"Welcome to Corona!" the captain shouted as he pulled up to the dock.

Finally, Elsa thought. The Arendellians had been on the ship for days, and the fog and mist had seemed endless! The journey had been long and they were ready to arrive at their destination.

Elsa watched the boat's ramp as it hit the shore of Corona. She wobbled as she stepped off of the ship, partially because of her newly developed sea legs, but also because of the enormous cloud of butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

We're really here. At Corona, Germany, she thought, gazing at the Corona landscape. The Arendellians looked at the kingdom with eyes wide with amazement.

From far away it had seemed pleasant enough; a majestic castle surrounded by a village, seated on a lush island. But now that she had arrived saw that it was much more intricate than that, and much more lovely.

The village was bustling with activity. Dozens of people weaved in and out of the shops and houses, stopping occasionally to wipe off some dust, or tie a shoe, or window shop. The area itself was beautiful; vibrant flowers and a sparkling yellow sun highlighted the environment. The cozy wooden houses, the thick green vegetation, and the magnificent castle all added a sort of warmth to the island.

As if everything is cheery and joyful, Elsa thought.

Anna happily galloped off the boat and directed towards a group of people waiting for them at the dock, presumably the royal family of Corona. Not far behind were Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven.

Elsa examined the family as she slowly approached them. The older two were obviously King Frederic and Queen Arianna. The king wore large, elaborate royal robes lined with gold thread, and had shiny gray hair and a thick silver beard. The queen wore a simple purple gown; her chestnut brown hair was let down, framing her bright green eyes, and a necklace of pearls rested gently on her neck. Their composure was serene and controlled, but their eyes darted wildly over the newcomers, and their fingers trembled uncontrollably.

There was a young girl who looked about Elsa's age. She had spiky brown hair and large green eyes, like the queen's. She wore a lavender gown with a laced bodice and light, puffy sleeves. Princess Rapunzel! Rapunzel didn't try to hide her enthusiasm, nearly bouncing up and down on her toes with excitement. Elsa looked down to see her feet lacked shoes. Perhaps it's normal in Germany, she thought.

Beside her was a tall and fairly handsome young man, who had his arm wrapped around her. He wore a green vest, gray pants, and large buckled boots. Elsa couldn't remember his name, but she remembered seeing him at her coronation…

How odd, she thought. And, yes, Rapunzel was there too, I remember. Why were they invited again? My parents were the ones who requested their attendance at my coronation, right? Yes, I think so...but why?

The voice of King Frederic interrupted her thoughts. "Welcome, the royal family of Arendelle!" he said in an enormous, booming voice. "Welcome to Corona."

Anna and Elsa curtsied politely. Olaf waved in a friendly manner. Kristoff and Sven just stood there, unsure what to do. They hadn't been taught royal manners.

"You are most kind," Elsa said graciously.

"What's your name?" Rapunzel asked. She leaned forward so far she almost fell over. Her hands were bunched up at her waist and quivered excitedly.

"Elsa," the queen replied, a bit bewildered by her eagerness. "Are you Princess Rapunzel?"

Rapunzel gasped. "You know my name?"

Ignoring Rapunzel's excitement, the unknown, handsome young man turned to Anna and said, "I don't believe we've met before. What's your name?"

"Princess Anna of Arendelle," she replied, curtsying again. This time she tripped over her long, magenta cloak, into the arms of the man. He chuckled, amused, and set her to her feet. Kristoff frowned at their contact and pulled her closer to him.

"Welcome, Princess Anna." the man said. "I'm Prince Eugene Fitzherbert. But please, just call me Eugene."

Anna blushed, embarrassed at her clumsiness. "Uh, hi Eugene."

Eugene turned to Kristoff. "And you are?"

"Kristoff," he said fiercely. "And Anna's my girlfriend."

"Chillax, I won't be taking her!" Eugene said, backing away, his arms up in surrender. "I already have a wife. Rapunzel." He linked arms with his wife and gave her a kiss, which she accepted with a soft giggle. "We've been married for three years."

"Oh." Kristoff put his arm around Anna protectively.

"And you're King Frederic and Queen Arianna?" Elsa asked, averting the attention to the royal couple.

The king and queen curtsied politely.

"Well, now that we are all properly introduced, I say we go to the castle for supper," said the king. "I presume the Arendelle royals are tired from their adventure?" They nodded wearily. "Then after dinner, you may rest. In the morning we have many things to discuss."

Rapunzel nodded enthusiastically, and the glimmer in her eyes shone even brighter. Elsa noticed Eugene place a hand on her arm, silently asking her to calm down. Rapunzel glanced at him, and he wrapped her in his arms. Was that a tear Elsa saw trickling down her freckled cheek?

No, it's just a trick of the light, she thought. Indeed, the setting Corona sun was very bright, bathing everything in warm shades of red, yellow, and orange. It reminded Elsa of the upcoming fall season.

"Elsa? You coming?" Anna's fiery orange hair was highlighted in the rays. She stood next to a large, ornamented carriage, where the rest of the crew were already seated.

"Yes, of course," Elsa said briskly.

She entered the carriage and it immediately took off.

**The dinner at the castle was elegant and refined. The visitors were seated at a long wooden table. It was set with cloth napkins and silver utensils and fanciful crystal glasses containing German coffee. A bright golden chandelier lit the banquet room, sparkling on the deep magenta walls. Everything was tasteful and distinguished.

The Arendellians were served a large buffet of traditional German foods: Spätzle noodles and thick pieces of bratwurst; marinated sauerbraten and seasoned German fries. Elsa and the others stuffed themselves full with the delicious food.

Kristoff and Sven stayed silent during the meal, while Olaf ecstatically tried to gulp down all he could. The sisters stayed animated in conversation.

As they ate dessert (cheesecake), King Frederic asked Elsa, "How was the journey to Corona?"

"A little foggy," the queen replied. "I believe we got lost in the mist, so it took a few days longer than usual. We were all so excited to finally arrive at Corona."

"Good!" the queen said pleasantly. "We were delighted that you came, too. We weren't sure if you'd accept our invitation."

"I'm glad we did," Anna added. "It's so beautiful here! Nothing like Arendelle! I've always wanted to travel."

Rapunzel laughed. "Well, I'm glad you decided to travel here. I must say, Germany is a good place to visit. You must go see the other six islands around here. Some of them have the most delicious food."

"It can't be as good as thif!" Olaf exclaimed, mouth stuffed with sausage. "This is deliffous! I've never tasted anyfing like it!"

At this, the whole table laughed. Elsa smiled at the warmth she felt when she was around the royal family. They've been very welcoming, she thought. But when are they going to tell us the news they promised to report?

When their laughter had died down the king asked, "By the way, how has it been in Arendelle?"

"Fine," Elsa said. "The kingdom hasn't been the same ever since the coronation, but things are finally getting back to order, thank goodness."

"Wonderful," the queen replied, smiling.

"And how is it here?" Anna asked.

"We're doing well," King Frederic said warmly. "Our village is prosperous, and our docks are busy year round. What more could we ask?"

"No disturbances these past three years?" Elsa asked, her eyebrows raised.

"Well," the king said hesitantly, "perhaps we should tell you later. Tomorrow. When there's more time for discussion. I don't want to tire you any further; as soon as you're done, you'll be escorted to your bedrooms. Feel free to make yourselves at home. I trust you'll be staying a while?"

"If necessary, yes. I'm willing to stay," the queen said. "The trolls are watching over the castle while we're gone. I trust them to keep the kingdom safe for as long as is necessary."

Kristoff nodded to confirm this.

"Good," said the king. "Then let's finish our dessert and retire to our rooms."

After they had eaten they were led to their temporary bedrooms. Anna and Elsa shared one room while Kristoff and Olaf used another. Sven was escorted to the stables, where he was promised fresh yellow straw and all the carrots he could eat.

Elsa's and Anna's bedroom was pleasantly roomy. Two twin beds, adjacent to each other, took up a third of the room. Accompanying both of the beds were a small dresser with a lamp set on top of it. A large window filled up one wall; the other two contained a closet each. A knitted lavender rug cushioned the floor and added a nice decorative touch.

As Elsa and Anna unpacked, they began to talk about the before events.

"Aren't the king and queen so regal?" Anna commented. "They're so welcoming and friendly. I feel like I already know them-like we're close friends."

"Yes," Elsa replied. "I feel like I've met them before. Somewhere. They seem vaguely familiar in a way I can't quite understand..."

"Me too!" Anna exclaimed. "Didn't our parents know them? I'm pretty sure I bumped into them on your coronation day, at the gates of the castle. She was wearing the same purple gown, and her hair was just as short."

"I thought I saw them…" Elsa replied, folding her last gown. "Rapunzel must've been there, then, if we both remember seeing her. There, I'm done." She glanced at the large stack of clothing that still sat on Anna's bed and laughed. "Need any help?"

"No, I got it!" Anna said, grunting as she tried to shove five dresses into her drawer simultaneously.

"Alright…" Elsa said, trying to seclude her amused smile.

"Princess Rapunzel was sure happy to see us!" Anna continued, as she doubled her efforts to fit her clothes into the drawer.

"Yes…" Elsa murmured thoughtfully. Why was she so excited?

"You know, she kinda looks like you… The shape of the eyes, the nose, the thin smile… Exactly like yours. You could be twins."

"Really?" Elsa exclaimed.

"Really!" Anna repeated, finally succeeding to force the clothes in. She paused. "I still have no idea what they want to tell us. Do you?"

"Well, I have a hunch…" Elsa admitted. "But I'm probably wrong. After all, I'm just assuming things."

Anna yawned. "Alright. Well, I do know one thing: The king was right about us being tired. I'm going to bed!" Anna curled up into her covers and blew out the lantern that sat on top of her drawers. "G'night, Elsa."

"Good night, Anna."

Anna fell asleep quickly, and soon the room was filled with her soft snores. Elsa relaxed on her soft periwinkle covers. The excitement of the day kept her up.

A large window allowed moonlight to shine gently down on her bed, illuminating her entire body in a soft blue aura. The blue light reminded her of the Southern lights, though the Southern lights were much prettier. Elsa loved the shades of purple and green that would dance across the sky, like sprites among the stars, lighting up Arendelle so that even the smallest corners of the castle were alight…

Elsa felt her eyes flutter shut and soon she was sleeping, dreaming sweet dreams about the adventure that still lay ahead...

**Rapunzel was in the castle library, reading a book. She sat at a small, circular table lit by a waxy white candle. The library was stuffed with literature. All four walls were covered in thick pages and colorful book covers. Rapunzel flipped through the yellowing, ancient pages of her book with care and deep concentration, not even noticing when Eugene entered the room.

"Whatcha readin'?" he said casually, plopping down in the seat beside her.

She yelped in surprise and slammed the book shut. "Eugene!"

"You were really into that book, huh?" Eugene said, amused by her reaction. "What are you reading? It looks older than my great-great-grandfather."

Rapunzel snatched up the book in her arms and got up from her seat. "Uh, nothing. Just a reference book for a new painting I'm working on." She laughed weakly as she started to back away from him. "I should probably go…"

"What're you painting?" Eugene asked.

"N-nothing," she stammered. "Nothing you'd be interested in. Well, I'd better get to bed. It's a big day tomorrow and I don't want to be tired."

"Yes, it is a big day…" Eugene replied suspiciously, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Are you alright, Rapunzel? You look a little pale. Let me feel your forehead."

'Uh, no, I'm fine!" Rapunzel exclaimed, backing away even further. "Just-tired. It's been a long day. Good night, Eugene." She hesitated, then ran up to kiss him, and rushed out of the room.

Once she was out she sighed, and as she headed for her bedroom her thoughts filled up her head in a flurry. I don't have to tell him everything, she thought. I can't let him know… He'll be up in my business if I do.

She arrived at her room and collapsed onto her bed. She was tired, truly, but rest just couldn't find her. Her head was swirling with thoughts. Slowly, silently, she lit a lamp and opened up her journal.

She took out a feathered pen and began to sketch out Queen Elsa and Anna. She would draw Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf on the opposite page. For now, she concentrated on the two sisters.

She drew Elsa's long braided hair that rested on her shoulder and her light blue dress that was cinched at the waist with a darker blue belt. She drew her thick knee high boots and all the tiny little details that decorated her dress, like frost on a window.

Then she drew Anna, her arms wrapped around her sister in an embrace. She drew her freckled cheeks and her red hair, styled in a boho braids back headband, with her bangs let loose in the front. She drew her black dress lined by a magenta cloak, and her boots, identical to Elsa's, except they were black.

As she picked up her pen to write about her day, she again began to think about the amazing day she'd had.

'Elsa is not like I imagined her,' she wrote. 'She's very regal and sophisticated. But despite her properness, I can see there's a playful side hiding under her queenliness. Maybe ruling over an entire kingdom by yourself makes you more serious. I hope I can bring out her goofy side!'

Rapunzel paused, then scratched out the last sentence she'd written down. The news we have to tell her probably won't make her all that frisky, she thought. It'll make her more grounded than she already is!

She sighed. Am I ready to tell her? Is she ready for us to tell her? Will she be too terrified to face the truth? She stopped. What if Anna can't face it?

She looked at her book which rested on the dresser beside her. Slowly, silently, she set down her journal, picked up the book, and flipped through the pages, trying to find where she'd left off...