Chapter 1 – Cleanup
The winter storms would go down in record books. An entire new term worked its way into the public consciousness in order to describe them—"polar vortex." There was some scientific explanation for it, but as far as everyday people were concerned, it just meant "really, really cold" (and maybe a lot of snow to go with it).
Many cities found their snow removal funds empty, or close to it. Transportation snarled or ground to a halt, leaving people stranded. Areas not used to cold or freezing found themselves forced to cope with "weather you get when you're up north." News reports afterward would say the whole thing caused billions of dollars in lost profits, extra pay to those whose jobs it was to remove the snow, and additional money spent on materiel needed to fight the forces of nature.
More than once, the whole episode was jokingly blamed on a character from a recently-released movie—"Frozen," in which Queen Elsa's ice powers plunge her entire Norway-inspired kingdom of Arendelle into winter. Images of Elsa condemning runners to stay inside, taunting people about "enjoying my polar vortex," and more filled the Internet.
That this had more basis in facts than fiction never occurred to anyone.
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Relations with the Southern Isles, never good, deteriorated faster than any other country except Weselton (having been entered into the official record as "Weasel-town"). The former's thirteenth in line, Prince Hans, returned in disgrace having been foiled in his attempt to seize power in Arendelle by deceiving Princess Anna and killing Queen Elsa. His brothers were none too pleased—though they were no fans of the reclusive Arendelle, starting a war was definitely not on the daily agenda.
As for Weselton, its Duke proclaimed to his residents that he'd been unfairly targeted by a sorceress. Most were inclined to believe him simply because virtually no one knew anything about Arendelle—not since the Closing anyway. Thus, tales of magic spread easily.
The source of said magic, having demonstrated to her people that she really wasn't as dangerous as she first appeared, prepared to take power in a kingdom unused to such youthful rule. Without regents or other caretakers to hold the throne, Elsa would have to trust those around her since her considerable isolation left the new Queen with very few of the skills generally needed for ruling a country.