(Here's the next chapter! Enjoy! Reviews are appreciated!)
*Back In Corona*
Idunn slowly stepped out of bed. She gently leaned on Arianna's shoulder as she walked, her feet moving in a rhythmic way. She settled down into the wheelchair, popping her walking stick into the back pocket of the chair. She no longer needed the walker and was now much more stable on her feet.
Arianna helped Idunn into her purple dress and a very loose corset to ensure that her scars wouldn't get sore or irritated. Rapunzel brushed out Idunn's hair gently. She did have lots of experience with hair, after all! She pulled Idunn's hair into her usual bun.
After having her hair out for so long, and concentrating more on her recovery rather than appearance, her hair being tied up was a strange feeling for Idunn.
Nevertheless, she was relieved that she finally looked presentable.
"Are you ready?" Arianna asked, leaning down to Idunn's height.
"I'm ready." Idunn smiled.
"Thank Odin. Finally!" Arianna grinned. "I've got so much to show you!" She walked around to the back of the wheelchair and grabbed the handles, pushing the wheelchair towards the infirmary doors.
The fresh air hit Idunn with a sweet relief as they left the infirmary and departed the castle through the castle gate.
The sounds, scents and sights of the village soon became clear. Idunn inhaled deeply. The oxygen from the tank entered her lungs, but so did the sweet smell of chocolate.
"Chocolate….." Idunn sighed.
"Chocolate?" Arianna repeated. "I know just the place."
She pushed the wheelchair into the village. People curtsied as they passed. Many waved to Rapunzel and Arianna, while others looked curiously at Idunn.
Soon, after passing through the market square, they arrived at a shop with gorgeous glass windows. Through the windows, displays of fresh brownies, chocolate cupcakes, chocolate bars and large cakes with icing.
Arianna pushed the wheelchair into the shop. A large red sign hung over it, and on it was written 'Herbert's Chocolate and Candy Store'
The sign swung gently in the light, summer breeze. The scent grew stronger and stronger as they approached the door.
The bell rang gently as Rapunzel held the door open for Arianna and Idunn.
"Your Majesty!" Herbert, the head chef exclaimed with surprise. He rushed to the royals, sweeping a deep bow in front of Idunn.
"You must be Queen Idunn." He smiled, leaning down to kiss her hand.
Idunn chuckled nervously. "Heh. Yes, That's me. Hello." She reached out a hand, to which she shook Herbert's hand.
"Well, welcome to Corona! And what excellent timing! I've just pulled out a new batch of chocolate cupcakes!" He handed Idunn a warm, chocolate cupcake with chocolate icing swirled on top. Rainbow sprinkles were daintily sprinkled on the top.
Arianna reached for her purple purse. It matched her traditional Corona dress.
"Oh no! No need to pay, Your Majesty! This one is on the house." He smiled. "I've heard on the grapevine that you've had quite an adventure when you arrived in Corona."
"I wouldn't really call it an 'adventure' " Idunn giggled, taking a bite of the cupcake. "Mmmmmmmmmmm….ten out of ten."
"You look like you've just entered food heaven!" Arianna laughed.
"Oh shoosh, you! I've had infirmary hospital food for three weeks, I'm completely justified in my actions." Idunn replied.
Arianna laughed in response.
Arianna bought some more chocolate cupcakes along with a large cake for later. She finally bought a few brownies. She put them in the back pocket of the wheelchair in a paper bag. Idunn could smell it from where she was sitting.
Arianna parked the wheelchair in the sunshine as she sat down at a table just outside the bakery. Rapunzel sat down slowly, wary of her ever-growing belly. Arianna handed Rapunzel a chocolate cupcake from the bag. Her baby kicked in response, as if to say 'Hey, I want some too!'
Rapunzel laughed and rubbed her stomach. "Easy, little one, it's coming!" She took a bite of the cupcake and sighed happily.
"How far are you, again?" Idunn asked Rapunzel.
"Five weeks." Rapunzel replied with her mouth full, earning a raised eyebrow from Arianna.
"Remember your table manners, Rapunzel." Arianna said gently.
Rapunzel nodded, taking another bite.
Arianna snuck a quick bite of Idunn's cupcake.
"Hey!" Idunn laughed.
Arianna chewed and swallowed the piece she had stolen from Idunn. "Mm…I can understand why you loved it."
Idunn laughed again.
Four ginger haired girls, aged about six, skipped up to Idunn, waving at Rapunzel on the way. Rapunzel grinned and waved back.
"Hi! Can we braid your hair?" one of them asked Idunn.
Idunn looked up at Arianna, unsure what to say. Idunn opened her mouth to reply, but Arianna spoke up.
"Yes. I suppose so. But you must be very gentle. She's been very ill."
The young girls looked at each other, unsure.
"Arianna, they're children. Relax." Idunn said gently, putting a hand on her sister's shoulder.
Arianna relaxed at Idunn's touch and nodded.
Idunn pulled out her bun. "Well girls, what are you waiting for?"
The four girls gasped in delight, running to the back of the wheelchair to gently begin braiding Idunn's hair.
"It's so pretty!" One of the girls said, admiring Idunn's brown locks.
Idunn laughed. "Thank you. And what is your name?"
"Olga!" She replied. "And this is Hildegard, Maria and Elsa."
"Elsa?" Idunn repeated, slightly taken aback.
"Yes! Elsa!" The little Elsa replied. "My Mama says it's a very pretty name and that it means noble! That's like a princess!"
"I know an Elsa." Idunn replied.
"Really?"
"Yes. She's someone very special to me, and guess what?" Idunn said.
"What?" Elsa asked.
"She's a princess!" Idunn replied.
Little Elsa gasped with delight. "Is she your cousin?"
"No. She's my daughter." Idunn replied
"Wait…if your daughter is a princess…are you a queen?" Elsa asked
"Yes." Idunn replied, chuckling.
"OH NO! YOUR MAJESTY! I DIDN'T KNOW!" Little Elsa gasped, dropping into a deep curtsey while breathing heavily.
Idunn took her hand and gently raised her from her curtsey. "Don't worry about it. Call me Idunn."
"Idunn….that's such a pretty name!"
"Thank you." Idunn laughed.
"All done!" Caroline grinned, she moved the two braids to the front of Idunn, so she could see them. They were two neat braids, just like Anna had worn since she was a child. Idunn stared at herself in her powder mirror. It was almost like Anna was staring back at her. Idunn hoped Anna and Elsa had got her letters.
And most of all, she hoped that everything was alright.
(That's it for this chapter! Thanks for reading! Reviews are appreciated!)
