Winter Souls

Summoned

I'm back!! Read the bolded text at the end of the chapter for a little reward for your patience.

"Well?" I say to Thor as he enters my study. I lean forward with my hands laced in my lap.

"Nothing," he replies with a frown. He sits in a chair across from me and leans back with a sigh. "He refuses to comment. I am not sure how to proceed. His denial is highly disconcerting."

"It is for me, too," I frown. "Do you think that maybe he'd listen to me?"

Thor scratches his beard thoughtfully. "I think you have a better chance than I do. Maybe his fondness for you will translate into understanding."

I feel myself blush. "I-I'm not sure. In any case this needs to be discussed."

"I agree."

"Thank you for your help, Thor," I say and stand up. "I'll speak with him tomorrow after breakfast.

Thor nods and stands. "Very well. Good night, your majesty. I shall now retire."

"Goodnight, Thor." I smile at him as he leaves the room, but I don't follow his lead even though I'm thoroughly exhausted from the stress of the day. Instead I sit at my desk and pull out some parchment, ink, and a quill.

Dear Anna,

I hope you're enjoying your honeymoon, but I do miss you dearly. The palace is so quiet without you and Kristoff. The servants talk about how they miss your silly antics and Kristoff's horrible jokes. Olaf has been rather mopey without Sven around to play with. Even Loki mentioned several days ago how it was "too silent and eventless without the red-haired one and the man-with-the-strange-shoes around wreaking havoc on the place." I think he's warming up to you two.

Anyways, on to more pressing matters. Something has happened. I don't want to worry you with specifics, so I am simply going to entreat you to extend your visit in Corona until further notice without any questions asked. I can just see your face right now. You're pouting in protest. But I need you to listen to me, Anna. I want you in Corona until I tell you to return. Don't fret about Arendelle; I'm taking care of everything. But until all is settled I will be more comfortable knowing that you're safe with our family in Corona.

Feel free to write me, but adhere to my request, Anna. I love you, sister, and I need you safe.

Send my love to Rapunzel and Eugene and our Aunt and Uncle. Tell Kristoff to take good care of you.

All my love,

Elsa

I fold up the letter and place it into an envelope. I seal it with the palace seal and set it aside to be sent first thing in the morning.

I awake the next day with a horrible headache. It's a strange feeling because I don't remember ever having one before. The trolls have told me that I probably wont experience a whole lot of illness in my lifetime because of the "magic" in my veins. But they never said it was impossible. So I go about my morning routine trying not to think about the pain. However, it takes me longer to get ready than usual and I stumble down to breakfast half-an-hour-past the usual time.

Thor and Olaf are already seated at the dining table laughing over a spilled bowl of porridge that has started to melt a dent in Olaf's torso.

"Oh my," I say and the two look at me. They both stand to welcome me in.

"Morning, Your Majesty," Thor says with a bow.

"Elsa!" Olaf giggles. "I'm melting!"

"I see that," I reply weakly, trying to add humor to my tone, but internally I'm worried-freaking out, in fact. Olaf shouldn't be melting. He should never melt as long as the magical flurry above his head is there, regardless of the conditions of the environment. The trolls assured me.