Now that we're getting into the main body of the movie's plot, I'm gonna try to stay true to Frozen while interweaving Jack into the plot. so *fingers crossed* here's to that hopefully being a success. Don't forget to review!

Chapter 14

There was a soft knock on the door. I had been up for hours, being unable to sleep. Today was the big day. I sat straight in my armchair, facing the vanity mirror on the table.

"Princess Elsa," came Kai's voice from the other side of the door.

"Yes?"

"Sorry to disturb you, Ma'am, but it's time to get ready. We will be beginning preparations shortly."

"Yes, of course. Will you send for Gerda, please?"

"Of course, Your Highness."

Staring at myself in the mirror, I took a deep breath. I still wore my blue nightgown. It wasn't long before there was another knock on the door. Opening the door, Gerda leaned inside.

"You called for me, Your Highness?"

"Yes. Will you help me get ready?"

She curtsied. "Of course."

Gerda had my gown and cape brought in. The maids pressed and cleaned it as I set to work French braiding my hair. Once that was done I pulled it up into a tight bun with blue silk ribbons. I pulled the nightgown over my head and Gerda helped me into the form fitting gown. It covered every inch of me. As I pulled on the blue gloves, I stared at myself in the mirror. Today I would transform from Princess to Queen. Gerda beamed with pride. She touched her fingers to her lips as tears brimmed in her eyes.

"Oh, Princess Elsa, you look just like your mother." A tear rolled down her cheek. "She would be so proud to see you."

"You think so?"

She nodded. "You look lovely. Everyone will be speechless when they see you."

I smiled. "Thank you." Glancing at the rest of them, I nodded. "You are dismissed. Please help prepare the palace for our guests."

They all curtsied to me and replied in unison. "Yes, Your Highness."

One they had left, I approached the polished wooden chest that stood against the opposite wall. I stared up at the portrait of my father during his coronation. He stood straight, shoulders squared. In his left hand he held the symbolic orb and in his right he held the scepter. In only a few hours I would mimic the same movements. Gently tugging off my gloves, I laid them aside. I picked up one of the candlesticks and a round jewelry box. Taking a deep breath, I assumed the right posture. But I felt the cold, rough texture of ice as it slowly encased both of them. I set them down quickly. Taking another deep breath, I tried to concentrate on not using my powers.

"Control it, Elsa," I said to myself. "Conceal, don't feel. Don't let it show."

Though it was summer, I wished Jack could be here for the coronation. It would be comforting to know that he was there. But I knew it was impossible. There was a loud babble of conversation outside. Hurrying to the balcony, I opened the doors and stepped outside. I could see the ships in the harbor. All the dignitaries had already arrived. I watched as more ships pulled in to port. Finally there was a knock on the door.

"Your Highness," Kai said, opening the door. "It's time."

I nodded. "Open the gates."

"Yes, Your Highness."

I turned again to the balcony. After a few minutes I watched as the guards unlocked the gates and pulled them open. Anna raced out the front doors of the palace and skipped toward the open gates. Green dress twirling about her, she hurried out into the streets as people poured into the courtyard. I smiled. At least she was happy. I had hardly seen Anna ever since the accident. And though she was far below, it felt good to see her in such high spirits. I closed the doors to the balcony and slowly made my way to the bedroom door. I took a deep breath and opened them. Several of the servants stood to the side, lining the wall. They bowed as I emerged. Clasping my hands in front of me, I acknowledged them with a small nod.

"Put your best foot forward today," I told them. "Today is a very important day not just for me, but for all of us."

Heads still bowed, they all responded, "Yes, Your Highness."

Today was the day. I had to hide all fear and doubt that swirled inside me like a raging storm. Today I would take the throne as Queen Elsa of Arendelle. I couldn't let this be all about me. So I gathered my courage and started down toward the reception hall. It was time to meet my subjects.

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

I stood nervously wringing my hands as I waited behind the tall oak doors of the church. Anna had been late, to my coronation of all things! After running off into the city, she barely made it back in time before the ceremony began. But now she and the rest of the dignitaries were inside, waiting for the moment I had been prepared for my whole life. The choir began to sing as the music played. Taking a deep breath, I held my head high. The doors opened and I slowly started my procession down the long aisle. Everyone was seated and at the front of the church were Anna and the priest. The long and heave train of my cape slowed me down as I walked, but I eventually made it to the front. My mind was racing. I tried to concentrate on what I had been taught, but at the same time I focused on keeping my powers under control. Anna smiled at me encouragingly. As the priest spoke, he lifted the crown from its pillow. I bowed, keeping my head low as he place it gently on my head. And then the moment came. He held out another pillow on which rested the scepter and the symbolic golden orb. As I reached for them, the priest cleared his throat loudly.

"Your Majesty," he whispered. "The gloves."

I stared down at my hands. It was the moment I had dreaded. Come on, don't let them see, I repeated in my mind. Conceal, don't feel. Don't let it show. I carefully tugged off the gloves and laid them on the pillow. Hands shaking, I took the items firmly in my hands and turned to the crowd. Everyone stood. The priest began speaking but I couldn't hear the words. My hands were shaking as I held onto the heavy gold items. I heard him say Mother and Father's names. Slowly ice started to creep up the edges of the scepter and orb. I stiffened, terrified the others might see. But finally I heard the words I prayed would come quickly.

"Queen Elsa, of Arendelle," he said.

I quickly set the items back down on the pillow and snatched up my gloves. I pulled them on hastily.

"Queen Elsa, of Arendelle!" the other said in unison.

They cheered and clapped as they congratulated me. Clasping my gloved hands in front of me, I smiled. The first hurdle was over. Now I just needed to survive the evening of dancing and celebration. But I made up my mind that the moment the coronation was over I would shut the gates once more. I couldn't afford to let anyone else know. Mother and Father had told me that it must be kept hidden. Conceal. Don't feel.

Chapter 15 will be up next week!