-The world was embracive, and warm. I cuddled my pillow as I slumbered in peace. I couldn't care less for what was happening outside, but like a gush of wind, a knock came to the door. Snatching me away from my careless place.

"Iduna, hurry up now",Della's voice rang.

I grumbled, to myself. "Why must I get up? Back home mother would allow me to sleep in around this time." I thought.

The snow has started to fall, and the sudden change threw me into a drowsy state.

My thoughts turned to my parents.

"What are they doing now?" I thought. "Did they think I was dead Held for ransom? Mother must be lonely now, she's grown too accustomed to scolding me, watching me run off into the woods to play."

Slugging down stairs after tidying myself up, Della was there already prepared breakfast, waiting for me. I smiled at this, all was forgiven.

We had planned to go shopping early for Christmas. Della hoped to get Kye a jacket that he could wear underneath his uniform when braving the elements.

I didn't know what to do for him, nor Della. They are kind, sweet people, but dull. They don't show much interest outside of their daily lives.

Arendelle was beautiful in winter though. The lampposts were lit, wrapped in weaves. Snow was made into competitions for the best snowman, the best ice sculptures. Recently ice skating has become more and more common. I've even gotten to sample for the first time Hot Chocolate! The name wasn't a lie.

Coming up to Hudson's Hearth, I couldn't help but get anxious. A warming glow was awaiting inside.

The windows displayed toys, dresses, and even chocolates.

I wanted to run in, I would have, except Della has learned I wasn't a patient child.

Before I could even make a dash for it, she took my hand, giving it a tight friendly squeeze, indicating to me to wait. So I did.

Barley holding my breath as we finally were walking up to the door, I couldn't take it anymore, I immediately dash in, almost knocking over a lady while entering.

"Iduna!" Della sternly called.

I immediately stopped in my tracks. Della's voice was sudden, and harsh.

I wasn't here to play, I was here to shop for Kye.

Turning myself around, smiling sheepishly, hands folded behind my back, as I walked back up to Della and the elderly lady. I started to apologize to Della but was cut off.

"No, apologize to Mrs. Aaker, please." Della said sternly.

Hanging my head in shame, I turned to Mrs Aaker, now holding back tears.

"I'm, s-sorry." I said.

At first, I thought I said it too low for them to hear, so I was worried they didn't hear me.

"Oh, don't worry dear, I understand." Mrs. Aaker knowingly said.

I stared up at her, surprised, relieved by her grace, before giving her a thankful smile. She was a nice elderly lady, that I've seen her in church, or walking around town.

She bid us a good day before leaving.

Della than turned to me giving me a small lecture on how to behave, before we moved on.

Searching for a jacket, I in truth was keeping an eye out for Della's present. Della liked to pretty herself up, sometimes.

I hoped to get her a hair pin, or maybe a new hair brush?

Except I was soon distracted by the delights and displays of this magical world.

Tables were dressed in clothes piled with soaps, scarfs, toys, chocolates, candies, furs, candles, and so on.

I've never pictured such a world before, but if this was the world of Christmas than Santa's work shop must really be a world of peace and joy.

I laughed at myself, as I secretly envied Mrs. Clause, for living in a beautiful world as this, all year round.

A sudden gasp caught me off guard, as I turned to find Della examining a beige jacket, not thick, but the flannel made up for it. Brown buttons went from the collar to the end of it, clearly perfect as I could tell by the way Della was looking at it. Her eyes were gleaming, as she held it up high, as if she herself had opened a surprise.

Knowing we were close to be done, I took this moment to examine my surroundings, but nothing caught my eye. It saddened me, I wanted to find her something special.

Coming up to the counter we were met by a lovely lady.

Her face full of warmth and glow, wearing bright smile, big, shiny, brown, round eyes, and thick hair tied behind her head in a loose bun.

Wearing a green dress, with a red scarf tired in a bow around her neck collar, I couldn't help but see her as one of the high class ladies from the novels me and Della have been reading. I even became a bit jealous of her beauty.

Not only did she illuminate gentleness and warmth, her chocolate skin looked just as smooth.

"I wished I could be as pretty as her", I thought.

While gathering coins from her purse, the pretty lady looked at me warmly.

"Are you and your Mother having fun shopping?" She said.

Caught off guard, I immediately panicked.

"Oh umm, yes." I said.

That ping of pain guilt hit my chest again. I wanted to hide under the counter, as it wasn't true. I mean we were having fun, but... She's not my mom, she's just my caretaker. I don't mean to be cruel, I don't know why, am like this?

Than I remember why, my Mother is in a place I cannot get to. It might as well be Heaven.

Della handed the lady the money before wishing her a good day.

"Have a wonderful Holiday", she called to us as we walked away.

Walking home Della seemed to be glowing even more with excitement. I just stared straight ahead. I was happy, truly. Except I wasn't. My life was still unreal to me, I felt strange and foreign, as to be expected but still. I know how blessed I am to be here. I have a home, people looking after me, and protection. Still I couldn't hide my sadness even if I wanted to.

Getting home, we scattered all around the house, trying to figure out where to hide Kye's present.

Apparently, Kye likes to snoop around to tease Della. I smiled at this, and started to wondered what my life will be in ten years. Will I have found love? Will I leave? I'll be 20, and unless the mist lifts, what else will be waiting for me in this world?

After dinner Della sat in her chair reading, while Kye relaxed in his chair next to her and the fire.

I sat on the floor a little a ways by choice. I decided to play with sticks I found to rebuild or recreate the house I once called home. Kye and Della were curious about my home when I once expressed the major differences of the their home.

Usually they don't ask questions. I think it's in regards to my feelings.

I figured I'd make them a replica as a surprise to show them something about me.

Looking up towards them, I soon forgot about my task. Della was reading her book, I liked looking at her hair. Its beautifully done.

Like Halima's hair, it was loose, except it displayed her hair swirled into hair, framing the top of her head, like some sort of crown.

It looked like an art form, all it was missing were flowers placed particularly in it. I wanted nothing more than to do that.

"Maybe I'll look for a flower hair pin to put into her hair for Christmas?" I thought to myself.

Her eyes were blue like mine, but were a lighter shade, like the sky. Unlike most women of Arendelle, she didn't hide her hair under a bonnet of sort, and I was glad of it. Made her look prettier, and I was proud of that.

Kye was kind, but wasn't as talkative. He seemed to not have much to say, or didn't know what to say to me other than the usual

"How was your day?"

"How's school?"

"Good morning."

"Good day."

"Goodnight."

Always when asking it would be casual questions. Never venturing any further.

Once, while doing homework on my chalkboard, Kye asked about school. I told him fine. With a nod from him I was fed up, and decided to dare him.

I dared him with a question that he was unprepared for.

"I don't remember you coming around until the gathering, what were you doing?" I asked.

Kye froze in his seat. After a moment or two, he took a deep breathe because answering.

"I was needed here", said Kye, a little too calmy.

"How come?" I asked

"Just because." Kye said.

At that I've been deeply pondering wether or not, Kye and Della were just pitying me?

"Was I a charity case?" I thought. "An unplanned edition to the house, that can't be taken back? Are they taking me on in stride?"

The very thought pained me, but than again, maybe I was being selfish?

"Who am I to fault them? They aren't my parents, and they know that. They couldn't turn me away so they took me in as it is their duty, as good samaritans", I thought. "I'm not cold, I'm being real, this is no fairytale."

Now as I sit here, I feel empty and lost.

"What am I doing here? Or what can I do here?" I thought

I continued my activity on the floor.

*

"Iduna has looked miserable sense she got here," Della thought to herself.

She's constantly avoiding eye contact , with me and Kye. When she's not doing chores, or cooking, she's up in her room reading, or outside playing until it gets dark.

I had hoped a trip to the store would help us bond, but she just stood there calmly, looked around with bright eyes. It made me feel sorry for scolding her, when she almost knocked Mrs. Aaker over.

Finding the perfect gift for Kye, playing up the excitement, resulted in Iduna quickly looking around at anything other than the garment I was holding up.

"Why?" I thought.

Brushing hair before getting into bed, I looked over my shoulder to see Kye, putting on his socks.

"I don't know what to do Kye", I said.

Looking up towards me, caught off guard he asked,

"What?"

"Iduna, I don't know what to do. She's been sad sense she got here. I know it takes time to adjusted, but..."

I didn't know what else to say to this.

"I'm not sure", Kye said. "I wish I knew what to say, but I seem to be just as lost."

"Maybe that's it", I said. "First thing tomorrow we're having a talk." I said. In a tone kye knows I meant it.

Kye breathed, before answering.

"Okay."

Once finished, we settled in for the night. I couldn't sleep though. My thoughts turned to what Iduna said today.

When Halima asked about her and her so called mother, she answered yes. Did she mean it, or was it really too soon to even think herself so highly in Iduna's eyes?

She and Kye had tried to have children but nothing ever came of it. Now this lost child has come into their lives, but even now it seems they can't make her any happier, than when she first came.

It broke their hearts but they didn't know what to do.

They couldn't just go up to their neighbors without the fear of raising suspicion of Iduna's background.

The more secluded it is the better Kye explained. I knew he was right, but it didn't make it any easier.

*

I could feel the pity from the guard's eyes as I stared out my window. I was in the Library, hoping to cheer myself up with a book, but ended up looking out the window.

My first Christmas without my father, what to say to that?

I'm not old of age, so the affairs of the state have been given to Arendelle's Prim Minister and the officials of Arendelle.

I've been allowed to watch and listen to their meetings, but they've been far and few. I normally spend my days studying or find ways to entertain myself.

I miss Mattias more than anything! If he were here, we'd fence, go outside and have a snowball fight. The guards would happily play with me, but they've been hesitant to look at me.

Only one guard looks at me, and I couldn't stand it. His name is Derek, but he just stands there, looking straight ahead.

I remember reading of such guards, from an island country, that boasts of glory. Elizabeth I'st was a great military leader, who brought England into the renaissance.

Or King Alfred who brought reading to his people. They have guards who stand straight, never smile, or ever leave until their posts are done.

I've tried to convince the council that I didn't need a guard, they assure me it won't be for long.

One of the council men, was kind enough to come to my room and explain that until Arendelle state affairs were finalized, that Arendelle's future, until I became of age was set as my father would have wished.

Than I won't have to be constantly under watch like a prisoner.

He didn't say that but it's how I feel. I've been allowed to socialize with the children of Arendelle, but I was afraid I guess.

Before it wasn't unless it was at a ceremony, or celebration.

Even than I couldn't keep up with them. Sure I like to ride, fence, and such but I've never really been the sporty type.

I wish I could talk to them, but they seem more involved to run and climb than talk.

I remember the girl at the tree though, I've been wanting to ask Kye if she could come over and play.

She's fun, and doesn't giggle constantly like those other girls. But Kye hasn't been around, or at least I haven't seen him.

My studies pour in, especially with the New Year coming in. My tutor is more serious than ever, that I keep to my studies.

With this I finally snapped.

"That's it." I muttered under my breathe.

Shooting out of my chair I bolted out of the library. I didn't know where and why I was running, but I just had to get out.

I could hear Derek call after me, asking to slow down, where I was going.

I knew I couldn't out run him, but I didn't care, I wasn't trying to, I just needed air, and space.

Reaching the end of the hall, I only turned the corner before slamming into someone.

"Ouch!" A familiar voice spoke.

Presently on the floor, trying to gather myself off the floor, I honestly couldn't believe my luck.

"Iduna?" I ask.

Starting to think this all a Dream, I pondered to what was going on.

"Your majesty!" She said.

Pulling herself up, to curtesy. It wasn't until she was looking down at me, I realized I was still on my sorry butt on the floor. Gathering myself up off the floor

"Your majesty", Derek now standing close by. "You've been rather lonely for the past month, Kye mentioned you've befriended his daughter, Iduna." Derek explained.

I couldn't help but looked at Derek as if he had just said something foreign, mouth gapped, I didn't know what to say. Perhaps I had myself to blame, I've been too busy feeling sorry for myself I hadn't stopped to think about the people around me.

I felt ashamed.

"Derek", I said. "Thank You."

Visibly taken aback by this, he only bowed in response.

Turning to Iduna, who was also lost, I couldn't only smile sheepishly.

"Umm, thank you, for coming over." I said.

Feeling incredibly stupid for saying that. I didn't know what to say, or do.

I never played with a girl before, they usually have their dolls in toe, or something like that.

"How did your Mythical Creatures book go?" She asked.

"Oh, it's Great, I'll show you." I said.

We went back into the Library with Derek in toe.

It had only been two in the afternoon so we had time. I showed her the book I was reading when we met. Even coming across a mythical horse called Ceffyl Dŵr.

Iduna must have heard many tales from where she's from, because the moment I mentioned it, she lit up like a Christmas tree.

She started sharing stories, and old sayings of the creature. All I could do was listen. By the time she was done, I didn't want her to be done.

"Do you think magical creatures are bad or good?" Iduna asked.

Her face displayed concern. As if she was asking something deeper.

"Well, I-"

"Because", she cut me off. "Like humans we can't always be sure right?" She asked.

I didn't know what to say. But the more I thought about it, the more I had to agree.

"Yes, I think your right." I said.

Her eyes sparkled at this, a smile illuminated her face.

"Why did she look so familiar?" I thought. "Like an old friend?"

Her eyes started to wonder, looked towards the window they widened.

"Oh! What time is it?" She asked.

I turned towards the window, it had become night, I than to the clock onto of the fire place.

"Five, fifteen", I said.

"Oh." She sighed. "Kye will said he'll come and get me when his shift is over, which will be around seven O'clock." I smiled in response.

We soon decided to make a fort. Iduna came up with the idea. We took the couch, a table, and a few chairs, even had Derek grab some blankets and pillows for us to use.

Once we finished, we proudly looked at our creation. Once inside Iduna once again came up with another game. Taking a gaslight, she smiled mischievously.

"Okay, spooky story time." Iduna said. "Once long ago, at the foot of a bay-"

Just finishing his shift, Kye had just reached the library about to knock to open the door, the door swung open to reveal Iduna walking out.

Both of them startled at this, gasped.

She put her finger to her lips, gesturing to stay quiet, before turning back to the Prince. Now fast asleep on the couch. Just than Derek stepped into view.

"Thanks so much, I can tell he had a great time." Derek whispered.

"I'm so sorry." I too whispered.

Feeling ashamed. "I didn't meant to be so late."

Instead of coming around seven I hadn't gotten off til around nine. Della is not going to be happy.

Thanking Derek kindly, we made our way home.

Iduna told me all about their play date. Of how they discussed magical creatures, built a fort, told stories, and played king of the mountain. She won she proudly stated.

Ever sense our talk, Iduna, Della, and I have gotten along much better and easier.

We should have had this talk when she first came, but all is settled now.

I'm not used to kids, so I wasn't sure what to talk about, but pretty soon Iduna helped me out.

She talks and I listen.

Iduna has started taking walks with Della almost everyday, to just talk and enjoy the day.

Della has always been a homely girl, but even she enjoys walking out and about.

Giving them both space air the breathe was the best thing for them.

It nearly broke Della and I when coming into terms with Iduna's parents. We understood we weren't her parents, but we didn't think or knew how lonely she felt, thinking she was a charity case.

Assuring Iduna that she wasn't our daughter didn't mean we still couldn't be a family too. After going to bed that night I could feel Della silently cry, holding her was all I could do.

We go by first names, but Della is most happy to be able to enjoy the company of a child.

Reaching the our house, Della was standing there at the door hands on hips, with a wooden spoon in one hand.

"Well, I was starting to wonder if the neighbors would like to enjoy my soup." Della teased.

We smiled, coming in to enjoy our now cold dinner.