Author's Note: This has been a long time in the making. I think it's about time to publish it.
I walk off the docks and look around the frenzied crowd of people. The village is decorated with the colors of Arendelle; royal purple, gold, and green. I grip onto my horse as I follow the flow of the crowd. The sun is shining brightly, too brightly, in fact, I'm blinded for a moment that I bump into someone.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Please excuse me," I shield the sun with my gloved hand to see I accidentally bumped into a distinguished dignitary.
"Nonsense my boy, please excuse me," the older gentleman smiles brightly. "Oh, I'm afraid I've never seen you before. Are you new to Arendelle?"
"Oh, yes. I just got off the docks," I explain as I stand closer to Sitron. The crowd of people's energy matches with the bright Summer sunlight.
"Please pardon everyone here in Arendelle," the dignitary laughs with jolly. "It is the annual celebration of our Queen's coronation," I smile nervously but continue to struggle with the dense population of people. "Please, my boy. Let us take a stroll down the docks,"
Before my protests, the gentleman leads the way. Looking around nervously and suddenly lost, I follow suit.
"So please, do tell. Where are you from?"
Arendelle?" I compose myself from Father's sudden tone; the tone I know all too well. "Why? You have no business there,"
"Perhaps I could meet one of the princesses and court them?" I ask too bluntly.
"Court one of the princesses?" I look down at my feet from his disapproval tone and grit my teeth in embarrassment as I hear my older brothers laughing from outside the doorway.
"Darling please," I slightly look up to see Mother in her usual behavior: kind, gentle, and understanding. "I think it sounds delightful that Hans wants to venture out by himself and attend Queen Elsa's coronation holiday,"
"She's already Queen?" He asks, leaning in closer to Mother. And just like that, he forgets that I'm in the room.
"Yes sweetheart," she sighs in a tired tone. "For quite a while now. And I think it's about time Hans represents The Southern Isles and greets them properly. It's very overdue," I smile timidly as Mother proudly has courage for me.
"Hm…" Father leans on his armrest and contemplates for a while. I nervously play with my gloves as I wait obediently for an answer. "Alright, bring him in," I awkwardly look at Mother and see her roll her eyes, slapping her King across the arm. I hold back a laugh, knowing that I would be yelled at for it later.
"Oh right," he clears his throat. "I warn you, boy. There's been a reason why I've been avoiding Arendelle. Since the incident, things have… changed. But I could never understand or figure out what. Be on your toes and do not, I repeat - do NOT bring my kingdom a bad reputation because of your behavior," and with that, he stands from his chair and stomps out of the room.
"So," I timidly break the silence. "Does that mean I can go?"
Mother stands form her thrown and offers me a warm smile. "I'll be sure to send you off in the morning,"
I stand on the dock with the last of my things as Mother says her goodbye. No one else bothered to show up, but I didn't care. All I really cared about was her.
"Well, I'm off. I'll be back soon," I smile with excitement. My heart breaks a little when I see the strongest woman I know holds back her tears.
"You're growing up. It's just something I have to get used to," she embraces me, and suddenly, I never want to let go. "For once, please consider what your Father said,"
"What do you mean?" I ask as I pull back.
"Since I was last at Arendelle, long before you were born, I remember it being a wonderful place with wonderful people. The King and Queen were so generous and kind to your Father and I. But its true, my son. Things are different,"
"I'll be fine," I reassure her, taking in her usual motherly behavior. But for some reason, I had an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach.
"Just please, promise me one thing,"
"Of course,"
"Come back home," I stare at her confused and altogether frightened. I sigh a soft smile and hug Mother one last time, before boarding the ship with Sitron.
I wave as I depart the bay and Mother waves back, crying.
Why wouldn't I come back?
"We'll be sure to make you right at home," I continue to follow as I'm greeted by open gates and a line up of staff, welcoming guests inside the courtyard.
"Hello sir," a lady servant greets me with a smile. "Welcome to Arednelle,"
"Oh, thank you," I smile, a little taken back from her overly happy greeting.
"Arendelle is welcoming to everyone! Our home is your home. Please, join us inside,"
"Thank you, but may I settle down my horse first?"
"Of course!" She smiles. "Arendelle is welcoming to everyone, please follow me," the servant turns and walks away, assuming for me to follow. I look back to the gentleman who greeted me earlier and smiles enthusiastically, encouraging me to follow. I quickly turn my heels and pull Sitron away from the crowd to the back of the castle.
I step into the entrance way with an overwhelming crowd. It wasn't until now that I realized I have anxiety in tight spaces with little places to walk freely. This kingdom is rather small compared to home, yet all of these people are here. I never knew Arendelle as a place of tourism. I wonder what makes it so special.
"Ah, there you are, my boy!" I turn around and see the older gentleman from earlier with an entourage following his trail. Keep it together Hans. Remember what Father said… I swallow a lump in my throat and offer a charismatic smile.
"Hello again sir," I slightly bow in respect.
"Oh please son, call me Joseph. I'm here with my nephews. They're around your age. Boys, this is Hans of The Southern Isles,"
"Nice to meet you," they greet in unison. It reminds me of the choir I watched perform in the Great Hall every weekend as a child - uniform and coherently like they spent months practicing for an upcoming performance.
"I'm Daniel and this is my younger brother Sam,"
"Well, it certainly is nice to-"
"Please, join us inside. We'd like to share a glass of champagne," Sam encourages me abruptly. Taken back from the sudden interruption, they both lead to the ballroom where most of the gathering is taking place. I look back to their uncle and I see it again: Joseph smiles enthusiastically, encouraging me to follow. Without asking any questions, I trail right behind them.
What the hell was that?
Before I knew it, one of them handed me a glass.
"Oh, thank you," I watch in amazement on how fast they breathed in the drink, almost like it was nothing. Now standing with empty glasses, they smile and wait for me. I chuckle awkwardly and take a small sip. I move away and quickly swallow, surprised from the strong and unusual taste. Granted, I don't drink heavily unlike my siblings.
"Whoa," I cough slightly, covering my mouth. "That's um… really strong," I laugh slightly. "You guys are able to down it that fast?"
"Of course!" Sam exasperates. "Here at Arendelle, you'll find nothing but the best wine,"
"Yes!" His brother chips in. "Best food, best service, best hospitality…"
Well, that explains a lot…
"Arendelle is home. Our home is your home,"
As I feel little - no, really creeped out, I hold my composure.
"So," I say, breaking the silence. "Where are you guys from?"
"Arendelle," they say in unison.
"Oh, you didn't travel from a neighboring kingdom?"
"We did," Daniel nods.
"Yeah, our uncle, my brother, and I came for Queen Elsa's coronation day. Ever since, we've been welcomed with nothing but kindness and hospitality,"
"And when did the three of you first come here?" I ask, with a raised eyebrow.
"Three years ago," the brothers smile in unison.
I'm taken back so unexpectedly that I almost forgot to respond. My god… "Three years ago?"
"We just couldn't find it in ourselves to leave," Sam shrugs.
"Arendelle is home. Our home is-"
"That doesn't make any sense…"
"Nonsense," Daniel reassures softly. "Arendelle is-"
"Aren't your parents waiting for you? Any other family? Friends? You've been here for three years and you've only meant to stay one day. Don't you think they would be worried sick about you? Wondering where you are?"
For the first time that evening, the brothers had nothing to say. I watched intently, waiting for a response. But they stood there, almost frozen as if a switch has been flipped to the "off" position. But one thing didn't change, their smiles. Still on their flawless faces, bright and blinding smiles. Yet, I was feeling anything but a warm welcome. As I looked closer, something changed. I couldn't put my finger on it, but the way they looked at me, stared at me, was not matching their happy expression.
"Um," I cleared my throat. "Are you guys-"
Interrupted, the sound of trumpets and horns alike filled the room. I was startled by the sudden and abrupt enthusiasm the gentleman expressed as they turned towards the front of the room. Almost spilling my glass of champagne, the sudden roar of people's excitement flooded in. Some came running in from the halls as the ballroom got more crowded and humid.
Isn't this supposed to be a formal event? Looking around, everyone displayed anything but polite and composed enjoyment. Instead, I could feel the tile floor vibrate beneath my boots.
"She's coming! She's coming!" Daniel cheers, causing the room to get louder.
"What?! Who?! Who's coming?!" I ask, over the noise.
"Ladies and gentlemen," I look to the front of the ballroom and see a royal servant somehow overpowering over the roar of the crowd. "The lady of the hour, Queen Elsa of Arendelle!" If it couldn't get any louder, I swear my glass would have shattered. Just then, I could see my breath visible in front of me. I grip onto my sleeves, not understanding the sudden drop in temperature. Not sure if I was crazy, but everyone is unphased or isn't aware of how cold it is now. I have to get out of here. I place my glass on a nearby table and try to make past the heavy crowd of people.
Then, she appeared.
I stop in my tracks and suddenly, everything went numb. I couldn't hear or feel anything; all of my senses canceled out on me except for one. All I could do was look, admire, stare.
"Queen Elsa?" I asked under my breath like she took it away from me with ease. A little confused, she looked my way - as if she heard me perfectly clear. I was taken back from her smile, one that I've never seen before. It was welcoming but not like any others I've been given since I've got here. It was… different.
Before I could blink, Queen Elsa gracefully moved to the music - almost seductively. All eyes were on her as the crowd got crazier. She danced to the middle of the room as the people of Arendelle made space for their Queen. I turned around, wondering what made Queen Elsa look my way. But all there was was a sea of people. I turned back, confused. Did she just wink at me?
"My people of Arendelle," Almost like a switch, everything turned silent - no music, no roar of excitement, nothing. I looked around, not knowing what was going on.
"What the-?" I asked under my breath. But it was so silent, it was the only sound in the room. Elsa blinked her gaze at me and I froze, not knowing what to do. All she did was give a deep chuckle.
"Welcome home," If it weren't for the crowd of people blocking the exit, I would have swum back to The Southern Isles. Nothing but white - white noise, blankets of white, and the Queen's gaze; cold.
I couldn't move or turn away, I didn't dare. It was so beautiful. She was beautiful. She… She was…
Come back home.
Then, I started to run.
Thank you for reading.