Elsa goes to her Regency Council Meeting

A/N: This may be the longest chapter yet but it is quite important for set up of future plot points. Plus, it introduces 6 somewhat major characters so I kind of had to expand the chapter to compensate for that. You see, one of the things I always disliked about Frozen, especially Frozen I, was the lack of information about Arendelle's political apparatus or of its key figures while Elsa was still not 21 years old and thus ineligible to be crowned by Arendellian law. I mean, there had to be some major figures to help Elsa govern while she was still a minority ruler which basically gurantees there had to be a regency of some sort but we never see that during the movies.

More, I found it a bit strange that no major figures from Arendelle's court showed up to do anything important after the sudden winter got started in Frozen I and the events that followed. I mean sure, they were setting up a twist with Hans but I found it unrealistic to a degree, especially because you can bet that Elsa was probably a very passive minority ruler in those regency meetings in the three years before her coronation due to her fears of confrontation escalating into uncontrolled bouts of icy magicks shattering her secret and potentially hurting someone. So, it stands to reason that at least one of her regents likely wielded considerable political power during this period right before the coronation near the beginning of Frozen I and yet we saw nothing of the sort in the movies.

So, this chapter is, in part, my way of rectifying that oversight while setting the stage for more in the storyline now that the point of divergence in this branch had altered Elsa and Anna's futures in this timeline so much. Thus, with all that in mind, I hope you like this chapter and what it may hint for the future.

Happy reading.

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One hour later...

Arendelle Castle – The Regency Council Chamber

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After promising to meet Anna again for lunch as soon as she was done with her important appointment, she went to dress herself as befitting of her station and the nature of her upcoming meeting. Then, she picked up the pace and walked through the hallways on her way to the Regency Council Chamber.

The midday sun spilled through the tall, stained-glass windows, casting golden and violet streaks across the polished oak table that stretched down the center of the chamber. The air was cool but filled with the low hum of murmured pleasantries as the regents settled into their seats.

Elsa paused just inside the doorway; her hands clasped in front of her. She allowed herself a brief, quiet breath before moving toward the chair at the head of the table.

Her eyes swept the room as she walked, taking in the familiar faces of her council—the six men and women who had guided Arendelle through the last three years. Each of them had a role to play, their voices representing the kingdom’s many needs.

General Faris Mattias sat nearest to her seat, his back ramrod straight as always. Though his frame had begun to stoop slightly with age, his presence remained as commanding as the day he first arrived at her kingdom as a young man over half a century ago, from his original homeland of Agrabah, at least if the gossip from the elderly servants of the palace was to be believed.

The weight of a lifetime in service to the crown of the land that had adopted him was etched into every line of his face, and his dark eyes seemed to pierce through the very air. A man of action and duty, he was always the first to speak when matters of security were discussed. "He’s given so much to this kingdom," Elsa thought, her gaze softening as she remembered his unwavering loyalty after her parents’ deaths. "And still, he carries more than his share."

Beside him, Ingrid Vollen adjusted her spectacles, her sharp eyes scanning a stack of papers in front of her. She was the merchants’ representative, and her voice carried the weight of Arendelle’s bustling ports and trade networks. A shrewd negotiator, Ingrid always seemed to know the exact value of everything—be it goods, alliances, or influence. Her tone could be cutting, but Elsa respected her pragmatism. "The kingdom’s coffers wouldn’t be nearly as full without her," she acknowledged in silence, then added wryly, "or its council meetings nearly as heated."

At the far end of the table, Lord Halvard, the aristocracy’s representative, leaned back in his chair with an air of relaxed detachment. His finely tailored coat and blonde hair gleamed in the sunlight, a picture of idle nobility. Halvard rarely raised his voice, preferring smooth and calculated arguments that often masked his deeper ambitions, if the last 3 years with his presence on her regency council was any indication. Elsa wasn’t entirely sure how much he genuinely cared for the kingdom’s welfare versus his own, but he was certainly effective when it mattered and did not hesitate to propose policies that he believed would improve the quality of life of the Arendellian people if it meant the aristocracy also benefited somehow. "Still, his charm hides more than he lets on," she mused silently, "and I’ll need to keep a closer eye on him once I’m crowned."

Admiral Henrik Henson sat diagonally across from Halvard, his uniform crisp and his expression sharp. Unlike Halvard’s easy posture, Henson always seemed on edge, as though he were perpetually preparing for a battle just over the horizon. The admiral represented the navy and had been instrumental in safeguarding Arendelle’s waters from pirates and smugglers. Elsa appreciated his vigilance, though his blunt demeanor often set him at odds with Ingrid’s sharp wit or Halvard's calculated words. "Arendelle’s waters are safer because of him," she recognized. "But more and more, I wonder if he ever truly relaxes—he carries his duty as if it were armor."

Further down the table, Knut Eriksson, the farmers’ representative, adjusted his chair with a faint creak. His weathered hands rested on the table as he exchanged a quiet word with Ingrid. Knut was as steady as the land he represented, his voice often advocating for the kingdom’s rural communities and laborers. Elsa had always found his presence comforting, a reminder of the hardworking people who tilled the soil and sustained the realm. "Knut speaks for the heart of Arendelle," she thought, her gaze lingering on him. "He may not have the loudest voice in the room, but he always makes his words count."

Finally, at the opposite end of the table, Bishop Thaddeus Albrecht thumbed through a worn leather-bound book, his lips moving in a quiet prayer. The bishop was often the council’s moral compass and mediator of disputes, representing the church and its influence in Arendelle’s affairs. Though Elsa respected his wisdom and the traditional value of his office, she often found the presence of the man who would soon crown her to be slightly unnerving—a constant reminder of the weight of expectations placed upon her as queen. "And besides, I can't help but wonder how he’ll react if he learns of my magical powers," she thought for what felt like the thousandth time.

This time, however, the thought was more quickly suppressed, replaced by a newfound resolve that made her smile slightly. "All the same, whatever comes, I’ll face it with my dear sister by my side."

By the time Elsa reached her seat, the hum of conversation had quieted. She sat down with practiced poise, her hands folded neatly in her lap.

For years, Elsa had attended these meetings as quietly as she could, signing decrees and motions with little resistance. As a minority monarch that was yet to be formally crowned, her veto power had been limited to one instance per month by Arendellian law—something she’d rarely used as it was.

Not because she agreed with everything the council proposed. There had, in fact, been more than a few times when she’d wanted to push back, to challenge their assumptions or decisions over the past three years. But the thought of confrontation, of tempers flaring, had always terrified her. Strong emotions meant a loss of control, and a loss of control meant icy destruction.

So, Elsa had done what she thought was safest: she’d let them lead. She’d signed the decrees they drafted, letting the regents steer Arendelle through the political snowstorms while she stayed quiet. And while she had silently had her doubts on their policies on many occasions, she had never truly doubted their commitment to her family or their overall competence.

But today, she felt different.

The unexpected miracle that had given her peace—an inexplicable calming of the storm within her—had shifted something inside. For the first time, Elsa felt like she could speak up without fear. The regency might end in three days, but, a quiet voice inside her said, better late than never.

“Your Highness,” General Faris Mattias began, his deep, resonant voice filling the room. Even at seventy-five, the former soldier commanded attention. His military coat, adorned with gleaming medals, was a testament to a lifetime of service. “The coronation is three days away. Security preparations are proceeding as planned. The royal guard will double patrols near the castle gates, and the outer watchtowers are fully staffed.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping the table. “Admiral Henson?”

Admiral Henson leaned forward, his sharp, weathered face creased with a mild frown. “Two warships will hold position in the harbor to ensure no unauthorized vessels approach and serve as escorts if need be. Also, Weselton’s delegation is expected tomorrow. I recommend keeping a close eye on them.”

“Must we always assume the worst of our trade partners?” Lord Halvard asked, his voice smooth and clipped. He reclined slightly in his chair, an eyebrow arched in polite skepticism.

Henson’s lips thinned. “Forgive me, Lord Halvard, but this isn’t assumption—it’s precaution. The Duke of Weselton has a well-earned reputation for opportunism.”

Halvard smirked faintly. “A reputation, Admiral? That’s hardly proof of wrongdoing. Or have you discovered some new evidence since the king himself told you to let the matter rest?”

The admiral’s gaze darkened. “I don’t need evidence to know the Duke is a man who’ll use any opportunity to gain an advantage, no matter the cost to others. That much was clear when his name came up repeatedly during the pirate investigation.”

Halvard waved a dismissive hand. “Ah, yes. The infamous accusations that the Duke of Weselton was secretly aiding pirates off the Corona-Arendelle trade route. If I recall, you had nothing but hearsay to go on.”

“That ‘hearsay,’” Henson shot back, “came from sailors whose ships were plundered. They reported seeing Weselton’s colors flying in a cove where the pirates resupplied.”

“Circumstantial,” Halvard countered. “And unproven. You had no hard evidence then, Admiral, and you don’t have any now. His Grace, the late King Agnarr, saw fit to put the matter to rest for good reason.”

Henson’s fists clenched atop the table, but his voice remained steady. “King Agnarr didn’t want to risk a diplomatic incident without irrefutable proof, and I respected his decision. But that doesn’t mean I trust Weselton. I’ve seen how he operates—how he subtly manipulates and schemes to suit his own ends. The man is a snake, Halvard, whether you choose to see it or not.”

Halvard chuckled lightly. “A snake, is he? Or merely a savvy negotiator who knows how to turn circumstances to his advantage? You’d do well to separate personal grudges from professional assessments, Admiral. The Duke is an important trade partner, and I, for one, see no reason to antagonize him based on old suspicions, especially without solid proof to back them up.”

Elsa watched the exchange silently, her hands resting lightly on the table. This wasn’t the first time Admiral Henson and Lord Halvard had butted heads over Weselton, but this was the most charged debate she’d seen between them in a long time.

Admiral Henson’s distrust of the Duke was palpable, grounded in his experiences on the high seas. Lord Halvard, by contrast, seemed more interested in preserving aristocratic alliances—his tone was smooth, almost indulgent, as though he found Henson’s intensity mildly amusing.

Once, Elsa might have felt paralyzed watching this conflict unfold, unsure whether to intervene or let them resolve it themselves. But now...she felt a strange clarity. Still, she didn’t need to interrupt—not yet. Observing them and weighing their arguments was just as important as speaking.

Halvard leaned forward slightly, his blonde hair gleaming slightly in the high noon's sunlight. “If you’re so concerned about Weselton, Admiral, perhaps you’d like to present a formal motion to limit his trade privileges? Or shall we simply keep shadowing his every move and let him feel unwelcome while the rest of the foreign dignitaries watch and take note of how we treat our professed allies and trade partners?”

Henson’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t need to draft a motion to keep a close watch on someone I don’t trust, Halvard. My job is to protect this kingdom—its people and its shores. That includes ensuring that opportunists like Weselton don’t exploit us.”

The tension in the room hung heavy, and Elsa knew it was time to step in. Her voice, though soft, carried enough authority to draw the room’s attention.

“Gentlemen,” she began, her tone calm but firm. “It seems we all agree on one thing: the importance of Arendelle’s safety and stability. The Duke of Weselton is a guest at this coronation, and we owe it to ourselves—and to him—to ensure that our welcome is both cautious and courteous.”

Both men turned to look at her, their expressions guarded but attentive.

“I understand Admiral Henson’s concerns,” Elsa continued, “and I also appreciate Lord Halvard’s perspective on maintaining alliances. Perhaps we can strike a balance.” She glanced toward Henson. “Admiral, your vigilance is invaluable. Ensuring the safety of our harbor and of the various delegations is your priority, and I trust you’ll do so with discretion.”

Then, she turned to the aristocratic regent. “Lord Halvard, your point about diplomatic respect is well taken. I trust you’ll see to it that the Duke’s delegation feels welcomed as honored guests.”

The admiral gave a curt nod, his expression softening slightly. Halvard’s smirk faded into a more neutral smile but bowed his head all the same. "As you wish, your majesty."

Elsa allowed herself a small smile before taking a deep breath. “As we prepare for this coronation,” Elsa concluded, “let’s focus on what unites us: our shared commitment to Arendelle’s future.”

The room fell quiet, and for a moment, Elsa wondered if she’d overstepped. But then Faris Mathias, seated at her right, gave her a small, approving nod.

“Wise words, Your Highness,” he said softly but clearly, and Elsa felt a flicker of warmth at the rare praise.

Then, her attention was drawn away at the sound of a woman clearing her throat and she glanced at Ingrid Vollen, the Regency Council's representative of the merchants of Arendelle as she adjusted her spectacles. “This all sounds well and good for security, but the merchants are stretched thin. Doubling patrols means pulling men away from port duties and trade inspections, while all the security measure slow things down. Our ships cannot afford further delays.”

Faris’ brows furrowed. “Security is priority, Ingrid. I won’t risk the royal family’s safety.”

“And I won’t risk Arendelle’s commerce,” Ingrid replied sharply, meeting his gaze without flinching before also turning her eyes to Admiral Henson. “We’ve already delayed shipments to Corona twice this month. Do you realize what kind of impression this could give their royal delegation if no measures are taken?”

Elsa’s gaze flickered toward Ingrid, raising an eyebrow slightly at her choice of words.

“The future queen of Corona, Princess Rapunzel herself, is coming here for the coronation ceremony,” Ingrid continued, her voice growing sharper. “This is the first time in twenty years that the Sonnenherz dynasty have sent a royal delegation to Arendelle. If we **** yet another delay on their trade shipments before they’ve even set foot in our kingdom, what do you think that says about us?” She let her words hang in the air before adding, “That we’re unreliable? That commerce with Arendelle is more trouble than it’s worth? Princess Rapunzel will be queen one day, and we can’t afford to give her or her court a reason to doubt our worth and commitment, especially on such a memorable occasion.”

Admiral Henson gave a faint scoff. “You’re being dramatic, Ingrid. Corona needs Arendelle as much as we need them.”

“And yet they have other trading partners closer to home, Admiral,” Ingrid shot back. “King Frederic and Queen Arianna have maintained strong trade ties with the southern ports for decades. If we don’t prove we can hold our own, they’ll simply look elsewhere.”

Elsa’s hands tightened briefly in her lap. She didn’t miss the weight of Ingrid’s argument—or the subtle truth in it. Arendelle had thrived as a trading hub, but one particularly bad impression could easily ripple into a fractured relationship with their biggest trading partner.

“What if we coordinate labor?” she said softly, and the room turned to her in surprise, likely at seeing her actually chime in matters of policy twice in a single council meeting.

Elsa could feel the weight of their stares, but she pressed on, keeping her voice steady.

“Most of the summer crops have already been harvested,” she explained, her fingers interlacing neatly on the table. “Farmers will likely have fewer pressing demands for labor until the next sowing season begins. It would benefit their families to provide temporary workers for castle preparations and port duties—fair wages, of course, and only until the coronation concludes.”

Knut Eriksson’s brows furrowed, but there was no tension in his expression—only curiosity. Elsa took his silence as encouragement and continued.

“This would give them not only the extra income to carry them through to the next planting season, but also direct exposure to merchants, both local and foreign. More contacts mean more opportunities for their families in the long run. And,” she added with a faint glance at Ingrid, “it could help merchants balance their workforce and avoid further delays to trade.”

The room fell quiet. Elsa braced herself for disagreement, but what came next surprised her.

Ingrid Vollen blinked behind her spectacles; her lips pursed as though she was weighing the suggestion carefully. Finally, she leaned back in her chair and gave a faint, surprised nod. “That…is actually a brilliant idea.”

Knut Eriksson sat up straighter, his wide, weathered hands resting firmly on the table. “I agree with Ingrid,” he said, his voice rumbling with approval. “Most of the families in the farmlands have indeed already finished with their summer crops. They’ll be glad for more work and fair wages. It’s a good plan, Queen Elsa.”

Ingrid adjusted her spectacles again, her sharp tone softening slightly as she started scribbling more notes. “It’s a temporary solution to be clear, but a smart and workable one all the same. I support the motion.”

The uncrowned monarch allowed herself a small smile when no else in the council voted against her idea, the faintest hint of satisfaction warming her. For the first time in these meetings, really, she felt like she’d contributed something meaningful—something that worked for everyone.

And so, for once, she was actually looking forward to reading the formal decree and signing it when the time came. This made her realize that she could get used to becoming a more active participant while looking after the interests of her subjects. The thought made her smile wider.

But then, after a few more discussions on the status of the treasury and the status of the food supplies in the kingdom after the last harvest, the elderly General Matthias, perhaps her most loyal and dedicated regent if she was honest with herself, had a look of restrained anger and bitterness as he cleared his throat, which led her know in advance that the next topic, was unlikely to be a pleasant on.

“Before we adjourn, there’s another matter to address: the Enchanted Forest.” His words cut through the room like a blade, and the faint murmur of shifting papers stilled.

Elsa’s chest tightened instinctively at the mention of the forest. She had never set foot there, but the stories—whispered and fractured—had haunted her youth. A mysterious land sealed off by magical mists, filled with an unknown, unseen people responsible for her grandfather’s ****.

Faris leaned forward, his broad hands pressing against the table. “The border patrols near the forest report no activity. The mists remain impenetrable, and the forest itself is unnaturally quiet. No traders, no travelers—nothing.”

Admiral Henson arched a brow. “Isn’t that a good thing, General? Quiet means no trouble.”

Faris’ eyes narrowed. “Quiet doesn’t mean safe, Admiral. Those treacherous Northuldra...their silence doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten what happened.”

Knut Eriksson shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “It’s been, what, three decades since the mists went up? They haven’t come out in all that time. What makes you think they’ll choose now to break their silence?”

The veteran regent's jaw tightened, his voice dropping. “Because their silence hasn’t stopped them from hating us. They blame us for what happened to their tribe—and we blame them for their unprovoked attack that lead to the **** of King Runeard.”

A heavy pause filled the room. Elsa’s fingers curled slightly in her lap, her thoughts racing. She had heard the story of her grandfather’s **** many times, but only in pieces: an unprovoked attack, treachery in the forest, and a sudden, **** battle that ended with his fall.

But now, listening to Faris, she couldn’t help but feel a prickle of doubt, if only because there was still so much they did not yet know for sure.

The general continued, his voice low and resolute. “The Enchanted Forest may be sealed, but that doesn’t mean they’ve stopped watching. If they see an opportunity to strike—if they think they can disrupt the coronation—they might take it. I’ll be damned if I let them threaten the royal family again...like they did my son.”

Elsa’s gaze snapped to Faris, her breath catching.

"There it is," She thought sadly, "the heavy weight behind his words."

The general’s son, Destin Mattias, had vanished during the battle in the forest, presumed dead along with dozens of other soldiers. She had heard whispers of his grief, but seeing it in his face now, in the tightening of his fists, made it feel raw and immediate.

“The patrols will remain vigilant,” Faris said firmly. “I’ll see to it myself if I must.”

Lord Halvard frowned, his tone cautious. “Surely you don’t expect an attack after all this time, General? The Northuldra may be resentful, true, but they’ve been contained by the mists—and kept us at bay with that fog by that matter—for decades. Why escalate things unnecessarily?”

Faris’ sharp gaze turned to Halvard. “Because I’ve learned not to underestimate those who feel they’ve been wronged. The Northuldra were skilled fighters when push came to shoves, and more importantly, their people clearly had some sort of connection to the ambient magic that permeates that forsaken forest. Besides, we still lack way too many details about how exactly these mystical powers work, if you ask me, so until we know better, it would be prudent to assume they would have the means to drop that impenetrable mist if they felt motivated enough to take a rare opportunity for ****. So, if there’s even a chance they could endanger the royal family during this coronation, I won’t take it lightly. And neither should any of you.”

Elsa’s gaze shifted between Faris and Halvard, her thoughts swirling. The Bishop, as usual, spoke little in these meetings but Thaddeus did nod to Faris in approval after he was done with his arguments. The room felt heavy with unspoken tension, and for a moment, she wondered if she should remain silent as she had so many times before.

But the calm inside her remained unbroken, and she found herself speaking before hesitation could take hold.

“General,” she said quietly, her voice drawing the attention of the table. “Your diligence is appreciated. Keeping the kingdom safe is, of course, a priority.”

She turned her gaze to Halvard. “But Lord Halvard raises an important point. Maintaining peace is just as important as ensuring security. If the Northuldra see increased patrols as a provocation, it could escalate tensions unnecessarily and lead them to remove the mist that serves as the border between our territories, if in fact they can, so that they can make a point they will not meekly allow themselves to be pushed around and threatened. Vigilance is one thing but..." Elsa paused, taking a deep breath at the fond memory before continuing, "as Queen Iduna liked to tell me, everything in excess is bad, and in this case, there is a possibility that it may lead to the very outcome you are trying to prevent.”

The two men exchanged glances, their arguments momentarily stalled by Elsa’s calm interjection.

“Then what do you propose, Your Highness?” Faris asked, his tone measured but curious.

Elsa straightened in her chair, her hands folding neatly on the table. “Keep the patrols in place, but avoid overt shows of **** near the forest’s border. If the Northuldra are watching, let them see we are cautious but not hostile enough to seek further conflict unless they attack us first. I trust you to find that balance, General.”

Faris blinked rapidly, studying her for a long moment before nodding. “As you wish, Your Highness.”

There was a moment of silence broken only by the shuffling sound of papers but soon, Ingrid moved to speak. "Well, I believe this has been a fairly productive council meeting but we all have work to do. I will be sure to cooperate with Regent Knut so that we can quickly spread the word to our contacts in the merchant and farmer circles for the coordination of labor we agreed to explore. I will have the formal motion ready for you before tomorrow's Regency Council Meeting so that you have time to examine it in case you have any questions before signing it, your Majesty."

Elsa nodded in agreement. And then, after a moment's pause, she decided to be more vocal with her honesty. "Thank you all," She began, her voice crystal clear. "For standing by me all these years as we try to steer Arendelle towards a brighter future. It hasn't been easy for me, especially in the absence of my parents I miss so much to help guide me, but I am sure King Agnarr and Queen Iduna would appreciate your commitment to my family and your dedication to our kingdom's welfare, even when you disagree with each other...especially when you disagree with each other," She added with a small grin that made them all chuckle on the spot. "But seriously, thank you. I have learned much from all of you these last 3 years, even if I hadn't always showed it."

Her council exchanged glances with each other at her speech but soon, General Faris stood up and placed a fist in his chest. The motion was soon followed by the rest of the now standing members of the regency. "I am sure I speak for the rest of my colleagues when I say that we are pleased to have been entrusted with this most important duty, your Majesty. And know that as you grow into a monarch in your own right, you can count on us for counsel as the need arises. For Queen and Kingdom!"

"For Queen and Kingdom!" The others echoed with their own shouts, conviction dripping from their tones.

The uncrowned queen smiled at that, bowing her head slightly in respect to the regents that had helped her shoulder the burdens of governance during the last 3 years of her minority. And as the meeting concluded with the regents taking their stacks of papers and going their separate ways, Elsa felt a strange sense of accomplishment. She had spoken up, contributed, and felt no overwhelming fear lingering afterward.

Before long, only one of her regents remained in the room, Thaddeus. And as he approached her the bishop's footsteps echoed through the marble floor.

“You did well today, Your Highness,” he said, his voice softer now, smiling widely. “For once, I had no need to diffuse the tensions that occasionally arise at our council meetings and it was all because of your own reasonable interjections. You reminded me of your father—steady and wise."

Elsa blinked, surprised, before smiling faintly at the man who would crown her in a matter of days. “Thank you, bishop. That means a great deal to me.”

He nodded once before turning to leave, his back as straight as he walked away.

The room emptied, and Elsa lingered, staring at the table as the morning sun cast long shadows across its surface.

She didn’t feel drained, as she once might have. She didn’t feel afraid. For the first time in so long, she felt like she could breathe. And that alone made her sigh in immense relief.

But then, she remembered that she told Anna that after her appointment with the Regency Council, to please join her for lunch so that they could catch up with each other some more now that she knew the truth once more. A simple occasion to bond with her sister over a meal, really.

And that thought alone made her smile widely.

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A/N: Long chapter, but as I said, kind of important for set up and to introduce some of the key figures of Elsa's regency and subsequent court after being crowned. Also, yes, Rapunzel from Tangled is coming to the coronation and yes, she will become a much bigger character in the branch than her and Eugene's blink and you will miss it apperance in the Frozen I movie. And also yes, she will be related to Anna and Elsa. More on that later. For now, we have a sisterly bonding lunch to look foward to between Elsa and Anna...and perhaps something more. Any guesses or preferences? XD.

Until next time you all and please remember to review if anything in particular caught your attention.