Still taking this chapter by chapter right now, but here we are. My writing this chapter is dedicated to FM (I hope you know who you are!), otherwise I'd probably not have touched it for another few weeks, to be honest.
-IEA-
Something was different when she woke up, and it took Iduna a minute to pinpoint what it was. The strange mix of cool at her front and warmth behind her made a lot more sense when she opened her eyes and saw a lot of snow-white hair, though she could not for the life of her think why Elsa was in her bed. Nor Anna, who must be the warm figure against her back. Elsa was at an awkward angle, head tilted toward the other two in a way that suggested she'd fallen asleep sitting up while looking at Anna.
After thinking for a minute, Iduna remembered shyly asking them to stay with her for a few minutes, and Anna saying they'd stay until she fell asleep. Remembered them settling either side of her as she tried to drift off. They were still above the covers, but Anna was as undignified in slumber as she had been as a girl, limbs slung across the bed while Elsa was a little more composed in her posture. Because they were on top of her covers, Iduna had no way of moving without waking them, but she knew that was the wisest choice anyway - given that people in the castle undoubtedly knew of the relationship between her daughters, their spending a night in Iduna's bed could have caused... talk.
Elsa jerked upright as soon as Iduna shook her, skin of her shoulder cool to the touch where her nightgown had slipped down. She raised a hand to her neck, groaning in pain before she looked around, confused.
"I didn't mean to fall asleep."
"I know."
Once she had her bearings, Elsa immediately got off the bed, heading over to peer past the drapes to get a gauge on the time and shielding her eyes from the sunrise she found. Turning her attention back to the bed, Elsa had an unreadable expression for a minute before she quickly crossed over and leant down to rouse Anna, still rubbing the back of her stiff neck with her free hand.
"Anna, wake up!"
"Five more minutes..."
Anna mumbled before she burrowed into Iduna. It was a rather strange feeling, but Iduna was not yet awake enough to entirely suppress the thought that it was not an unpleasant feeling, forcing herself to pull away before those thoughts continued. Anna made a noise of complaint before she seemed to realise something was going on, like the covers being underneath her, or her cuddling partner being warm. Unlike Elsa.
"Oh. Ok. Not our room."
She yawned and rubbed her face before sitting up, peering around through sleepy eyes to find Iduna tugging a dressing gown over her nightwear. She felt oddly off-kilter, even without the... events of the last few days to knock her off balance.
"You girls should go. There's enough in this castle to cause gossip without... this."
Anna frowned, but it seemed she hadn't woken up enough to argue. Elsa took hold of Anna by the hand and mumbled that they'd probably see each other at breakfast before sweeping out, Anna in tow. Iduna caught a brief snippet of conversation where Elsa was explaining they'd fallen asleep talking to whomever she'd found outside Iduna's bedroom door. Their clearly sleep-rumpled appearances probably gave her words credibility, but Iduna was also acutely aware that they'd heard the same reasonings before, back when the girls at least made more of a pretence about not sharing a bed every night.
Still, she felt a little bad for chasing them out like that when she'd been the one who wanted them to stay with her the night before. And honestly, she'd slept better last night than she had in weeks. Iduna shook off her musings and focused on preparing for the day. The amount of guests in the castle had dwindled greatly, but they were still entertaining until the next day when everyone had had time to re-supply and prepare for the more lengthy homeward journeys.
As she dressed, Iduna noticed something was missing. After a minute of thought, she realised it was the weight that she'd been carrying around since she got back. Despite her distaste and disapproval for Elsa's actions... she felt lighter than she had in months, safe again even. She rolled the delicate snowflake pendant between her fingers for a few seconds before deciding to wear it that day, calling someone in to help her finish getting ready before she went to join the others at breakfast.
Another thing she noticed was that actually, she rather missed their usual way of taking meals, missed the more casual, chirpy morning atmosphere of breakfast shared with the staff rather than an assortment of high society from other kingdoms. It seemed she'd settled in to what she'd once seen as unusual.
To make up for her absence the day before, Elsa spent the morning entertaining their guests personally. Kristoff was nowhere to be seen, but Iduna supposed after what they'd... done yesterday, he needed some time to himself.
He was back that evening, and though a little more quiet and subdued than Iduna was used to, Kristoff didn't appear resentful of the task he'd been involved with as the small family unit had their time in the library. Nobody was in the mood for games night, but drinks and conversation and company were more than enough for them that night.
The sailors missing their captain eventually left port again, though there were murmurs of the Queen having been seen with him but nobody seemed brave enough to accuse Elsa of any wrong-doing or misbehaving, particularly when they weren't likely to have any proof unless they climbed the North Mountain and got past the protective snow creature. And, like any other rumours that had no encouragement, Iduna was sure those little murmurs would pass. Once she saw the back of that ship disappearing over the horizon, she felt herself breathing easier.
As relieved as Elsa was that their little party had gone pretty well - fantastically, given the things she'd managed to get away with in between entertaining guests and fulfilling Royal duties - it did mean that once everybody was home, planning for the Coronation had to really get going. Invitations she had to personally craft to ensure they felt genuine and, well, personal enough so as not to offend anybody who could not make it, and that meant finalising dates with all the various cooks and performers and designers...
Anna was 'helping', apparently. Though as she was fast asleep on the nearby chair, Elsa wasn't sure how helpful she was being, other than that her sister was very sweet to look at. Throwing a fond smile at her sleeping form, Elsa turned back to her papers and reminded herself that if things went well, it would be more than worth the effort. Ensuring continued faith in Arendelle, building new memories over a bad day, perhaps even being able to feel like celebrating instead of panicking.
And there'd be a portrait Elsa could proudly hang alongside previous monarchs, honouring the faith in her fathers choice to name a female heir. Which had been her original motivation when the debate of re-staging her Coronation first came up.
With her invitation to Corona finished, Elsa laid down her tools and stretched her arms up over her head. There were still more to do, but her wrists were starting to hurt and her handwriting would soon suffer if she didn't take a break. After enjoying watching Anna look so very adorable for a few minutes more, Elsa rose from her seat, tidied up her desk and crossed over to shake Anna awake. Her sister mewled and wriggled before she jerked awake, blinking blearily before her eyes landed on Elsa and a smile split her face.
"Hi."
"Hello sleepy-head. Come on, let's get out of here."
Still smiling, Anna let Elsa help her to her feet, leaning against her and nuzzling into Elsa's side rather sweetly.
"Love you."
"I love you too, now wake up so we can go to dinner."
Anna huffed, but pulled away and rubbed her face, patting down her hair and straightening her dress.
"Alright, let's goooo."
Suddenly more alert, Anna grabbed her by the hand and happily led Elsa along. Staff had indulgent smiles half-hidden as they watched the Queen be dragged around by her precocious princess of a sister, well-used to the sight of Anna having come to retrieve Elsa from being buried in her work. They were first at dinner, though Kristoff, Sven and Olaf weren't far behind them. Their mother was last to join, but that wasn't unusual - ever since her attacker had been left up a mountain and his crew had left Arendelle, Iduna had come out of her shell more, and spent more time wandering Arendelle. It seemed she finally felt free and safe enough to be out alone.
On that alone, Elsa knew she'd never regret what she did.
She also spent more time with her daughters now - their relationship had obviously been frayed upon her return, as she did not take the news her daughters were intimately involved well. It had been getting better over time, and that pattern had continued.
"Good evening mother. Did you had a good afternoon?"
Elsa was happy their mother was happier to be around them, though it did mean... awkward thoughts occurred at inconvenient moments sometimes. Still, the attraction of daughters to mother was no good reason to deny their mother company and affection.
"I did. Frida at the bakery had some new savoury treats to test, and invited me for tea to sample them."
Anna beamed over at their mother, just as happy as Elsa was to see Iduna blooming more even as the summer prepared to fade for the year.
"Well, I can't taste-test everything over there, and you don't have a sweet tooth like us."
"Indeed. She did say she hopes you'll find time to go over there soon, to ensure the autumn sweets are up to standard."
"Oh, I can definitely make time for Frida and Inga's gingerbread."
Elsa smiled to herself as they chatted. Kristoff was still sometimes a little quiet, but he and Elsa had talked out what had happened, and he swore blind that he didn't resent her, nor did he regret being involved. Just taking his time to deal with it. Elsa didn't begrudge him that.
"And how are your plans coming along, Elsa?"
"Well. I wrote out several invitations earlier, and will continue tomorrow."
They spent the rest of the evening together, conversing about the upcoming festivities and the things they had each done with their day. Olaf was thrilled to hear there would be more parties to come, as the snowman loved to meet new people.
"It's a royal coronation, Olaf, you can't just run around misbehaving and chatting at the ceremony."
"I know, I know! But then afterwards there will be dancing and chocolate! Right?"
He asked, big eyes blinking up at Elsa. She nodded.
"Yes, there will. But we'll talk more about that tomorrow. Right now, it's time for bed."
Olaf pouted a bit, but didn't argue as everyone began to part ways for the night. They got goodnight hugs from their mother before Iduna left for her own room, and Anna slipped her hand into Elsa's as they headed toward their room. In a very snuggly mood, Anna got ready for bed quickly before lying down and demanding Elsa get a move on so they could cuddle. Indulging her sister, of course, Elsa slid beneath the covers and felt Anna's warm body curling up against her own, squirming when hot breath tickled her neck as Anna shifted to get comfy before she settled.
"I'm glad mother is doing so much better."
Elsa nodded her agreement, enjoying the softness of Anna's hair running through her fingers.
"So am I."
"Means she'll really be able to enjoy the next party, as Olaf calls it. Not sure he really understands what a big deal it is."
"I wish I could be so at ease about it all. Still, soon it will be done with, and Arendelle can build our future on a stronger foundation, and hopefully good relations with our neighbours."
Anna giggled, burrowing deeper against Elsa.
"And I can show my respect and admiration for the Queen all over again."
-IEA-
I know this chapter was neither long nor particularly thrilling. I am very excited for next chapter, and if people are nice then I might even write it.
