Chapter 1

12 years ago

-Southern Isles-

The smell of salt and sweet grass wafted through the Southern kingdom as waves crashed along their coast. The summer's heat gave life to endless crickets, hidden between blades of grass as they chirped in harmony. Throughout the vast green sat a boy with a mess of dirty blonde atop his head that shined like gold silk in the sun.

He hummed to himself as he fiddled with a carved stone in his hands, passing his thumb over each groove. Lost in his thoughts, he failed to notice a flash of red hiding between the grains, twin plaits bounced with glee as his sister giggled with excitement.

Just as the laughter reached his ears, he was pounced on. "ANNA-oof!" The boy cried out before both siblings stumbled on their backs laughing.

"Gotcha, Kristoff!" The young girl laughed in excitement. Kristoff couldn't help the chuckle that passed his lips, giving his younger sister a playful shove.

"Time for payback," his threat sparking her desire to run off, gathering herself into a sprint.

"Oh no you don't!" Hans, her other big brother, snatched her before she could get very far and instantly began tickling her sides.

"Ha- Hans! Quit it!" Anna sputtered in a fit of giggles, her red plaits coming slightly undone at the struggle.

Kristoff clapped a hand on his shoulder, "I see you've avenged me, brother," he mocked as Anna stuck out her bottom lip in a pout.

"That's not fair! You're supposed to be protecting me, that's what Papa says!" she exclaimed through her pout.

"Oh? And what happens when the sweet princess betrays her poor brothers? You can't expect us to let you get away with everything," he returned with a smug look on his face.

"Yes you can," she retaliated.

"Nuh-uh."

"Can too!"

Of course, Kristoff never truly meant anything he said, through the whole scene Hans noted the way Kristoff's hazel eyes gleamed with adoration for his sister. He was sure his own did just the same. They'd do anything to make her happy, just like they promised to Papa.

He was brought out of his daze when their shouts rose in pitch, signaling the time to intervene.

"Alright alright, enough you two," he eased, trying to change the topic. "Why don't we head back and have a little sword match? May the best fighter win."

Kristoff surrendered to Anna, distracted by a new challenge he couldn't refuse. "You're on little brother," he practically boasted, looking forward to besting his brother again. Hans knew he had no chance being five years underdeveloped in height and in muscle... but it got them to stop bickering in the end. A small sacrifice he didn't mind to bear. Anna's eyes lit up at the thought of watching her big brothers spar again.

"C'mon! C'mon!" she yelled as she ran towards the palace that stood proudly over the cliff, stumbling lightly on her summer dress before picking up speed once more. The brothers laughed in unison at her clumsiness before sprinting to catch up.

"Where have you three been?" a voice echoed just as the trio ran inside the Westergaard castle.

Said three siblings came to a screeching halt, looking up the steps to see the second eldest of their brothers, Elijah. He stood with arrogance coming off him in waves as he peered down at them, expectantly.

Kristoff, not being one to disappoint, rolled his eyes at the snobby young man, "We were playing outside, what's it to you?"

Emerald eyes narrowed and glared dangerously at the young blonde boy, "You will do well to show me some respect, boy!" Spitting out his last word with venom, Anna jolted. She hated when they fought, that's mainly the reason they all avoided Elijah and his nasty attitude.

Kristoff gritted his teeth with a low growl, his short temper instantly sparking.

She knew he reached his limits already, seeing his ears turn a bright shade of red as his knuckles whitened over closed fists. "Listen, you-" Hans being the peace keeper that he is took a step to intervene again, stopping short upon hearing another voice.

"Come on, Elijah, no need to be so rude Kristoff," Alec, the eldest, came to the rescue. His short brown hair looked glossy from sweat, his cheeks red as he hefted a Warhammer over his shoulder.

Elijah's emerald eyes shifted from Kristoff to the man behind him in annoyance.

"He needs to learn to respect his elders, Alec," he stated coolly, obviously not too thrilled that he had been interrupted. "He is only fifteen and parades around as if he owns this land," he casted a petty glance in Kristoff's direction, pleased to draw a growl from the boy.

"Look who's talking, you hypocrite!" Kristoff's voice boomed within the palace walls and he would've been fine with it... had he not frightened Anna in the process. Seeing how she jumped in fear made his stomach knot in regret.

"Enough, you're upsetting your sister," Alec's voice carried a finality to it, deflating Kristoff's anger and Elijah's ego. "Now brother, be on your way. I'm sure father has kingly matters for his favorite lackey," Alec chuckled at his own joke.

Elijah held his head even higher, gritting his teeth before walking off with a quick, "Brute."

The eldest sighed before turning his attention back to his younger siblings, "Kristoff, I'm not going to preach what you already know... but be mindful of your sister," he then looked to Anna with a smile.

"Take care of them for me, promise? Boys are hopeless."

She smiled warmly with a firm nod. "Now then, I know you three have something mischievous to do," he winked as he passed, heading to the courtyard for some weaponry testing.

The three of them let out a breath that they hadn't noticed they were holding, feeling the tension ease out of the room. Kristoff looked to Anna to apologize but stopped him short with a tight hug. He was shocked for a moment before sighing and wrapping his arms around her.

She squeezed his waist, "Please, no more fighting Kristoff."

He couldn't stand the hurt in her voice, giving a light peck on the crown of her head as his silent agreement. He pulled away from Anna with a smirk, knowing the best way to cheer her up, "Why don't we see what desserts we can find in the kitchen, hm?"

She beamed like he knew she would, grabbing his sister's hand as he led her towards the kitchen, Hans gladly in tow. Even if it meant trouble with the cook, they'd do anything to see Anna smile like she did at that moment.

It didn't take long for the head cook to catch them, by then, their father had requested them in his study...

They entered a room with endless shelves of books on either side of a large raised desk that sat in the center. Behind it, the King was scrawling away on a parchment as he waited for his kin to file in.

All of his sons stood at attention on either side of his desk, awaiting for whatever they were summoned for. Their backs stiff as some of them looked to each other nervously. It wasn't everyday they were all summoned like this at the same time.

Anna walked passed them, uncaring, heading straight towards her father. Papa was scratching his beard in frustration as she grew closer. Before he could keep scrawling, he felt her tiny fingers tenderly over his arm. Anna, having a knack for distracting people at the right time, stole his attention.

Adoration filled his eyes as the worn king put down his pen and lifted the girl onto his lap. The others watched with a small smile... save for Elijah.

"Are we all here?" The king's voice carried through the room, eliciting confirmative hums from his sons. He nodded in approval before continuing on as Anna played with his medallion.

"This won't take long seeing as you have other activities and lessons to attend," some winced at the thought of returning to their tutors. "I have been in discussion with my advisors and it's about time we fortify new alliances, we've come to the agreement of arranged marriages."

Everyone stilled, even Anna.

"I'm aware that most of you are too young... but courting is still an option, therefore I am sending Augustus to Corona and Kristoff to Weselton in hopes to build stronger alliances than simply trade partners. The rest of you will either be in charge of our stock and trade in other parts of the world or begin further lessons in business under the care of our trade partners until you are ready. You will be traveling to new lands and representing our family. Do not disappoint me and learn well."

Kristoff back tensed at his words but did not change his expression, Hans' brows furrowed together while Anna dropped her Papa's medallion to stare at him, mouth agape with wide teary eyes. "Those who won't be leaving are Alec, Elijah, Lawrence, Hans, and of course, Anna."

He regarded only Augustus and Kristoff now who stood side by side, "You will remain as house guests until a wedding can be set, the servants will help gather your belongings and anything you require. You both set sail in the morning. Am I understood?"

All they could do was nod.

He cleared his throat, "I must attend a meeting now. You're dismissed."

Finishing with that, he stood up shrugging Anna off his knee and patting her on the head before excusing himself.

Everyone grew grim except for Elijah who smiled victoriously before striding out with a pip in his step. The rest shuffled out quietly, too glum to discuss amongst themselves. Even Alec had a sour expression, muttering curses under his breath on his way out.

Anna, Hans, and Kristoff didn't make a move until the final click of a door.

Then Anna began to sob as her brothers rushed to embrace her snuggly. Kristoff couldn't help but sniffle at his sister's cries while Hans rubbed his hand in circular motions behind her back to calm her hiccups.

Between breaths for air she tried to speak, "Kri- Kristoff, you... you can't-" breaking into louder sobs.

He didn't need to hear the rest to understand what she meant, they all knew it. She didn't want her big brother to go, not any of them. All they could do was spend every moment together till the sun rose the next morning, separating them for a very long time.

A few years later

-Southern Isles Palace-

Dear Anna,

As my wedding draws near, I grow restless knowing I'll be seeing you and Hans again. I can't wait for that day. I'll be eagerly awaiting you on the docks to meet your smile. I hope to hear from you soon.

-Love, Kristoff.

Tired eyes grazed the letter repeatedly as a light sigh escaped pinks lips, drawn in a frown.

Anna couldn't put the pieces together. He always wrote to her, updating her on his well-being, how the royals were treating him, how different Weselton is from home. While each letter tore at her, she was glad she had some form of connection to him.

Kristoff's letters never failed to reach her as often as they could, they may have been a few weeks late, at most, but never this late. This wasn't just a few weeks... it had been months since she last heard from her big brother.

She wondered what she did wrong. Practically, Kristoff could just be busy with wedding preparations... that's really no excuse though. Not in Anna's mind.

The sound of a knock shook her thoughts as she reluctantly opened her door, already knowing who it was. Hans offered a warm smile as she left the door wide open as he invited himself. With a frustrated grunt she fell back on her bed as he made himself comfortable beside her. "What's wrong, Anna?"

"...It's Kristoff. He hasn't responded to my letters in months and I don't know what to make of it anymore," Anna dropped the letter over her face in defeat. They sat in a comfortable silence as he mulled over a response, his presence already calming her nerves as he scratched her scalp.

"I wouldn't worry too much, he's probably just nervous about the wedding, on the bright side we'll be seeing him soon. You can give him a good ole' punch to the nose if you're still angry when you see him."

She chuckled at his last comment, bumping his arm as a silent "thank you" for trying to lift her spirits. Hans was right about one thing, they would be attending the wedding and she would be seeing her brother again. Yet, she couldn't ignore that something still felt wrong...

A month later

-Weselton Harbor-

Anna relished in the summer heat as she took in the sight of all the other ships docked. All from neighboring kingdoms here to give their congratulations to her big brother and his betrothed.

All this for a wedding? She chuckled to herself, knowing that this ridiculous display would probably happen for her one day.

They were nearing the dock when she noticed the set of guards and a carriage that would most likely be their escort. No sign of Kristoff.

Hans appeared beside her then, leaning his elbows over the rail as he clasped his hands in front of him. He couldn't help but match her disappointment when he noticed it too.

The more Hans thought about Kristoff's recent behavior and its effects on Anna, the more frustrated he became.

Clenching his gloved fists lightly, he let out a deep sigh. It wasn't until he heard the sniffle of a stuffed nose when his met Anna's.

"Hey, hey…" He cooed, rising to his full length to embrace her and soothe away her quiet tears.

He had grown quite taller than Anna, even if they were only on the edge of fifteen. The height was perfect for her though, easily burying her face in the crook of his neck so no one else would notice.

"We'll see him soon," he soothed as she gripped his suit in comfort.

She took a moment and one last wipe of the eyes before composing herself, she was here to represent her family after all. She couldn't very well do that while crying.

Alec approached in perfect timing, patting his rough hands over twin heads of red, "Ready you two?" Anna felt grateful that he didn't pry at her lack of composure. He knew better and Anna loved him for it. She smiled gently with a reassuring nod to ease any worries.

"Good, I'm glad you guys came along. I don't know what is going on with father that he couldn't attend but it's nice to have some siblings around who still care."

He seemed to trail off in his own thoughts and she couldn't blame him. Why hadn't anyone else come to see Kristoff?

She didn't understand it... and Father was the biggest disappointment. There was something off about him lately too, Anna had a hunch that he changed around the same time that Kristoff stopped sending letters. Since then, Elijah's whispers have steered his head more and more, not even Alec could get his attention lately.

She shivered at the thought as their ship docked and lowered its gangplank. Alec was the first to step down to the Weselton guards, greeted him in well-practiced synchronization and stiff red suits. Hans offered out his elbow as she gingerly took it.

"Shall we?"

Chapter Updated: 11/14/17