"What do you have planned for today, Elsa?" asks Anna from across the table, before taking a bite of blueberry crepe with syrup and crème.

A footman takes away Kristoff's plate, and I signal him to take my half-eaten breakfast as well.

"I have an important meeting with the privy council. I want you both to attend."

Anna and Kristoff look up in unison. "Is something the matter?" she asks. This is the first time I've asked Kristoff to attend official business, and by the look on his face he's already dreading it.

"No, no." A footman offers a dish of rose water to wash my hands, which I do quickly before dismissing the staff so we can speak in private. "It has to do with your marriage."

"You said before that there wouldn't be any legal problems," says Anna.

"This is more of a personal matter."

"Then what does this meeting have to do with it?" asks Kristoff accusingly.

I look to Kristoff, then to Anna. "You two plan to have children, correct?"

They nod.

I take a deep breath. Though this is a path I am delighted to go down, I am nervous to commit myself to it so irreversibly. "I want to know if the two of you would be comfortable if I had the succession passed through your line."

Anna is curious. Kristoff is confused.

"I want your firstborn son to become king when I die."

"You aren't going to have any children?" asks Anna.

In my firmest voice I reply simply, "No." That decision is final, and they need to know that.

Anna's face flies through a dozen different emotions, all of them involving puppy-dog eyes. "Wha… But… Nieces!"

I shake my head. Anna's dream of being the fun aunt must be sacrificed on the altar of Absolutely Not. "If you consent, I'll inform the privy council today that I plan to sign a succession act."

Anna looks to me pleadingly, and then to Kristoff for help. "But…"

Kristoff folds his arms and says sagely, "It's not my decision."

I stand. "This would be a serious responsibility for you as parents. I'll let you discuss it."

I head for the door, but Anna leaps to block my way. After giving herself a minute for sad staring and silent contemplation, she asks, "Why? You've been talking to people and making friends – why are you closing yourself off again?"

I hadn't meant to give that impression. It's no wonder she's worried. "I'm doing no such thing. That's not what this is about."

"It isn't?" She takes my hand. "Then tell me."

Equal parts nervous and embarrassed, I stare out the window for need of breaking eye contact. It's best to take this next part one slow step at a time. "I'm in love."

Kristoff and I both jump at the sound of Anna's ear-piercing, avalanche-inducing squeal of joy. "Ow," he says, covering his ears to block out a flurry of oh-my-gosh-oh-my-gosh-oh-my-goshes and who-is-he-who-is-he-who-izzies.

"Anna. Anna!" I put my hand on her shoulder to stop her from jumping up and down, which she takes as an invitation to hug me. Intensely. It's an intense hug.

"I am so happy for you right now," she says.

"I can tell."

"What does that have to do with our kid being king?" asks Kristoff wearily, trying to get us back on topic.

"The one I love," I say slowly, "cannot father children."

An understatement.

Kristoff stands solemnly and Anna moves for another hug. I wave her off. "It's fine. I want none anyway."

"I don't think we need any time to decide," says Anna, as they share an understanding look. "Our son will be heir to the throne."

They really didn't have any choice in the matter. It's not as if I'd have a child just because they were uncomfortable raising a crown prince. But at least they won't think I thrust a major responsibility on them without their consent.

I nod. "Good. We'll draw up the succession act at the privy council meeting. It's mostly a formality, but if a rival claimant tries to take the throne it will give your son a little extra legitimacy."

I reach for the door but Anna interposes herself once again. Interposing seems to be a talent of hers. "Sooo," she says expectantly. "When can I meet your true love?"

Oh dear. This can only reach an awkward conclusion.

"You, uh, have met already, actually. Skating in the courtyard."

"What's his name?"

I look to Kristoff as if he can somehow help me, but the trauma of being trapped during girl talk has caused him to start stress eating Anna's unfinished breakfast. Or he's just ignoring us.

"Andersen." Technically true. Nora Andersen.

As I know no men named Andersen, naturally she would be confused. "Describe him."

"Uh, white?" I bolt for the door, only to be firmly gripped by the wrist.

In that childish voice that comes naturally when using both pouty lip and puppy-dog eyes in conjunction she says, "Please, Elsa. I just want to be a part of your life and know that you're happy."

I sigh and tangle my fingers in my hair. "Tall. Athletic. Long, brown hair. Blue eyes." Female. "May I go now? I have business."

"Athletic? What's his favorite sport?"

"Skating."

"What's his favorite food?"

"I don't know."

"What's his favorite color?"

"I don't know."

"Foot size?" supplies Kristoff.

With her hands on her hips and frustration in her voice, Anna seethes, "Foot size doesn't matter!"

"That's not what you said on our wedding night," he mumbles.

Neither Anna nor I understand this non-sequitur. It certainly amuses him. Probably an inside joke meant for a reindeer.

"Look," she says to me, "if this is someone who can make you happy, I want to know him." My discomfort must show on my face, because she adds, "At least tell me his name. Please?"

Well, that's that. I never had a chance of getting away without telling her. I take a deep breath, and let it go. "Nora."

"I'm sure he's lovely," she says, putting a reassuring hand on my shoulder, "even if he has a girl's name."

"Anna?" says Kristoff. "I think she means –"

He is interrupted by a loud gasp, and a chorus of oh-my-gosh-oh-my-gosh-oh-my-goshes and new-sister-new-sister-new-sisters.

How am I supposed to introduce anyone to these people? One talks to reindeer, and the other… the reindeer would think she's weird.

Authors Note: I hadn't planned on adding a second chapter, and I definitely don't plan on adding a third. Romantic comedy isn't my natural genre, so this is as far as I want to go. But if you have any suggestions for how to improve this piece or my writing style, please leave a review. I really appreciate your time, even if you only name one thing I did well/poorly.