Heya everyone! Welcome to 2016's first The Royal Commoner update. It's 6k long, so I hope y'all enjoy it! I wrote it in one long sit, so there might be some mistakes, and my beta won't read it until tomorrow, so if there are, I'll fix them then! (if you read this after the 15th of January, disregard that bit, please!) I'd also like to thank everyone who's still here for... still being here. I know it's a long ride, but I hope you're all enjoying it still anyway! Especially since there's still a fair bit to go before we reach the finish!

She wasn't quite sure what she had expected, but this was definitely not it. In the Onyx Tower, prisoners were kept in the dungeons, where they had nothing but a bucket. And in Greybell, where she served as General before being recruited by Lady Yuwin, prisoners were locked in the dungeons, where they had nothing but a bucket, a filthy mattress and a blanket for the cold days.

Yet, here she was. A prisoner of the Grey Gardens, housed in a more luxurious room than the one she occupied in the Onyx Tower. It had a comfortable bed, windows with a view of the city, plenty of books to keep her occupied, and meals brought to her room three times a day. The servants bringing the food did not seem to be scared of her in the slightest.

In fact, she had been able to strike up pleasant conversations with most of them, and everyone had been polite. The dinner-servant, with whom she had been talking about family, had left only half an hour ago.

Hence her surprise when there was an unexpected knocking at her door. Upon opening the door, she was even more surprised, finding none other than Judge Frollo himself standing in front of her door.

"General Novirrin, might I come in for a moment?"

"Of course, Your Honour, of course," she muttered hastily, bending her head and opening the door wider.

The Judge looked around the room for a moment, before returning his attention to Novirrin. "Are your lodgings to your agreement, General? I could have you moved somewhere else, if you preferred?"

"No, Your Honour. Everything is entirely acceptable."

"Very well, I'm glad to hear it. However, it is not why I have come to visit. I'd have come sooner, but it has been quite busy, as of late."

Novirrin did not say anything, merely looking at the Judge as he smiled kindly.

"I have come to apologize, child. While I still believe you left me little choice during our altercation in the courtyard, I do still feel troubled about inflicting the horrors of my Ring upon you."

"You were entirely in your right to do whatever you wanted to me, Your Honour," Novirrin uttered with a sad smile and a shake of her head. "Honestly, I got off easily, having only those nightmarish visions. Had someone acted like I did around the Tower, they'd have gotten off a lot worse."

"Regardless of my right to do what I wish," the Judge said with the same smile as before, "I have come to apologize, and ask your forgiveness. That, you are free to give me or deny me. I would only ask for you not to give me your forgiveness, only to lead me to find out you weren't earnest later."

Novirrin nodded. "As far as I am concerned, Your Honour, I should be asking your forgiveness. Not the other way around."

"Then, let us both forgive one another, and not speak of the matter any longer."

"Agreed."

"Very well. There is one other small matter, I would like to discuss."

"Of course, Your Honour."

"If you wish, General Novirrin of Greybell, you are free to leave the Grey Gardens whenever you wish. The only demand I will make is that you not return to Violet Yuwin. You can return to your family, or your former master at Greybell, if you so desire. Or, if you want, you can stay here. The Gardens can always use new talent."

"But I'm a sorceress," Novirrin objected feebly.

"Yes, and while we are generally not in favour of such abilities, we do not condemn the good-hearted individuals merely because of it. We ask you not to use it, unless you find yourself in a situation where it is your only option."

Novirrin sat in thought for a moment, before nodding to herself. "If that is the case, Your Honour, I think I'd like to stay…"

All of the members of the Grand Council were already seated at the long, rectangular table placed in the throne room when Elsa walked in. She quickly noticed the anxious looks on their faces as she lowered herself onto her throne, throwing a quick sideward glance at Anna's.

She couldn't really blame the councilmembers. While it was not unheard of for them to meet in the throne room, rather than the designated council chambers, it was certainly something that could be called exceptional. Usually, Elsa moved her meetings here when they would discuss a topic on which she felt she needed the little boost in authority that her throne never failed to supply.

Today, however, it was more of a practical matter. Then again, they could not have known that. So yes, their concern was actually valid, albeit entirely unnecessary.

"Your Majesty," the eldest of the men spoke up. "Since we're all here, shall we begin?"

Elsa arched her left eyebrow, the corners of her mouth tilting upwards ever so slightly. "Not quite yet, good sir. We are actually not complete yet."

As if on cue, Elsa heard the small backdoor behind the curtain open. Only a very select group of people had access to that entrance to the throne room, so it wasn't hard to guess who had arrived. And, naturally, her suspicion was confirmed when Anna came walking into the throne room – more confident than she had done the previous few times, kissed Elsa's cheek quickly, and took her seat on her own throne.

Before any of the gathered lords could ask any questions, Elsa raised her hand, silencing them. "Now, we can start," she smiled. "You are undoubtedly wondering why Lady Oaken is present for this meeting, although I'm certain most of you will already have figured it out. A few days ago, you pressed the importance of our wedding on me. I've discussed the matter with my fiancée, as I said I would, and we have both agreed to go along with your proposed plan."

"That is marvellous news indeed, Your Majesty!"

Elsa didn't miss Anna's radiant, beaming smile before the redhead schooled her face into a more neutral expression again. And, judging by their kind smiles, neither did most of the councilmen.

"This meeting is meant to sort out the specifics of the ceremony and all the other arrangements that need to be made. I'm confident you already have our perfect marriage planned in great detail, but I remind you once more: it is our marriage, and on this matter, our word will be final each and every time. Is that clear?"

"Of course, Your Majesty. We would not have it any other way."

"Alright. Let's start with the timetable. What period do you think is sufficient for the planning and arranging?"

The men mussed around for a little bit, ruffling through their papers and muttering to each other, before turning their attention back to the front of the room. "Well, Your Majesty… We would be lying if we said we had not already made some inquiries. If need be, we could have you married by the end of the week. Obviously, that won't be necessary, and, assuming you want to go with large festivities, we should plan on at least a month."

Elsa turned her head sideways, already finding Anna looking back at her. "What say you, love?"

The redhead shot her a happy little smile. "Anytime works for me. I'd have married you weeks ago if I'd known it was an option, you know that now."

Elsa gave a resolute nod, turning her attention towards the others again. "Alright. Let's go with a month, for now. This is, of course, subject to the rest of this discussion, and we can always move it backwards a little… Or forward, if need be."

"Now, Your Majesty, how large do you want to festivities to be?" one of the councilmen ventured.

"Well, you raised the point about our marriage serving to show off the security and positive attitude of our kingdom. To that end, I suggest going all out and making it as big as we can. If we keep it small, there's not much use in moving the marriage forward in the first place."

"Very well. In that case, we're talking about music, public performances throughout the city, visiting dignitaries from abroad, decorating the city, the whole works."

"Rather than unnecessarily prolonging this meeting, I suggest you make a list with your suggestions, and send them to my study whenever ready. That way, we know exactly what to discuss during the follow-up meeting, rather than pitching ideas right now and squabbling over the pros and cons of every little point."

"One thing, if I may?" Anna suddenly said, leaning forward in her throne as Elsa motioned for her to continue. "We will need to invite the representatives of the cities and villages for the festivities, of course. However, I think it would be a missed chance for joy if we do not also make some arrangements for the citizens that cannot come to the city to celebrate."

"Organizing festivities in every city and village, while ideal, would require immense amounts of planning and funding," the youngest member of the council immediate interjected.

"True," Anna agreed with a smile, "but you did say you wanted us to marry sooner so we could show off how great things are in our kingdom, did you not? I'd say that, if we want to do that, we should do it right, and perhaps go a little overboard. Besides, what is a little extra planning, knowing the happiness and joy that will be spread because of it?"

"But the funding-"

Elsa raised her hand with a smile. "Between the Lord Chamberlain and the Queen, I can assure you that the financial aspect of this wedding is not something to fret over. I will, after all, only get married once, and I refuse to save expenses on what, by all accounts, should be the best day of my life."

That, apparently, was exactly what the councilmen had hoped to hear, seeing as they burst out into enthusiastic murmurs among each other, discussing all kinds of things, ranging from artists to flower-arrangements. Elsa and Anna shared an amused yet exasperated look, before calling them back to attention.

"Gentlemen, please. It wasn't even a minute ago when I suggested you write all this down for the two of us to review later. Don't tell me you've forgotten my instructions already?" Elsa chided good-naturedly.

"Of course, Your Majesty," they all chimed in unison.

Just as Elsa was about to answer, a soft knock echoed through the room.

"Enter," Elsa called, loud enough for it to be heard on the other side. A smile spread across her lips as Kai walked in, carrying a stack of papers she had requested. "Ah, perfect. Thank you, Kai. If you would, please stay for a moment."

The portly servant nodded with a smile, taking up place behind their thrones, hands folded on his back.

"Gentlemen, as you can see, Kai delivered to us some papers from the archives. Those of you who have already taken a quick look will have found that, among other things, it is the marriage agreement between me and Lady Oaken. You should all recognize it, seeing as you signed them for approval not quite that long ago.

The reason I had them brought here is, quite frankly, a simple matter. I discussed certain arrangements with my fiancée, and we would like to make a few… minor alterations. Before discussing these alterations, however, I will tell you that, while you are free to air any grievances you might have, and inform me of any concerns I might want to address, these alterations are not up for discussion."

The young queen had expected her council to disagree, to be offended and balk at the implication of their lack of power in this matter. To her great surprise, however, the men merely looked at her expectantly, having the documents spread out in front of them, and some nodding encouragingly.

She took a deep breath before continuing. "As things are now, Lady Oaken will become Princess-Consort upon the completion of the marriage-ceremony. However, in light of my fiancée's recent actions and involvement in matters of State, as well as a discussion I've had with several of my trusted friends and advisors, I have decided that would be… insulting.

She has proven herself clever, insightful and responsible. Not to mention diligent and, dare I say, invaluable. To bestow upon her anything less than the title of queen would be distasteful and demeaning. While untested in many aspects of the position, she has proven herself to be a quick study, as Kai will, undoubtedly, confirm."

Even without turning her head, she could see Kai nodding fervently, a large smile on his face.

"I feel confident that, if Arendelle is content with having a queen and a princess to govern them, it will be no different with two queens. Are there any… objections?"

One of the councilmen slowly got to his feet, his face not unkind. "Your Majesty… Your Majesties, allow me to first offer you both my renewed congratulations. I can say, with relative certainty, that the council has no objections to voice. At first, we were all… apprehensive about Lady Oaken – being a lowborn, no offense – coming into power and playing a large part in our leadership. However, you are correct in stating that she has proven herself. More than that, she has proven to be unanimously liked and approved of. While I do not have an objection, I would like to enquire how the power will be divided amongst you."

"Of course," Elsa smiled, more than happy with this development. "As queen, Anna will have full executive power, like myself. I will train her in all matters of State myself, so as to ensure that no decision will be made lightly or uninformed. We have agreed, however, that I will, in any case, have the power to revoke an order or decision made by her. When I am out of the kingdom, however, Lady Oaken will reign supreme and unopposed."

Miraculously, everyone seemed to agree, spurring Anna to sit up a little straighter. "Gentlemen… I'd like to thank you for the trust you have placed in me, and I promise to do everything in my power not to disappoint."

"We feel confident that you will act in everyone's best interest, Milady."

Anna nodded. "That being said, I'd also like to thank you for all your efforts, past, present, and future, you have and will put into the planning of our marriage. This meeting has come to an end now, and Elsa and I both look forward to reading your suggestions for the festivities."

With short nods and bows, all the men gathered up their documents, leaving the throne room while discussing what flowers would be best to line the streets with, what colours the banners should be, and how many musicians should be sent to every town. Elsa could see her future wife smile.

"Kai, would you please give us some privacy for a moment?" the redhead suddenly asked, getting up from her throne. The servant nodded sagely, disappearing through the back entrance as Anna stood before Elsa's throne. The blonde was halfway to getting up when Anna subtly pushed her back into the seat.

"Stay. We have some discussing of our own to do," she muttered, standing before Elsa's throne with her arms crossed.

"Is… something wrong?" Elsa asked, unsure as to where this conversation was going.

"You tell me…"

"I have absolutely no clue what you're talking about, Anna," she ventured carefully.

"I didn't get a kiss after breakfast this morning," Anna murmured, eyes narrowed suspiciously, hands now resting on her hips.

"Really? That's what this is about?" Elsa laughed lightly. "That's easy enough to remedy."

However, when she tried to get up and offer her the promised kiss, Anna pushed her down on her throne again. "… And it wasn't just this morning, Elsa. Don't think I haven't noticed you dodging and evading kiss-opportunities in the past … while."

"Anna, it's not-" Elsa spluttered, not getting a chance to finish her sentence.

"Are you ashamed of me?" the redhead asked, hands on her hips.

"What? No! Of course not!" the blonde gasped defiantly.

At that, Anna quirked a small smile. "Hm, didn't think so. After all, you also avoid kissing me when it's just us, sometimes."

Reaching up the pinch the bridge of her nose, Elsa tried to intervene again. "Really, Anna, you're-"

"Don't you like me anymore?" the redhead asked this time, narrowing her eyes slightly.

"Don't be ridiculous, Anna," the Queen responded with a tired and small smile.

"Then what is it?" Anna asked, voice sounding exasperated.

Elsa heaved a deep sigh. "Remember, when we had only just gotten engaged and made the announcement?"

"Yes. Back then, you had no problem kissing me senseless," Anna smiled in return.

"Exactly. I remember a particular session in the library that got… a little heated."

"Hard to forget," Anna said with a small snicker, revealing that she never had been really cross with Elsa.

The blonde gave a quick smile too. "It's… hard to keep my feelings for you reigned in, sometimes. And I don't want us to be found in a compromising position by a servant or anything. The stories and gossip would be relentless, and I won't have anyone besmirch your reputation."

"So, you don't kiss me in public anymore because of… propriety?"

"Well… yes," Elsa admitted with a deep breath.

"And the reason you don't want to… be intimate when we're alone?"

"Propriety is more than just what people can see, Anna."

"Fair enough," Anna conceded. "And, instead of just discussing this with me, like a normal and responsible adult, you thought it a better idea to keep it silent, let it fester, and make me doubt myself?"

Despite Anna's good-natured teasing tone, Elsa felt guilt washing over her. "I'm sorry, Anna. I think we have adequately established that… well, communication is not necessarily my strongest skill. Especially with people close to me…"

"Yeah, I've noticed," Anna giggled, dropping down in Elsa's lap unannounced. "So, this whole propriety thing is going out of the window after our wedding, right?"

"That's right."

"Well then, excuse me while I go and find the councilmen and tell them to move the marriage to… tomorrow?"

They both laughed for a moment, Anna resting her head on Elsa's shoulder. "Seriously, though. Talk to me next time. And there's definitely going to have to be more kissing. But, yes, we'll keep it in check when others are around. Even I don't fancy servants walking in on us with our tongues in-"

"Anna!"

"Right. Sorry."

They shared a brief laugh, foreheads resting together. "Can I kiss you now, though?"

Without waiting for a response, Anna softly pressed her lips to Elsa's and, not feeling the blonde make any move to discourage her, slowly parted her lips to flick her tongue over Elsa's lips. Making use of the ensuing gasp, she easily slipped her tongue past parted lips, releasing a soft moan, and hearing Elsa echo the sound as their tongues met.

When they parted again, several minutes later, Anna was slightly panting. "Wow, you're right. It is hard to control ourselves."

"Ahem, I knocked but…"

They both turned their heads backwards, finding a slightly blushing Kai standing off to the side, fanning himself with a sealed folder. Despite his obvious blush, though, he was also smiling widely and there was a mischievous sparkle in his eyes.

"Kai… I'm… so sorry you had to see that," Elsa groaned, resting her head against the back of her throne.

"No worries, Your Majesty. You're young and in love. Frankly, I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner. Anyhow, Queen Ariel requested I bring this to you immediately, although she also said it wasn't urgent."

"Thank you, Kai," Anna smiled. "Well, I guess we should both get back to our work now, Moondrop. See you at dinner?"

"Yes," Elsa replied immediately, cheeks still burning up. "See you at dinner."

It had taken her almost half an hour, but Elsa had finally found the one she had been looking for. She still wasn't sure why Eugene, Prince-Consort of Corona, would be found in the stables, of all places. She had thought the answer would be obvious once she found him there, but she instead found the man, in his royal suit, sitting on a bale of hay, having a stare-off with one of the horses.

And he seemed to be losing, too.

"Eugene, May I have a word?"

The man immediately jumped off, swivelling around to meet her and dropping into a small bow at the same time. The result was both endearing and laughable. "Your Majesty! Course, of course."

"Please, call me Elsa," she smiled. "By now, you must know we're not big on formalities among friends."

"Right, right. Elsa, what can I do for you?"

"I… need to discuss some important matters with you. Matters that are crucial to cross-kingdom relations, in fact."

"Err," the man stammered, hooking his finger behind is collar and pulling it straight. "You will probably want to talk to my wife, then? Rapunzel really is the brains of us two. I'm more the brawn, really. Well, not even that, to be perfectly honest."

"I would, but I can't," Elsa smiled.

"O-kay… What can I do for you, then?"

"There's still a bet running on our marriage, in one way or another, correct?"

Eugene gave her a guilty grimace. "Yeah, I'd be lying if I said there wasn't…"

"Care to tell me what it is about, exactly?"

"Well, the bet about the date didn't really take off, so now everyone's betting on whether you'll wear a dress or a suit, or Anna will wear a dress or a suit… Or you'll both wear dresses, or both wear suits…"

"I see. For international relations, it is imperative that Rapunzel does not win this bet," Elsa declared in a dignified and royal manner. "I must know what she bet on."

"My lovely wife was banned from the bet," Eugene smiled easily, leaning up against the wall and not noticing the horse chewing on the backside of his jacket.

"I was aware. However, she let it slip that she placed her bets through you because of it."

"Riiiiiiight," the Prince-Consort said, grimacing. "I suppose that's true."

"So, please tell me what you bet on…"

"Heh. You see, Your Majesty – Elsa - … I really can't."

"And why's that?"

"Have you met Rapunzel? Of course you have… Have you ever seen her mad?"

"Can't say I have," Elsa murmured.

"It's truly a frightening sight," Eugene laughed grimly. "As much power as you have, being a queen, controlling ice, and having several armies at your back… I'd rather face your wrath than my wife's."

"I could order you to tell me. You know that, right?"

"Sure. Still wouldn't work, though."

"Well, can't blame me for trying," Elsa smiled. "I'll take my leave now, then. Oh, and your horse is eating your suit," she laughed lightly, turning around to leave, and hearing an undignified 'Maximus, stop that!' behind her.

She was not surprised to find Belle in a quiet corner of the library, nose between the pages of one of the many romantic stories piled up on the shelves around her. Before she had even announced her presence, Belle sported a smile.

"Bonjour, Elsa. Anything I can do for you?"

"Oui. You could tell me who's betting what on our marriage attire," Elsa smiled easily, leaning up against the bookshelf.

"I could," Belle smiled, finally looking up from the pages. "But that would not be fair to those who have placed bets, now would it?"

"I don't much care for fairness," Elsa smiled. "I just don't want Rapunzel to get all the spoils again."

"Oh, but she's not partaking, this time," Belle said, waving Elsa's concerns away.

"Are you absolutely certain of that? You know as well as I do that she is much cleverer than anyone, even us, gives her credit for."

"Oui. Eugene wasn't the most inconspicuous person, even on his best days. Regardless, I cannot budge on this matter, ma Cherie. If we do not have honesty, then what remains of us?"

Knowing that nothing more would come from the brunette, Elsa took her leave, automatically making her way towards Hans' office, where she found him writing a long letter, several pigeons flying around his office, their guano splattered across several pieces of furniture.

"We have more effective means of delivering letters, nowadays, you know?" Elsa asked with an arched eyebrow, dodging one of the grey projectiles flying about.

"Yes, but I can't very well send messengers into enemy kingdoms to retrieve information from my spies," Hans smiled winsomely, apparently not at all bothered by the mess around him. "But what brings you to my humble abode, dearest sister of mine?"

"Technically, it's my humble abode," Elsa smiled in return, checking a seat before taking it.

"Did your parents not teach you to share?" Hans replied in mock-horror. "I could've sworn I heard them say something like 'Hans lives here too, now, Elsa, share all your cookies with him. As many as he wants. You must give him everything he wants!' at some point."

"I'm pretty sure they did not say that, exactly. And I'm still letting you live here, aren't I?"

"Good point, well made. I concede defeat, oh mighty queen-sister."

"So, what's Rapunzel's bet?" Elsa asked suddenly, hoping that Hans would fall for the age-old trick and reply on automatism.

"Ah, very clever, Els. Alas, I have been instructed to keep the bets a closely guarded secret. Several queens and princesses have told me they were secrets of State, now. States, actually. Since we all have a vested interest."

"I could make it so that you would win the bet, brother dearest."

"Yes, you could. But we both know you wouldn't. And while I am a spy, and a spymaster at that, I am not dishonest, and I would not want to win, if I did not do so fairly."

"I'll go ask Merida, then," Elsa smiled. "I'm sure she wants to win."

"I'm sure she does, yes. Good luck."

Finding Merida was… easy. Elsa just had to follow the ruckus around the castle, which led her to Merida, leading a throng of DunBroch archers to chase down a goat across the upper corridors of the castle.

"Oi, lass, throw me up one of those ice walls, wouldye?" she bellowed as the group charged towards the blonde queen.

Elsa did as asked, cornering the goat – her goat – and allowing some of the archers to grab him and bring him back outside. "What was that all about?"

"Gave poor ol' Albert a bit offa scare, 's'all," Merida grunted in reply, looking everywhere but at the young queen.

"Merida, what did you do?"

"Din't do a damn thing. Notta worry."

"Fine, I'll let it go. Provided you tell me who is betting what on our marriage-attire."

"Aight, aight," Merida chuckled. "I'll tell ya."

"Please do."

"We were bored, so I told me men that the first one to catch your goat wouldn't have ta pay for no drinks until we all go back home. Thing got outta hand, and we couldn't catch the blasted bugger…"

"… I thought you were going to tell me about the bets?"

"Not a chance, lass. Call me what you will, but I am not a cheat."

And, try as she might, Merida just shrugged off all future attempts to gain any information from her, even going so far as to turn her back to the queen and simply saunter off when she grew bored with the conversation.

So, Elsa finally relented that there was only one source that might give her the information she wanted. She'd just have to go and find Rapunzel. Maybe, just maybe, she could be tricked into revealing something of worth.

Today was, in every possible regard but one, an entirely normal day. In the morning she had gone out, talked to some people around the castle, did some studying of charts and maps, and then gone back to her room, the adorable ice bunny following her every move throughout the castle. Much to her delight.

Coming back to her chambers, she had found several of the servants appointed to her going about several tasks – making the bed, rearranging the curtains, dusting the cabinets, mopping the floor. Everything entirely normal. Well, except for the fact that someone was watching them from the mirror.

Not near the mirror, mind you. No, this particular someone, a woman with long, dark hair and a slightly bronzed skin, was watching them from inside the mirror. She watched the figure for several minutes, not showing any emotion or surprise, and the figure stared back for several minutes, face also entirely neutral.

"Could you all leave me alone for a moment, please?" she asked the servants eventually, all of whom stopped their tasks immediately.

"Of course, Princess Rapunzel. Shall we come back in an hour?"

"Yes, please. Thank you," she replied with a sincere smile, before turning back to the mirror as the servants all filed out of her chambers.

As soon as she was certain that she was alone, and could not be overheard, she cocked her head to the side. "I must admit I am surprised to find someone stuck inside my mirror," she said with a faint smile.

To her surprise, the woman also smiled. "Stuck? Whatever foolish notion is that? As if this pedantic trinket, made my mortal hands, could ever get me stuck."

"I thought your race and mine could only communicate through the mirror Queen Elsa found in the Temple of Old Magic?"

The mirror-woman shrugged carelessly. "Our power is far beyond your understanding, mortal, quick as your mind might be to grasp at ideas and notions. For you to contact us is a great endeavour. For us to contact you is but a small effort. Yet, for someone who has only had this knowledge for so short a time, you are ever so… unimpressed."

Rapunzel shrugged. "Like I said, I am a little surprised. But mostly because I did not expect to have a deity, like the other wielders of magic?"

"Why would you think yourself so different from another, I ask you then."

"I got my power from a magical flower, not from a being, as far as I am aware," Rapunzel shrugged.

"Unknown I am to men and beast both, hanging over them like a tapestry while through their life they rove. What am I?"

Rapunzel smiled to herself. Unbeknown to most, riddles were somewhat of a favourite pastime of hers, and she had the feeling that she and this deity would get along just right. Giving the matter a short period of thought, the answer suddenly came to her. "Easy. Fate."

"Indeed. I brought the flower to your world, but fate would always bring it to you, as it was meant to be."

"Fated to get the power of the flower… I see. Might I ask who you are, then?"

"I rise in the East and-"

"You're the Sun, yes," Rapunzel immediately interjected. "I sort of already figured that out. But I am guessing 'Sun' is not your name, just like I am guessing 'Winter' isn't actually called 'Winter,' and 'Justice' is not called 'Justice.'"

"With a sharp mind, you have been gifted. And correct you are, too. I am Amaterasu, and before things were as they are, I created the Sun."

"And for that, I am eternally grateful. As well as for my powers. They mean a lot to me," Rapunzel smiled with a dip of her head. "When my hair was cut, I thought the power lost to me. I assume you are the one that restored my hair to its… former glory?"

"Correct you are again, small mortal. Although I do not see how you could have lost it in the first place."

Rapunzel smiled. "The rich men want it, the wise men know it. All poor men need it, and kind men give it. What am I?"

Amaterasu smiled for a moment, before her face morphed into an expression of thought. After less than half a minute, she smiled again. "Of course. It is love."

Rapunzel smiled as she nodded. "But I imagine you did not come all this way to talk about my hair, or to exchange riddles."

"Indeed," the Goddess sighed. "I have come to you with counsel. We may no longer be around, but our fate is still entwined with that of you and your world, my clever little avatar. It cannot be seen, it cannot be felt. Cannot be heard and cannot be smelled. It lies behind stars and under hills, and empty holes it fills. It comes first and it follows after. It ends life, and kills laughter."

Rapunzel closed her eyes, visualizing the riddle inside her mind, turning it around and around, waiting for the obvious answer to come to her. And, as per usual, her mind did not disappoint. "Darkness."

"A great Darkness has entered your world, Rapunzel. The danger is real, and it threatens to consume you all, and blot out the sun and the stars alike. It must not succeed. Winter and Justice, bound by Life, may be fated to conquer the evil, but they cannot do it alone. Do not grow complacent in the knowledge that they can handle the situation. I fear that, only if you all pull together, the future can be yours."

"What costs nothing, but is worth everything? Weighs nothing, but can last a lifetime? What can one person not own, but two or more can share?"

Amaterasu seemed to stare off into nothingness for several minutes, before a smile formed on her face. "Friendship, of course."

The blonde princess nodded, her face solemn. "I'd never abandon my friends in their time of need. On that, you have my word."

"I believe you," the mirror spoke back. "And for what it is worth: I am proud to be a part of you."

"It means a lot," Rapunzel answered, the image in the mirror warping and fading, until she could only see herself staring back at her. "Well, that was surreal…"

Hardly ten minutes passed before there was a knock at her door, and Elsa came walking inside.

"Ah, Elsa, I was just coming to see you," Rapunzel smiled, the bunny hopping off the bed and to her creator.

"You still have her, huh?" Elsa smiled up at her as she bent down to stroke it. "What did you need to see me for?"

"You'll never guess who just visited me…"

"Merida or Belle?"

"Not quite."

"Eugene or Hans, then?"

"Also not correct."

"Feel to share, then?"

"Amaterasu."

"Amate-who?"

"The Sun Goddess, Elsa. She appeared in my mirror."

"What?"

"Apparently, they have ways to contact ours, even though we can only contact them through the mirror."

"What… What did she want?"

"Oh, not much. We exchanged some riddles. Then we had a chat about the end of the world, and my role in stopping it," Rapunzel shrugged, delighting at Elsa's shocked reaction.

"Your… role?"

"Yes. Apparently, you and Anna won't be able to pull it off on your own, so we all have to work together. Like we weren't planning to do that anyway… But enough of that, we can discuss it further later, with the others present. What did you need of me?"

"I was err… wondering what your bet about our wedding dress or suit was."

"Oh. I bet that you would wear the suit, and Anna would wear the dress," Rapunzel smiled sweetly. "It seems fitting, I think."

"Really, just like that?" Elsa asked, raising her eyebrows.

"I'm not sure I understand…?"

"I've been trying to pry this information from the others for half a day now, and you just… told me?"

"Well, it's not like it's really that much of a secret," she shrugged. "I'm guessing half the castle knows my bet. Well, Eugene's bet, really. If you'd just come to me straight away, I could have saved you a lot of trouble."

Elsa merely shook her head in exasperation, making her way back to her office. Sometimes, paperwork was much preferred over human interaction.

Especially with the humans she kept around.