Elsa POV
I sat there in front of my mirror, thoughts racing. As queen of Arendelle, there were so many things I knew I had to do for my country. Between making sure jobs got done or making sure my people were happy and taken care of, or just handling political business with other countries, I had learned to handle the workload and it became as easy as breathing. Today was different though. My mind was being flooded with extra unexpected thoughts and it was making it so much harder to focus. Get it together Elsa. Focus. Focus. Just stop thinking about…
A knock on the door followed by a voice broke my train of thought. "Elsa? Are you busy?"
It was Anna. A sudden feel of relief washed over me. I knew if there was anyone that could distract me enough to get my mind off my problems, it was my little sister.
Without any hesitation, I responded. No, come on in."
The door opened and she stepped through. "Hey!" she said with a huge smile.
"Admiring yourself again, I see," she joked.
"Very funny," I said smiling back. "What are you doing still up? Shouldn't you be in bed by now? It's already past twelve."
"Yeah, I know, but I can't sleep for some reason. I've been lying in bed for like the last hour, but apparently I'm just too awake which is weird cause the sky is definitely not awake tonight. Any idea where this storm came from?"
"Um, no. No idea," I said, perhaps a little nervously.
Anna looked at me suspiciously, but continued on the conversation.
"Anyway, I think I just may have some leftover energy from that party earlier which was amazing by the way. Everyone around here definitely needed some time to relax and have a little fun for once…even you," she said as she plopped down into a chair.
I turned to her, looking confused. "What do you mean even me?
"Seriously? Ever since you brought back summer, you've been working almost every day nonstop for the past few months. You rarely have time to rest or do anything."
"I have to. I got to make sure I do everything I can to make sure Arendelle is taken care of properly. I have to fill both mama and papa's shoes."
"I know, I know, but it wouldn't hurt to take a day off every now and then. Like today, for instance. You looked like you really enjoyed yourself today. I don't get a chance to see that a lot Elsa."
Her words left me silent for a second. Had I really been working that much? There was a lot of work to be done when I took back the throne and it did take a while convincing some people I meant no harm when they learned of my powers. Plus, all of the nations that wanted to end their trading deals after my secret broke out didn't help either. It definitely took a lot out of me getting all that back up and running. But even after all the hard work was over, I didn't really stop to rest. I took on every job possible no matter how small. I was desperate to prove that I could be the queen Arendelle deserved. Looking back, maybe I had been overworking myself. It was obviously bothering Anna for a while and I hated whenever I disappointed her.
"I'm sorry, Anna. I was just trying to be the best queen I could be."
"Elsa, you don't have to try. You already are." She smiled at me and it warmed my heart. I was glad I had her as a sister. I wouldn't trade her for the world.
"So, what do you think of Jakob," she asked out of the blue.
I tensed up. I didn't think his name would come up and I wished it hadn't. Not now anyway. The whole point of this conversation was to distract myself and now I had a feeling it was about to go in a direction that was going to undo everything. I had to change the subject and fast.
"Uh, Anna, could we, maybe, not talk about Jakob right now?"
"Why not? He seems to be a pretty nice guy although kinda mysterious a little. And you both seemed to have a good time together. What happened? Didn't you enjoy yourself today?" she asked, looking confused.
"Nothing happened. I mean I did enjoy skating with him earlier. It's just…I…"
I sighed. This was exactly why I wanted to avoid this subject in the first place.
"I just…I can't think right now," I said as I covered my face with my hands.
I could feel Anna's eyes watching me. She was waiting for an explanation I wasn't ready to give. Wasn't sure how to give.
"You like him, don't you?"
My head jerked up, looking back at her. "What? No. Of course not. I mean, don't get me wrong, he's sweet and kind, but as far as me liking him? Of course not."
"So, it doesn't bother you that he's leaving tomorrow morning?" she continued.
"He's not leaving tomorrow. He can't. Not when the storm outside is getting worse."
"Um, I hate to break it to you Elsa, but the storm is actually slowing down. If anything it's already stopped."
"What! That's impossible!" I jumped up and rushed to the window to see that she was right. The storm was gone. There was only a flurry of light snowflakes falling to the ground now.
"You're using your powers so he can't leave, aren't you?"
I turned back to her. "No, I wouldn't…"
I couldn't even finish my sentence. Anna was giving me that look. She knew what I was doing and I couldn't hide it any longer.
"Fine. You caught me. But I didn't know what else to do, Anna. He's so persistent on leaving and I don't know why and to be honest I'm not ready for him to go yet. All I wanted was a chance to talk to him and get to know him a little more. It's not my fault I have a crush on the guy. Besides it's just temporary. A little snow never bothered anyone."
Anna sat there a little speechless for a moment until a little grin formed on her face. It was growing bigger and bigger and I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be freaking me out or not. "Oh, Elsa. You're so adorable when you're crushing. I've never seen that look on you before. It's a weird feeling, isn't it?"
"Yes!" I cried. "How am I supposed to handle running my country when Jakob's in my head all the time?"
"Don't worry. You'll figure it out. I know you will."
Anna stood from her chair and stretched. From the way she rubbed at her eyes, I knew she was getting tired now.
"I think I'm going to go to bed now. I guess when I wake up, the storm will be back?"
"I don't know. Should I just let him go?"
"That's up to you Elsa. But whatever you decide tonight, I'll be right behind you supporting your decision. I'm there for you."
"Thanks Anna."
We exchanged smiles as she stepped out the room.
"Love you little sister," I called out.
"Love you too big sister," she yelled out before disappearing down the hall.
I strolled over to the window and stared at the night sky. I knew he would be gone in just a few hours and I still wouldn't be ready. Was it selfish of me to force him to stay? After all, not even Jakob could tell me why he had to leave. Maybe he just felt like he had to. Maybe he didn't really want to and I was doing him a favor. Or maybe I'm just trying to give myself a good enough reason to justify my actions. I sighed as the snow began to fall heavier and the winds picked up. In just a few second, the storm had picked back up as if it had never left. Just one more day. Then I'll be ready.
