Anna, Do You Wanna Know A Secret?
Hello everybody! Ok so this took forever because honestly this chapter just didn't want to cooperate and life and all its wonders simply decided to get in the way. So I do apologize for the delay on this. I am trying to work a little harder on the next few chapters. I've set a goal for myself to update once a week. Whether or not I actually accomplish that goal is a completely different story… but I shall try! Thanks so much as always for all the reviews, favs and follows! You guys are awesome!
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Oh yeah.. it's not mine.
Chapter 4
The Orphans of Arendelle
"They're here! The Queen and Princess have arrived!"
"Quickly children, get ready! And remember your manners! I expect all of you to be on your best behavior… especially you Jonas!"
"Come now, everyone to the courtyard! Step lightly. Elise, Olivia come now and don't forget the flowers."
Liam watched the commotion build as the Queen's procession approached. He thought the Queen and Princess looked beautiful in their riding clothes. He checked his clothes in the mirror and frowned, pushing his hair out of his face. It always fell over his left eye. Making sure it was in place, he looked at his boots and then at his pants and shirt. They were old, but they were his best clothes. He hoped the Queen liked them…
"Liam! Let's go!"
"I'm comin'!" Liam called, pulling on the navy blue jacket with the gold buttons Selma had gotten him and grabbing the pink and blue flowers he had picked for Queen Elsa. The blue ones were the same color as her eyes and the pink was just like the color of her cape at the con-conor-cornoration. He wasn't sure how to say that word…
With a shrug, he ran downstairs and out the door. He joined his friends as they waited for the Royal Procession to arrive.
"Queen Elsa is so pretty! And so is Princess Anna!" giggled Elise, rocking on her heels. "I think Liam's got a crush on Queen Elsa," Elrick teased. Liam frowned. "I do not! She's just nice that's all," he argued. Elrick laughed and shook his head, putting his arm around Liam's shoulders. "I was only kidding Liam. But she is really pretty," he said. Liam nodded. "She is. That's why I got her these flowers."
"Is it true she wants you to help review the Royal Guard Liam?" asked Olivia excitedly. Liam smiled proudly. "That's right! She asked me to yesterday at the cornoration."
"It's pronounced coronation dear," Selma corrected as she approached the children, Leah bouncing in her arms. "Cor-o-nation… Got it!" Liam said, watching as Leah played with Selma's necklace. Selma said that he and Leah were found in the same home and that she was his little sister. She had blonde hair like him, except hers was more golden and Liam's was almost white. And her eyes were bright blue like his so he guessed she could be his little sister.
The procession finally stopped in front of the orphanage and Liam and the other boys bowed like they were taught, and the girls curtsied. They had practiced all morning and Liam hoped it made Queen Elsa and Princess Anna happy.
"Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elsa of Arendelle and her Royal Highness Princess Anna of Arendelle," announced one of the guards loudly as the Queen and the Princess walked up to Selma. "Thank you for coming Your Majesty, Your Highness. It's such a pleasure to have you with us." Liam watched as the Queen and Princess met Mrs. Astrid, Mrs. Frida and Miss Eleanor. They helped take care of the all of them too.
"I wonder where Kristoff is?" whispered Oliver. Elrick shrugged. "Liam, did Kristoff say he was coming?" Liam nodded. "I saw him in town today. He said he would come later." Liam smiled when the Queen looked over at him and told all the others to keep bowing as she walked over to them. "Hello Liam," said the Queen softly. "Good afternoon Your Majesty," replied Liam politely, standing again. "These flowers are for you," he said, feeling his face get all hot when the Queen smiled a big smile and took the flowers. "Thank you so much Liam. They're very beautiful."
"You're welcome Your Majesty" Liam replied. "These are my friends. This is Elrick, he's seven. And this is Oliver, he's six. Elise is five like me but will be six soon too, Olivia is seven and that over there is William, Oscar, Markus, Jonas and Elias. They're older. And then the girls, Lilly, Julia, Hanna, Sofia and Mia, are over there too. The little, little babies and some of the other kids are inside and the bigger kids come and go a lot."
The Queen smiled again. "It's very nice to meet all of you. If you go over to where Princes Anna is standing, she's brought some cakes and cookies for all of you." Liam cheered with his friends. He was just about to run over to the Princess when he stopped and looked back up at the Queen "Thank you for everything Your Majesty," he said because Selma said to always say please and thank you when someone does something nice for you, and Liam knew that Queen Elsa was going to do a lot of nice things for him and Selma and all of the kids.
"You're welcome Liam," answered the Queen, leaning down to hug him. "Now go enjoy with your friends." Liam nodded and rushed over. "Hey! Save some cookies for me!"
Elsa sighed and shook her head as she took in the state of the orphanage. It was a miracle that it was still standing, for it seemed as if it would collapse on top of them at any moment. "How many children sleep here?" she asked as they passed one of the large bedrooms. "This is the boys' room majesty. There are 20 in total Majesty. The older ones come and go. But we once fit 35 boys in this room." Elsa shook her head and sighed again. The room didn't seem fit for five boys, much less 35.
"And this is the girls' room," Selma continued. "The girls stay with us a bit longer than the boys, unless they marry, and they don't come and go as much. We have 25 girls staying in this room." Elsa nodded, taking in the tiny cots and ragged blankets with a heavy heart, for she believed that something should have been done for these children a long time ago. "And the nursery?" she asked. Selma nodded and led her down the hall to a larger room, lined cribs and cradles of all sizes, along with a few small beds. "This is the nursery. The newborns stay here up to age four and then they move into the bigger rooms. We have three of very tender age, only a few months, then four more that are a little older and five children that are between the ages of one and four."
"So in total you have fifty-seven children staying here permanently?" Elsa asked, now truly amazed at the work these women did. Selma nodded and sighed. "It is hard Your Majesty, but the other ladies and I were never able to have children of our own, and now we have more than we can keep track of. We care for them as well as we can, and we like to think that they are happy here." Elsa placed a gentle hand on the older woman's shoulder. "I commend you once again for your self-sacrifice. And now, we are here to help."
"On behalf of all of us Your Majesty, I thank you for your kindness," Selma replied and Elsa could see the tears pooling in her eyes as she fought the ones threatening to spill from her own. "Now, we shall discuss you're new living arrangements," Elsa said, as she and Selma turned to leave the house once more. "You, Astrid, Frida and Eleanor and all of the children will be moved to the resorts in the east, closer to the palace. There, you will be taken care of and tended to as we rebuild the orphanage."
Selma looked shocked. "Re-rebuild Your Majesty?" Elsa smiled and nodded. "Yes. It is the best course of action I believe, for the building looks beyond repairs at this point. I will need you to start collecting the children and any valuables they may have. We would like to start the work as soon as possible." Elsa was shocked when the older woman threw her arms around her neck, though she returned the embrace warmly, a few rebel tears finding their way down her cheeks as she heard the woman sob "Bless you Your Majesty. Bless you, bless you."
"Kristoff's home!"
Anna looked away from the baskets of treats towards the commotion the children were making. A man, not any older than Elsa maybe with messy blonde hair and warm brown eyes was riding a sled pulled by a reindeer. Anna felt herself smiling when all the children bolted to go greet him and the blonde hopped off his sled only to be tackled by the little ones.
"Kristoff pick me up!"
"Kristoff look at this cool rock I found!"
"Kristoff did you go see the trolls again?"
"Kristoff can you and Sven sing the song?"
At that suggestion, the rest of the children cheered and Anna watched as the blonde smiled and fished a lute out of his sled. "Ready Sven?" the young man asked the reindeer, making Anna tilt her head slightly in confusion, then hide a giggle when the blonde answered in a baritone voice:
"I'm ready when you are."
The children cheered again and formed a circle around Kristoff as he sang.
"Reindeers are better than people,
Sven don't ya think that's true?"
"Yeah people will beat you and curse you and cheat you.
Every one of them's bad, except you."
"Aw thanks buddy," Kristoff replied, rubbing the reindeers neck gently before continuing his song.
"But people smell better than reindeers.
Sven, don't ya think I'm right?"
"That's once again true,
For all except you."
The children giggled and so did Anna.
"You got me.
Let's call it a night."
"Goodnight."
"Don't let the frostbite bite."
The children cheered and applauded as did Anna. She watched as Liam went up to Kristoff and motioned towards where she was standing and Kristoff nodded, following Liam towards Anna a bit reluctantly. "Princess Anna, this is my friend Kristoff. He's an ice collector." Anna smiled at Liam then looked up at Kristoff who quickly dropped to one knee and bowed. "Good afternoon Your Highness."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Kristoff," Anna replied with a warm smile, offering him a treat and a goblet of milk. "Nice duet, by the way." Kristoff laughed bashfully and rubbed the back of his neck, then took a cookie and the milk offered to him with a small nod in thanks. "It's a hit with the kids…" he said in explanation. Anna smiled and nodded in agreement as she watched the children play with Sven. "Are you an orphan too?" Anna asked, then added "I'm sorry. You don't have to answer that if you don't want to."
Kristoff shook his head, finishing off the rest of his milk. "It's ok. I am," he answered. "When I was a kid, it was just me and Sven for as long as I can remember. Then one night, Selma found me wandering around and kind of just took me in…"
Anna smiled. "That was sweet of her. What they do here is amazing." Kristoff nodded. "It is. But we all really appreciate what you and the Queen are doing, Your Highness. If anyone deserves it, it's the children." Anna nodded in agreement. "It's the least we can do… and please, call me Anna."
The blonde smiled slightly. "Ok, Anna."
They stood together and watched the children run and play, both standing at attention when Elsa and Selma walked out of the orphanage. Kristoff bowed deeply when Elsa finally reached them, on his knee again, a closed fist placed over his heart. "Your Majesty, my name is Kristoff if it pleases you, and I would like to thank you for all you are doing to help Ms. Selma and the children."
"It is a pleasure to meet you Kristoff," Elsa replied politely, a small smile gracing her lips. "And no thanks are necessary. My duty as Queen is to my people, even the smallest of them." Turning to the captain Aksel, Elsa continued. "The children need to be transported to the mountain resorts tonight. Send two of your men ahead to alert the staff to begin preparations. They are then to return with two other hay carts. This is how we will transport the children and their belongings."
"Aye ma'am."
Elsa then turned to Anna. "Anna, I want you to go with them and oversee the preparations. Also, tell Gerda to prepare the great hall for a banquet tonight. I would like all the children, Selma and the rest of the ladies that work here to dine with us tonight," she explained. Then turning to Kristoff, she said "You are welcome to join us as well Kristoff." The ice collector nodded, his cheeks flushing slightly as he bowed his head. "It would be an honor Your Majesty."
Anna turned to say goodbye to all the children, hugging them and promising them that they would see each other again soon. After saying goodbye to Selma and Kristoff, she walked over to where Callie had been tied up. Feeling Elsa's presence close behind her. "What's wrong?" she asked, noting the worry in her sister's eyes when she turned to face her. Elsa sighed deeply and pulled Anna into a fierce hug. "Be careful. Don't ride ahead and mind the guards. Do exactly as they tell you. Understand?"
Anna returned the hug, inhaling Elsa's scent as she whispered "I understand Elsa. I promise to be careful." She pulled away and smiled up at Elsa, hoping to reassure her sister. Elsa pressed a small kiss to her forehead "And later, we'll talk about Hans and marriage and… us. I promise." Anna nodded and pulled away from Elsa's embrace, mounting Callie swiftly. "I'll see you later."
Elsa nodded. "I love you Anna."
Anna smiled and replied "I love you too."
"That won't be necessary. I can handle Anna and the Queen. I just need more time."
"You have five days left Hans. This one has almost been completely wasted. It seems to me like you could do with some extra help."
Hans sighed as he stared at the figure in the shadows. "What is it that you're proposing?" Though Hans hated to admit it, he really hadn't gotten anywhere near where he wanted to be with Anna and it seemed that the Queen was unknowingly doing everything in her power to foil his plans.
"You needn't worry about that My Lord. Let's just say that the Queen will be rather… distracted for the next six days. Much too distracted to spend any time with her sister, giving you the opportunity to complete your part of our agreement."
Hans nodded. "Very well." It's not like he had a choice in the matter. He wasn't really the power in control here. "Do what you must, but when all is said and done, Arendelle is mine."
"Of course you will have this pathetic kingdom… all we want… is the Queen."
"Are we going to live in the castle Queen Elsa?"
Elsa smiled at the question and shook her head, handing Liam another one of his folded shirts. She made a mental note to have one of the seamstresses get the measurements of each child before the summer festival commenced. "No. But you will be living close to the castle, and tonight we'll be having a banquet in your honor and in honor of all of your friends," Elsa replied warmly, running a hand through Liam's soft locks. She knew it wasn't wise, but she found that she was quickly getting attached to the little boy, her heart strings pulling every time he favored her with one of his dimpled, lopsided smiles.
"Oh! That sounds like fun!" Liam replied with a wide grin, tossing an old dragon shaped toy in his satchel. Elsa picked it up and studied it. It was dirty and old but its royal blue scales still held a shimmer and as did its ice blue eyes. For some reason, it reminded Elsa of something she had seen or encountered once before, but she couldn't remember where. Placing the toy back in the satchel she stood from Liam's bed and said "Are those your only belongings?"
Liam nodded, placing a worn hat atop his head. "That's the last of them… oh! One more thing!" Elsa watched with a small smile as the young boy ran over to a small desk in the corner and opened up one of the drawers, lifting the bottom and pulling out a pan flute and a small sack. "This is my pan flute. Michael, one of the older boys, bought it for me before he left," Liam explained, slipping the instrument in his trouser pocket. "And this is all the money I've ever saved! I'm going to buy a horse and a sword and travel the world looking for adventure!"
Elsa smiled brightly. "I bet you are! And you'll be the best adventurer Arendelle has ever seen. Why, I imagine they'll even tell stories about you and build a statue in the town square in your honor." Liam smiled and nodded excitedly. "I bet they will Your Majesty! Just watch! I know they will!" Elsa pinched the boys' cheek gently and took his hand. "Shall we be off then?" Liam nodded and they both walked out of the old room.
"I'm going to find my father one day Queen Elsa," Liam said. Elsa looked down at the boy, her heart hurting for him. "I know you will Liam. I know you will."
"The Queen has ordered that the preparations of the retreats commence," Anna said as she hopped off of her horse and the servants began to swarm around her. "A banquet should also be prepared for all of the orphans and their caretakers, as well as the rest of the council, Prince Hans, the Queen and myself."
"Yes Your Highness."
"At once Milady."
"Is there anything specific the Queen ordered for dinner?" asked Gerda. Anna shook her head and smiled. "She trusts that whatever is decided on will be delicious as usual." Gerda smiled and bowed her head before retreating into the castle. "The Queen has also ordered that two hay carts be brought to the orphanage. I believe she will need some extra hands as well, to move the children's belongings."
"Yes ma'am."
"As you command Your Highness."
"Ma'am, will you still be having dinner with Prince Hans this evening?"
Anna sighed. "The dinner. I completely forgot," she replied. "No, I shall invite Prince Hans to join us for the banquet." The young maid bowed her head. "Would you like me to deliver the invitation Milady?" Anna shook her head. "No, I'll talk to Prince Hans personally. But thank you for offering Aimee," she replied with a smile. "My pleasure Your Highness," answered the maid before bowing once more and disappearing into the castle.
Anna as she entered the castle, deciding that she needed a bath and a change of clothes before she went to talk to Hans about dinner and then heading out to oversee the preparations of the retreats. 'Maybe I should have let Aimee tell Hans.' She slipped into her quarters and locked the door behind her, smiling when she saw a steaming bath had already been drawn, the smell of vanilla and sandalwood permeating the air. She slipped out of her sweaty ridding clothes and into the tub, humming in contentment as the warm water soothed her aching muscles.
Taking the bar of soap in her hands, she created a thick lather before washing herself, her mind running wild with all the different things that were going on. Of course, her thoughts stopped on what perplexed her most: her relationship with Elsa. If the kiss by the brook was any indication, Elsa felt the same way she did. What Anna couldn't figure out was what it was exactly that she felt for her sister. She knew that she loved her, of that much she was certain, but the rest of the feelings, the tingling sensations in her skin whenever Elsa touched her, or the warmth she felt building in her cheeks when Elsa favored her with that slightly impish smile of hers or how her stomach twirled, jumped and fluttered each time she and Elsa had kissed.
She now fully understood the expression "butterflies in your stomach".
What she didn't understand was why she felt that way for her sister and not for the man she had almost married a few days ago. Hans was charming, funny, understanding and warm. He was handsome and liked by the people. But Anna felt as if there was something… lacking in the way she felt about him. Was she sure that he would be an apt suitor for marriage? Yes. Was she sure that she loved him? No, at least not in the way she loved Elsa.
Maybe she wasn't trying hard enough.
Anna sighed as she dunked herself under the water, grabbing the brush to untangle the long strands of her hair and continuing her musings. It was hard to concentrate on building up what she felt for Hans when what she felt for Elsa always seemed to overpower everything. Thinking of her sister, Anna felt the familiar warmth begin to build in her abdomen.
She wasn't sure that what she felt for Elsa was exactly right. But, could love really be wrong? She didn't think so, especially when what she felt made her feel so good. Something that felt that way couldn't be bad. Right? She sighed, dunking under the cooling water once more before standing. Maybe a visit with Hans and spending the evening with him would clear her mind, or at least help her define what she was feeling.
As she dried herself she mumbled "Love is so complicated."
"Are you positive that's what you saw?"
"Affirmative sir. With my own eyes. We had stopped to water the horses and rest for a moment when the Queen and Princess left to be alone by the brook."
"This is an interesting development, better than I had anticipated. We shall keep it to ourselves for now. Do not tell the Prince. This information can be used to our advantage and I shall not have that numbskull running the entire plan with his delusions of grandeur. We shall wait for the right moment. And then we shall bring down Arendelle's Queen and the Princess right along with her."
"Lord Adriel."
Adriel looked up from the book he had been reading and smiled at Gerda. The older woman had become a good friend and he enjoyed speaking with her on the occasions that they ran into each other during his visits at the castle. "Hello Gerda. I think I once mentioned that 'Adriel' is just fine," he said teasingly, closing the book and giving the older woman his full attention.
"My apologies My Lord," Gerda replied with a smirk, chuckling when Adriel rolled his eyes. "This just came for you from the Southern Isles My Lord. It is from your friend I believe."
Adriel nodded and took the letter. "Thank you Gerda. I just hope this isn't more bad news on our Prince. Princess Anna seems quite taken with him."
Gerda shrugged. "If he is the type of person you have described him to be, maybe it is in Princess Anna's best interests to understand whom she is getting involved with before she goes any further," replied the older woman. Adriel nodded. "'Tis true. But then again, the heart wants what the heart wants. If Princess Anna decides to marry the Prince despite the reports on his questionable reputation, there is little anyone can do about it, even the council."
"Ah, but the Queen would have much to say on the subject I imagine," Gerda replied with a small smile. "Look a little closer Adriel and I believe you'll see that the Princess's heart is not so set on the Prince Sideburns."
Adriel chuckled at the nickname. "Is that his official title Gerda?" The older woman shrugged. "It seems adequate to me." The two shared a laugh before Gerda told Adriel about the banquet and excused herself, leaving him to his letter.
Adriel unsealed the envelope and slipped the piece of paper out, unfolding it and smiling at the familiar scrawl that was his friends' handwriting.
My good friend Adriel,
I do hope that this letter finds you and your family well. You must tell me about the baby. I am anxious to hear about her growth. And please, give my warmest greetings to Amalie, the love of our lives. How you managed to steal her from me I shall never understand, but I continue to consider you the luckiest man alive.
I'm afraid that I cannot offer any good news in my letter for it has come to my attention that Prince Hans' intentions in sailing to Arendelle and seeking the Princess's hand are much less honorable than we originally assumed. It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of plan of treason against the throne of Arendelle. Please inform the Queen as soon as possible that this Prince has dark intentions, and that he is not working alone. It seems that there is not one, but two spies involved as well as another noble, though his identity is yet to be disclosed to me.
Unfortunately, I cannot tell you who my sources are but I can tell you this: they are rarely ever wrong. Please be careful my friend. And be forewarned: if the Prince's plan is fully carried out it will mean only doom for Arendelle.
Your Friend,
Markus
Adriel sighed as he folded the letter once more and slid it into his coat. This would not be easy to tell the Queen, but he would have to. It was his duty to his Queen and to his country. He stood and made his way down the hall, hoping to catch the Queen on the way back from the orphanage. This could not wait.
He was unaware however, that he was being watched.
Dun dun dun!
The plot thickens people! Kudos if you figured out that there were two moles, not just one before it was revealed in Markus' letter! That's some great observational skills there my friends!
I really hope you all liked this chapter! Please know that this story is ElsAnna but I like the slow burn and I have a lot of story to tell! But there time will… come ;) Sorry… it had to be done…
Anyways, if you liked it please leave a comment telling me so! If you hated it, go ahead and leave me a comment! Suggestions, questions, concerns… comment!
Thanks so much for reading!
E.N.