~Chapter 2~
Anna
I slid my way down the stair banister running past Kai and Gerda as they were hanging new banners for the coronation. Throwing open the double doors to the outside courtyard, I didn't make it far before I saw all the guys coming toward the Arendelle palace. Kristoff walking beside Sven with Olaf on his back who saw me first giving me a wave with his branch.
"Good morning, Anna!" Olaf called.
Niklas brought up the rear walking behind Kristoff as they all approached. Kristoff met me first giving me a hug in greeting.
"How's your morning?" He asked.
"Productive," I nodded.
Niklas approached me looking up toward the upstairs windows.
"Please tell me your sister is awake," He smirked.
"She's upstairs waiting for you and you might try talking to her about the meeting with your father, she's nervous." I said.
He pinched the bridge of his nose looking at me nervously.
"She must already know,"
"Know what?"
"My father is already here, we ran into him in the village as we were coming back from our fittings just now."
"He's three hours early."
"Yeah, tell me about it. Hans is with him now distracting him for a couple of hours. My father has a knack for showing up at inportune moments. He hates being late, so he strives for the other end of the spectrum at being early to anything."
"Well, I can you Elsa doesn't know that yet." I patted his shoulder, "Good luck, brother in law," I smirked.
"Not quite yet,"
"Close enough, I'm rounding up." I winked.
Niklas heading inside the palace as the rest of us meandered in the courtyard. Staffers were shuffling about putting up decorations as this courtyard was where the reception was going to be. Our chapel was for the ceremonies.
"I haven't seen this place this busy since-" Kristoff muttered.
"Elsa's coronation?" I asked.
"It's just something that I don't think I could get used to." He said putting his arm around the small of my back. "So, how should I distract you while your sister is meeting the in-laws?"
I looked on toward the village and took out my notepad scanning over the list.
"I need to stop by the bakery confirming the cake for the reception, but then after that, I don't have anything on my list until tomorrow."
"Well then, may I accompany her highness?" Kristoff asked, offering me his arm.
Olaf immediately began laughing.
"Kristoff, what's with the formalities? I'll never understand strange human behavior."
Sven walked ahead with Olaf still perched on his back as I grabbed Kristoff's arm.
"You sure you don't mind? You just came from the village."
"Because it's so far from the palace," Kristoff smirked, "Besides, where else would I be?
We headed for the bakery and we arrived a little before noon. There was a line due to the late morning pastry sale. Townsfolk greeted us as we walked down main street. Across the way from the bakery, there was a new shop in Arendelle that I hadn't visited yet due to being busy.
"A photograph shop, oh, Kristoff, let's get a picture taken!"
"Must we?" He complained,
"Oh come on, paintings of us are so in the past. These photos are new and intriguing. As princess, Arendelle relies on me to discover and report on the intricacies of this fascinating new development in technology."
Kristoff rolled his eyes as it was easy to notice his hesitation.
"How about a compromise?"
"What's your offer?" I smirked.
"Let's take one after the coronation and wedding. Things will have settled down by then."
"Oh fine, another day." I nodded, "Olaf, it's picture time."
"Me?" He exclaimed.
Olaf hopped off Sven's back and waddled in front of me heading right into the shop. It took around twenty minutes and it was challenging getting Olaf to hold still, but when the photographer handed me the booklet with the picture inside, it was worth it.
"Aw, look at us Olaf." I said showing him the finished picture.
"It's a handheld painting, Anna. We're beautiful." He exclaimed as his eyes grew big.
We rejoined Kristoff and Sven on the street. Kristoff had his arms crossed as we approached. I showed him the picture, he barely acknowledged it.
"Was that necessary?" He said.
"It's called freedom of choice, sweetheart."
"I told you I'd get a picture with you, just not today."
"I know, but I'm making memories and maybe I wanted to make one with you today by getting this picture, but that's fine. Olaf got a kick out of it at least."
"I'll show you the ropes, next time." Olaf said tugging at Kristoff's leg.
"Right," He said, "So back to the bakery?"
I nodded as we went back across the street and the line was gone now. The baker bowed upon seeing me.
"Your highness, welcome to my shop. What brings you here today?"
"The cake for the big day," I said, "I'm confirming the order."
"Half white, half chocolate with vanilla buttercream, is that correct?"
"Spot on," I nodded, "Thanks, I look forward to tasting it."
"It's my pleasure. Should you want any changes, don't hesitate to ask." The baker nodded. We said our goodbyes leaving the shop.
"Well, my list is done for the day." I said looking up at the clock tower, "Elsa and Niklas don't meet with Lord Alastor for another couple hours."
"It's a nice autumn day, care for a swim in the fjord?"
"Uh, cold much?" I said, raising my brow.
"Not when you can make it a personal hot spring." Kristoff laughed.
He had a point. Kristoff led me over near the harbor and I wondered if he thought we'd jump off the docks. To my surprise, he led me a ways off the side of the harbor where a small encirclement of rocks trapped a small portion of the fjord. It was private, quiet, and the small surface area would easily be heated up.
"You planned this well," I smirked.
"Your sister gave me a bag with your swimming attire in it late last night."
"Is everyone a schemer in my family?" I laughed.
"Me!" Olaf shouted raising his hand.
Kristoff handed me my swimsuit as I changed behind a thick shrubbery. Sven trotted to the main beach of the fjord seemingly unbothered by the colder water. Olaf ran with him as he lounged in the sand without a care in the world. I stuck my hand into the pool and I focused my power into the depths as the water soon began to bubble. I slid down in the warm soothing waters as Kristoff got changed and soon he joined me diving into the water. The splash of water soaked the rest of me that had yet to submerge, but I just laughed. Kristoff pulled me close as I leaned my head against his shoulder.
"Wow, I didn't realize how tense my body was from all this wedding planning," I said.
"I knew you needed a night off," Kristoff said, pressing his lips to my forehead.
"Thanks for this," I muttered, "It was thoughtful,"
"Happy to, Anna. Anyone would need to relax at the rate you've been going."
I leaned back up snapping my gaze toward him feeling annoyed at his insinuation.
"At the rate, I've been going?" I repeated.
Kristoff bit his lip when he realized his mistake.
"Hold up," He said holding up his hands defensively, "I merely meant you've been working so hard for many months to make this day memorable and you must be tired."
I calmed down now realizing what he had meant. Wow, I really was on edge and somehow this man tolerates me.
"I see," I said, leaning back down against his shoulder, "I just want the day to be perfect for her. Not many things have gone well for her, so I want this day to go beyond well. With that, comes detailed planning."
"You don't have to explain, I just don't want you to overdo it. Self-care is important."
"What do you call this?" I questioned, gesturing to the steamy water.
"I know, just pointing it out." He smirked, poking me in the nose.
I splashed him in retaliation as he laughed splashing me right back. I suddenly stopped growing serious locking eyes with him.
"So are you going to tell me why you couldn't dream of taking a picture with me today?" I asked, directly.
"If a moment is to be captured in time, I'd rather be dressed formally as I could be for the wedding."
"But this moment captures you so well. Your cheesy grin, leather, and furs."
"Anna, let's just drop it, it's not a big deal." He urged.
"I just wish to understand, that's all. I'm sorry if-"
"I don't like change." Kristoff blurted out.
"Huh?"
"All this sudden change is quite a lot to get used to," He said, "Just try and be patient with me. I'm sure I'll get used to these things eventually."
"Why couldn't you just tell me?"
"Because it's embarrassing,"
"Are you kidding, you're talking to the queen of embarrassing." I pointed out, "Listen, I won't ask you about a photo again. I want you to be comfortable." I nodded.
"I will be comfortable, so long as I'm with you." He nodded, "So on a scale of one to ten, how likely will your sister enjoy this appointment with Niklas's father?"
"Zero," I shrugged, "I've heard much about this man mostly from Hans, I hear he's a bit of a grump."
Kristoff and I meandered in the warm water and one I saw my skin begin to turn pruny, it was time to get out. We changed back into dry clothes as walked along the beach with Sven and Olaf for a bit. I kept glancing at the clock tower in town as the time kept ticking closer to noon. I knew Elsa would make a great first impression, but I also know she was putting so much pressure on this. Though with Niklas there with her, I know she'd be just fine.
"Anna, hop up on Sven's back. I have a surprise for you."
"Another one?" I asked incredulously.
"Just trust me,"
"Always," I said.
Kristoff offered me his hand to get up on Sven's back. Olaf hopped into my lap clapping excitedly as Kristoff asked me to close my eyes. I obeyed as curiosity grew within me. Sven started walking as Kristoff talked to me as I moved in complete darkness tempted to open my eyes at any moment, but resisted. He lifted me off Sven carrying me.
"If we're back at the palace, I'm pretty sure I'm capable of walking." I reasoned.
Finally, Kristoff had me open my eyes and we were back in the photograph shop.
"Smile!" Kristoff grinned.
I smiled brightly as the camera flashed. Kristoff put up with two pictures today. One with just the two of us and another with Sven and Olaf. Kristoff communicated his concern and yet here he was going out of his way to bring me joy today. I loved him all the more for it. As the photographs were processing, I suddenly looked up as I heard the clock tower toll twelve noon outside. My thoughts drifted to my sister sending her my thoughts of strength and calm.