/* Tanska is the Finnish name for Denmark */
In light of Elsa's request to see Prince Hans and therefore travel inland to the main castle, the planned meeting to discuss matters of state and welcome dinner were postponed in favour of an early night in order to be well rested to travel the next day. Prince Duncan was up early to see them off, but he would be staying behind to continue to manage the traders and port duties. The other four princes and their families were trailing out of the castle, though some, such as the young pregnant princess, looked decidedly tired and unhappy at the prospect.
Seeing this, Elsa sought out Robert, "Your majesty," she said, "It is not necessary to force your entire family to leave with us at this hour. Let them rest and come join us whenever is convenient for them. My visit is not so brief that they should be inconvenienced on my account." Elsa gave a meaningful glance at the pregnant princess.
Robert followed her gaze and let out a chuckle, "Aye," he said, "Princess Anne looks most upset to be travelling again so soon, and I'm sure Patrik would welcome a delay before facing her for a long day of carriage riding." He turned back to Elsa, "If you are sure it would not disturb you…" Elsa shook her head. "Then I will let them know."
Elsa watched Robert walk away to talk to his son and daughter-in-law. A few servants ran up quickly to see if their king needed them, but he waved them away. Elsa watched the relief flood Princess Anne's face at the news that she would not have to travel that day and nodded in acknowledgement of the relieved and thankful look that Patrik gave her.
"That was very diplomatic," said an unfamiliar voice. Elsa turned to find herself confronted with another one of the princes. She raised her eyebrow and he hastily bowed and introduced himself, "Prince Edgar, your majesty. Third in line to the crown. I will be riding in your carriage so that we can begin our state conference en route."
Prince Edgar was tall and solidly built like his father, however he had missed the red hair and somehow ended up with brown. He was conservatively dressed in comfortable riding clothes and from the dust on his boots Elsa guessed he had been up early riding before it was time to leave.
"And what about your wife?" she asked.
Edgar smiled dashingly, "Oh I'm not married yet. I'm still looking for a worthy woman. I don't suppose you're looking?"
The look Elsa gave him was chilling, "I am not. And if I was, I would definitely not be interested in someone I just met."
Edgar's smile disappeared and his eyes darkened, "Perhaps the rumours are true then?"
Elsa turned her back on him and walked away, "I don't put stock in rumours or gossip." She paused and half-turned to look back at him, "But if I did, I would have to wonder why a prince of your station and age isn't married." With a pointed look, Elsa turned away again and walked over to join Queen Margrete.
Margrete inclined her head to Elsa as she approached, then glanced past her. Elsa knew the other queen had been watching her exchange with Edgar, but wasn't sure what the queen thought of it. She chose to ignore Margrete's raised eyebrow and instead gestured with her chin to where Robert and Patrik had been joined by two more princes, "Which of your sons are those?" she asked.
"William and Frederick," replied Margrete, "In light of your offer, I image that William will delay coming to the capital so his wife and daughter can be more comfortable. Robert will insist Frederick join us though as he has no other pressing concerns." Again, there was a slight tone of disapproval in her voice that made Elsa wonder.
Elsa debated whether to broach the subject, but it seemed unlikely that she would get another opportunity to speak with the queen in relative privacy, and it would be a good idea to gain some understanding of Hans' background to judge his actions. "You seem displeased with some of your sons," she said.
The look Margrete gave her was intelligent and informed – Elsa could see that she saw through her attempt at subtlety. "Being unmarried and childless, I don't expect that you will understand, but facts are facts: thirteen children can be difficult. Thirteen sons is an even greater challenge." She turned to face Elsa square on, "Do not misunderstand me, we provided the same education for all of our sons, but the focus and priority has to be on the immediate heirs. Otherwise the kingdom will have no leadership when Robert dies."
Deciding that being candid was the most likely method to get the answers she wanted, Elsa asked her question bluntly, "Are you saying that you neglected your younger sons?"
"I suppose it's all relative," said Margrete carelessly, "Their needs were certainly all met, but a monarch hardly has disposable time for things of little return." Elsa's blood ran cold at the off-handed dismissal of the youngest princes, Margrete's meaning could not be plainer. Margrete continued, "They could of course marry into higher stations, but with nothing to offer except minor ties to the royal family, they are unlikely to marry higher than a duchy, and so don't give much back to the crown."
"Then you do not care for them as people?" asked Elsa, trying hard to keep the judgement and anger from her voice.
Margrete looked away with obvious contempt for Elsa's lack of understanding and acceptance, "They were never left to founder, but one must chose priorities. You are welcome to judge our choices when you have children of your own." She walked away to join her husband without further acknowledgement.
Elsa was astonished. She had never expected such a callous dismissal. She was beginning to get a feel for the situation in which Hans was raised and which led to his own desire for power, love and recognition.
"They do love us you know," said another voice. Elsa looked to see that this one belonged to Frederick who had left the king and approached the two women unnoticed, "They certainly favoured James and Duncan the most, but they would never have sent any of us away. Thirteen is a large number."
Elsa tilted her head to one side, "And where do you fall in that order?" she asked.
Frederick smiled, "I'm the tenth son. The names should tip you off to some degree about where we are in the pecking order." He laughed.
Elsa furrowed her brow, "How so?"
"Well," Frederick said, his smile widening, "we were named for our father, uncles, grandfather, and godparents until they ran out of good Southern names, then they were forced to resort to names from the queen's family for the rest of us. So, if a name sounds like it comes from Arendelle's part of the world, you're talking to one of the youngest sons."
"That must be an unpleasant reminder for you," Elsa said.
Frederick shrugged, "It's just part of life as a prince of the Southern Isles."
"Was your mother from a duchy in Arendelle then?" Elsa asked curiously.
"No," said Frederick with a shake of his head, "She was a princess of Tanska, south of Arendelle, so they have similar names."
Elsa nodded in understanding. "Well you seem to be the most normal of the princes I've spoken to so far," she said.
Frederick laughed again, "Oh no," he said, "The 'normal' ones were all married by my age. After all, how else were our parents going to find something to do with us? You can only spend so much time sword fighting and hunting."
Elsa couldn't help but smile in response to Frederick's good humour. A movement beyond his shoulder drew her attention back to Edgar and her mirth faded. Frederick turned to see what had caught her eye and snorted, "I presume you've had a conversation with Edgar already. May I suggest you try Duncan instead? He's much more reasonable, which is why he's married and Edgar isn't. Or perhaps Niels when we get back to the capital."
"I'll keep that in mind," said Elsa, "But for the moment I believe it is time to step up into the carriage and start that 'long drive' back to the capital that you all keep talking about."
