Christopher walked around the Art Gallery, he liked all the paintings, especially the one that was commissioned for Anna's 19th birthday. He was alone, except for Amber, (who had secretly followed them to Arendelle because she had missed her master, she had caused a lot of confusion when she was discovered) Elsa was spending the afternoon with Anna. Gerta and Andrew were having a date in the village. The other Searchers were out exploring the castle the kingdom. Kristoff and Sven were at work in the mountains.
A flood of thoughts filled Chris's minds. He loved Elsa, but could he marry her? He was second in line to the Throne of Muckdale, the future King, and people could easily see the match as political, rather than of love, which it would be. He stopped at the newest painting, it was a portrait of Anna & Kristoff on their wedding day, it was one of the wedding presents Elsa had given them.
"Muckdale and Arendelle would be joined by marriage, our children would rule both lands." Chris found himself thinking. He was rather shocked by this, after all, Elsa had a lot to juggle, she was a Queen, a sister and a caring friend. And since Anna Kristoff's big announcement, she was an aunt-to-be. He couldn't bare to ask her to replace friend with wife, and expect her to add mother to her list.
Amber squawked, it was her hungry squawk. "Alright, let's get you some food." And the two went to the kitchens.
A Royal Birth is big news for anyone, especially when the Royal Family's small. Arendelle's official Royal Family consisted of three people, a talking snowman, and a reindeer. Sure they had their royal relatives, but they were busy ruling other countries. So adding making the bigger was what everyone wanted, because a dynasty with only one clear heir, wouldn't last long. The last thing the people wanted was a succession crisis.
The villages went wild. It seemed that every stall shop, was selling something related to the future royal baby. The butcher was having a lottery on the baby's weight. The baker was having a lottery to see who could correctly guess who the baby would look more like, Anna or Kristoff. The cheese seller had the same lottery, but she included Elsa, Agnarr Iduna. The potter began selling pots with images of the royal family. Some showed Anna pregnant, others showed her holding a swaddled baby, usually with her family members.
Everyone at the Castle were amused, and somewhat shocked about the excitement over Anna's pregnancy. "I don't remember this much excitement since your wedding." Elsa said to Anna.
Anna smiled, "Yeah," she patted her stomach, "who would've thought?"
"I can only imagine what'll happen when the child's born."
Anna gave her sister a sly smile, "And I can only imagine what'll happen when you're married."
Elsa had an idea of where she was going. "Which will probably be years away."
Anna smirked. "What about Chris?"
Elsa was caught offguard. She loved Chris, but as friend, at least, that's what she told herself. "What about him?"
"You two love each other," Anna put her arm around her older sister, "it's obvious."
"What kind of love?" Elsa removed her sister's arm from her around her body, and held her hand. "You know there's more than one."
Anna's face looked downcast as she remembered that day. Being betrayed by Hans, the sight of him almost killing Elsa, she usually tried to forget about it. Elsa put her free hand on Anna's shoulder.
"It's ok. That was then." Elsa soothingly said, she hated seeing her sister upset.
"I know." Anna looked into her sister's eyes. "But, you & Chris do make a cute couple."
Elsa gave a slight nod. She did think about it. She sometimes had dreams about it, as did Chris, but he never told anyone but Amber. "Even if, and I mean IF, we were a couple, don't you think it would be," Elsa hesitated, "awkward?" Anna looked confused. Elsa clarified, "I mean, I'm the Queen, the ruler, of Arendelle. He's a future King of Muckdale, which is far away. Our kingdoms will unite, and, how can we rule our peoples?"
Anna gave a warm smile. "Relax, he's only 2nd in line, we have years to work this out. Besides, Gerta can easily rule Muckdale in Chris's absence, I know she's qualified, and I can rule in your place."
Elsa couldn't help but grin. It was probably one of amusement, but it was still a grin. "I know, but it would be too much to ask Gerta to rule in her brother's place while he's here, or if he abdicated, & you have a family to take care of." Elsa indicated Anna's growing stomach.
Anna stared at her sister, full of her Princessness, "Elsa, I may be a wife and a mother-to-be, but I know, that by the time Chris will take the throne, my child will be able to look after themselves, and Kristoff can handle me taking care of Arendelle, if you can't. And besides, you could be a mother by then too."
Elsa knew she was right. "Well, at least we have options."
Anna knew what her sister meant, and couldn't hold back her squeal. "There's only one thing left."
"What's that?"
"Tell Chris!"
Elsa was shocked. "N-now?"
"Yes!" The Crown Princess's excitement was obvious.
"Wh-what will I say?"
"Ask him to take a stroll, then let your heart speak."
"You're such a romantic."
"How can I not?" Anna shrugged her shoulders.
The Queen thought about it. She loved Chris, not just as a friend, no matter how many times she told herself otherwise. "What if, he just sees me as a friend?"
"He can't. I've seen you two," Anna was encouraging. Before Elsa could say, 'Just like with Hans?' Anna added, "and I heard Olaf say that Amber told him & Sven that Chris has romantic feelings for you."
Elsa was taken aback. Was this true? "You sure?"
"Yes." A childish grin appeared on Anna's face, "C'mon, let's go find Chris!" She grabbed her sister, and dragged her throughout the castle.