Rifiuto: Not Mirena
A/N: The mentions of upheaval in the Southern Isles and the plan to put one of the king's sons on the throne is based on the Russian Revolution- specifically, the abdication of Nicholas II, and the Duma's demand to place his son, Alexei on the throne with his uncle as regent until the boy came of age. Of course, history knows what happened. Does the same happen here? You'll have to keep reading to find out. This also disregards the 'crowning at 21'; it takes a page from Victoria's book, who was crowned queen of Britain at age 19.
Also, what is the importance of Princess Sofia and Grand Duchess Thyra being there as well? Any ideas?
14 March, 1840
Linnea Castle,
Arendelle
My Dearest Hans,
I suppose by now you have heard the tragic news- my parents have been lost to sea on a voyage to meet with Victoria of Britain. I am... numb. I have cried so many tears, they have turned to ice upon my cheeks; my room is coated- ice crawls upon the walls and frost coats every available surface. For the first few days after their deaths, I could not gain an ounce of control over my powers, nor did I particularly want to.
I did not fear the storm that raged within my room; and though I could hear Anna pleading for me on the other side of the door, I froze the lock, to keep her safe as it ravaged every nook and cranny. I have never felt such heartbreak, nor do I ever want to feel such again. Oh how I miss the days of the Tercentenary celebrations, when Mama and Papa were still alive, and we were allowed to wander the gardens- even with my pesky sister and your brothers in tow. And those silent, stolen moments alone with you, locked in the library, or on the stairs of the servants' quarters...
At night I dream of you, of your arms around me, comforting me in my grief, promising that everything shall be all right, that I will get through this. Whispering, telling me, promising me, that I will be a great queen, like my mother was. I have so little faith in myself, dearest, only fear! I fear I will not live up to Mama and Papa, that I know not enough to take the throne; I am not prepared to become queen, nor do I believe that I shall ever be!
Oh, how I wish you were by my side, darling Hans! Or that I was by yours. If only Papa had agreed to a betrothal for us before he and Mama passed, it would give me something to look forward to in the long drudge of theatrics ahead. My coronation day shall be in two months' time, for the council says it is of utmost important Arendelle not go without a monarch for longer than it should, and two months is the longest they feel she can go before rebellion takes hold. The invitations have gone out; say you will come? I don't know that I can bear not seeing you again; you letters provide me comfort, but it is cold compared to the warmth of your arms and the brightness of your smile. How I love you, so!
I eagerly await your letter, and shall be crossing off the days until I am back in your arms, my darling.
All my deepest love,
Elisabeth Isabella Katerine Bekkerdahl,
Crown Princess of Arendelle
He gently brushed his thumb over the dried ink, noticing the stains left from her tears where the ink had run. A hint of her perfume still resided on the parchment, and sighed, gently folding the letter up and slipping it into the box on his desk, where her other letters lived. In the nearly three years that they had been corresponding, he had come to know the young Crown Princess more and more.
She possessed a sharp wit and a quick tongue, and a smile as beautiful as her personality. She was a snowfall in summer; unexpected but not unwanted, and with each letter, he found himself falling more and more in love with her. They shared their deepest secrets, their secret wishes and most desired hopes. And in the weeks before her parents' passing, he had broached the subject of courting her, to which she eagerly and readily agreed. But now, with the deaths of her parents-
A sharp knock broke him from his thoughts, and he looked up as the door opened and a steward stepped inside. "Yes? What is it?"
"It's for you, Sire." He took the missive, breaking the wax seal and unfolding it. The official seal of the Arendelle crocus greeted him, followed by the official invitation for the coronation of Crown Princess Elisabeth Isabella Katerine, House of Bekkerdahl, in two months' time. A small smile tugged at his lips, as he gently traced her name.
"Have word sent back that I will attend the Crown Princess's coronation." The steward looked surprised.
"But... but Sire, it's not proper for a-"
"I intend to attend Her Highness's coronation. Now please." The man nodded, muttering his acquiescence before turning and exiting the room. Setting the invitation on his desk, he took a seat and reached for the quill pen.
26 March, 1840
Eskil Castle,
Southern Isles
My Darling Eliza,
Let me first offer my sincerest condolences in regards to the deaths of your parents. I can only imagine the grief you have been feeling these last weeks; that you and Anna should be suffering such heartbreak alone! If only I were there to comfort you, my darling; but I know you are both strong, and you shall get through it, and come out stronger for it.
I just received the invitation to your coronation, and of course, I will attend, dearest. I would not miss the coronation of my love, not even if the world were to end tomorrow, for the chance to see you again, to be in the same room as you again- especially after so much time apart- oh, Eliza, my love, if only a sea did not separate us! I would gladly return to Arendelle and stay forever if I did not have duties to the Isles. How I long to be back in your arms, darling-
So much has happened since I returned to the Isles after the Tercentenary celebrations. My brothers and I returned to a country much changed in a short amount of time. My father was forced to abdicate in favour of my brother, Joseph, and then promptly disposed of. My father's council had planned the coup with others in the court from the moment of our leaving for Arendelle; the plan being to put Joseph on the throne, and keep Otto and I in case Joseph's rule did not work out. Well, I'm sure you remember Otto, the last thing he wants is to be king. And when he refused to agree to be the next in line in case, he was tossed in the dungeons. He passed a year ago, I'm sorry to say. I felt I had no choice but to agree- for you were at the forefront of my mind, love!
How I miss our quiet meetings in the early mornings, our times spent in the library; those moments when it was just us- if only our parents had agreed to a betrothal for us before they passed on- but even without, seeing you at your coronation will be the most wonderful thing in the world! I cannot wait for you to be back in my arms, Eliza, darling! Soon, love, we will be together again. Watch for me on the horizon; I fear I won't be able to go a moment upon Arendellian soil without seeing you again.
Until we are reunited, darling, watch the horizon and wait for me. I will be back in your arms soon.
With all my love,
Johannes Christian Andreas WestergÄrd,
Prince of the Southern Isles
