A/N: I hope you all are enjoying this story! It's been a pleasure to write so far, though I must apologize for it taking so long - I just haven't had as much time to write as I'd like. I promise you, though, we will see this story through to its conclusion!

Thanks for your patience!

Eight long years had passed since Captain Andor, then Commander Andor, brought Elsa to Arendelle Castle. She moved slowly around her room after waking on this anniversary of her father's murder, taking some time to grieve in private while she dressed, and before facing the rest of the day.

She missed her family dearly, and was afraid that none of them were alive. The Captain had sent out search parties for her mother and Anna after bringing her here as he promised, but aside from her father's unfinished grave and burned-out home, they had found no trace of her family. He had shed tears with her when he broke the news years ago, though she refrained from any physical interactions like the hug she so desperately wanted.

Anna. She paused by the window and looked out at the morning sun as she thought the name. Elsa missed her sister more than anything. In her dreams, she could still hear Anna's infectious laughter, and sometimes dreamt of the many times they would play in her snow on a hot summer day. She always woke from those dreams with tears.

Andor had told her that, just because they didn't find her mother and sister, it didn't mean they were gone. They may have moved elsewhere, or taken to hiding in other lands. She had nodded, wishing he were right but afraid he was not. She had resolved to act as though she had no living family; to hold on to that hope only to learn later it was unfounded would crush her, that much she knew.

Elsa tore herself away from the window when a knock sounded on her door. "Princess Elsa," a familiar voice called from the other side. "It is nearly seven. The King expects you at breakfast soon," Nikolaus, Andor's son and one of the two guards stationed outside her door this morning, called.

She smiled despite her saddened reverie. Nik had become a good friend, and while she didn't trust him with all her secrets, she knew she could count on him. "Thank you, Nik," she answered as she began finishing her hair. "I'll be out shortly." She'd managed to help him in his own studies, and when he joined the Royal Guards at 14, he had quickly moved from an enlisted Guard to a Sergeant.

As she finished, she looked at the window once more, studying her opaque reflection for a moment before focusing on the world outside. She hoped beyond hope that Anna was out there somewhere, happy and alive. The thought steeled her to the new day, and she locked all thoughts of her family away. Then she turned and strode to the door.

Nik and the other guard fell into step just behind her as she moved down the passageways toward breakfast. They moved quietly behind her, leaving her to her own thoughts as they walked. She wouldn't have minded a conversation with Nik, but she knew his dedication to his duties meant he wouldn't say much.

She entered the dining hall for breakfast with her two guards in tow, and took her place at the head table. King Osvald's expression visibly soured when he saw her, and she knew exactly why. It was no secret that the King disliked her; she was the Crown Princess, and one day she would assume the Crown.

She thought about it more as she filled her plate and began to eat. To be honest, Elsa really had no idea why the King disliked her so. She refused to brag, but she studied hard, and knew as much as or more about the Kingdom and its interactions with its neighbors than anybody. She practiced proper etiquette and manners. She could think of nothing that she was doing wrong.

Elsa had overheard some rumors between some of the Castle staff, and she couldn't help but think they might have some truth to them. The rumors went that the King hated her simply because she existed. Before she was brought to Arendelle, it had been thought that King Osvald would name Hans his heir. Since then, her presence meant that Hans would never wear the Crown.

"Good morning, Princess," a silky voice said from beside her as Hans sat down, interrupting her thoughts. "A pleasant day, isn't it?" He didn't wait for her answer before continuing. "I thought maybe you'd join me for a walk around the city this afternoon, if you're free? Of course you are." He smiled briefly before he began eating.

The thought made Elsa cringe inside. Hans hadn't done anything overtly mean to her in some time, but her perception of him was colored by the way he had treated her in her first years at the castle. It seemed he would go out of his way to cause issues for her, and had even left bruises on her arms when he'd grabbed her too hard a few times. Captain Andor or a guard had always stepped in, but the memories were already ingrained.

Still, she found herself answering him with a nod. "That sounds agreeable. I had intended to visit the city today anyway. I heard there was another mystery ice sculpture in the square, and I'd like to see it before it melts. Of course you won't object," she added quickly, "to my guards accompanying us?"

Hans looked over at her with a look she couldn't quite place. Then he smiled and nodded. "Of course!" he answered a little too enthusiastically. "The Crown Princess must always be under guard. You, of course, have heard about the three Marked Heirs before yourself? I wouldn't want something to happen under my watch."

"Indeed, I read about them," she answered, perhaps a bit too curtly. She found herself no longer hungry at the reminder that she was the fourth Marked Heir since Osvald ascended the throne. She knew all too well that each of them had died from unfortunate, and from her admittedly limited research, questionable circumstances. "If you will excuse me, Hans, I need to get to my studies." Elsa rose without waiting for an answer and quickly left the dining hall, her guards in tow.

Elsa and Hans returned to the castle shortly before dinner. It had actually turned out to be a pleasant excursion; Hans had been quite the gentleman for a change, and she almost felt like he was trying to be a friend.

Almost.

There was a look in his eyes every now and then that she simply couldn't place. She wasn't sure what it was, but it made her keep her guard up, despite feeling almost comfortable in his presence. She went with him to every merchant and shop he had business with, and he didn't complain about taking her to the new, mysterious ice sculpture that had been created in the square, though she sensed he didn't really care for it.

It had been a thing of beauty, though! Nearly as tall as the shorter buildings around the square, the level of detail was incredible. This particular sculpture was of Jeanne d'Arc, one of her sister's favorite heros in the stories her father would tell them at bedtime. This was yet another secret she would tell no one.

"I wonder who keeps creating those ice sculptures," Hans mused aloud as they crossed the castle courtyard. This was the first he'd actually brought up the subject; so far, he had seemed to be ignoring it. "At least they're doing it for free, but I'm sure my father would like to have some discussions with him."

Elsa, for her part, simply smiled and nodded her agreement.

As they approached the entrance to the main hall, they encountered a group of Guards headed toward the training grounds. Nik led them, his assignment having been altered at noontime, and he paused long enough to nod. "Good afternoon, Princess," he said as the group moved to continue on.

Before Elsa could do more than offer a quick smile and a wave, Hans stopped and challenged Nik. "You forget your place, don't you, Sergeant?" he called after Nik, who, being addressed by a member of the Royal house, stopped and turned at attention. "How dare you address the Princess in such a manner?"

Elsa stepped in front of Hans and squared her shoulders. "Stop it, Hans," she commanded. "The Sergeant meant nothing by his greeting. I have tutored him in his non-military studies, and he's a friend. Let it go."

Hans sneered down at her and roughly shoved her aside as he advanced on Nik, who still stood at attention. Her hem caught on her heel, and she stumbled before catching herself. She wheeled and chased them down, but stopped short when Hans poked Nik in the chest.

"You didn't answer me, Guardsman," Hans sneered again. Nik rocked back, but to his credit stood his ground. "You aren't allowed to speak to the Princess that way! I would speak to your superior about this, but I doubt your daddy would do anything!"

Nik's eyes narrowed, and Elsa saw his body tense. She was afraid he'd do something foolish; unlike his father, Nik was quite hot-tempered, something that had proved a challenge during his tutoring sessions. She hurried forward and tried to step in again. "Hans! I said let this go! There was - OH!"

Elsa felt the sting of Hans' hand when he slapped her, and covered it with her own gloved hand as the force of the blow spun her away. She turned back just in time to see Nik's fist connect with Hans' jaw, staggering the older man backwards. From there, a brief pandemonium broke out, as guards swarmed the two men, attempting to restrain both, while others circled around her, separating her from the violence.

'ENOUGH!" a voice roared across the courtyard. "WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?" Captain Andor stalked across the yard from the Guard offices, and the group parted, bringing Hans, Nik, and Elsa to the forefront. Andor stood silently, arms crossed over his chest, for several moments before he spoke again. "Hans. Nik. Why am I not surprised? Explain yourselves."

"Your Sergeant here spoke to the Princess out of line!" Hans spat out, pointing at Nik. Blood dribbled from the cut in his lip, or perhaps it was his nose, Elsa couldn't really tell. "I was about to set him straight when he punched me! I demand that he be disciplined immediately! And don't go easy on him because he is your son!"

"He struck the Princess," Nik interjected, his voice calm despite his body rigidly at attention. Blood ran from a cut on his cheekbone, and his eye appeared to be bruising. "I took an oath to protect Arendelle's rulers and heirs. I stand ready to take any discipline for my actions to uphold that oath."

Hans began to reply, but a sharp word from Andor silenced him. The Captain stood impassively for a few moments before turning his gaze on Elsa. She met his eyes, then brought her hand up to cover her cheek again, wincing as her gloved hand touched it. "Are you alright, Princess?" the Captain asked, his voice considerably softer. When she nodded, he issued an order to a few of the guards near her. "You three, see her to the medical ward. Have the doctor look her over." Then he looked back at Nik and Hans.

She was escorted quickly away. She looked back over her shoulder as her group entered the Castle, but no one had yet moved. She feared that Nik would face a harsh punishment to appease the King. She feared more that Hans would not.

'Damn that slimy, no-good, wanna-be Prince,' Nik thought to himself as he shoveled out the last stall in the guards' stables. 'I'll bet he's sleeping comfortably in his bed, or living it up at some establishment somewhere, telling stories about our little fight.' Indeed, Nik wished he could be doing anything but this; not that he minded physical labor, but simply because he felt he hadn't done anything wrong. He knew his father agreed, but protocol dictated a punishment must be assigned.

He had resolved initially to let Hans shout at, poke, and shove him all the older man wanted. He had no problem with that, and would have defended himself accordingly if it had come to blows. When Hans struck Elsa, though, he felt something inside snap. His oath was to protect the Crown and its heirs. Elsa, being the Marked Princess, was THE heir. What Hans received at his hands was well-deserved.

He finished with the stall and returned the shovel to its place, then grabbed the brushes and started in on the horses that needed grooming. He knew this was the most lenient punishment the Captain, his father, could dole out given the circumstances. He also knew, and had seen first-hand, how brutal the King could be if he perceived that something had been left unaddressed.

So he would take his 'punishment,' such as it was, in stride. A half-grin split his face and caused him to wince from his other cuts; it had felt good to land a few solid hits on Hans anyway. Nik had never liked the King's son, and thought him a manipulator and a bully.

Nik had been working for a couple hours when the soft scrape of shoes on the cobblestone aisle broke him from his thoughts, and he stepped out of the stall to see who approached. His eyes widened when he saw the Princess coming toward him, and he immediately bowed. "Your Royal Highness," he said quietly before straightening, "to what do I owe the pleasure of your arrival?"

Elsa raised a hand to cover her smile, and he heard the giggle that escaped. "No need to be formal, Nik," she answered. "I'm here as a friend this evening, and no more." She stepped closer and looked him over before speaking again. "I wanted to make sure you were okay after the incident with Hans. I'm glad that this is all you got for punishment," she said as she gestured to the stables.

He smiled at her then, and shook his head. "It's not much of a punishment. It's almost a reward, honestly. I took an oath to protect the Crown and its heirs. What kind of guard would I be if I did not react to you being struck?" he answered, noting the slight coloring of her cheek where Hans hit her. "Are you alright?"

She nodded before turning away. "I'll be fine. Believe it or not, I used to get in scuffles all the time as a young girl." He thought he saw her eyes get wet, but she blinked a few times and then looked back at him. "I'm no stranger to bruises, though it has been some time. It will heal. Please don't let me keep you from grooming the horses, I just came to check on you and apologize."

Nik chuckled, shook his head, and moved back to the horse, brushing its coat slowly. "You have nothing to apologize for, Princess-" he began.

"Please, Nik, I told you I'm here as a friend. No need for titles," she admonished with a smile.

He glanced over at her, and stopped his work. He wasn't sure exactly how to handle the situation, so he nodded. "As you wish...Elsa," he answered, before turning back to the horse. "As I was saying, you don't owe me an apology. All I did was my duty. I do, however, owe you a great debt for helping me with my studies."

She was quiet for a while, and he wasn't sure she would even respond. He glanced over at her, and noticed she was watching him intently, almost as if she were seeing him for the first time. When she finally spoke, it was only a few words. "You're most welcome, Nik. I'm glad I could help you."

Elsa stayed in the stables with him for almost another hour as he worked, chatting with him about anything from guard assignments to trade deals with other countries. He was actually amazed he could keep up with her, and attributed it to her skills as a tutor.

When he was nearly finished, she stretched and yawned. "Oh my, it's later than I thought. I should really be heading to bed," she said as she looked around the stables.

He guided the horse back into its stall, then closed the door. "If you'd like, I can escort you," he offered, hoping she'd take him up on it. He had always genuinely enjoyed spending time with her, despite their difference in positions.

Instead, she shook her head. "Thank you, but no," she replied with a smile. "We're inside the castle, and my assigned guards are waiting by the main hall. I will be fine. Goodnight, Nik," she said as she walked out of the stables and into the night.

"Goodnight, Elsa," he said as he watched her go, then turned to put away the grooming supplies.

It wasn't until he had cleaned himself and was collecting his effects that he realized he'd never seen her assigned guards, and his eyes widened in alarm. They should have entered the stables with her, not waited by the main hall. He darted out of the stables, wondering if he'd catch sight of her before she left the courtyard.

When he came into the cool night air, he found the courtyard deserted aside from the guards stationed at the gate. His eyes searched for anything out of the ordinary, but found nothing. He didn't feel relieved, but headed across the courtyard toward the barracks anyway, debating on whether he should rouse the Captain about this lack of diligence when something caught his eye.

He almost missed it, and he would have been excused if he had. He was nearly to the barracks when he noticed; it was little more than a shadow moving along the wall, but it gave him pause. Whatever it was, it was large enough to be a person, possibly more than one. In an instant he made the decision to investigate; if someone were planning to harm the Princess, he'd never forgive himself. Keeping to the shadows himself, he followed the thing around the side of the main hall.

Nik watched carefully as the shadow slipped into an alcove and disappeared from sight. He darted forward into the alcove, and tried to stop before he crashed into the solid wall. Then he was trying to catch himself as the wall moved inward, swinging silently away like a door! He managed to keep the door from crashing open, and listened intently; down the secret passageway, he could hear footsteps, though he couldn't tell how many. He almost swore he could see a blue glow coming from around the corner. Making sure the door closed completely, he followed the footsteps hurriedly.

The passageway went on for some time and passed several intersections before abruptly descending some stairs and rounding a corner. By now he was running on instinct, and there most definitely was a blue orb glowing ahead. It disappeared quickly, and when he reached the last place he'd seen it he found more stairs, this time heading up. He also felt a brief breeze rush down the stairs, and he knew he'd find a way out at the top.

Bounding up the stairs two at a time, Nik reached the top in seconds. He opened the door cautiously, and found himself outside the castle walls. A quick survey of his surroundings, and he realized two things: he was in the small woods next to the castle, only a short distance from the town square, and that the shadow he was chasing was only a short distance away.

He moved quickly and quietly, trying to stay hidden while also trying to get ahead of the shadow. At one point he stepped on a branch, and while the loud snap gave the person pause, for he was sure it was just one person now, dressed in a dark, hooded cloak, they continued on as if nothing were amiss.

Nik knew now that this person wasn't there to do harm right now, but could be a potential spy, which was even worse. A spy who knew secret passageways into the castle couldn't be allowed to escape. He did his best to keep the person in sight, only ducking back when they paused, until they reached the town square.

There, the person stopped in a shadow at the end of the alley and waited. Nik waited, too, before trying to push himself closer. When the person finally entered the square, he darted up to the end of the alley himself. What he saw next was nothing short of amazing.

The person moved slowly up to the giant ice Jeanne d'Arc and stared at it for a moment before glancing around. Then their arms raised slowly, and the ice simply came apart in a wave of blue magic. It swirled upward quickly, forming a large snowflake above the square as the figure's hands came together. With a quick wave of those same hands, the snowflake silently exploded into nothingness.

Nik stood transfixed. He had read fantasies about magic, but had never seen anything like this before. He'd certainly never seen someone simply vanish ice like that. After a moment he regained his senses and crept further into the shadows; the person had turned and was hurrying toward his position. He knew the only way to solve this mystery was to catch them, and quickly, so he drew his sword and waited.

He only had to wait seconds. The figure entered the alley, and he immediately sprang from the shadows. With his free arm, he shoved the person against the wall hard, knocking the wind from them. With his other, he brought his sword up to their neck - and immediately regretted it.

Staring back at him from under the hood of the cloak, her pale blue eyes wide with terror, was Elsa.

Immediately he released her and dropped his sword arm. "Your Highness!" he said in a hushed voice. "What are you doing out here? And with no guards? My father gave direct orders that no less than two-"

"I know!" she interrupted, standing up and straightening her cloak. "I know what your father ordered." She looked up at him, and her eyes narrowed as she squared her shoulders. "Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be on duty after your punishment?"

Nik cocked his head and looked at her, incredulous. "I am on duty, and frankly I think I'm doing my duty right now. I should march you right back to your room and inform the Captain immediately." He noticed she didn't even flinch, and it almost made him smile. "But after what I just saw in that square, I don't know that anyone would believe my report. I'm not sure I believe my own eyes."

That made her turn away. He started to move around her when she spoke, stopping him in his tracks. "I'm a freak, I know," she said quietly, her voice wavering. "Papa told me to always keep it hidden. But my sister," she paused, sniffling, "my sister loved the snow and ice so much, we'd play in it. It made her so happy. But then your father came into my life. I watched my father die, and reports came back that my mother and sister probably were as well. Their bodies have never been found."

Nik stood still, amazed at what he was hearing. He'd never pried into her, never once tried to get her to talk about her past, mostly because it would have been rude. But now here she was, letting things slip out, and he wasn't sure if he should even be here at all.

When Elsa turned back to him, she had tears in her eyes, and her shoulders were slack. "Captain Andor has been a dedicated guardian. I can't go back to my old life. But this," she gestured with her hands, and snow swirled between them for a moment, "this reminds me of my family, and keeps their memories alive. If I can't have that, then I might as well be put to death now, so I can join them!"

She started crying in earnest then, tears flowing freely down her cheeks. Nik knew he shouldn't, but he couldn't stop himself. He sheathed his sword, then stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Elsa, holding her close. She tensed at first, then leaned into him, and he supported her while she sobbed.

After a while she stopped, and he leaned her back and smiled down at her. "Elsa, I've always looked up to you. I want you to know that. And your power, this magic you have, is absolutely amazing. I've never seen anything like it. But we should get you back to the castle. It's getting chilly, and morning will be here soon." He offered her his arm, and when she took it they started back toward the secret entrance in the woods.

They walked in silence until they neared the entrance to the passageway. She looked up at him then, through tear-stained eyes. "You - you don't think I'm a freak? You're not scared of me?" she asked, her voice laced with suspicion. Nik shook his head, and she looked away. "Then you're the first aside from my family. The few people who ever saw me use my power thought I was a freak and should be drowned. They told my Papa that when i was five."

"If there is one thing I've learned," he replied slowly, "it is that people can be brutal when they encounter something that scares them. We are not so different from animals in that sense." He glanced down at her again, then continued. "People will still be scared of your power. But I think, with time, they would come to accept it."

Elsa stopped walking, and he turned to face her. "You must tell no one," she admonished him. "My power must remain a secret. King Osvald already doesn't like me. I think he would have me executed if he knew."

Nik nodded solemnly. "I agree. I will tell no one. My oath is to protect Arendelle's Crown and heirs. It does not specify from what, or whom." With that, they both entered the passageway, intent on getting Elsa to her room, and Nik to the barracks, without being seen.

In the gloom of the woods, a hooded figure watched the two re-enter the castle. They'd seen the ice disappear, and knew without a shadow of a doubt that Elsa, daughter of Agdar, still lived, and was Heir to the throne of Arendelle.

The other person, a young man, the hooded figure did not know, though he looked familiar. But he seemed protective of Elsa, and so could be dealt with later. He spoke of protecting her from the King, so the girl should be safe enough. For now.

With those thoughts, the hooded figure slipped back into the night, intent on finding the sister, if she still lived.