Ring, ring, ring!
The bell tolled over the Kingdom – the Coronation was beginning!
The Cathedral was magnificent. People crowded in as Eugene admired the tapestries near the doors, the finely carved pews and the singers who stood above the front of the room, where the Bishop awaited the arrival of Princess Elsa.
"This is so overwhelming," Rapunzel spoke up beside him, "I can't begin to imagine how Elsa feels. Being crowned as the new Queen of Arendelle...it's perfect."
Eugene took her hand in his own. He didn't want to lose her among the people. "With you by her side, as well as her younger sister...and, you know, all of these Kingdoms – she'll do just fine."
One by one the guests sat down in their pews, awaiting the coming Coronation to begin. "We should sit down soon," Eugene reminded Rapunzel, "or we'll have to wait outside."
"You're right!" Rapunzel smacked her head. "I almost forgot amongst the excitement."
"I'm starting to think you're more excited than Elsa."
"Oh, that's not possible."
Rapunzel felt a sudden bump at her side. "Oh, I'm so sorry," she turned to face whoever she had hit, "I wasn't looking where I was standing."
"Oh, no, it's my fault!"
Beside her stood a young man with neatly kept hair, a handsome face and a formal white outfit – all of which were dripping wet. "Oh, my," Rapunzel said, "are you okay, sir? You're soaking wet...oh!" She almost forgot...again. "I'm Princess Rapunzel, of Corona, and this is my husband, Prince Eugene of Corona." She politely curtsied.
The man bowed deeply before them. "An honour to meet you, your Highness. I am Prince Hans of the Southern Isles. I'm so sorry for bothering you." He rose and blushed. "Ah, yes, I suppose I am a bit damp. I had a little...accident and tumbled into the water. However, I couldn't miss the Coronation of Princess Anna's elder sister, so I came anyways."
"The Southern Isles?" Eugene had heard of the Kingdom before. "You must be one of the thirteen royal brothers, then!"
"Yes, I'm the youngest."
"Ouch. Tough luck."
Hans gave a small chuckle. "No, it's perfectly fine. I can only wish the best for my oldest brother. I've come for the family to give our support in the Coronation of the next Queen of Arendelle."
"How kind of you," Rapunzel replied, "I'm sure you would make a fine King if given the chance."
"Yes, well, I will continue to train under my brothers – you never know." He bowed gain. "Now, if you would excuse me, I'm off to find my seat." Walking away, Hans sat himself down in the front pew, in the middle of two other Dukes, one of which dropped to sleep on his shoulder.
"You know," Eugene said as he and Rapunzel sat down in the back pew, "he looks familiar. Has he ever been to Corona before?"
Rapunzel thought for a moment. "...No, I don't believe so. At least, mother never mentioned anyone named "Prince Hans" before."
"Then where have I seen that face before?"
Footsteps echoed through the Cathedral. Princess Anna ran up to the front of the room, and bowed to the people. "Sorry, sorry I was almost late, I, uh..well...welcome!" She giggled sheepishly before composing herself and standing off to the side while the Bishop wiped down the sceptre and globus cruciger.
"Something must have happened outside after her singing," Eugene whispered to Rapunzel, "look at how happy she is. It's almost like she's the one being crowned Queen!"
"She's obviously proud of her sister, and with good reason," Rapunzel whispered back, "they must have worked so hard together of this moment."
Peeking between the people in front of her, Rapunzel waved her hand high above her head. Anna glanced around before spotting Rapunzel and waving back.
"Did you see that," she put her hand back down, "she waved to me!"
"Yes she did," Eugene smiled, "no one can ignore you."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I was complimenting you!"
"And now," the Bishop spoke up in a deep voice, "announcing the arrival of Princess Elsa! Please rise as our future Queen enters."
Everyone stood up in their pews as the doors opened once again. Elegantly striding in, Elsa walked through the pews towards the front. As she passed by Rapunzel, she glanced their way, and Rapunzel smiled at her. She's absolutely gorgeous!
Once at the front, Elsa poised her hands in front of her. The Bishop picked up the small crown behind him, and stood directly in front of her as the people sat back down. Bowing, Elsa placed her head in reach of the Bishop, who crowned her.
Eugene caught sight of Princess Anna waving in Hans direction. Ooh, so that's the reason she's so happy. Any Princess would be thrilled to meet the thirteenth in line.
As the Bishop took Elsa's gloves and gave her the sceptre and globus cruciger, the people stood once again. Rapunzel looked through the people to catch a glimpse of Elsa's face. "...Hm?"
Instead of the smile she had imagined, Elsa's face showed sadness, and fear. The poor thing! She must be terrified out of her wits! This is a lot of responsibility to take, I suppose, but...shouldn't she be at least a bit happy?
As if on cue, Elsa gave back the two royal objects and quickly pulled her gloves back over her pale hands while giving the tiniest smile. Did her hands just...sparkle?...No, I'm seeing things.
Eugene nudged Rapunzel. "You've got a strong cousin there." I swore I could see something on the sceptre...almost as if it were...nah, I must be seeing things.
"Queen Elsa of Arendelle," the Bishop concluded. The Cathedral erupted in clapping, including their own. Eugene smiled. "She's very brave to take such a position at her age."
"...Eugene?"
He looked down into Rapunzel's eyes. "Yes?"
"Do you...do you think I'll ever be ready to take the throne?"
He gave her his most reassuring smile. "You're the fairest, smartest, wisest, greatest princess in the world. When the time comes, you'll be prepared, I know it. Besides, you'll have Pascal, and Maximus, and the Kingdom, and-"
"And you. I'll have you."
"Yes, you will – now, let's get ready to dance the night away!"
