Disclaimer: I still do NOT own Frozen. Obviously.
My name is Anna, a member of court at Arendelle Castle. I am no one of influence or importance. I am merely a confidant of the Queen. We were friends even before she was Queen...granted, she has been crowned less than a year, but it is an important distinction just the same.
My father sent me to court three years ago in hopes of finding a suitable match for marriage. Eventually Prince Hans of the Southern Isles broke with him and we were married. Love is not a consideration for most girls when weighing marriage prospects. I am not exception. Fortunately, Hans was called away almost immediately, but it pleased him to leave me at court.
A war is brewing in the Southern Isles and Hans made no secret to me that he plans to use my friendship with the Queen to his advantage. He will need ships and allies, soldiers and coin soon and believes I can secure those things for him in Arendelle. I do not love my husband, nor does he love me. It matters very little, so long as I play my part as he requires and provide him a son.
It is late and the castle is quiet. I should be sleeping, but I cannot. Hans has sent word that I am to join him in the Southern Isles for the coming holiday season. I am to set out by ship in only three days' time. I feel sick. I do not wish to leave court. I do not wish to leave Arendelle. I do not wish to leave my Queen. I am restless and my heart feels heavy with anxiety and another, less familiar emotion. I sip my cup of wine and stare into the fire in the hearth, hoping to calm myself. My fingers run absently along the cup's rim, it makes a small high-pitched sound, but this action does nothing to alleviate the tension I feel.
I close my eyes. Alas, it is no good. Tears of frustration sting my eyes but I do not let them fall - surely I can control that much. I decide to go lay down and hopefully sleep but as I get up to cross the room my legs carry me instead out the door and down the corridor. I do not mind. Perhaps a walk in the chill night air of the castle will calm my thoughts.
I walk with no destination in mind - up one corridor and down the next. My nightgown flows by my feet, rustling quietly upon the stone floor. The sheerness of the fabric is made obvious as a breeze blows down the hall, making me shiver. I am certain my attire would be deemed scandalous to any who might behold me, but I meet no one.
My feet seem to lead the way and I simply allow them to take me. Somehow, after walking for an unknown length of time, I find myself standing in front of the door to the Queen's chambers.
My breath hitches when I realize where my wanderings have taken me. I should leave. I should turn and march back to my own room and go to sleep. I should do this, but I do not. I do not move. I stare at the iron handle, at once willing myself to leave and to open the door.
Strange thoughts that have become more and more prevalent in recent weeks push themselves to the forefront of my mind. A fleeting mental image of the Queen's naked form causes a blush to burn in my cheeks.
I swallow hard and turn away, trying once more to force myself to leave. I must be mad. I turn back to the door and lean my forehead against its rough wooden surface, praying for the strength of will to return to my room, keep my silence and perform my duty - leave court and go to my husband. I raise my eyes and steel my nerves. I will do my duty, as expected...but first, I must see the Queen. I must see her.
I am out of my mind. Oh Gods, help me!
My hand trembles as I reach for the door handle. Without further thought or hesitation, I push the door open and slip inside, locking it firmly behind me. The Queen, seated at her vanity, is startled by my sudden appearance, "Lady Sorenson? What is the meaning of this? Entering the Queen's chambers at such a late hour and without knocking? It is unseemly," she says, somewhat angrily. I try to speak but my voice catches in my throat and I am unable to answer.
The Queen rises from her seat and faces me, "Anna? What is it? Why are you here?"
I swallow my fears and make an uncertain curtsey in my nightgown, "If it please...Your Grace, I have a gift for you." My voice quakes. I am fearful of what I have started.
She eyes me carefully, "'Your Grace'? Anna, you need not address me so formally in private. We are friends, are we not?" she smiles gently at me. Her smile shames the sun, the moon and all of the stars. I can only nod in response.
Her tone of voice shifts completely from annoyance to amusement. "Very well," she says, pausing a moment, cocking her head to one side, "Did you say you had a gift? For me?" Her eyes sparkle almost imperceptibly. I nod again, still not trusting myself to speak. "Oh, I do enjoy gifts. Pray, why would you not present this gift during the day? In public?" she asks, a look on her pale countenance that weakens my resolve...and my knees. I drop my eyes to the floor.
There is still time to flee. I should run. I must. But I cannot. I am glued to the spot, entranced by her voice.
"This gift, Your Grace, is for you and you alone," I say, daring to lift my gaze from the floor and to her eyes. I freeze for a moment, my courage wavering slightly. Her brow arches, "Your hands are empty...Lady Sorenson," she points out, mocking my continued use of formalities.
She takes a step toward me, her hand coming to rest on her hip. Her nightdress is little more than a shift. Oh Gods! The fireplace behind her illuminates the silhouette of her body under the flimsy fabric. I allow myself to trace her figure with my eyes. I feel heat building within my body as my eyes get stuck on the curve of her hip, the way her hand sits impatiently upon it.
I blush. I do not dare speak. My hands shift to the neck of my own gown, releasing the clasp. Silken fabric pools at my feet. I reach slightly further upward, loosing my red hair from its careless bun. I take a deep breath, stepping over the discarded clothing, "Does my gift please Your Grace?" I ask, my voice husky and barely above a whisper.
So, this was just a random idea that has been playing at the edges of my brain for the last day or two. I kinda rushed it cos it's been like a song stuck in my head. It needed to get out or it was going to drive me crazy. The intention was a one-shot but I think it might be fun to see where it goes...
As always, suggestions, questions, comments and even rude remarks are welcomed and encouraged. Reviews are welcomed, encouraged and GREATLY appreciated. :)
Til next time...