"Finally home."

It was the first thing she said all morning. Elsa let out a sigh of relief. Even though only a few weeks had passed, it felt like ages. So much had happened in a short amount of time, and she was still processing it. Though nothing had changed in regards to Arendelle's appearance, everything somehow felt different. Maybe something had changed. Perhaps it was her.

The courtyard gates were open, like always. Even when she disappeared, it looked like her laws still stood intact. After she ended the eternal winter last year, the queen decreed the gates should always stay open to the public. This decision played out well, and greatly boosted the citizen's approval of her. Commenters stated, the people now felt much more connected to their monarchs, therefore unified as a kingdom. Arendelle culture was shaped because of the new law as well. This helped establish Elsa as the correct ruler to the throne, who was there for the people. After her own disappearance, she fretted that her respect would not last. Now that she was back home, that would be revealed rather soon.

Brushing her fingertips along the grooves of the tall castle doors, the queen stood against the entryway. She was actually here again, back to the people she was surrounded by, back to her responsibilities. Now that Elsa was back, there would definitely be no break in sight, as she would immediately be swamped. After all that had happened back at Aldyn, she needed a day off. Or a week.

"Home…" The former princess of Aldyn stood at Elsa's side. "You didn't have to take me in you know."

"I'm not taking you in. You were invited to live with me, since the first time you came here. Remember?"

"I suppose, although the first time was pretty much forced by my parents," Tanya joked around. "Never would I have thought Arendelle's queen would be so intriguing." A smirk grew on her face.

"Oh cut it out," the blue eyed girl was blushing now. "You'll see soon just how boring I can be, once I'm bombarded with royal duties."

"I highly doubt I will. Queen or no, there has always been more to you than meets the eye."

"I also don't have my ice powers anymore."

"And my fire powers disappeared as well. But you still insisted that I stick around, even after then." The ash haired girl chuckled.

Elsa's eyebrows scrunched in a serious way. "What are we going to do about it now? Arendelle doesn't know that I no longer have my powers. Ever since their acceptance of them, the citizens always viewed them as a source of stability and protection."

"Go on with our lives, and learn to live without them I guess?"

The blonde queen continued. "My whole life was shaped because of my powers. I am who I am because of them. Now that they're gone forever, it feels as if a piece of me has vanished as well, never to be found again." Elsa choked up.

"Listen to me," Tanya placed both hands on each of Elsa's shoulders, making the older woman face her. "This is extremely hard for me as well. Though I was never in your exact place, I of all people can relate to what you're going through. There's nothing we can do about it now. We just have to accept it, and move on together. We'll relearn how to live, without our powers constantly influencing us. We'll do it together."

Elsa's love for Tanya was stronger than any fear of the future she had. She nodded at the younger girl in reply. "Might I give you an official tour of the castle, since last time it never happened?"

"That sounds great."

Earlier that morning while it was still dark, Elsa, Tanya, Anna, and Sven arrived back at the castle. Everyone was expecting their return, since the queen sent a letter of their return a week prior. Of course, Kristoff who readily anticipated reuniting with his fiancé, was waiting for them right inside. As soon as Anna noticed Kristoff slouching on a couch half asleep, she called his name. That shook the royal ice harvester out of his sleepy trance, and he bounded for the redhead. He swept her off her feet, and spun her around before putting her down. They hugged, and Anna gave him a kiss.

"I missed you so much while we were away. I feel bad the whole trip took longer than expected."

"You don't need to apologize to me, I'm just you're back," he responded.

Sven nuzzled in between the duo, jealously, seeking solely Kristoff's attention.

"Hey there Sven, I've missed you too," he was taken by surprise when the reindeer licked his face. "Yup, you must have really missed me."

"We all did," Anna included. "This may be the longest duration of time we've been split apart, since we first met last year. And where to begin! So many things happened that you wouldn't believe! I'm not sure how to explain it all at once.

"Same here, there's something I need to tell you and Elsa. It happened while you both were away."

"I am interested in hearing about it Kristoff," Elsa piped in. "But it's very early, and I can guess we are all very tired. Let's say we retire for the night, and discuss everything in the morning in my office."

"Eh," Kristoff yawned at the thought of sleep. "Well I'm not going to complain over that notion."

"Sounds perfect. Before we all retire, I would like to formally introduce you to Tanya," Elsa nudged Tanya's hand.

"I've heard many things about you," Elsa heard the princess speak. "It's wonderful to finally meet you," she hesitated, "I also want to apologize to you for the trouble I brought here."

"I'm just glad you're all back. But I do appreciate your apology all the same," Kristoff crossed his arms, and looked around. "Wait a second, everyone is not back. Where's Olaf?"

The three girls all looked at each other. Elsa did not know how to break it to the blond man. "We'll also talk about that tomorrow," she said with a sorrowful twinge. Olaf had melted because she sacrificed her powers in order to stop the firebird. It was her fault that he was no longer around, just like countless others. But as much as she admitted her actions and missed her happy friend, she had to live in the present. For herself, her family, Arendelle, and Tanya. If there was a way to turn back time and find an alternate solution to the situations, Elsa would in a heartbeat.

Kristoff gave an understanding look. "Oh. Well, I think I'm going to put Sven in his stable for the night. He deserves a goodnight's sleep, and a bucket load of carrots." The reindeer's mouth drooled at the mention of his favorite food.

"I think I'll go with Kristoff," Anna said, taking his hand. "I'll see you both in the morning," the freckled girl hugged Elsa, and smiled at Tanya. After the engaged couple went outside to the stables, Elsa grabbed Tanya's hand. "Now that the servants delivered our belongings to our rooms, we should follow suit. Don't you think?"

Tanya stretched her side out, and Elsa heard something crack. "You have no idea. I am going to sleep for an eternity."

"Please don't."

"I'm just kidding. I'd miss you too much in that eternity."

"You are such a sap."

"And you are never?" Tanya raised one eyebrow.

"Not when I've had no rest."

"So what you're saying then is yes."

"It's too early for this," Elsa groaned, yet slightly amused.

The queen led Tanya up to the bedroom that was originally set and reserved for the princess. She went in, half-heartedly inspecting the cleanliness and making sure everything was in order. Tanya let her know it was definitely suitable, and the queen hugged the girl before she went into her own chambers.

After her parent's passing, Elsa inherited their bedroom. Most pieces of furniture were swapped out, primarily to aid in erasing her feelings of nostalgia. She had a custom, high quality bed made right there in Arendelle, as well as the rest of her furniture. Knowing that most royals liked to buy exotic household items from other countries, the queen rather preferred to support her kingdom's economy directly whenever she could. There were several imports that were native only to specific countries and regions, which Elsa built strong trading ties with.

After she slipped into her blue nightgown and crawled in bed for half an hour, there was a knock on the door. Confused she went over and reached for the handle.

For goodness sake, who's knocking on my door at this hour?

Creaking open the door and opening it slightly ajar, the queen looked to see who it was. Fortunately it was none of the servants, but just Tanya.

"Hey," Elsa rubbed an eye. The door blocked most of Elsa from the teal eyed girl's view. What did she need?

"I can't sleep. Everything is too still."

The queen opened the door, and gestured the girl to come in. They both sat down at the edge of Elsa's bed.

"Sorry for waking you up like this. It's just that we've been on the road for so long, that it feels unnatural to come back to a place where everything is peaceful and quiet. I'm sure after a few days the feeling will wear off."

Don't worry, you didn't wake me up. I couldn't sleep either. It does feel a bit strange being back in Arendelle," the queen looked at Tanya with her topaz blue eyes.

"Is it okay if I spend just tonight with you?" Tanya blushed, to the point. "I don't really want to be alone."

"I suppose that's fine with me," Elsa said, now blushing as well. How could she refuse that face?

They got under the covers, both girls resting on their stomachs. Elsa had only shared a bed with one other person which was her sister, and even then they were just children. This was an entirely different situation. If someone were to enter her chambers and discover the both of them sleeping in the same bed, it could be interpreted as promiscuous behavior, which Elsa wanted to avoid at all costs. No one usually came into her chambers during nighttime, and if her presence was required, usually there would be a knock on the door first. This all made her anxious. How was she supposed to sleep now?

But Tanya was already out like a light next to her, sleeping soundly. She looked comparably angelic. Seeing the princess' tranquil face, reminded Elsa of when she watched her passed out on the pirate ship. Though she was poisoned and probably hallucinating a bit, her recollection of that memory did not change. Her cheeks grew rosy, and she reached out, stroking Tanya's cheek with her thumb. Baba Yaga's words helped Elsa recognize how the princess would continuously bring her back to the present. It was something she was thankful for and would never take for granted.

Her eyes slowly drooped, and sleep finally caught up to her.

"Wow, you weren't kidding about it being a lot to take in."

It was now the next day in the afternoon, and Elsa explained the whole story to Kristoff from the start. There were several parts where Anna piped in, to share where she was at during the timeline of events. Elsa managed to keep the conversation on track, bringing Anna's rambling back around. Tanya did not speak much. Only to confirm or to correct details. After they finished sharing their encounter with the firebird and the loss of their powers and Olaf, Kristoff was wide eyed.

"Let me get this straight. The both of you no longer have your magic, and Olaf melted once Elsa could no longer control ice?"

"That's how it seems," Elsa replied. "His existence and survival was connected to my magical abilities. Naturally when they went away… he did as well." It stung to say his name.

"Is there anyway the both of you can get your powers back, and revive him?" Kristoff questioned.

"It's not like that. We can't just get them back. We were born with our powers, we didn't learn them," Tanya said frustrated.

"Kristoff didn't know," said Elsa calmly to her. It was never explained to the ice harvester how Elsa's powers even came to be, until now. He obviously asked from a place of caring and concern. Kristoff was not the malicious type. But Tanya also just met Kristoff, and was still getting to know his character.

"I suppose that idea is ruled out then," he replied in understanding.

"So what do you plan on doing now?" Anna asked. "You're no longer the 'Snow Queen of Arendelle,' and it's not a title you can just pretend to be. You'd have to constantly prove to the people your powers, which you can no longer produce. They will want their winter snow festivals, courtyard ice rinks, and ice sculptures. Not to mention our stable ice trade is not as stable."

"I plan on making an announcement later today, before this evening. I'll prepare something to say, find Kai and Gerda who are somewhere around this castle, and have the word be spread around the city."

Kristoff looked down. Something was wrong. He knew something that she did not. "Actually, that's what I need to talk to you all about." Kristoff's story was shorter than Elsa and Anna's, and strictly to the point. Pausing at the end, he appeared stressed out. "… and it was before you came back when I received news that Aldyn collapsed. However I didn't know how that happened. That's when the general summoned the guards back to the castle. It was my suggestion to have them posted at the borders in the first place, in order to prevent any sort of assault from Aldyn."

"Kai… I will see to him at once!" But before Elsa stood up in a fury from betrayal, she looked down at Tanya, who was clearly distressed.

"I can't believe it, that my own scummy brother would think of taking Arendelle, in order to follow some silly conquest dream of his." She did not look Elsa, Kristoff, or Anna in the eyes.

"Anton was power-hungry and selfish. Not only were that, but the people of Aldyn readily followed him. Although, they did have no awareness of Aldyn uniting with Frelliya, until the city was raided," Elsa added, putting a hand on her shoulder. "His actions don't reflect who you are."

"Do you think it was a wise decision, to submit the throne to Frelliya?" Anna asked her sister.

But Tanya answered. "I've met Frelliya's prince on multiple occasions, during meetings. Our parents would always try to put us together, and truthfully were probably planning an arranged marriage. He… can be trusted. The prince is nothing like his father at all, a very humble guy. After what my family did to Aldyn, there's no way they would accept me as queen. Aldyn is not as forgiving as Arendelle. I wish it was the other way around."

"But it was not your fault at all! It was Anton's, and the firebird's."

"I was still inside of it, when it created the inferno. Though I hardly had any control, I could feel my life force draining. My own energy from simply existing fueled it. Whether I wanted it to happen or not, it was partially my fault as well. No princess that assists in destroying their kingdom is fit to rule. It is best with my family's rule ending, that Aldyn may have a new beginning. This is why I forfeited the throne, and discarded my title as princess of Aldyn. Now I could be called a duchess, I'm still a princess by birth."

"What's done is done," Elsa stated. "There's nothing we can do about that matter. But there is something I can do about more current matters, first namely Kai," the queen stood again. "I will go speak to him in his cell, before finding Gerda to discuss my announcement. The sooner things are settled, the better," the blonde spoke in a practical way.

"I'll come with you," Kristoff spoke, "to Kai's cell."

"That's fine with me. You certainly have a right to."

"Oh be careful!" Anna exclaimed.

"Don't worry, he's all chained up. He can't even touch us," Kristoff reassured his fiancé.

Elsa was very upset. Kai of all people, betrayed Arendelle's royal family. But for what reason? He was not a dim-witted man. His intelligence and precise decision-making was why he was originally given his position. It would not be long before she found out.

Maybe they should have taken Anna's concern seriously.

"Woah what are you doing?!" Kristoff put himself before Elsa in a protective stance, since the queen no longer had her powers.

She was thankful the royal ice harvester asked to come along with her to Kai's cell. A guard whom Kristoff seemed to recognize was posted outside at the side of the door. At the sight of the duo, he instantly became distraught. Kristoff whispered to Elsa that he was still new, and anxious about messing up. Especially in front of the queen. When access was requested, he immediately granted them entrance inside, unlocking the door.

"You are in deep trouble Kai, so start explaining now." Elsa was in no mood to waste her time on anyone who attempted murder on one of her family members. Pointing a finger, she cut to the chase. "I promise if you refuse to talk or ever try this again, I will freeze over this whole cell and you with it." It was an empty threat, but the former advisor did not know that. He saw what the queen's magic was capable of, and witnessed it firsthand on many occasions. Kai was smart, but could be persuaded if threatened. It was the first tactic the queen decided to use, though somewhat low class.

"Didn't the ice harvester tell you everything?" Kai was shaking.

"He told me enough for me to know you belong in here, for quite some time."

"So what am I to explain?"

"Why you risked your position to try and assassinate Kristoff. He told me all about how you are indirectly related to the royal family, which I knew since becoming queen. Though we were thrown in a very unfortunate situation, I believe very well you knew Anna and I would be back. We have traveled before, albeit during shorter periods of times. As for colluding with Aldyn, I already knew we had intel planted in the city. I placed them there, once I received the letter from their King and Queen. As silly as it might sound, I went on a gut instinct, and ordered scouts to strictly watch and report to me."

"They weren't aware of who they were reporting to, and weren't involved. I had the notes from the carrier pigeons forwarded directly to me. They were loyal to their job, as well as I.

"You are not loyal to Arendelle, in the least bit." Elsa was doing all the talking, while Kristoff stayed back.

"That's where you are wrong my queen," there was spite in his words. "Didn't Kristoff mention something else? A name perhaps?"

Elsa gave a slamming look to Kristoff, which said it all.

"He did mention there was another heir to Arendelle's throne, one before him."

How did she not know of this before? She went through all her family records, and besides Kai, there was no other relative.

"I didn't believe him, what he said sounded like crazy talk!" Kristoff continued, a tad defensively.

"No, he's not crazy," Elsa coolly replied. "He has an alternate objective. So what's the name?"

Before either man could reply, the door to the cell entrance creaked shut. A distinct clicking sound indicated the door was now locked from the inside.

"It's Balder."

It was the voice of the young sentry which guarded Kai's cell.

"Woah what are you doing?!"

It was back to the present moment. Kristoff stepped in front of Elsa, as he was much larger than she. The guard held a spear in one hand, and on his belt, a sheathed sword was equipped. Suddenly this thin, lanky man seemed more intimidating.

"Doesn't sound familiar? Didn't think so," the grip on his spear didn't sway.

"Explain what this man won't," Elsa urged the armed man to talk. By 'man' she was referring to Kai.

"Figures that I have to explain to Arendelle's queen. My name is Balder, and if you've never heard of it before, that completely makes sense. After all, my uncle did try to eradicate any mention of my name or my mother's throughout the castle. My uncle was your father, making us cousins. Where should I begin, oh once upon a time a prince was born who was Arendelle's rightful heir. But because a jealous uncle threatened his life as an infant, his mother fled with him to a neighboring kingdom. There they lived as foreigners, and he never learned of his heritage until someone from Arendelle scouted him," Balder made indicative eye contact with Kai. "This man was the only one who remembered my existence."

"How am I to believe you?" Elsa folded her arms. "Where is your proof?"

Digging in a pocket, he pulled out an object, and flashed it to the group. Engraved was Arendelle's royal crest. "See this? This medallion belonged to our grandfather, which was given to my mother after his passing."

Elsa never saw it before in her life. She couldn't help but believe Balder was telling the truth. He was too riled up to be lying.

"My mother's name was Frigg, and younger sister to your father. We were born just days apart, you being on the winter solstice and me just a few days before. Our parents were in a predicament. You were born to the current king on the throne, but I was the first male heir. Just days after being born you showed signs of your ice powers, and the king and queen heavily considered not having a second child. They both knew that once we grew up, I would be the primary candidate, as prince and firstborn. There was just one thing obstacle. My mother had me out of wedlock. My very existence was not planned!" Balder shouted rather loudly, and Elsa flinched. "My life was brought forth from a scandal, which brought shame to Arendelle's line. Your father," he sniffed, "was ashamed of me and my mother, and after several threats, we ran away." Balder dropped his spear and it clanged to the ground. He covered his face with both hands, hiding his now reddened eyes.

Riskily moving towards him, Elsa started to lay a hand on his shoulder. "Let's talk about this somewhere else, like my office." They needed to get out of this locked space.

"No."

She pulled her arm back and clutched it.

"You and your sister Anna are unfit to rule, as well as your royal ice harvester over there. It was especially evident, after your out of the blue disappearance. Not only that, but you didn't bother communicating your plans with the people in the castle, who ran the kingdom in your stead. Is it true that right after your coronation, you almost destroyed Arendelle with an eternal winter? I bet no one dared to dethrone you, after it was dispersed. Kai, Arendelle's royal advisor, discovered the truth and treachery in our family's history soon after you both left. Correctly so, he explained everything in a long, detailed letter, and summoned me here. You see, Kai's not insane, and definitely not disloyal to the throne. He was trying to correct it. We were first going to get rid of Kristoff using an untraceable method, and pronounce you both deceased during your travels. My official return to Arendelle would be pronounced, once a pursuit for a suitable ruler took place. We made a grave mistake in underestimating your ice harvester."

"Watch it," Kristoff retaliated.

"What our parents did is in the past. I am the rightful ruler of Arendelle, and am currently its queen. It would be false for me to say I haven't messed up, but I love my people and would give my life for them, like how I almost did in Aldyn. You have no right to infiltrate the castle, plot murder, and demand I step down from the throne."

"I'm not demanding it. I'm forcing it," Balder unsheathed his sword, and picked up his spear in his left hand. Unshed tears were in his eyes. He pointed both weapons at the duo. "Truthfully I don't want to do this, but the throne belongs to me." Those strong words did not reflect his weak appearance, caused by emotion.

"Then don't do it. You have a choice Balder. You control your own fate." She needed to stop this now. If only she still had her powers. As far as her cousin knew, she still had them. Wait.

She moved forward again, stretching her fingers, pointing both hands at him. Balder still advanced towards them, hesitating at her stance. "I'm not afraid of your magic Elsa."

No luck. There was no chance they could get away. Though he was smaller in proportion to Kristoff, he had a significant advantage. The queen knelt to the ground and locked eyes with Balder. "Fine. Do it. Get rid of me, if you are not having any hesitations."

"Elsa..?" Kristoff said, completely confused now.

Her cousin stopped, with growing eyes.

"If you try to kill me, you will only repeat what my father attempted. You know, he failed me as well. But I also believe that people are capable of change."

"No," Balder was talking to himself now. "I've traveled this far, this close. No more doubting yourself Balder. I have to do this. This is what's best for Arendelle," he raised his sword preparing a death blow, and Elsa closed her eyes.

The smell of black smoke which wafted under his nose caught him abruptly. "What in blazes…"

"Blazes is right! And if you lay a hand on the queen, you will face my wrath!" The locked door busted down in front of them, aflame. Tanya stood on top of it. "I'm sure you've heard of me, the princess who burned all of Aldyn to a crisp. I will have no problem doing the same to you." Her teal eyes burned, and the former princess looked downright petrifying.

Balder's demeanor changed drastically, and turned to face the ash haired girl. "Oh please, I beg you, spare me! I wasn't going to kill the queen, I was only going to render her unconscious! I-" But he never had an opportunity to finish. A single blow to the head with Kristoff's fists was all it took to knock him to the ground cold.

"Elsa, are you alright?" Tanya ran over and lifted up the queen in an embrace.

"Neither of us were hurt, thanks to you. But… your powers!"

"Those weren't my powers," Tanya said with a conniving grin. "I had some help." She did a thumb over her shoulder motion, and Elsa looked behind her. Both Anna and Sven stood at the open doorway. Voices could be heard conversing with Anna. Guards had arrived, bringing buckets of water to drown the flames. "Anna, Sven, and I heard everything. We used a torch to burn the door, Sven to knock it down, and my great intimidation skills to do the rest. While I was talking, Anna and Sven went to nab the guards."

"Hey thanks for saving us," Kristoff said. "Even though we just met, I'm sure glad you were around."

"Wait, I know who that is!" Anna interrupted, as she came over. "Sven, Olaf, and I passed him on the road while looking for you. He seemed pretty weird. And to think he could have tried doing the same with us, our own cousin who we've never even met. What a horrible way to greet family."

"Not on my watch," Kristoff took Anna's hand protectively.

"What are you going to do about him?" Tanya turned to Elsa.

"For now, chain him up and throw him in a cell," the guards had just finished putting out the door, and were listening to Elsa's judgement. They handcuffed both arms behind his back, and hurled him away. "I will discuss matters with Arendelle's council tomorrow, and have a meeting scheduled." She dusted her hands off. "It's best we let the guards handle this mess. I'm sure they are confident of what to do."

A stunned Kai yelled at the queen, as they all exited. "You are betraying Arendelle, your own family! None of you are qualified to be part of the royal family!"

Elsa wanted to speak back to Kai, but restrained herself. Nothing said would matter to the former advisor. She did not want to betray her own family, and felt partially sympathetic to Balder. In the meeting tomorrow, she would advocate that he only get prison time, and possibly community service. None of this was to leave the counsel. Because the young man was conflicted about ending the queen's life, showed that they could work something out. The queen would visit her cousin as many times it took, in order to mend family bonds. Though her father was strict and hid her away, Elsa did not think he would do something so awful. But like she said to Balder, people change. Though the king had plotted against her aunt and nephew, Elsa could not judge his entire character based on it. She had made grave mistakes herself, which she thought about every day. In other word's she was no better, although she learned from them.

Did my father ever regret his actions? Was he ever remorseful? She would never know. But the least Elsa had a chance to make things right.

Later before that evening, the queen announced with great sadness to her people, of how her ice powers disappeared. Rather than becoming upset, they responded compassionately with understanding. Thankful, Elsa promised that it would not prevent the winter festival from taking place later that year, a large attraction which drew many kingdoms together. She hoped that no one would pity her, as she was not the kind of person to accept it from others.

The stars were out now, and the sky clear. A warm breeze announced autumn's early arrival, and the roses were just beginning to bloom. Elsa could predict their colors from the petals which peaked out. Tanya was with her, both enjoying their walk in the garden.

"This really is lovely Els."

"The roses bloom twice a year, once in the spring and in the fall. Luckily you're here to watch them start again. The fragrance becomes much stronger and divine." The full moon's light fell illuminated the area, giving both girls a glow.

"There's something I want to talk to you about."

A ping in Elsa's chest hypothesized what it could be. "Same, let's sit down at the bench." It was the same bench Elsa rested on, after hearing of Tanya's existence. There was someone like her.

The queen was going to speak first. "Tanya."

"Yeah?" She shook out of her distracted state.

"You said you wanted me back in Aldyn. What did you mean by that?"

"That I… um…" Tanya stumbled on her words, and Elsa took both of her hands.

"I'm tired of withholding my feelings. I don't just want you. I am deeply in love with you, and I want to be with you. We can make it work. I realize it's a bit unheard of, and that others might not understand. But what other people think is not what ultimately matters."

Tanya sat in silence, unlike her, teal eyes glittering.

"Are we… not on the same page?" Elsa said nervously.

"Sorry Elsa, I was trying to think of the right words to say. It's more difficult for me to express. I-I knew that from the very beginning, when we met at the ball. When you came into the room, you were the first person I noticed, even though we hadn't met. When you sat down next to me, your whole aura shone through. Right away I knew something felt different, something unexplainable, because it was so foreign. And then in the dungeon that's when I figured out how much I love you."

A sensation of ecstasy hit Elsa hard, and the queen intertwined their fingers. "Let's always be together Tanya. I don't care what anyone says or thinks about it. Anna is already aware of my feelings, and she supports me regardless of who I cherish. If she can accept it, maybe the people of Arendelle can as well. So I guess what I'm saying is, I'm asking for your hand."

"In marriage?"

"I-If we can ever make it happen, yes."

Tanya lunged at the queen in a tight bear hug. "Yes! I mean, I do?" The former princess laughed with a new joy. "I couldn't endure running from my feelings for you much longer."

"That's a relief," Elsa poked in a joke.

She continued, "You bring out my best, gave everything you had when I couldn't save myself. You carried me out of my dungeon. Since the beginning, you always had faith and never gave up on me. I've fallen so in love with you."

Tanya held Elsa's face with both hands, not holding back. When their lips met, they both quivered at contact, and melted into each other's arms. Was it even possible to feel this much at once? The girl's arms hold felt like home. Elsa moved one hand to direct her chin, the other in the girl's lap. With each passing moment, her mind turned completely fuzzy, and could not think. All her being was focused on kissing Tanya, showing the girl exactly how much she loved her. Until now, she had no clue a feeling like this existed in the world, that something could feel so right. Tanya slowly pulled her soft lips away, grazing against the queen's in the process. When Tanya smiled, it was beautiful. It was right.

They held each other in their arms, foreheads pressed against each other. Their noses barely touched, and gazed tenderly in each other's eyes.

"So where do we go from here?" Tanya whispered under her breath.

"Wherever life takes us."

Neither girl knew about the many adventures they would experience in the future, nor of the countless years they shared, up into their old age. But since that first day they met, the fire they felt for each other never faded.

NOTE: Thank you all so much for your support and reviews of Playing with Fire. Your encouragement really helped me finish editing this story. This final chapter was supposed to be much shorter, but I guess that's not necessarily a bad thing. ;) I love every single one of you!