Elsa didn’t show it, I know she is probably feeling the same. 

“Of course, your majesty,” she replied.  

“Thank you,” said the King.  “Allow me to sleep on it.  Until then, please do take the time to rest.  I am sure you are fatigued from your journey.  My servants will have accommodations for you and your escorts.”  They stood together but Queen Elsa stopped him from going further. 

“May I ask for one thing, King Sigurd in connection to my proposal?”

“What is it?”

“The family that owns the Rose Inn, should you accept my proposal allow them and their descendants to live freely and unmolested forever as citizens of the Southern Isles.”

“Hmmm…” the King said thoughtfully.  “I suppose they are harmless.”

“Thank you,” replied Queen Elsa.  They gave each other polite bows before the King led her out the door.

There was a cluster of courtiers waiting outside the door with curious looks on their faces.   The king however, ignored them all and called for a manservant.   He gave instructions to lead his royal guest to her quarters for the evening.    One of the king’s brothers—Prince Heinrik—stepped forward.