(Hi! Here's the next chapter! I originally was going to have one long chapter, but I split it into three chapters to make it easier to read. I'll upload all three now. Enjoy!)
Arianna sighed, stroking Idunn's hair as she listened to her comforting sound of her sister's heartbeat.
"Hey…remember when we used to cuddle like this? You would have nightmares, and we would comfort each other, just like this.
Arianna gently straightened Idunn's oxygen mask.
"I love you, you know. You're going to get through this, I know it. I know you can hear me."
Arianna lifted her head from Idunn's chest and looked at the feeding tube inserted in Idunn's nose.
It broke Arianna's heart to see her sister so sick…so weak…so vulnerable.
Trying to keep the positive mood, Arianna traced circles in Idunn's palm with her finger.
"Are you enjoying your meal? I bet its cheesecake. I know that's your favourite. You know, when you wake up, I'll get the cooks to make you cheesecake, and you can eat as much as you like. I promise."
Idunn inhaled deeper than usual and exhaled loudly, despite the sedation.
"That's it, keep breathing, my dear sister. Keep breathing for me." She brushed a strand of hair out of Idunn's face.
"I'll always be here. Don't worry about anything. Just get better, okay? I'll handle everything and anything. When you're healthy enough to get out of the infirmary, you'll get your own room and everything."
"We'll redecorate and you'll get to choose everything. I just want you happy and healthy. Anything you want."
Arianna reached for Idunn's hand. "I'm worried about Rapunzel. I wish you could respond. She really looks up to you, and I know she needs you. I need you. Everyone needs you."
Arianna wrapped her arms around Idunn.
"I love you very much. Keep fighting for me." Arianna held onto Idunn's hand tightly.
"Keep holding on." She whispered.
Suddenly Arianna flinched. She felt Frederic's gentle hand on her back. He gave her an understanding smile.
"Hello, my darling."
"H-hi." Arianna replied, her voice still shaky. Frederic sat down and wrapped an arm around his wife.
"I love you. We'll get through this." Frederic smiled.
Arianna slowly turned her head towards her husband. She tried to smile, her hand still holding tightly onto Idunn's.
"I love you too." Arianna replied.
"Arianna…..I don't want to force you, and this is completely your choice, but I'm about to go open a school in the village. I'd be honoured if you'd join me." Frederic said
"But on the other hand, I can understand if you feel like you can't. I understand that completely." He continued.
Frederic's kindness and understanding creased Arianna's face into a smile. An emotional smile, in fact.
She slowly let go of Idunn's hand and pulled her husband into a hug. Tears streamed down her face and she began to sob into Frederic's shoulder.
Arianna's sudden emotion startled Frederic. Still, he wrapped his arms around her.
Arianna sniffed. "I'll go. I'm going to try my hardest. And I'll probably have to redo my makeup."
"You're very brave, my love. There is no rush, you can leave Idunn's side whenever you're ready."
Arianna wrapped her arms around Idunn. "I love you so much. Keep fighting, my Norwegian warrior, okay? I'll be back soon. Just keep breathing, in and out. That's it. That's all you need to do. I love you." Arianna kissed Idunn's cheek and gently stroked her hair.
Arianna's hand slowly left Idunn's limp hand.
Just….Keep…..Breathing.
Arianna's didn't dare to look away from her sister, even as she left the cubicle. All she needed was Idunn to just keep breathing, and she would be satisfied.
With Frederic's comforting hand on her shoulder, Arianna left the infirmary, leaving her precious sister in the hands of the nurses. She noticed Rapunzel slowly walking towards the infirmary once more with a tear stained face.
For a brief moment, their eyes met, before Rapunzel raced off in the other direction, hurt filing her eyes.
Arianna sighed loudly, moving in closer to her husband. She hoped their trip to the village would provide at least some sort of distraction for her. At least some sort of relief.
Frederic gently set down Arianna down in the chair next to the vanity, handing her some makeup wipes.
"I'd offer to help you with your make up….but I have no idea what…" He picked up one of the bottles on the vanity and looked at it.
"No idea what….concealer is.. Is that like an eraser for your face?"
Arianna laughed hard. "Nice try." She applied a fresh layer of lipsticks and lip gloss. She planted a quick kiss on Frederic's lips.
"Mmm, strawberry." Frederic laughed. "Are you ready?" He asked, gently setting the golden crown on her head.
Arianna sighed, applying some mascara. "I-I'm ready." She stammered nervously,
Frederic put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You're very brave. He held out a hand and gently raised her from the seat.
"And by the way….I want you to cut the ribbon."
With a deep inhale, Arianna nodded her head. "And I accept."
Linking arms, they set off towards the Corona village.
Arianna moved towards the ribbon with shaking hands. It was getting too much. Every sound, every moment seemed to be amplified to her. The people shuffling nervously in the crowd, the horses passing by, the market nearby, the people trading goods and the chatter of voices.
Arianna's pounding heart become more and more noticeable to her. She looked into the crowd, anxiety filling her body as she noticed the crowd staring right back at her.
All she could think about was Idunn.
All she could think about was how angry Rapunzel was. How much this whole situation was taking an emotional toll on her. She could barely eat, she could barely sleep.
Arianna paled. This was too much.
"I….I…pronounce….this…..new school….open…" Arianna stammered, not at confident and queen-like compared to how she usually was. She moved towards the ribbon.
Frederic grew concerned. He looked at his wife, worry seeping across his face.
Suddenly, as she reached towards the ribbon, the golden scissors fell out of her shaking hands, nausea overcame her and once again she grew dizzy.
"I…I need some air!" Arianna inhaled deeply, her breathing quickening. The last thing she wanted was to have a panic attack in from of her subjects. Getting into this state was humiliating enough.
Before Frederic could stop her, Arianna hitched up her skirt and ran as fast as her legs to carry her, crown, dress and all.
(Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Thanks for reading!)
