Chapter Five: Putting on a Show

Cold drilled into the music box and pewter candlestick, gossamer threads of frost advancing over the freezing metals. Her fingers flinched, knifing a jagged shard of ice into the pewter as easily as fingers into wax. It took every ounce of Elsa's willpower not to throw them away. So she only tightened her grip.

Reddened knuckles white.

Whitened skin ashen.

From his alcove, nestled into one of her new, inky black gloves, Rupert squeaked, alerting her that the experiment had failed.

"I know." She muttered, watching him fluff up his fur until he resembled a snowball, protecting himself from the chill radiating out from her exposed flesh.

Ever the fool.

Ever the ally.

How could she leave him when the time came to enter the chapel? It was hardly appropriate for the queen to tote her so-called pet around everywhere she went, especially when such an animal caused the noble ladies to stricken with horror. Sensitive as he was, Rupert wouldn't take it well, likely feel snubbed and neglected. For the last seven years their late mornings and noontides had been set aside for just the two of them. For singing and watercolors. Paint held him captive, as he following the pastel hues rippling across starched paper. Swaying as he listened to her hum, offering an occasional whistle when he felt moved.

Singing didn't accompany her work these days like it had in the past. It reminded her too much of Mother, who used to sing her lullabies when she'd still been a child, selfish, too selfish to push her parents away. Still too weak and in need of that loving touch to stroke her hair whenever she cried herself to sleep, crushed by the voices outside her door.

Elsa blinked, a cobweb of tears clinging to her lashes. She raised her sleeve to scrub them away, but stopped, remembering the careful strokes of lavender and periwinkle powdered across her lids.

Shoving the memory away, she looked up at the portrait.

Father surveyed his study, mirroring her stance, but so much more capable, light, olive green eyes noble and brave.

Bold and fearless.

"I'm sorry," she croaked out, "I've tried so hard to make you proud, but don't you see Father? I can't. I'm not strong enough to be the queen Arendelle needs."

Pressing her lips together, Elsa dropped her beseeching gaze and drew in a breath through her nose, holding it, pale eyes fluttering between the ruined candlestick and the still intact box. When her lungs began to protest she released the stale air.

"Conceal Elsa. By whatever means necessary. One wrong move, one slip up, and everyone knows. Focus." Her long lashes brushed her cheeks as her eyes drifted shut, shutting herself away if only for a moment, anything to dampen the fear and apprehension.

"Your Highness?" Cringing, inhaling sharply, shoulders drawn around her neck like the high, mink-trimmed collar of her burgundy coronation robe.

The makeshift scepter and orb were stashed under the puddle of sage curtains, the music box disappeared into a spare drawer.

Rupert was sent to hide. The leather armchair looming at Father's desk dwarfed her when she sank into it a second later, knees knocking, the intricately embroidered hem of her gown tucked around the legs. She pulled the long gloves to her elbows, the leather clashing with the light-catching satin brocade of the long ebony sleeves. Off-handedly she was disappointed that they didn't go as well as she thought. Instead her arms appeared to have been dipped in pitch.

Ridiculous. Concerned with fashion while half the kingdom is on the brink of starvation. Of all the selfish things to think.

"Your Highness?"

"Y-yes." Her voice was more breath than air and clearing her throat, Elsa spoke louder. "Yes, Kai. What is it?"

"Princess Anna is waiting at the end of the hall just like you asked. Captain Thorn is with her of course, and also little Stefan Himmler. Is he allowed access as well ma'am?"

So soon?! The tiny gift, wrapped in a scrap of woolen magenta cloth left over from another gift, a birthday gift, from so long ago, lay inconspicuous on the desk hidden by stacks of books on every subject.

Elsa had thought she'd have time to prepare, to build up the defenses around her carefully constructed walls. She saw them clearly in her mind. Icy and unbreakable.

But…just to talk them. To see them unhindered by glass. To feel the warmth of their embrace –

No.

Not that. Never that.

Her heart ached with longing, but her head told her to forget. The part of her that wished the trolls had stripped her memories. Then maybe, just maybe, she'd be able to control the magic.

"Yes. Permission granted." The words left her tongue terse, static. Then,

"Wait."

"Your Highness?" Kai questioned, ever patient.

She was a coward, but she couldn't do it. Couldn't return Marius's banter with cold dismissal without a small part of her breaking, crumbling. Not yet. But if she had a moment to compose herself, she could remove herself, bury all emotion so deep down it couldn't resurface…

"Just Anna for now Kai. Please."

"Of course Princess. I'll tell them right away."

No. Take all the time you need. Every last second. But it would have been a show of indecision if she repeated her thoughts allowed, and weakness if she told him not to bring them at all. Two attributes never to be seen in a ruler.

Lacing her fingers together, Elsa commanded her hands to cease their shaking and was, as always, unsuccessful. Unable to find anything else to occupy her thoughts with, she skimmed the details of Father's study, hesitating on the familiar chess set, stranded in time, the white queen standing tall and alone in the midst of the checkered board.

He'd taught her how to play shortly after she'd been separated from the world, using the strategy game to tutor her in history, geography, politics, diplomacy, trade, economics, war. The list continued far past those topics, catalogued in her mind like a well-run library. Each chess piece represented a different character, each square a city, a province, a kingdom.

"Wait – just me? Can't Marius and Stefan come?" Elsa swallowed as her throat constricted, touched by that slight tremor in the bubbly voice of her sister. Could it be that she, Anna, ever the dauntless adventurer, was just as nervous as she was?

"Your sister asked specifically for you ma'am. I'm sure the others won't mind waiting a few extra minutes." Kai reassured her, and Elsa could almost see his wide, open face, somewhat crinkled with middle age, hand rested on Anna shoulder, guiding her along.

"I mean, if El – Princess Elsa says so." For the first time she felt the burden of her title. She was Elsa. Not Princess. Not Your Highness, Majesty, Queen.

Just Elsa. Simply Elsa. It was all she ever wanted.

"I mean, are you sure? I don't think–"

"Anna, come on." Stefan grumbled. "I wanna see the Princess and we can't if you don't. Hurry up."

"Aye, he's right. You're stalling love."

The temperature in the room fell a few degrees.

Breathe Elsa, breathe. Now's not the time to fall apart. Get it together. Now.

Accent faint, words smooth as melted chocolate, she remembered Marius's voice perfectly. Eleven years and still unforgettable. What she hadn't accounted for though was how deep it had become. Low and lilting and holding the beginnings of a laugh. Her heart winced.

"Okay, okay. I'm going." Anna said, sounding harried. Elsa drew her hands into her lap, twisting them together until she was sure she'd managed to cut off circulation.

"I believe knocking would help." Marius suggested. Her lips twitched. "What are you waiting for?"

"Stop rushing me. I got this. I totally got this."

"Annnnnnnaaaa." The boy whined.

"Should I announce you ma'am?"

"Me? No. No, it's fine Kai – wait, why are you calling me ma'am?"

"Just showing my proper respects for Her Highness."

In her head, the portly steward bowed at the waist, coat tails and collar starched and brass buttons polished. He'd always taken such pride in his work, and despite her distance, Elsa had always regarded him more as a beloved uncle than a servant.

"But –"

"Anna, darling, the door." Marius reminded her. Amused exasperation laced his tone, reminding Elsa of two siblings bickering good-naturedly. Could she have had that if–?

"Right!"

A second passed, silent and stretched.

Tap! Tap tap tap-tap tap!

"Elsa? I mean – Your Highness? I'm here." Unaware she'd been holding her breath, Elsa tried to speak, coughed, coughed again, swallowed.

Breathe.

"E-Elsa?" Her name shook when Anna spoke it again. She wanted to turn in on herself, hide away. It was exactly as it was the day their parents were buried; a vulnerable fifteen-year-old girl and her uncompromising older sister.

Elsa sighed.

Heaven help me. As a girl, she'd been religious. Clinging to the promises her Bible whispered had been easier then. She would pretend that God really listened to her childish prayers and he sent beautiful angels to guard her. That someone out there truly cared about her. And maybe one day he'd take away this hellish curse.

But with her parents revulsion, not spoken, never spoken, but in their fearful eyes, she'd realized she'd been mistaken. God, if he was there, and now she'd begun to doubt his presence, couldn't possibly love her. No doubt he too was repulsed.

For she was wicked. And the wicked didn't go unpunished for very long.

And yet, today, she needed all the assistance she could get.

Would God listen to her?

"P-please come in."

At Elsa's words, said warm and soft with just a bit of a rasp, Anna froze up – well not really froze up, obviously – it was summertime so she couldn't really freeze. Honestly, was it just her, or was the hallway really warm? Her fingers stilled on the door knob. Would Elsa shut her out again? Turn away when she needed her most? A gloved hand took hers and surprised, she looked up at Marius, biting her lip. Nodding like he understood – which he probably did. He was in the same position, only more confident –way way way more confident – than she was.

"Give us a moment." He told a curious Stefan and a concerned Kai as he led her a couple feet away.

"Anna." Marius said quietly enough to avoid Stefan's eavesdropping – though that was possibly because Kai, his mother's sister's husband – er…his uncle actually – held him back by the back of his baggy shirt, ignoring his wriggling. Marius bent down –much to her long-suffering frustration she only came to his shoulder – so he could look her in the eye. His twinkled. She wasn't sure what hers did.

"Maybe I'm not the best guy to give you advice, but I'm guessing Elsa's just as nervous as you are. Just be yourself." Smiling his crooked grin, he teased, tapping her nose. "Won me over all those years ago."

A tentative smile spread across Anna's face. Somehow, Marius always knew the right thing to say – well, when he wasn't flirting with anything in a skirt, that is.

"Okay. I can do this."

He clucked her under the chin.

"That's the spirit love."

Anna squared her shoulders, lifting her chin, and strode to the door.

Cheerful. She would be herself, her cheery, rambling, optimistic self. Knowing there was no more putting off the inevitable. Either she talked to Elsa at the ball tonight, surrounded by wonderful, but distracting people, all vying for her sister's attention, or she took this chance and saw her sister for the first time in so long.

For the first time in forever.

Uh God? Or Jesus? Er…Holy Ghost-Spirit-person? Do you answer to all three? Oh I don't know. God-Jesus-Holy-Spirit-Ghost, if you're there… I could little help right now. You know with Elsa and Marius and Kristoff and Iulia and everybody. If you're not busy, and I know you're probably busy, but if you have the time – and don't do it just because I'm a princess – it'd be really nice if you helped me right now. Um, sorry for bothering you. I'm going now. Uh, bye!

After her impromptu prayer she felt a little better.

All that was left was to turn the knob and push.

Though Elsa knew it had only been a minute and fifty-six seconds because she counted the grandfather clock one steady tick-tock after another, the silence pressed down on her ears.

Folding her arms across the desk, she resisted burying her face in her hands, instead resting her chin on her forearms, staring at the whirling patterns in the vanished word.

The worst part was she couldn't blame Anna if –

"Elsa?" Her head snapped up, spine rigid, hands burrowing in the voluminous folds of her dark teal skirts.

A pretty girl with a burst of strawberry-blonde braided and pinned up in an elaborate bun stood with her back towards the desk, pulling the door shut behind her.

She was shorter than she expected, but petite and slim. Freckles sprinkled her dimpled shoulders, trailing over her fair skin down across her shoulder blades, bringing to mind stars in a clear night sky.

Elsa rose a little in her chair, lips pressed tight in a faint smile, willing her to look up.

Please. Trust me. A fine thing to be asking for if she wouldn't, couldn't return the favor.

"I'm here." Anna told the door, then spun, green skirt swishing around her ankles.

Elsa suddenly found the streak of platinum pulled back from her temple and striping the twisted bun like a peppermint stick.

Her smile faltered.

One wrong move…

"I'm back."

Her large round eyes, flecks of green turning them the shade of turquoise, widened so that resembled saucers.

Her jaw unhinged.

"E-E-Elsa?" She whispered.

A stranger, a woman, was sitting in Papa's armchair, posture so straight Anna didn't think she'd need the backing of the chair to remain so poised. Her skin was white as snow, shadowed only by high, sloping cheekbones; flawless and healthy, unlike her own that still broke out with blemishes. Her irises were pale, the color of winter skies, but with definite hints of silver around her pupils. Her lips were red as rubies.

She was the most beautiful human being Anna had ever seen.

But, because she was her, the first thought through Anna's head was thathair was supposed to darken when a person 's light blonde had become the color of toasted bread – a tribute to Gerda maybe. Marius's tawny had become closer to dark brown due to training outside in the hot sun. Even hers had been light when she was a toddling little girl, more gold and less red.

But with this strange woman, it seemed the very opposite had happened. Anna could have sworn they'd shared the same golden highlights once, hers obviously much lighter but still. For Elsa's hair was pure white, even more so when offset with her sable and teal dress. Side bangs loose, mirroring her own, silky waves swept up into a full twist starting from her temples, the style was unmistakable.

Wearing her hair like that, Elsa looked so much like Mama, it almost hurt to look at her.

Anna had hoped, dreamed when she was small that one day she could look like her beloved older sister. Now she understood that there was no hope for that.

Once a spare, always a spare, jeered a nasty voice in her head. Perhaps this was why Elsa had shut her out. Because she wasn't good enough for her. She'd never be good enough for her.

Stop it! Anna begged. You're jumping to conclusions! Maybe…maybe… uh, she thought you would hate her for being the prettiest! Her mind grappled for the explanation. Like in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. She was just, just – well l don't know.

Optimism, optimism, she needed to find her stubborn bit of optimism.

Her plan!

Right, her plan would move along so much more easily now! Iulia had better watch out and keep her claws – she'd seen those manicured nails of hers do serious damage – off Marius. Oh boy, she was going down.

Hallelujah Elsa! Where you've been all my life – right… oh forget it.

Iulia was beautiful, but she was only beautiful in a way that made people notice her when she walked into a room – and hopefully, hopefully by then they were put off by her attitude after that, though Anna was beginning to realize most men were usually too distracted by the cut of her dress (honestly, did the girl have no shame?) to care too much about what was coming out of her mouth.

But Elsa was beautiful in a way that drew people in like moths to an open flame – a gorgeous metaphor…simile? Thing. If she did say so herself – and compelled them to stare longer, unable to peel their attention aware for fear she'd disappear.

Anna realized she'd been staring and she dropped her gaze, self-consciously tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, swallowing loudly, and fiddling with her sleeves.

Oh, why did she have to be so awkward? Especially when Elsa was so calm and perfect? If Marius was here, he'd have already struck up a riveting conversation. But if she started saying something – what was she supposed to say anyway? – she'd probably end up babbling.

Just be yourself… Anna glanced towards her, glanced away, nibbled on her lip, clasped her hands.

Opened her mouth.

"Um."

Charming Anna.

"Hi." A single, whispered word. She couldn't seem manage more than that. Anna's startled gasp, her little flinch brought a jab of doubt, but she kept up what she hoped was a welcoming smile. Looking at her now, drawing closer, Anna gestured towards herself, peering around the room.

"Hi…Hi me?" She stammered. Elsa felt crinkles form around her mouth as she nodded encouragingly. Anna blinked rapidly, awed, before frowning.

"Oh! Well obviously you mean me. I'm the only one here, Besides you uh – um…hi?" Said like she was merely attempting the word, a flush passed over Anna's cheeks and she stared at her shoes, hunching her shoulders.

"You look beautiful." Elsa said sweetly, rising from her seat, but keeping the desk between them. It was true. Anna was much prettier than she was. Bright and fresh instead for weary and worn.

"Really?" Shyly, Anna swished her skirts, showing off her regalia. She beamed. "Thanks you – You look beautifuller!" A soft giggle escaped, and Elsa pressed the lips of her fingers to her lips.

"No, no! Wait, sorry. Not fuller. You don't look fuller." Embarrassed, Anna's hands flailed, tumbling over each other. Nose scrunching, she rolled her eyes. "I mean considering all the chocolate we ate when we were children, one of us should be – ah… well, Gerda says you haven't eaten anything she sends you so –"

Elsa's studied the white queen. "Did she?"

Pupils huge, Anna's hands flew to her mouth. "Oh my gosh! Sorry! I'm so sorry. I didn't mean that! It just sort of slipped out and I know I should work on that and I'm trying but –"

"Anna. It's okay." Shoulders lifting as though it didn't matter when it did, Elsa shook her head, feigning indifference. "It's nothing to worry about."

"Oh good." Anna breathed, picking at her sleeve. "I meant you look more beautiful by the way. You're so beautiful Elsa. You look just like Mama. I mean except for your hair. But that's really pretty too."

Elsa was almost certain she was blushing, though her cheeks didn't warm.

"Thank you."

Rocking on her heels, Anna didn't seem to know what to say. Then something caught her attention and she pointed to a pile of wrapped packages near the settee that Elsa had, conveniently been too busy to unwrap.

"What are those?!" Her sister asked, skipping over to investigate.

"Oh. Those are coronation gifts from the other kingdoms. It's tradition."

"There's so many!" Experimentally scooping up a large box, wrapped in orange and white paper, Anna gave it a shake. "It's like Christmastime! But in the middle of summer. Have you opened any yet?"

Hesitating for a few seconds, Elsa joined her.

"No. I haven't had time with all the preparations."

Anna glanced over her shoulder and startled seeing her so close, but smiled easily. Regarding the present thoughtfully she readjusted her hold and shoved the present in Elsa's direction.

"Here, open it."

A closer glance at the paper confirmed its giver and she shuddered inwardly at the polished design of wavering serpents wound around an apple.

Karlskrona's coat of arms.

"N-not this one." Elsa murmured, reaching for a much smaller spherical package wrapped in deep violet and bearing a stylized golden sun. "Perhaps this one from Uncle Holger–"

"But this one's the biggest and I want to see what it is." Anna insisted. "Pleeaaassse?" At her begging, it was impossible to refuse. She'd denied her sister so much already.

"Alright." She sat on the edge of the settee and let Anna hand her the present before she bounced down next to her.

"Open it Elsa!"

"Open it Elsa!" The little girl shrieked, tugging on her arm. She smiled at the messily wrapped Christmas present, tearing the pretty paper away as her sister clapped her hands with glee and –

Anna's shoulder jostled against hers and Elsa jumped, skirting away. A cold draft flurried through the study. The girl shivered.

"Are…are you okay?" Tentatively, Anna scooted closer, imploring.

"Yes. Of course." Forcing a smile Elsa shifted so that she was turned towards her sister, extending the present. "Do … do you want to help me open it?"

"Really?" Almost squealing, Anna caught the end of the package before gravity brought it down. "Can I?"

"It could be a tradition." Elsa replied, now actually smiling. "On the count of three alright?"

"Okay!"

When was the last time she'd done something this…well, fun? "O-one."

Fingers burying along the seams, Anna readied to tear. "Two."

"Three." The sounds of ripping filled the room, followed by Anna throwing off the top of the box, orange paper drifting to the floor.

"Anna, please, the maid's just –"

Her words fell to silence. Anna's face went blank as she pulled the offensive…thing. Yards and yards of bright tangerine satin and lace, flounced and frilly with a plunging neckline and wide hips and the largest bustle Elsa had ever had the misfortune to lay eyes upon.

"It's…hideous." She whispered, staring at the gaudy topaz beads that made up the majority of the bodice.

"What. Is. This?!" Anna exclaimed and snatched the dress up, stepping into overlarge costume and tugged it up to her shoulders, looping her arms through the puffy sleeves.

"Anna, what are you –?"

"Ooooh, oh la la! My 'ips are 'ere," she swished her hips to the right, "my 'ips are zhere," she swayed to the left, throwing herself off balance, bouncing into the Father's desk and rebounding. She stumbled before she caught herself.

"Oh! Oh my!" Throwing her hands up in the air, she pantomimed giving someone two kisses on each cheek. "Pardonzeemy behind young man. Didn't mean to knock 'oo down! Now do 'oo like my new dress? Eezn't eet zee most be-yoo-ziful zing 'oo ever zeen?" Anna sashayed back to the settee, sticking her nose in the air. "Why I can barely fit zrough the doorway! Zeeze Arendelleze prinzezzez are zo tiny!"

A burbling noise escaped, and for the first time in a long time, Elsa really truly laughed. She wrapped an arm around her stomach, pressing her fingers to her mouth in a poor attempt to hide her giggles.

"It's just a gift." She chuckled, pulling out a matching wide-brimmed hat sporting a cage of stuffed orange birds and flopping it onto Anna's head. It sank over her eyes.

"From whom?" Anna adjusted the hat, laughing. "It looks like a mutated pumpkin or something. With circling vultures overhead." She made a terrified face and cowered when she looked upward.

"Evidently one of the bigger counties." Anna snickered. "Look at the paper it came in." Elsa scooped up a scrap of paper, flipping it over to show Anna the insignia. She peered closely at it, brows drawn. "See? The apple and snake is Karlskrona coat-of-arms."

"Karlskrona? Like in the wars? Why would they be sending you presents?"

"Our peace treaty. We have to acknowledge the ruler of each kingdom when they're crowned." She replied carefully, balling the rest of the wrapping and setting it on the cushion beside her. The real reason for such an extravagant gift was far more intimate than she could admit. This was a show of their wealth, of what marriage to Prince Lennart would mean. The Southern Isles had sent a gift as well, but like the others, it remained unwrapped.

It would remain that way.

"So does this mean they're coming?" Wrinkling her nose in disgust, Anna pulled the costume off, leaving it in a pile on the carpet, fixing her hair. When a strand came loose, Elsa had to dig her fingers into her palms to keep herself from smoothing it for her.

"Yes. Prince Lennart and his sister, Princess Hildegarde –" Anna snickered again.

"Hildegarde?" Old-fashioned and distinctly Nordic in origin, even Elsa had to pity the Swedish princess for possessing such a mouth full of a name, but Anna wasn't taking this seriously. How could she not realize the precariously position they held with their once enemy?

"Yes, Hildegarde."

"That's so great! It's fantastic! Wait til I tell Kristoff –"

"You will do no such thing." Elsa replied calmly. "I expect you to refrain from laughing when you're introduced. Heaven knows what they'll do if they decide to feel offended. So please behave yourself."

"Yes Mother," her sister replied, still giggling. "I'll be on my very, very best behavior." Elsa sighed with no small amount of frustration. It was absolutely vital that Anna understood. If insulted, Prince Lennart could very well declare war. Or… she didn't want to consider the or.

"Anna, listen to me. Prince Lennart and his sister will be treated with the utmost respect." She rubbed her temples, her head beginning to throb. "For just this once I need you to act your age. You have a good head on your shoulders. Would it be so hard to use it?"

Stefan yelled from some distance away, through neither paid him mind. Frustration. Her sister's eyes were so readable, like those of an open book. Her own were expressionless, just as she'd trained them to be.

"Oh I don't know," Anna finally broke the silence, muttering under her breath; petulant. "Would it be so hard for you to lighten up and have a heart?" Pouting, she crossed her arms.

Elsa stiffened as though she'd been struck. Frozen granules crystallized beneath her gloves. Unable to hold Anna's searching gaze, she walked wordlessly to Father's desk, brushing her edge with her gloves, plucking up the present meant solely for the girl behind her.

"It's complicated." She said it so softly, she was sure Anna couldn't hear her, so she was mildly taken aback when Anna whispered,

"Well…it-it doesn't have to be." From her peripherals, she watched her sister fretfully play with the forest green lace on her gown.

"Never mind that." Elsa glanced down, smiled gently. "I…I have something for you."

"Huh?"

Cupping her hands, Elsa held it out to Anna. "Here."

A beat.

"You got me a present?" It could have been a trick of the sunlight refracting off the glass instruments in the study, but she was almost certain she saw tears glistening in the girl's eyes. Immediately her defenses redoubled. Tears made her uncomfortable.

"It's a coronation custom." She said primly enough to starve off the emotions, drawing her shoulders high. "Now this means a lot to me so I need – I'd appreciate it if you took this seriously."

Swiping her eyes, the rising sun in her smile, Anna gushed.

"You love me. You really really really love me!" She came forward with her arms outstretched.

So close.

Too close!

Ice shot from her shoulders, barreling down her spine and Elsa recoiled from her sister's touch, spinning away.

"Oh, forget it."

"No! Wait! Give it to me!" Arms floundered over her shoulders, reaching. Hands latched onto her forearms, pulling.

"Anna, stop please!" The chill in her bones flared out. Anna grasped her wrists, determined. "Get off me –"

"Oh my gosh, your hands are so cold –"

Panicked, Elsa ripped herself away, stumbling for her feet.

"Stop touching me!"

At her panicked yelp, Anna flew back, smacking her hip against Father's chair.

For a long, long moment, silence once again hung between them and they just stared, eyes riveted to the woman neither of them knew anymore. Something was stuck in Elsa's throat and she couldn't speak. Couldn't explain. Arms encircling her waist, hugging herself tightly and resting her chin on her chest.

"I can't – I just don't like people touching me." Disgust. Disgust at her own vulnerability, while she pretended she only noticed Anna's. "I'm not used to it."

I'm sorry. Say you're sorry. Two simple words, stuck in the something in her throat that refused to be said.

"No." Anna regained her footing, lifting her arms. "You don't like to be touched. It's my fault."

She had nothing to express her gratitude, only to hand her the present. If only she could be as selfless.

"Your present." She whispered. Anna accepted it, holding it as through it could shatter if she wasn't careful.

"Thank you."

Unlike Karls-stupid-krona's present, Anna opened this one with care, gently tugging the length of light blue ribbon from the magenta wool – wait, she recognized that wool. Her blankie, her winter cloak…was it? Had Elsa been behind all of it? No, it couldn't be – but what if?

Stop it Anna. Speculating always gets you in trouble. It's just a coincidence. Right.

The wool unfolded like a dumping – a weird metaphor-simile-thing- but still – and her mouth parted in amazement as she pulled out the two strands of black velveteen ribbon; suspended between was a small, circular pendant of gold embossed with a crocus.

"Mama, mama!" The child laughed, sausage fingers reaching for the dangling sparkly necklace. "Wanna see!"

She was more than a bit embarrassed at her weepiness – was that even a word?

"Oh Elsa, Mama's necklace?" Her sister, her idol, really wanted to give her this? "I can't – I can't take this."

Elsa smiled, not-smiled. She had a way of doing it like she wanted to, but couldn't. It was sad. Like sometimes she forgot how.

"Anna, it's tradition." Sounding every bit the queen, as per usual – maybe she was making up the forgetting bit. Elsa probably never forgot anything. "It's been passed down for generations. Please, I want you to have it. Mother would have wanted you to have it." Anna was grinning so hard it hurt.

"I don't know what to say. It's so beautiful." With a laugh, she rolled her eyes. "You know I'll lose it for sure." Even though such a fate was imminent, she attempted to tie it around her neck. A little piece of Mama. She liked that.

"Here let me." Elsa offered, when Anna failed to tie the dastardly thing, taking the ribbons without coming into contact. Odd. Or maybe not. Careful, shaking –why did her sister shake so much? – she gently lifted the pendant to Anna's throat. It settled between her collar bones like…like – oh botheration, she wasn't a poet after all.

Tying the black ribbon, Elsa continued weakly. "She wore it when she married father. It was his wedding gift to her. I just thought…when you meet the man you want to wed – I thought you would want her close to you." She waved her hands, flustered. "Oh, never mind –"

"Elsa." Anna interrupted her, pressing her palms to her heart. "Thank you. Though, actually…"

"What? Is something wrong?"

Her plan! It must begin. Oh, yes, it would definitely begin.

Kay God-Jesus – erm, just God. Or should I call you Mr. God? I don't know. Uh, help? Please.

"It's just… You sure you don't want it for yourself?"

"I –I'm sorry?" Elsa questioned, utterly confused. Casually plopping down in Father's chair, Anna interlaced her fingers, resting her chin upon them.

"Don't you want it when you meet the man you want to marry?" She smirked. "Considering you're all for tradition and rules and all."

A prickling heat spread throughout her stomach, one that her abilities didn't try to curb. "Anna, there's no one I want to marry and I don't expect it to change soon." Head bowed, she retreated to the window, knowing if Anna caught the fleeting expression…

Flocks of Arendellise citizens swarmed over the stone bridge leading to the castle, dressed in their finest. Talking with Anna had numbed her fear. Now it returned full force.

One wrong move.

One ship in the harbor, flying blue and white colors, caught her eye. Her mouth became a desert. The Southern Isles.

And everyone knows.

"Well…what about Marius?" Flung back to the present, Elsa knew her obvious flinch gave her away. Her father hadn't been a swearing man, though once, when he'd returned from a council meeting, he'd let one loose. That word flew through her head now.

No, no, no.

"Mari – Captain Thorn?" Curse his misspoken name. Her wavering voice. "No. Anna, what are you talking about? That's…that's hardly appropriate. Captain Thorn is engaged to Lady Iulia. Why would you even suggest –"

The scraping of a chair and pattering footsteps told her of Anna's whereabouts. Her reflection came to life in the window, devious and sneaky.

"Riiiiiight," she drew out the word. Her smirk was back. "Cuz you definitely don't love how strong and handsome he is. Don't pretend you don't watch from your window. I've totally figured it out. Your window would give you the perfect view of the guards training circle. Where you can gaze longingly through the window pane as he skillfully swings about his shining sword." She lunged, pantomiming a fight, parrying an invisible enemy. "Shirtless! Muscles rippling in the sunlight!" Anna swooned, throwing her hand across her forehead, fluttering her lashes dreamily. "Oh Captain, my dear Captain Thorn! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways!"

Images flooded her mind. Images that reminded her of what a wicked, wicked creature she was. Of sun-tanned skin, and tousled hair, and and… arms, shoulders, back, chest. Oh heaven's above! What was wrong with her?!

Gasping, cheeks flaming, Elsa desperately tried to form a protest, stammering.

"Anna! I don't- that's not even-"

But her sister wasn't finished with this new form of cruel and unusual punishment. Cackling like an evil despot, she crooned.

"Secretly wishing he'd wrapped those gorgeous, sexy, muscular arms around you and never let you go!" Anna fanned her face, grinning madly. "Just say you honestly don't dream of throwing your arms around his neck and kissing him until you can't breathe and perhaps I'll keep quiet."

Unwelcome, the vision filled every one of her senses, of…um…

"No! That's not –"

"You hesitated!" Anna squealed victoriously, flapping her arms and jumping up and down like a nestling. "Oh my goodness you're blushing! You're blushing, you're blushing, you're blushing!"

"Princess Elsa, permission to enter."

She closed her eyes and prayed. Really, truly prayed.

Dear God, dear God, dear God.

For Marius Thorn was right outside the door and had likely just been privy to every word that had come out of her sister's traitorous mouth.

"Hey Ellllssssa," Anna hurried towards the door and whispered, giggling with both hands clapped over her mouth. "Look who's here to sweep you off your feet."

"Anna! Be quiet." She begged, feeling lightheaded, grasping for the window ledge. "He'll hear you!"

"I knew it! You like him!" This, gracious God above, she only mouthed.

"Anna!" More mad giggling

"Princess? May I come in?" Heart fluttering a mile a minute, Elsa somehow managed to seat herself in Father's chair, much to the eternal thanks of her legs that felt as though they'd turned to a liquid substance. Like water melting from ice.

Anna's smirk. Her rocketing pulse. His voice.

One wrong move.

"Uh, um…per-permission to enter."

[A/N: A treat my friends. A super super early post because I decided to split this into 2 parts. Goodness, I think I died multiple times writing this. Favorite chapter so far hands down. Anna, you devious little princess. Poor Elsa. The majority of the dialogue was from a screen play a friend and I wrote and also from Frozen's deleted dressing room scene, which is why this one went so quickly. FYI: The idea of Elsa making the blanket that eventually became Anna's cloak is NOT mine. I got this idea from Strangerine and their fantastic piece Lonely Days, and they so graciously let me use it. Thank you friend! Also if anybody is wondering, yes, the story will be taking a more spiritual twist than I expected. And yes, I named the king of Corona Holger after trying and failing to find his name. The queen's I found: Primrose. Last thing, sorry for any viewers of French descent who were offended by Anna's poor attempt to model your accent. It was not meant as an insult. As always review and critic. Thanks for everyone's support ]