Anna was determinedly searching the castle. She had heard Gerda and Kai mention a ballroom.
Why hadn't she found it before? She'd been all over the dark, creepy castle looking for things to do.
Had her stinker of a sister been hiding it from her?
Anna sighed. She didn't think so, until recently they had been together in everything. There was a whole room filled with balls around here somewhere. If she found it then she could share it with Elsa and they could have fun together again.
Anna slide down the bannister to the main floor. She'd start there just to be sure. She raced from door to door looking for the balls. How hard was it to fine a room full of balls?
Anna nearly ran into Danica the maid as she raced to another room. She almost sloshed the bucket of dirty water as she tried not to hit the princess. The maid was looking a little worse for wear. Danica had pinned a white apron to her teal dress but it was wet and dirty. Over her arm was a limp, wet towel.
"Dear heavens, princess. Whatever is the matter?"
"I'm looking for the balls." Anna said breathlessly.
"Oh, aren't they in your room? I put them back there yesterday."
"Yeah, but those are my regular balls. There are more balls around here and if I can find them then maybe Elsa with play with me." Anna wrung her hands together.
Danica gave her a long sad look, then glanced at her braid with the white streak. "I hope you find them. I haven't seen any extra balls lately, though I have spent the day cleaning the floor."
"Really?"
"Yes, really. Come see." Danica swung the door open completely.
It was a large open room, with columns around the outside. "Careful, dear, the floor is still wet in places."
"Okay. I'll be careful." Anna said as she stood on the threshold.
There were heavy, dark curtains covering the windows here too. Anna wished it didn't have to be so dark all the time. But there was a small gap between two curtains and a small ray of late afternoon sunshine was gently streaking through the darkness, illuminating specks of suspended dust.
"That's good dear. I'll be off to dump this dirty water. Have a good day, princess. I hope you find your balls."
"It looks so nice. Thank you."
Danica gave the little princess a curtsy and hefted the bucket and started for the kitchen. She didn't really know what to do with the littlest princess of Arendelle. One day she had a white streak in her hair, the staff was reduced and the castle gates, windows and doors were locked.
They had kept Kai, Gerda, and a handful of others on but now the castle was so empty and sad.
She rarely saw the Crown Princess Elsa any more, though she often had to set up a room for lessons. Princess Anna seemed to wander around unsupervised most of the day.
Her family had been scared for weeks but nothing happened and so things continued on in this new normal. She remained somewhat frightened because she just didn't know what to do. No one dared speak of the change in Princess Anna's hair out of respect, but they often walked on eggshells around her because they had no idea what to expect.
Danica tried to treat the child with the respect a princess deserved, though lately her heart has softened because Princess Anna seemed so lost and lonely.
She just wished she knew what to do so she could do it right.
She staggered into the kitchen.
"Hi, Danica. Another dirty bucket?" asked the chef.
"Yes."
"Good, the herbs need a bit more, on the left side, put it there."
"Okay." Danica lugged the bucket out the garden door and turned left. She plunked the bucket down and flexed her hands. They were a little numb for carrying the bucket so far. Usually she would have a page carry it but with everyone gone…. Well, she would do as much as she could herself.
Gerda focused on the royal family, Kai took care of interfacing with the people of Arendelle. Everyone had immense workloads now, even the royal family, but why?
Why did it have to be like this?
What were the royal family trying to do?
What was the point, it had been so much easier before?
What had happened to Princess Anna?
She was different somehow now.