Heavily sighing I took a moment to breathe and move on.

Christmas season has started, the ice mountain men are going up to Farm more ice blocks.

Halima is working diligently as ever, and the town is going it's merry way. I couldn't stop getting caught up in my own daydreaming. I had work to do, and still I seem to get distracted by all the laughter, and fun that's going all around. I'm no longer a child, I'm now a working young lady, what's with me?

Suddenly I heard Halima laughing behind me. Turning to face her, she was looking at me with a smug expression.

"Still day dreaming?" She said.

I sighed and nodded, defeatedly.

"What's wrong sweetie?" Halima asked, in her usual way.

I breathed and lamented about despite being grown, I still couldn't stop thinking and wanting to go out and play, when seeing all the merriments.

I was surprised to see Halima smile knowingly towards me. "Honey, your only sixteen, you may not think it, but your still so young. It's perfectly natural. No need to grow up all at once." She said, while patting my shoulder.

She looked down at the table in front of me. Inspecting my work as I have been prepping the decor for the holidays. Assuring me, and smiling at me with aproval she headed back inside.

After a while I finally finished putting up the decorations.

Coming back into Hudson's Harth, I was greeted by Daren. Charlotte's lil brother. Now thirteen, and moody as ever, here and there having accational power tripping fits. Nothing really big really, just a few ordering us to work, and telling us to do our jobs. We don't really mind, given he doesn't really push it far, and only does it rarely, especially when customers aren't around, and goes back into his own little corner and does his own work. Mostly he grumbles to himself. We just ignore him, and his parents don't pay much attention.

At length they'd say "He'll grow out of it. It's just a phase." Really when you think about it, he's nothing short of Charlotte. A bully, yes. However he does his work, and unlike her he doesn't really bother anyone, despit the power trips. He even shows a caring side for his family business, so we just shrug and continue our work.

Coming in after setting up the decor, he's standing there at the front entrance arms crossed, and scowling.

"Yes?" I said.

He looked up at me, expectantly, than says,

"Well now that your finally finished with the outside decorations, Halima is fighting up the customers at the counter, go help her." He said authoritatively.

Extremely tempted to roll me eyes, I held back and smiled, replying with an "O.K.!"

Though early in the season, everyone was immediate to embrace the warmth that comes with the coldness of winter.

I never thought I'd come to love with Arendelle as much as I do. It's a wonderful loving place. I still miss the closeness of the Northuldra community. No secrets, unconditional love. No fear, but compassion and understanding, holding each other high for strength.

Arendelle is warm, loving, place. A one big happy family. Or so as it seems. I'm an outsider, maskarading as one of them. When did I become so heartless? To become a trickster to deceive? Deceiving is one thing, but to deceive so easily, with out a problem, that's so cold, isn't it? How have I survived so long? True I feel guilty, but still it's livable.

I once read somewhere that a women's heart is an ocean of secrets. Beautiful is the thought, cold is the reality.

Nevertheless I had work to do.

Before I knew it my shift was over. Looking at the clock I was so locked into my own world while simultaneously helping the customers, the hours had flown by. Turning towards the window, it was starting to get dark.

*

The weekend has come, and I was able to ditch Sir James. Its been forever sense I've been out, and I'm done staying in this castle a moment longer. I was able to find Kye portollig the Garden Grounds. "Kye!" I called. He greeted me with an attention stance. I asked him to escort me into town. Looking at me a bit puzzled, I started to explain. "Listen, I need a break, and I think it's time I get some fresh air, don't you think?"

I knew he could object, so I had him fall me out to the courtyard side door. It wasn't anything new for a monarch to walk about to greet his people. Monarchs still do that, especially in couches, as long as the people keep their distance, and the monarchs are guarded.

Before reaching the door, I hesitantly turned to Kye. He suddenly went stiff and purked up in a respectful stance as any guard would do.

I knew it wasn't my business, but I had gotten a little more aquanted with Kye than most guards, due to knowing Iduna.

"Kye, I didn't see you or your wife at the Fall Festival, did something come up?" I asked.

His face went pale for a moment, than looked down to his feet. Mumbling something.

"What?" I asked.

He looked up, making eye contact,

"Della has been sick, and we don't know if she'll last." He said hesitantly.

"Oh." I Said.

That's all I could say. I felt like an idiot!

His wife is struck with an illness, possibly dying, and that's all I could say?!

Coming out into the town, walking about the people smiled, greeting me with waves, I greeted them back a nod or a smile.

Keeping their respective distances, I watched as the families gathered about, some walking, others carrying bags of food or presents. Some were dancing to music being played in the town square. All the smiles and warmth made me think of Iduna. Wait Iduna? I shook my head. The image of Iduna at the Fall Festival flashed across my mind.

I remember when we were younger she was the friend that brought light into my dark world, after losing my father. Looking back I now realized she was most likley allowed to be near me, because she was needed at the time. She was seen by my guardians as a play thing, a friend to distract me from the burden I was facing.

Once I started to walk down my path getting used to my new role and position, she wasn't freely allowed to be about as before. Or mostly we moved on, grew apart. Realizing this, made me feel guilty for not even saying a proper goodbye or thank you.

Although knowing her I doubt she would have seen it like that at all. She was still so young, she clearly had moved on sense than.

The buildings started to close or be lit with light inside. Only than I realized how late it was getting. The sudden glow of Hudson's Harth caught my eye.

I started getting excited, does that mean Iduna is working? Walking in I was taken aback. The air smelled of pine and cinnamon. Lights illuminated the world, with stacks of foods, supplies, candies, and more.

I hadn't been here for years. I remember once when I was seven I had first came here. Mother even bought me a toy soilder as suvineer. That was first and last time I was here.

This didn't make me sad, as one would think. Instead I was kinda happy, to be reminded of such a time.

I heard Kye, clearering his throat. "We really should be heading back your magesty."

I than realized how late it was getting, looking up at a clock for sale hanging on the wall it read near eight o'clock, he's right. It's getting late. We turned to leave when I heard a familiar voice. Your Highness?

I quickly turned to see Iduna bundled up behind me. She looked so cute. Embraced in a coat a lil big on her, a red scarf wrapped around her neck, and a knitted royal blue hat on top.

"I-Iduna?" I heard myself spat out.

"Umm, yes?" She said, almost laughing in the process.

"S-sorry", I stumbled.

Now rubbing the back of my head. "I haven't seen you sense the festival. How have you been?"

She smiled sweetly, started telling me what she's been up to. Before I knew it, we were walking together, catching up after so long.

Iduna hadn't changed, much.

Still able to chat up a storm. She went from working at Hudson's Harth, to the ancient ways rearing itself in the holidays of today, to even comparing two deserts she couldn't choose between the other day.

I could barely keep up. I silently laughed at my own expense. The street lights, and a sudden snow fall made our encounter look something out of a storybook. "Is this the kinda of magic that lead the Little Mermaid to suffer?" I thought to myself.

Iduna lead me and Kye into the side door into the kitchen. Taking off our coats and sitting ourselves down, I senseed Kye's dismay. Iduna led the King Of Arendelle through the side of her house, and not properly in the front door. I smiled happy in this home-some manner. We continued to talk as we sat at the kitchen table next to the door, that lay across from the stove. Not long across the the rest of the room that was open to a fire place and living area where at the exact opposite of the room was the front door, and the bottom of the staircase, Emily appeared who was than just coming down.

"Emily, what are you doing?" I asked. A bit surprised.

Emily was clearly taken by surpise. Looking at me than to Iduna. Her expression turned to a call for help.

Iduna without hesitation invited her over. As she sheepishly did, Iduna started to explain what I should have known. While Kye and Iduna had to work, Emily was kind enough to come over after teaching at the school to watch over Della.

It was Emily's turn to talk about her life right now. While talking I couldn't help but look over to Iduna smiling, nodding, and laughing. I could help think how her eyes were so big, and pretty, sparkling even. Cheeks still rosie from the cold, and hair in its unique hair bun, a bit in disarray, and still somehow suited her.

It was than Kye suddenly set down hot drinks, he must had just prepared for us. Looking up to thank him, I realized he was still wearing his coat, and gloves, and hat.

He's waiting to escort me back, I realized! I felt so rude. Taking a good quick number of gulps, I got up, and started to say my goodbyes.

"I'm sorry", I said getting up. "I must get back, thank you Kye for being so patient, and letting me into your home." I said taking one more glance at Iduna.

Kye only nodded in response. Quickly putting on my coat, Iduna than stood up.

"You're welcome to comeback whenever you like, your highness." She said.

I silently laughed at her innocent invite. She still hasn't realized I'm not a highness, I'm a Magesty due being King now. Buttoning up the last of the buttons, I responded.

"I will, as long as you called me Agnarr." I said. "We're all friends again", I explained.

Iduna blushed, looking down at her friend, trying to hide it. I couldn't help but smile, before one last goodbye. Out the door with Kye fallowing behind.

*

With the closing of the door, Emily immediately put a hand to her mouth, muffling the laughter she'd been holding in.

Iduna rolled her eyes, as she knew what was coming. Ever sense they befriended Agnarr, Emily always took delight in tormenting her with knowing eyes, and chesser cat grines. Telling her she'll might as well be Cinderella, Queen Iduna Of Arendelle.

Only in ones dreams should one dare to even think that. Agnarr is a King in his own right, and will marry a Princess one day. Iduna always figured the Princess Katherine Of Servillia would marry Agnarr, given the constant pushing of ambassadors coming with letters for a few years, only to find she's marrying the Eldest Prince of the Southern Isles. Even recently the Queen had given birth to the 12th Prince! I couldn't imagine how she endured all those pregnancies?!

Even back home, no one would dare have that many children. It's so dangerous, to be giving birth. Even a Queen in Angloya Queen Vicky has had nine children. "Is that what was expected of these Queens?!" I wondered.

Although in their defense, no one could have known these children would survive infancy. With all the germs, diseases, and unforeseen events. Even the last prince and princess of France were killed for being royal in the revolution years ago.

Emily was still going on, teasing about the wedding cake, and such. A sudden dread filled me inside, as a thought occurred to me. I quickly pipped up, shaking Emily's hand that was resting on the table.

"Emily? Is Della alright?"

Emily's eyes filled with slight panic before dying down. "Don't worry, she's already settled in for the night." Emily said. Taking a breath, I sighed in relief.

"That's good." Taking another sip of hot glog, we sat there silent for a bit. The thought occurred to me many times, but...What will me and Kye do if Della died? She's Kye's whole world.

*

Walking through the courtyard's side door, also guarded of course, Kye bowed respectively before turning to go home. I watched as he walked away. I felt sorry for him.

I wish I could say something to ease his pain, but I couldn't.

Making my way into the main corridor, Ambassador and Advicer James was standing their at the base of the stairs. He must have been shuffling back and forth, judging by his current stance.

As expected I was greeted with questions, a small lecture on my duties, being careful and letting those know where I am."He's almost as bad as my father was", I thought to myself. I had finished early for the day, so James had not much beat for his argument of duties, but still he pestered until I had reached the top floor of the palace, a top of the spiral stair case that lead from the top to the 2nd floor.

Bidding me a good night, I slumped my way to my room. Finally at peace again, my thoughts turned back to Iduna. I didn't want to admit it to myself, but clearly I'm starting to fall for her. She's still a child, not even eighteen. I felt a bit embarrassed, but I still didn't know much about women, nor know many. I wasn't really interested in courting anyone anyways, but still.

I hoped maybe seeing her again would help me see, we've grown apart, and moved on with our lives, but I still couldn't stop thinking about her.

Even when I first came to the throne, I liked her, or found her interesting. I couldn't stop wanting to be around her. Wondering what adventure she was up to.

Like some magic spell, or being, it was as if being haunted by the voice of the Little Mermaid herself. I couldn't escape. A moth to the flame. Now older, I realized as I was walking out of Iduna's kitchen, why. Solidified by the sudden longing of Iduna's smile, I had indeed fallen. Hard even. I couldn't stop thinking of her, being drawn to her.

She's still low born, a commoner, so I'm not sure if I'm even allowed to court her. My head was muddled, going back and forth before. First she's a child or a commoner, than suddenly it's if I am to court her, is it allowed? How would it be handled?

A knock on my door came. A bit confused, I went to open it. It was Gerda, a palace maid. She was an apprentice to one of the head maids who looked after the furniture and where everything was to be placed.

"I'm so sorry, to bother you you're magesty", she said timidly. "But umm..." She held out a book in her hands.

I looked at her confused, than realized what she was holding. Gerda knew I was interested in figuring out these ancient texts. Once she caught me trying to decode the langue with a book of languages I ordered. Said to help you with these types of senerios.

James doesn't fully understand how much I want to understand these ancient beings and lore of our lands. He'd call me a fool. He worked with my father, and like him it's all nonsense, or dangerous.

We live in a modern world now. Science and philosophy is the core of every civilization, from the Ancient Greekers and Romands. What's to stop us from understanding the ancient hyms of our own lands?

Gerda would come into the library to be sure I didn't leave any books by the accidents when looking for clues doing research, in the non banned books. She's a good and loyal subject. No, a good friend. Kai befriended her, and found a trustee in her. Really anyone can tell he's smitten with her. Reminds me Lieutenant Mattias, when he'd sigh thinking of Halima at Hudson's Harth. I remember soilders joshing him about her, poking fun as he blushed.

Now I myself am beginning to understand.

I'm brought back to reality as Gerda bids me goodnight. I stopped her, asking how odd would it be to invite an old friend to the castle for tea? Being a lady knowing the ways of the castle, and it's ways she'd know right?

She looked at me a bit surprised, turning to curiously. "Well.." she began, thinking for a moment. "If it's an old friend I don't think it would be odd. Is there a certain day you'd like to arrange it?" I stopped to think, and remembered, Iduna has a job, and I didn't know what days she had off.

Looking at Gerda waiting for my reply, I just said, "I'll get back to you on that." Before saying good night, and closing the door.

"No, it's not odd at all. Life's been slow, and why don't have a little social get together", I thought to myself.

I didn't know what to say or do, but all I did know was, I was tired. It was late, nearing 11pm.

*

I watched the shadow of snow fall along the floor, as I laid in my bed. The window across the room from my bed, with a lamp post near by. The world was quiet, and peaceful. I enjoyed the hush stillness.

I couldn't stop thinking about Agnarr. He wasn't so much that awkward boy, I knew. His eyes still shines with curiosity, unafraid to dream, and wears his heart on his sleeve.

My thoughts starting turning, admittedly blushed to start thinking of his looks, his hair had changed from blond to blond tinted with red. He is much taller now, that part was obvious. When we first met, despite being older, I was about the same height as him. I smiled as we used to play a game of tag, at the few parties and social gatherings we've spent together.

Despite being fourteen, he wasn't afraid to let loose and have some fun. In school during recess the boys would play ball games, but only with each other. Agnarr played fair and square, you didn't give two cents who was playing. Boy, girl, doesn't matter, just having fun.

Than my thoughts turned again. Tears started welling in my eyes. Memories turning the pages back, striking me in the chest. Leaving me to wish I could tell him.

Who I really am, where I'm from. What really makes me, me. "What if he hates me? Turns on me, blaming me for his father's death ?" Ancient writing has been banned, no one talks about the magical creatures sometimes reported out in the deep wilderness.

Except for acational folktales and mysteries nothing else can be talked about. There's an old lenened that way back centuries ago, around 1300's an Arendellian Noble who found himself in line for the throne had been struck with evil magic, resembling ice and snow by a witch long ago a healer cursed by unknown darkness that plagued the lands. Saved by healers, trolls that live up in The Valley of the mountains.

Saved the Nobleman went on to be King of Arendelle. Arendelle was a state among others still at war, figuring out and settling the land with other states. Eventually Arendelle won, uniting the rest of the states. It wasn't until 1400's that it became official.

Now 400 years later, a story that's told about our beginnings boarderlines what we fear. How can we keep going by forgetting how we came to be?

Mother used to say "Our Mother wakes the sky for us, to remind us, we're not alone, and that there is life and love all around us."

Realizing now how late it must be, and laying here, feeling sorry for myself, wasn't going to do anything good.

Sighing, snuggling into my bed. I start lullying myself to sleep, with my Mother's Lullaby.

"Where the north wind, meets the sea. There's a river, full of memories. Sleep my darling safe and sound, for in this river all is found-" Stopping to yawn, I tried to continue as I felt myself doze off."In her waters, deep and true, lye the answers, and a path for you-"

*