Prologue 2

Lord Hollingsworth smiled.  “Given my position as ambassador, I have extensive knowledge of every noble house within the Kingdom of Corona.  This includes their military strength, loyalty, and position with the queen.  How may I assist, Your Grace?”

Elsa turned her attention to Frost.  “General, if you would?”

Selena took the lead and stood before the war table.  With her index finger, she swept it across the north-eastern section of Corona before stopping at three specific cities that sat near the border with Arendelle.

“Ferro, Lithia, and Puerto del Sol – what can you tell us about the nobility that govern these cities?”

Hollingsworth was near giddy with delight; giving Elsa the impression that he was in his element when it came to political gossip.  All that was needed was the right questions to be asked, and the man was quickly transformed into a dam that was about to burst with information.

“Quite a bit, General Frost,” the ambassador began to say before a snicker of laughter escaped him.  “Forgive me.  I know Lord Cower and Baron Spaith well enough to tell you this.  All it will take is a few whispers in the right ears and the gates of Ferro and Puerto del Sol will open to your armies without so much as an arrow being loosed.”

Elsa grinned to herself as she watched her generals’ eyes widen with surprise.  The Ambassador of Corona was proving his worth.

“Just like that?”  Selena asked with a hint of skepticism in her voice as she crossed her arms.

“While it is not widely known, there are over a dozen noble families within Corona who are…” Hollingsworth paused as if for dramatic effect.  “… displeased that the belated King Thomas allowed his only daughter to wed a common street rat.  They have long held it as a slight that none of their sons were considered as a more suitable match for a woman of her station.  It just so happens that Lord Cower and Baron Spaith are amongst such esteemed company.”

“If these nobles were so displeased, why didn’t they protest the betrothal?” asked General Finch.

Lord Hollingsworth wrinkled his nose.  “You apparently know very little about Corona’s political structure, General,” he retorted with thinly veiled contempt.  “While Queen Rapunzel may not have the entire support of her kingdom’s nobility, she is universally loved by the common folk.  Rising against her without the backing of their populace would be a great political risk.”

Elsa knew full well what that meant.  These noble families he spoke of would not be willing to make a move against their queen unless someone else acted first – someone stronger.

“Alright,” Frost said in an attempt to steer the conversation back to the topic at hand, “let’s assume Ferro and Puerto del Sol will surrender without a fight.  What about Lithia?”

“Ah, now that is the correct question to ask, General Frost,” Hollingsworth replied as he leaned forward and pointed at the map.  “Lithia is the only city along the Amor River that has enough bridges to allow your armies passage south.  Unfortunately, it is also governed by Lord Chester Mormont – a man who was a close friend of the King’s up until his Grace’s passing.  I’m afraid you will face stiff resistance from his garrison.”

“That’s fine by me,” Frost replied.  “I prefer a straight fight rather than all of this political hand-holding.”

“My dear General Frost, politics is…” Hollingsworth began before Elsa cut him off.

“Ambassador Hollingsworth, your insight has proven extremely valuable, and I look forward to fostering our alliance even further.  At the moment, I need to speak with my generals before I retire for the evening and must ask that you take your leave.  The soldiers outside will see you to your quarters.”

“Of course, Your Grace.  I look forward to our next meeting,” the ambassador replied before once again bowing to all present.  “May fortune smile on your grand endeavor.”

Once he had departed, General Finch was the first to speak.  “That man in a snake, Your Grace.  I would not trust him fully.”

Elsa smiled.  “Ambassador Hollingsworth is an arrogant snake, General, however you can see the advantages he brings to the table.  He will aid us in finding the other ‘snakes’ that hide within my cousin’s garden and with their support, I will lay claim to Corona.

“General Frost,” the queen said as she turned her attention back to Selena.  “How is our timetable?”

“The soldiers are already assembling outside the city walls and have set up camp,” Frost replied.  “In three days time we will be ready to launch Winter's Storm.”

“Very good,” Elsa said. “Be sure to take all the supplies that are required from the recent Corona shipments.  Then give one quarter to the people for distribution and burn the rest.  Corona has cheated my people for the last time, is that understood?”

The generals acknowledged their queen’s orders and the meeting was quickly adjourned.  However, none of those present realized that another individual had secretly eavesdropped on Queen Elsa’s meeting from the shadows…

… and she had heard every word.

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