Peter, Maximillian, and Andrew stood at the bow, scanning the horizon for land. The fjord which surrounded Arendelle was rumored to be some of the best fishing in the world, one of the reasons their kingdom maintained their wealth even during rough times. Peter could not quell the anxiety in his chest; he could not banish the feelings of unpreparedness and ineptitude which had struck him when Frederik chose him to be their delegate. Most of his brothers had experience with making treaties, meeting with foreign dignitaries, and handling themselves in official circuits. Peter had spent most of his childhood alone, outside, looking for adventure. A perfect day for him was rising before the sun, leaving the city gates and exploring different parts of the island, or even taking a boat to another island. Their kingdom was, after all, made up of about 200 of them. He had learned the things which were important when alone in the wilderness: building fires; making shelter; which kinds of fruits and plants would help and harm; orienteering with the sun, moon, and stars; hunting; all of which now seemed useless as he thought of the task before him.
"I can see the mountains!" Max called from a few feet away. Peter's head snapped up and he, also, could see the rocky peaks which surrounded the fjord. He sighed and turned, making his way down to their quarters to change clothes and gather his things.
When he emerged from below deck, they were within a mile of the docks. Peter stood with his brothers, feeling a little out-of-place dressed in a tunic and vest embroidered with their family crest. Andrew turned to him, jabbed him in the side, and asked, "Where is your crown? Surely you will be wearing your crown, Peter…"
Peter grinned and returned the jab with more force, and Andrew left to change his clothes.
() () ()
"Your Majesty, the ship from the Southern Isles is approaching the dock."
Elsa glanced over from her desk, mentally kicking herself for forgetting about their arrival. She put her pen down, gathered most of her papers into a stack, and stood. "Thank you, Kai," she responded, careful not to let her frustration with herself come off as frustration toward him. She gave him a small smile and he returned the gesture, waiting for her to exit the room before following her toward the great hall.
"Please have Anna meet me in the hall immediately," she requested, then waited for the butler to round a corner before sighing to herself. She stopped walking, ducked behind a column and leaned her back against the wall, willing herself to remain calm. The delegates from the Southern Isles would enter, make their presentation, stay in the castle for a few days, and then leave. There was no reason for her to be apprehensive about their arrival. These people were not to blame for Hans' deception.
As she told herself these things, she couldn't help but repeat one of her many time-worn mantras: "Conceal. Don't feel. Don't let it show." The queen took a deep breath, followed by another, and continued down the hallway.