Sorry it's late! There has been a lot going on and I'd rather take time to put out quality rather than put out a half-assed chapter. So thanks for your patience :) And don't forget to review when you finish reading!

Chapter 10

It's been several years since I last had an outburst with my magic. It's been very lonely—only mother and father come and spend time with me. Apart from a single maid, no one else really knows my secret. Even Anna has stopped knocking on my door. Ever since the accident she would come to my door every winter and ask to build a snowman with her. Oh, how I wish I could build a snowman with her again, like we did when we were little. I've been able to manage this curse of mine. I never take my gloves off unless I have to. Thanks heavens for these gloves! It keeps me from freezing things or creating snow storms in my bedroom.

Lately mother and father have been increasing my studies. Since I am the eldest, I am expected to have the crown passed on to me. And as such, I must learn everything I can about ruling a country. Of course, my tutors know nothing about my curse. I am very careful to conceal it and always wear my gloves. I have studied etiquette, economy, politics, philosophy. It helps to remedy my boredom, being locked up in this lonely castle and all. But the years seem to go by slowly. Anna has taken similar lessons, but she and I have different tutors. Whenever I'm studying I can hear her racing about the halls. It seems like she skips her classes often. But that sounds just like Anna. She always was such a free spirit.

After my lesson, I sat on my bed, reading a book. There was a soft knock on the door. Glancing up, I watched the handle turn and the door opened. Mother leaned in through the door.

"What are you reading, Elsa?" she asked with a smile.

She and father entered my room, closing the door behind them.

I closed the book and turned it over so they could see the cover. "Just this book of fairytales."

"That sound fascinating."

"Did you finish reading those classics your tutor gave you?" father asked.

I nodded.

"Excellent!" Father beamed with pride.

It made me feel warm inside. Despite their worry and slight fear of my powers, they still loved me. They were proud of me, of the proper young woman I had become.

"We have exciting news!" mother said with a big smile. She pulled out a piece of parchment. "You remember your aunt, the Queen of Corona?"

I nodded slowly.

"Her daughter Rapunzel has come home!" Mother was positively gleaming. She and her sister were incredibly close. And ever since my aunt's daughter had gone missing, she had been in a spiraling depression. And finally after eighteen years, she was finally back home.

"That's great!" I said.

"What's even better is your cousin is engaged!" Mother was grinned from ear to ear. "Here, have a look." She handed me the letter.

I took it from her and read over the royal announcement. At the top of the letter was the royal emblem of a magnificent sun. It announced the full names of the royal King and Queen of Corona and Rapunzel's full name along with her betrothed, Eugene Fitzherbert. But as I read over the announcement, an overwhelming sense of despair and sadness crept over me. It clawed at my insides like a ravenous beast. While I was happy for my cousin's upcoming wedding, I despaired in knowing that I would never have the same happy fate. I couldn't even get close to anyone else without fearing I might harm them. How could I possibly hope for a life with someone else. Who could love someone with a curse like mine?

Tears brimmed in my eyes. Mother's eyes widened, concerned about my sudden change in mood.

"Oh my goodness! Sweetheart, are you alright?" Instinctively she came toward me to embrace me, but she quickly drew back.

Though she meant well, it was still like a stab through the heart. But I forced a happy smile, keeping back the tears as best I could. "No, nothing is wrong."

"But dear," Mother said, concern evident in her voice. "You were crying!"

"No, really, I'm alright." I smiled as kindly as I could. "The wedding is coming up. They must be very excited."

"They are. We wanted to tell you that we will be attending the wedding. Of course they have extended the invitation to you as well but…."

I knew what she meant.

"No, that's alright. I won't be going."

A relieved smile passed over her face. "Well your father and I will be leaving for Corona in a few days."

Fear welled up inside me. "So soon?" They were the only ones I could talk to—the only people who knew my secret. And they were leaving. "How long?"

"Two weeks."

I nodded slowly. "Will Anna be going with you?"

"No. It will be just your father and I."

"Be sure to say hello to them for me."

Mother and father smiled down at me. "We will, dear. We will."

V* V* V* V* V* V* V* V* V* V* V* V* V* V*

A few days later, the ship was docked at the harbor. Mother and Father had been packing all day. Anna had gone to see them before they departed. I was truly jealous of my little sister. She could interact with our parents in a way that I never could. There was a soft knock on the door. The maid leaned in through the doorway.

"Forgive the intrusion, Your Highness, but Their Majesties will be departing soon."

"Thank you. I will be right down."

She curtsied to me. "Of course, Your Highness."

I looked myself in the mirror. It had been a long time since I had worn my hair down. Ever since I had shut myself up, back when I…when I forced myself to forget, I started wearing my hair up. The French braid was pulled back into a tight bun, and the blue dress I wore was very conservative. It was in part that I feared somehow my magic would show, but I didn't want any skin to show. I stood, head held high and hurried out of the room. As I descended the great staircase, my heart pounded. I didn't want them to leave, but I knew they had to. There wasn't anything I could say to stop them. They were standing at the foot of the stairs. They smiled when they saw me. Their luggage was already being loaded onto the carriage. When I reached the bottom of the staircase, I curtsied to them, as was proper. It was what had been ingrained in me for years. But I looked up at them, afraid of them leaving.

"Do you have to go?"

Father smiled at me. "You'll be fine, Elsa."

"We will see you in two weeks," Mother said.

"Of course. Have a safe trip."

They waved goodbye as they headed out the front gates. And as I watched them go, a great feeling of dread and despair gripped me. It felt foolish. But for some reason I desperately wished for them not to go. I wanted them to stay, but I knew that this was something Mother and Father could not miss. And so I prayed they would come home soon and they would come home safe.

Chapter 11 will be up next week!