My wonderful partner-in-crime, AuroraLynne and I have come up with a AU story line for Frozen. Please know that this is written for entertainment purposes and portrayals of all characters reflect only my own opinions and may differ from others. And that is okay!

If you have time please review and if not thanks for stopping by, I still appreciate you.

I don't own I don't profit.

Adler wasn't sure what was more surprising, that he was summoned to the throne room for a political consult or that it was actually the king who awaited him.

The ruler of the Southern Isles was in the twilight of his life, there was no denying that. Slumped in his throne in an undignified manner, his skin sallow and the breath laboring from his body had Adler wondering whether he should call for a physician.

As if sensing his thoughts, his father scowled and gestured him closer. Generally all kingdom affairs were handled by his older brother; a ruler in all but name. Yet, it seemed the legitimate king still had some say in matters as Adler stepped forward and bowed low.

There wasn't a great deal of affection between the King of the Southern Isles and the thirteen princes he sired. His goal was to ensure the kingdom stayed in lawfully chosen family's rule and his sons would agree he had succeeded in this task.

"You're curious as to why I called upon you." His voice was gruff, being left too long without official use had side effects.

"I do as you will, Your Majesty" Adler was curious though – and a bit wary. He was never summoned for any official business, not when there were ten older and more talented brothers to handle matters.

The king made a hacking noise which could have been a scoff or just a bad cough. "Of course you do, you're a clever boy after all."

Before Adler could correct the fact that he was actually, by society's standards, a man, his father continued. "I hear you have some skill with handling the affairs of other nations."

Adler hesitated. "I suppose there is some truth to that, although I've never done so on an official basis."

Another hacking fit met this statement. "Don't think me an idiot boy, you're the only reason the Aelshore Isles haven't declared war on us, or Westergrass for that matter." The way the king sneered, Adler wasn't entirely sure his father was proud of this fact.

It really wasn't all that spectacular of a story, a few of his brothers had inadvertently insulted the queen of Aelshore. Their eldest brother hadn't been able to smooth things over on his own and Adler had suggested they remove one of the Southern Isles' trade routes with the people of Westergrass - Aelshore's enemies - and deal with the isles themselves. And then marry one of the princes to Westergrass's duchess to keep the peace all around.

In the end it had worked and the heir of the Southern Isles had claimed all the credit. Not that Adler had been all that surprised; he was only a spare and the glory would rarely be his.

"I work only to serve my country." And to save his own neck. When an inevitable war did break out, all the princes would be called upon to lead a military campaign. Adler knew for a fact the chances of him coming back unscathed were remote.

The king chuckled knowingly; when he was younger the prince was convinced that his father could read minds. Into adulthood, he still held that fear.

"Of course you do," The king began, pushing himself forward in the throne. "I have a job for you. One that might find your particular talents useful."

Adler wasn't aware he had any noteworthy talents, other than staying out of everyone's way. "I'm honored, My King. What is this task?"

"The queen of Arendelle comes of age. I need you to go and represent the Southern Isles at the coronation." The prince couldn't keep his eyebrows from shooting up in confusion, prompting his father to explain, "This is an opportunity for us. Arendelle is a rich land shrouded in mystery. The royal family has been isolated for years and trade has not opened up with anyone outside of partners procured before they closed the gates. I want you to convince them that we would be ideal allies."

"This is... unexpected." That was putting it lightly, his father had never really cared about seeking out new allies. Countries generally flocked to them and the vast army they housed.

"Don't be so shocked, not even you can hold off war with other lands forever. I want the money they offer and I want it before I am forced to put down any rebellions."

Adler sighed. Of course he was only thinking of the future wars. They hadn't had a good fight since before he came of age and most of the princes were itching for a chance to prove themselves on the battlefield.

Before the prince could inquire further, the king continued, "There is also the small matter of the deceased king and queen of Arendelle going down in our waters."

Adler scoffed. "That was hardly our fault. We don't control the weather and they should have avoided traveling during hurricane season."

"Our fault or not, we must take measures to ensure we aren't blamed by this new queen. She may be young but she has enough money to rally others behind her, should she feel the need to do so. It's impossible to predict the thinking of a girl locked in a castle for most of her life."

The prince could see his father was beginning to wind down, his labored breathing came in quicker huffs and he shifted as if pained.

"I'm honored, of course." Adler reiterated, ducking his head in hopes of ending the conversation soon. Too much time spent with his father made him feel insignificant.

"Oh, don't bask in your honor too much," The King barked out a harsh laugh. "It was between you and Hans and in this situation I'd rather sacrifice the lamb than let loose the snake."

Adler didn't allow himself to respond; instead he bowed low and assured his father that he would begin preparations immediately before showing himself out. His father's brittle laughter followed him out the doors.

A booming voice greeted him as he rounded a corner, still trying to shake off the uneasy feeling the meeting had left him. Immediately he recognized his brother's burly form lumbering toward him and grinned. The king had many children, not all of them legitimate. Adler often preferred the company of his bastard brothers over that of his titled ones.

"I see you survived! And how was the heir apparent this fine afternoon?" Geoffrey smirked, crossing his arms over his broad chest. They were thick and bronzed after so many hours spent training with the guards in the steady sun, he towered a good five inches over his brother and no one would have guessed they were related unless told otherwise.

"My meeting actually took place with the king," Adler said. Geoff laughed heartily for a moment, then sobered when he realized his brother was serious.

"You mean to tell me our father managed to get a word in edgewise without the future king butting in to take control?!"

"Seems that way." Adler shrugged brushing past his brother towards the library. He just needed a moment to get himself together before tackling the details of his mission.

"Oh, that is perfect! I would pay to see our brother's face when he realizes you got to speak to the king without his say so." Geoff chuckled and followed Adler. "What did he want with you?"

"He wants me to travel to Arendelle and secure them as allies during the coronation celebrations." His brother whistled appreciatively.

"That's some serious princely workings right there. How impressive," Geoff teased clapping Adler on the back.

"Well don't get too excited. Apparently it was between me and Hans, I just happened to be the lesser of two evils." The prince sighed in relief as they reached the library. He gratefully flung himself on the nearest couch. "Although I'm not inclined to agree, Hans is very good at getting what he wants."

Even with his head buried beneath a throw pillow he couldn't miss his brother's scoff. "Hans is excellent at hurting others to achieve his own personal gain. The kingdom and its well-being mean nothing to him."

Adler had no argument for that. At the summer's swordsmanship tournament Hans had been in second place until his opponent met with a suspicious accident at the docks where the man had worked his whole life. He claimed he lost his arm after it was crushed between two schooners. A beginner's mistake and no one believed it. This hadn't been the first instance where anyone standing in Hans' way was met with misfortune.

Running a frustrated hand through his hair, he gripped the dark auburn strands between his fingers. "What if I make a mess of this? What if I accidentally start a war?"

"Then you'll just have to fix it won't you?" Geoff assured him, "And I suppose you should practice some form of protection before you go. Y'know, just in case they try to kill you on sight."

"Hey! I'll have you know my defense mechanism is flawless! I've been working on it all year."

"Oh, and what is this great tactic guaranteed to save you?"

"I have mastered the art of playing dead," Adler answered with a serious face. He grinned when Geoff started howling with laughter. "It's true! I'm also very close to perfecting the ability of quickly tucking myself into a little ball, a smaller target and not as likely to hit anything of importance."

Geoffrey only shook his head and grinned fondly at his brother. "See? You'll be just fine."

Adler only shrugged and hoped that he was right.

"You have news for me?" Hans never glanced back at the officer who appeared at his shoulder. His attention was focused on a chess game he currently played against himself.

"Yes, Your Highness. The king has chosen Prince Adler to represent the Southern Isles at the Queen's coronation."

The only evidence Hans gave of his displeasure was the way his fingers tightened over the rook before he made his next move. "The King did? Are you sure?"

"Quite sure Highness. He spoke with your brother personally."

Well that was just frustrating. Hans sighed and removed a knight from the board. He had expected his oldest brother to be the one to assign the task of the Southern Isles representation. aAter all, he handled everything else, and Hans figured it would be so easy to plant the idea of sending his youngest brother. In the end, who would be better suited for some uneventful coronation then the youngest prince?

He hadn't anticipated his father getting involved.

"Has confirmation been sent to Arendelle about which prince will be in attendance?"

"Not yet. The letter will go out this evening."

"Good!" Hans grinned happily. "See that it's intercepted and put out one of our own. I'd rather not watch my idiot brother mess this up for me, yes? "

"As you say, Your Highness."

"And find out which crew will be taking care of Adler's transportation. I think I'll have a little word with them." The soldier bowed and exited as quietly as he had come.

Hans was less than pleased with this new development. Too many pieces on the chess board meant too many moves to look out for and he wanted his attention solely focused on winning over the royal sisters. But it was a minor thing, easily fixed. As long as he moved quickly and avoided suspicion he would entrench himself too deeply into Arendelle's royalty for anyone to be able to stop him.

He grinned to himself as he moved his queen from the board. Soon he would be greater than all of his brothers.

Elsa never slept under the covers anymore, it became too much of a hassle when she woke up gasping from nightmares, only to find herself trapped within the frozen confines of her bedding. The temperature didn't bother her, but she was never able to thaw the damage she had caused. After waking up from terror filled dreams of attacking mobs as the icy husk of her sister looked on, she'd rather just avoid the extra panic of frozen blankets weighing her down.

The closer Coronation Day approached, the less sleep she was able to force upon herself. This night was hardly any different as she gazed upon the harbor from her window, ignoring the streaks of ice that surrounded her like a ghastly halo.

"Don't let them in, don't let them in," she repeated to herself in a broken mantra. It was too soon; she wasn't ready. There had to be more time!

But there wasn't, and Elsa was facing the looming prospect of allowing her people in for the first time in thirteen years. And she was no closer to controlling her powers now than when she was a child. Something would go wrong, someone would get hurt. And all because she was too weak to stop herself.

In the reflection of the glass she could see herself, fragile and afraid.

What was she going to do?