He looked out of the porthole seeing his home in the distance. As beautiful as Corona had been, Marcus would be happy to see Arendelle again.

"Looking forward to getting home?" Elsa asked as she approached him.

"Yes, I always do."

Elsa was surprised. "I didn't know you'd done any traveling."

"Not much," He told her. "But I was sent on a couple of diplomatic trips by my father. Once to Denmark to talk about combating piracy; and once to Andalasia to discuss trade with King Edward and Queen Nancy." He paused. "Funny thing, in a way Queen Nancy kind of reminded me of you."

She gave him a puzzled look. "How so?"

"The way you speak, your mannerisms. She even sounds a little like you."

"Ha, I'll have to meet her someday."

"I'm sure you will," he said. "After all, you rule an allied Kingdom."

"Excuse me," she said, "WE rule an allied Kingdom."

"Okay we."

"You're really doubtful about this, aren't you?"

Marcus paused, a pensive look on his face. "We both know that our marriage doesn't necessarily mean that I become King. Many women who rule a Kingdom give their husbands the title of royal consort."

She nodded. "Yes, if I were seen as weak or incapable then you might likely be seen as the true sovereign. However, I think I've established that I'm a capable ruler in my own right. But I know this; I don't want to do this job alone, and I want you to be my partner in all aspects of life." She looked him in the eye. "I have doubts sometimes to.. But I've become good at hiding my feelings."

"Not from me you can't."

She smiled. "Very true, and I wouldn't have it any other way." She turned her head and continued her earlier thought. "I have my doubts. I worry that I'm getting in over my head. That I can't do this like my parents did."

He could see the old anxiety in her behavior, until she turned to face him again, saying, "But I know you'll be at my side. And I know that together we can face anything. We can beat any challenge, and we can be great leaders for Arendelle."

He took her hands. "How do you do it? How are you so amazing?"

She smiled, "Because I know you and I love you."

He returned her smile, remembering when he'd said the same thing to her. "Well, did you know I'd do this?" And with that he took her in his arms and brought his lips to hers in a slow, tender, loving kiss.

When they broke the kiss, with her sill in his arms, she said, "No, but I was hoping you would."

Elsa asked him, "Are you worried that some people will think you just married me for the crown?"

"So," he said, "You've heard some of the same things I have."

She said, "You mean that you've succeeded where Hans failed."

"Yeah, that."

"You know as well as I do that there will always be rumors. We know the truth. And you're establishing your reputation as a leader."

He gave her a knowing grin. "You little schemer. That's why you seemed to step back in Corona."

"That's right, I wanted them to see you in the lead, to see the ruler in you. To start thinking of you, not just as the Queens husband, but as the King."

"Very clever." Then a mischievous look came to his face. "But you're not clever enough to see how vulnerable you are." Then he wiggled his fingers under her arms.

"Hahaha, sthahp," she said as she squirmed out of his grip. "Why do you like doing that so much?"

He leaned in. "Because I like the sound of your laugh. I'm addicted to it."

"Well next time just tell me a joke."

"Eh, not as much fun." Then he walked toward her. "Now, give me another kiss or this time it'll be your feet."

She held her hand in front of her. "Oh no, not that again," She said through her laughter as she saw his mischievous expression. She reached to meet his demand; only for him to lift her off the floor for the kiss.

They ended the kiss and looked into each other's eyes. She told him, "I love these little love games you know."

"So do I."

"Now," She asked, "Are you going to put me down?"

"No."

She shrugged. "Oh well," and with that she kissed him again.

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It was strange for Arianna. To be back here again after so long; after all that had happened since then. She stepped out to the deck to see her brother's Kingdom.

The last time she was here was so long ago. A couple of months prior she'd found out that she was soon to become a mother and she had wanted to share the news with her brother and sister in law personally.

She fondly remembered giving them the news only for Iduna to tell her that she too was expecting. And not only that, but Iduna's aid, Gerda, believed that she was also expecting; A happy coincidence that the three women bonded over.

Now two of those children were on-board this ship as husband and wife, and the ruling couple of Arendelle.

She was soon joined on deck by that couple.

"Good afternoon, Aunt Arianna," Elsa greeted her.

"Good afternoon Elsa. Are you two ready to see home again?"

"Yes, I think we are," She answered, adding, "Anna will be happy to see you."

"I'm looking forward to it. I received letters about both of you, but I just couldn't bring myself to leave Corona, in case there was some word of Rapunzel."

"Aunt Arianna, we understand. You'll get to see her now, and we'll get to be the close family we should be."

Arianna smiled. "I'd like that." she paused. "I'd often imaged how it should have been. Visits to let the two of you and Rapunzel get to know each other. Hearing you playing together while I visit with my brother."

"You forgot one other who would have been there," She said nodding her head to her husband.

Arianna smiled. "Yes, I did. Even though Agnarr and Iduna did tell me about him."

"Oh," Marcus said. "And what did they have to say."

She put a hand on his arm, "They told me who you were and that their daughters had a great friend. That they knew you would always be there for their girls. They told me how you would look after Anna and keep her from feeling too lonely after, well, the accident...how you never gave up on Elsa. They told me about Sir Jorgenbjorgen."

Marcus looked puzzled. Elsa explained. "That's the name I gave the plush penguin that you gave me."

Arianna smiled and continued. They told me that she actually came out of her room on your fifteenth birthday. How you were able to make her happy, at least for a moment." She smiled, "And they told me that was when they began to hope one day to call you son in law."

"I didn't know that they knew about that," Marcus told her.

Elsa explained, "I told papa about Sir Jorgenbjorgen."

Arianna added, "And they were just around the corner when Elsa gave you your birthday gift." She sighed and added, "Sometimes I grieve for what should have been. But at least we're all together now."

Elsa and Marcus nodded, "And nothing will ever change that," Elsa promised.

They were soon joined by Quirin and Varian. "Don't believe I've ever been to Arendelle," Quirin said, as the ship was coming alongside the dock.

"We'll give you the grand tour." Marcus promised him.

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A few moments later they were docked.

"Quirin, would you escort me?" Queen Arianna asked.

"My pleasure your Majesty," he said as they waited for Elsa and Marcus to disembark first.

Elsa and Marcus happily greeted Anna and Kristoff. "You have to tell me all about Corona," Anna said.

"We will," Marcus promised her.

They were closely followed by Arianna and Quirin. She looked at the princess. "And this must be Anna?"

"Yes, your Majesty," Anna said.

"That's aunt Arianna my dear. And I'm so happy to see you," she said as she hugged her younger niece.

"I'm happy to see you to," Anna said.

They separated and Arianna turned to the man next to Anna. "And this handsome young man must be the one I've heard so much about."

"Kristoff Bjorgman, your highness."

"Please, just Arianna."

They greeted Quirin, then Anna said, "And this must be the alchemist we've heard about." He perfectly fit the picture that Rapunzels description gave her.

"Yes, your highness. My name is Varian. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Anna turned to Kristoff, "Such perfect manners." She told him. She could see the pride in his father's face as she said it. "But you have to call me Anna. You're among friends."

"Yes, Anna."

"Well," The princess said. "Let's go to the palace and talk," Anna said, clearly trying to hide her excitement.

As they left Marcus looked over to Kristoff, who just nodded in response.

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Once in the palace Marcus greeted his parents, including a tight hug from his mother, and they all sat down to talk.

"Well Anna," Marcus said, "I've never seen you wearing gloves before. So, I take it either you've developed powers to, or you have something you're waiting to reveal?"

Marcus always loved Annas excited look. She seemed about to burst when she dramatically tossed the left glove off and held out her hand for all to see, as she declared "Kristoff proposed."

There, on her middle finger, was the ring that Marcus and Elsa had helped Kristoff pick out.

"Wonderful my dear," Arianna said.

Kristoff looked over to Marcus. "I'm going to need a best man," he said.

"I'd be honored," Marcus said shaking the ice master's hand.

Arianna told the girls. "We'll speak later about wedding arrangements."

Marcus noted, "The dress will need some alteration this time, to account for Annas height. You can still use the shoes though."

"Are you saying I have big feet?" Anna asked in a faux accusatory tone.

"No," He answered. "I'm saying that your sister and your mother have small feet." Elsa laughed at their banter. Then she said, "I think we have someone Varian would like to meet. Where is he?"

They heard, "Here I am." just as a happy snowman walked into the room. Varians eyes went wide at the sight.

"Oh, guests!" Olaf said, "Hi I'm Olaf and I like warm hugs." He walked toward them with open arms.

Arianna and Quirin were also a little taken aback, but not as much as the young alchemist.

Arianna knelt to accept and return the hug the snowman offered. "You are adorable." She told him.

She gestured to Varian, who still seemed stunned. "Come on Varian, meet Olaf."

Varian knelt much as Arianna did and the snowman walked toward him. Not so long ago this would have sent him running. But he had seen far stranger, and more threatening things than this. "Hi Olaf," he said tentatively. "I'm Varian."

"Oh, good to meet you Varian. And who's the other guy over there?"

"The name is Quirin. I'm Varian's father."

As he was saying this Varian was examining Olaf. One of his arms fell off and Varian was looking at it; still gesticulating as Olaf spoke.

Anna and Marcus glanced at each other, noticing the similarity to Kristoff's response when meeting the snowman. And just like Kristoff, Varian was slapped. Olaf told him, "Now put that back."

"Uh, yeah, sure." He did as asked. Turning to Elsa he asked. "How did you do this?"

"I'm not really sure. I was feeling relief at not worrying about hurting people; Elated at freely using my powers. I used them to make a snowman like the ones the three of us made when we were little. He didn't say anything or move then. He just seemed like another snowman. So, I'm not sure when he came to life."

"I don't think it took very long," Olaf said. "I remember seeing you walking away, but by the time you vanished from sight I was still working on moving. I couldn't call out to you yet. So, when I got the hang of the whole moving and talking thing I just looked around, checking things out...and thinking it would be nice to have some color around. Then two big guys, one not so big girl and an reindeer...Hey that sounds like the start of a joke, two guys a girl and a reindeer walk into a bar...Anyway then they showed up and, well I guess everyone knows the rest."

"And he's solid snow?" Varian asked.

"Except for the carrot and the twigs." was Elsas answer.

"Alright, you win," Varian conceded. "This is magic. There's no other explanation."

Arianna was overjoyed. After all of the worry fear and pain, she had her daughter back and now had her nieces, along with their young gentlemen. The kind of big family she'd always wanted.

"Now, girls, let's go talk about wedding arrangements and the coronation of King Marcus."

"We'll go to my room. You guys," Anna said to the men in the room. "Try not to get into too much trouble while we're gone."

Quirin ruffled his son's hair. "With him around, I can't promise anything."

Anna laughed, "Olaf, TRY to take care of them."

When the women left Marcus said, "Come on. I'll give you the grand tour."

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A few days later Marcus stood in the great hall looking at the portrait of King Agnarr and Queen Iduna.

"I've kept my promise. I'm taking care of them." He laughed, "Might have gotten a little closer than you'd expected...But then again, from what Arianna said, I guess you saw it coming."

I have someone helping me take care of them now. A man by the name of Kristoff...I think you'd like him.

I'll make you another promise. They will always have me to keep them safe and they will always know that they're loved.

Also, I promise that Elsa and I will take good care of your Kingdom. We may not have the biggest army or navy, but we are the Snow Queen and...I guess, the Lightning King.

Kristoff brings a good perspective on the Kingdoms economy. He doesn't sit above it; he has depended on it.

But I have to wonder; Would you approve of me as King, and more importantly, as Elsa's husband?"

A voice from behind him answered. "Oh, I think they would."

Marcus turned to see Elsa. He held out his arms inviting her into them. An invitation she gladly accepted.

"Having a talk with the in-laws?"

"Yeah, I guess I worry about whether I'd measure up to their standards," He said nodding toward the portrait. "Either as a King or as a husband for their daughter."

"When we were measuring Anna for the dress, your mother told me how highly my mother spoke of you. I think this is just what she was hoping for."

He smiled at her and leaned over to give her a slow, gentle kiss..and another. "I love you so much."

"And I you my love. But we need to be on our way. Can't be late for your own coronation."

They walked arm in arm to the Chapel.

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A short time later Marcus stood in front of the Bishop; Elsa and Anna on either side of him. As tempted as he was to glance over at them, he kept his focus forward as his father had told him to.

The Bishop placed the crown on his head and then, as with every Arendellian monarch before him, he took the staff and orb; Turning to face the dignitaries in the Chapel. He hoped he displayed the same dignity that he'd seen in King Agnarr's portrait.

The bishop issued the declaration. "As he holds the holy properties and is crowned in this holy place, I present to you King Marcus of Arendelle."

The dignitaries repeated the "King Marcus of Arendelle." They continued to stand as the King, Queen and Princess exited the Chapel.

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Later they were in the ballroom.

"We've had a lot of these recently," Marcus said.

Elsa said, "It is a traditional part of royal celebrations."

"And it's so much fun," Anna added.

"Hope I did alright back there," Marcus said.

Elsa placed her had on his and said, "you were wonderful. Father would have been proud. And I know your father IS proud."

Anna said, "He's not the only one." She looked over to Elsa. "You were barely standing still."

Marcus smiled. "I noticed that. I thought Anna was the excitable one."

"Well what do you expect, with my husband standing there, looking so regal and handsome as he receives the crown."

Anna was about to make some teasing comment when the conductor of the orchestra asked, "would the King and Queen consent to begin the first dance?"

Marcus stood and held his hand out. "Would you do me the honor my Queen?"

She took his hand and rose from her chair. "I would be delighted my King."

After the first dance all of the couples sat down. Many of the dignitaries came over to formally introduce themselves to the new King. Elsa enjoyed watching how well her husband handled himself in his new role.

The orchestra signaled that the next dance would begin. Anna said, "Elsa, I hope you wouldn't deny me a dance with my brother-in-law... and the new King."

"Well, I guess I can't keep him to myself all of the time."

Kristoff said, "Well, if he's going to steel my girl, I'll steel his." As he held his hand out to Elsa.

Elsa smiled and, with confidence she had once only dreamed of, said. "With pleasure good sir."

She looked to Marcus, seeing his pride in her growing strength. Her heart filled with even more love for him.

As they left for the dance floor Elsa said to her sister, "Oh, Anna, I need to talk to you about something later."