The past two months had been long and busy for Elsa. Now that the gates to the castle were open, news travelled quickly that Arendelle had changed for the better. Prince after prince, princess after princess, diplomat after diplomat, arrived at Elsa's front gate: each of them expecting to see her and renew their ties with the kingdom. After spending so much of her life in seclusion, away from the outside world, it was hard for Elsa to suddenly make the change and be a personable, friendly queen. Luckily, Elsa had Anna to set an example for her, to help her come out of her shell and welcome the kingdom's guests.
Her gloves lay on her vanity, untouched since she was able to thaw her kingdom back to summer. She couldn't find it in herself to throw them away; she held onto them like a child's blanket. What if she were to need them again? In fact, this insecurity plagued her every night before she went to sleep. What if she slipped back? What if she were unable to control it again?
This particular morning, Elsa stared at them for much longer than she usually did. When she finally tore her big blue eyes from them, she swallowed back the lump in her throat. Every day was a new challenge, a new opportunity for her to slip back into her insecurities. She reached up and tucked a piece of her hair back into the bun.
A knock on her door caused her eyes to dart towards it. "Yes," she called, her voice clearing the night away.
"Your Majesty I – "
The butler's voice was cut off by another, more excited knock that made Elsa smile from ear to ear. Anna always had that effect on her. "Elsa, Elsa! Come have breakfast with me and Kristoff!"
Elsa got up from her vanity, all her problems fading away into the back of her mind, and threw open her door. She smiled at Anna, who had grabbed her hand to start towards the kitchens. "Anna, shouldn't you be sleeping still? You know it's before noon, right?"
Anna squinted back at her older sister. "Ha, ha. It's Kristoff's birthday! I was up hours ago, and made him the best breakfast, and I want my sister there with us!"
The breakfast was as eventful as it could be, with Elsa quietly enjoying her sister's and her sister's boyfriend's company, and Anna being her normal, bubbly self. Kristoff was nodding along with Anna's voice, as he piled up his plate with food, eyes wide with excitement. Elsa enjoyed spending time with the two of them; they brought a sense of normalcy to her world. After Anna and Kristoff left, Elsa found her way to the throne room. Today she would be spending her day wishing the princess of... Elsa couldn't remember the kingdom's name, not after spending two months meeting too many new people. Where ever it was, this princess would be leaving today, and after Elsa wished her a safe journey, she would be able to spend the rest of the day in relaxation. Hopefully she could spend some time with Anna tomorrow.
After the princess departed for her kingdom, Elsa let go of the breath she didn't realize she was holding. Taking a seat on her father's throne, she relaxed a little and took in her surroundings. Completely alone, Anna off doing something with Kristoff (Elsa didn't want to know what), she felt a shiver run down her spine. She shook it off, ignoring it, as another servant entered the throne room.
"Your Majesty, there is another prince here to see you," the servant said with a low bow.
Elsa straightened her back, wondering if this would ever end, and nodded back to her servant. "Yes, let him in."
The servant disappeared, and a moment later the guards on the outside of the doors, pushed them open. Elsa stood to accept her guest into her kingdom, as the prince stepped forward into the room. He was tall, very tall, with a heavy body. She could see his strong arms, and soft belly through his thick coat. As he came closer to her, she realized just how much he towered over her. Elsa bit the inside of her cheek to keep her composure, to stop the tremble that wanted to go through her body. When he reached her, he took off his hat revealing curly brown hair, and kneeled before her. At this act of respect, Elsa felt her body relax.
"Your Majesty," he said, with a quiet voice. "I am here to strengthen the bond between our two kingdoms. My name is Prince Erik of the Northern Isles."
Elsa narrowed her eyes at the sound of this, as the Northern Iles were very close to the Southern Isles. However, as a Queen, she was expected to keep face, and to not let her relations with the Southern Isles tear down her relations with the other kingdoms. "I am very pleased to see you here," she said, her voice strong. Erik continued to stay kneeling before her, making Elsa very uneasy and uncomfortable. She cleared her throat. "You may stand."
Erik stood, and Elsa almost regretted it as her neck tilted upwards to meet his. There was a silence; Erik almost waiting for her to give him orders, and Elsa waiting to make polite, unrewarding conversation with yet another prince. When it was clear he was not going to speak first, Elsa took a deep breath. "Your bags will be taken to one of the many guest rooms we have here, and feel free to visit about the city while you're here. Is there anything I can get for you? Would you like to go over the trade agreement, the peace treaty, anything while you're here?"
For the first time, Erik's dark green eyes met Elsa's blue ones, and she froze. Suddenly, it felt like he could see her, see all of her: her insecurities, her powers, her emotions, everything. She blushed, as she felt naked and nervous underneath his stare. Her eyes looked away, her queen-like composure was gone, and she let out a nervous laugh that sounded a lot like Anna's. Even more embarrassed, she shook her head and cleared her throat, hoping Erik hadn't heard that.
"Maybe after I have settled my things, and troubled your staff for a warm drink, you could give me a tour of the city?"
When Elsa braved to look back at him, he was still staring at her. "Um, I'm sure I can find a better tour guide than me to give you a tour."
"If you have the time, I would love one from you." Erik's tone wasn't demanding, or pleading. It was new and different to Elsa.
"Of course," she frowned in confusion. "This afternoon would be fine."
Erik nodded, and bowed deeply. "Of course, Your Majesty. I will see you then."
Elsa watched him as he turned around, and followed her servant down the hallway towards his rooms. Realizing she was staring, she shook her head, and looked around the room to make sure no one was watching her.
