Chapter Fourteen: At a New Year Eve's Ball
Amalienborg Palace
Copenhagen, Denmark
December 31, 1812
Anna shook her head at the liveried servant when he offered her another glass of champagne and candied fruit from a gilded tray. The sight of it made her feel a little ill that she had to turn away. However, everywhere she turned she caught sight of something else that made her just as sick: swirls of silk and expensive lace, twinkling jewels adorning women's necks and ears, and alcohol in expensive glasses, consumed or abandoned without a second glance.
For months, she had been living on rationed food, sleeping in a simple mattress in a room she shared with five other girls and nursing men who had to be content with whatever medicines or little alcohol they can spare to ease their pain. Supplies were scarce, money for it was limited. Yet here in Amalienborg, the palace of her Uncle Frederick, it seemed like a different world, untouched by the horrors of war and the deplorable inhumane conditions she had witnessed. It seemed such a crime to be surrounded by so much luxury when back at the hospital, it was a struggle just to get enough linen for wound dressings. Anna found herself contemplating the value of the items she can see before her.
A pearl earring that served no purpose but to adorn an ear could have purchased a dozen bottles of morphine. That glass of brandy that dandy just spilled carelessly into the carpet could have eased a poor soldier's suffering during an amputation. My own dress, six yards of cloth for the skirt alone, can be made into bandages enough to dress the wounds of a dozen men.
She never thought about such things before. Anna loved parties. Ever since she experienced her first ball at the night of her sister's coronation, Anna always looked forward to social gatherings like this one. She adored putting on colorful gowns, partaking of delicious food, drinking champagne and dancing for hours to music by an orchestra. Copenhagen's New Year Eve's ball was everything Anna imagined a fairytale night could be and more. It was certainly more lavish than the ones they held back at home. The furnishings of her Uncle Frederick's palace alone were stunning with their luxury and they were even more magnificent with the added holiday decorations.
Anna and Hans arrived only yesterday evening at Copenhagen. Her first concern was to drop by at the French regional war office where she hoped she could find new information on Kristoff and her other missing citizens. However, she found that the office was closed for the holidays and would not open until the first week of January. Hans promised to accompany her to inquire in the office after the New Year and it was only after his reassurance that she allowed herself to relax.
"Relax" was a relative term for as soon as they arrived at their Uncle Frederick's grand residence, her cousin Caroline pulled her into the preparations for their annual New Year eve's ball. Anna spent the past few hours getting fitted, laced, powdered and getting her hair tortured into some elaborate coiffure. Her cousin claimed she needed to wear the latest in Parisian fashion for it was what everyone would expect of a princess. Anna begrudgingly allowed her vivacious nineteen-year-old cousin to turn her into a doll for Caroline reminded her of herself when she was that age. Only now, Anna realized how shallow she had been when she thought only of how pretty her hair would look in a fancy gown and matching little heels when there were other things that mattered more in the world.
Like thousands of lives lost in the numerous battles of this war and the possibility of another war looming ahead when there were still so many missing, she thought sadly.
Only she seemed to think of such things. All the guests here appeared content to be dancing, laughing and drinking as if the last several months did not happen. Even Hans had left her side hours ago and had been swept away by several people as soon as he entered the ballroom. She was rather surprised how smoothly he blended into the crowd. Women eyed him everywhere he went and there were always men that wanted to talk to him.
Right now, Hans was dancing with Cousin Caroline and she looked like she was already half in love with him. Anna couldn't help but feel a little worried at how easy he caught people's attention and maintained it. It reminded her of the first time they met and how he used his charm to disarm her. It brought to mind her apprehension on what she overheard between Hans and Holford. Anna didn't have the courage to confront him and admit she had been eavesdropping that day. She told herself she trusted Hans as a changed man that would choose to do what is right. So she said nothing to him.
Hans had been pleasantly gentlemanly these last few days it was easy to forget the whole ugly episode she overheard. They spent Christmas day together making cookies for the patients and hospital staff. They stayed up late dressed in their matching Elsa-sent sweaters and told holiday stories by the fire. On the road to Copenhagen, they passed the time playing card games, telling stories or singing duets. During the frequent stopovers while they waited to change horses, Hans even gave her fencing lessons. He was turning into the brother she had always dreamed of.
Tonight, however, Hans' familiar charming persona was giving Anna doubt. Was he just acting all this time with me? She wondered.
The dance ended and Hans bowed gracefully at his partner. His eyes immediately roamed the room until he met her gaze. Relief immediately etched his features and Anna realized he had been looking for her. He started making his way towards her when the orchestra began again to signal the start of a waltz.
He's going to ask me for a dance, she realized. She waited for him to approach but halfway through another male guest clapped him on the shoulder and grabbed his attention. He only had time to shoot her an apologetic look before he was led away to converse with a group of elderly gentlemen.
"Princess, may I have this dance?" A voice said from behind her. Anna turned around and met a tall, elegant man who gracefully bowed and held out his hand. He seemed to be in his early thirties with dark hair and eyes. Like the rest of the guests this evening, he was dazzling with medals and his trousers fit tightly against his legs. Anna couldn't find the appeal with this Parisian fashion of making the men look like peacocks. She preferred the simplicity of the men's army uniforms. However, she refrained from any comments as she tried to remember who he was. He looked oddly familiar and she knew she must have met him before but she couldn't remember where precisely.
"Lord Nyberg of the Northern Isles, your highness," he said as if he read her confusion. "King Frederick re-introduced us at dinner."
"Oh, of course," Anna replied with a polite curtsy. She remembered now that he was the Northern Isles ambassador. This was not the first time they've met. He was a guest during Elsa's wedding. He was one of the men who stood by and tried to keep a straight face while Elsa's groom got wasted during the reception and nearly collapsed on the way to her bedchamber. Anna suspected he was rather embarrassed of his prince's behavior that night. She recalled seeing him and several companions from the Northern Isles shake their heads when Knudsvig was brought away from the reception hall. He looked so much relaxed now by comparison.
"We've met before at my sister's wedding," said Anna.
"Indeed and it is a pleasure to meet you again, Princess Anna," Lord Nyberg replied pleasantly. "I heard from his majesty that you arrived yesterday. He told me how you unselfishly volunteered to be a nurse in Warsaw these many months. I must admit, I was astonished to have heard such a thing."
Anna frowned slightly. Most people of her class reacted the same way he did. It was like helping other people was something inappropriate for a princess. She was about to open her mouth and correct his perception but he went on.
"Your charity is admirable your highness. I am deeply moved by your kindness to our men in the front. To hear you tirelessly work for the care of others warms my heart and offers some sparks of hope in these bleak days ahead of us."
Anna immediately felt some kinship with the man. He seemed to be the first person she has met all night that had an inkling of the losses they had in this war. She noticed that he wore a black broach on his lapel, a symbol of mourning. She realized this man must have lost someone too.
"I'm sorry I can't help but notice that you are wearing a mourning pin sire. I offer condolences," she said sincerely.
The man nodded solemnly. "The condolences are mutual between us I suppose. I have lost a good friend and you, a brother-in-law."
Anna's reeled with this sudden news. "Knudsvig is dead?!" She didn't exactly know how to feel about that. Certainly, someone's death is not something to rejoice about but Anna could not but feel relief that her sister would now be free of that horrible man.
Lord Nyberg also seemed startled. "Oh no, no! I am so sorry. I thought you knew! My apologies, your highness. Your sister's husband is alive and well. It's his elder brother and my good friend, Magnus, I'm afraid that we lost two months ago in battle." He shook his head and Anna could see the pain on his expression. "There was never a finer crown prince than Magnus and I'm not just saying that because he was my childhood friend. He was a brave commander in his own right and the people of the Northern Isles adored him. He was everything that was good and worthy of the crown."
Anna could only nod in agreement. She had never personally met Magnus but Elsa regularly corresponded with him and spoke of him with high regard. He was the one who convinced his father to send additional tons of grain when Arendelle was threatened with famine He seemed to be a kindhearted man and so different from his brother Knudsvig.
"It is a sad, sad time for us Northern Islanders," Lord Nyberg continued. "To have lost our prince who had so much promise and to be left with his brother..." He stopped abruptly as he seemed to realize he said something wrong. "Forgive me. I should not have spoken so openly."
Anna shook her head however as she fathomed his meaning. She was well aware how Knudsvig was perceived in Arendelle. She did not doubt he had the same poor reputation in his own country. She remembered well Lord Nyberg's look of shame at Elsa and Knudsvig's wedding.
"You need not fret sire. I understand well," she assured him.
He sighed deeply. "Ahhh Princess, you are most kind and I feel I find in you someone who truly cares. If it's not too much trouble, would you mind if I speak to you in private in the matter regarding Knudsvig and your sister?"
Anna was curious exactly about that for she had so little news from Elsa on how her marriage was faring. She immediately agreed and followed after the Northern Isles ambassador to a quieter corner of the ballroom.
"Princess," he began. "You must know by now our situation in the Northern Isles is quite dire with the loss of Magnus. I hate to speak ill of Knudsvig but as you are family, I am sure you understand. He is not one we look forward to leading us through these troubling times."
"Leading?" Anna almost laughed. Knudsvig couldn't lead anything but a party of gamblers like himself. "Why would he need to lead? And lead what?"
Lord Nyberg seemed puzzled by her question. "Why the Northern Isles of course."
"The Northern Isles?" Anna muttered, still confused.
Lord Nyberg heaved a sigh. "Our good King Charles, bless him, still lives. However, he is getting on in years. He had been planning to recall Magnus from the front to take over as his regent when news of Magnus' death reached him. I can tell you the loss of his son devastated him and contributed even more to his ill health. It has likewise sent our country into panic unlike anything in our history. That fear stems from Knudsvig becoming the next king."
"The next king?" Anna repeated as the implication of those words hit her in full force. If Elsa's father-in-law dies, she becomes Queen of the Northern Isles!
Lord Nyberg looked at her carefully. "I think you understand now the cause for concern. You must be aware that Knudsvig is not viewed kindly by the people of the Northern Isles. His reputation as a gambler and a wastrel has been common knowledge for years. Should he ascend as king, he will find little love or support to his reign. I fear his own generals may take it upon themselves to unseat him even before he is crowned."
Anna's heart clenched fearfully. If the people in the Northern Isles hate Knudsvig so much, would that hate cross over to Elsa too? Would she be placed in danger as well? Will Arendelle be forced to go to war if Elsa stands by Knudsvig's side?
Lord Nyberg offered a comforting hand as he eyed her with concern. "I see I have upset you. I beg your pardon, your highness for bringing unpleasantness on this eve, but it is something that I must speak of. I am a loyal son of the Northern Isles and to its royal family. I will die to defend its crown and prevent it from ruin. We are in the brink of a possible civil war, but the good news is we have time in our hands and a means to avert such disasters. You princess, may be able to help me."
"I? Help you?" Anna asked. "How?"
"You have your sister's ear and her affection. If you can explain to her the situation, then she will listen."
"I'll do what I can," Anna said hesitantly. "But what do you want me to ask her?"
Lord Nyberg swallowed hard as if what he was about to say was of a delicate matter. He stared at her slowly then spoke. "She must have a son with Knudsvig. The sooner, the better."
Anna had known that Elsa was being pressured to produce an heir, but it was only now she fully realized the importance of that matter to the Northern Isles. "I can speak to Elsa, but no one can be certain she'll have a son."
"Please," Lord Nyberg pleaded. "Ask her to try. It is no secret theirs is a marriage that is less than ideal and your sister has had to endure unthinkable humiliation with Knudsvig's ill treatment of her—"
"Knudsvig's been hurting her?" Anna blurted indignantly. She balled her fists in anger. How dare he? If he hurt my sister, I'm breaking his face!
Lord Nyberg nodded sadly. "I suppose you have not yet heard but I've received regular reports from Arendelle from our own channels. He hasn't hurt her physically. No, he would never had the opportunity or the courage to do that with her powers. However, Knudsvig's abuse of your sister is a more subtle kind but just as cruel. He returned to Arendelle Castle several months ago on orders of his father. However, he did so in the company of several of his friends who had the same ill repute as he. They turned one wing of the castle into their own gambling den for several days. Queen Elsa had to turn half the castle into an icebox just to get them to leave."
Serves them right for besmirching my home! I hope Elsa turned them all into popsicles.
"It did not end there. They may have evacuated from the castle but Knudsvig simply moved his gaming house into another building nearby. Even worst, he brought his mistress with him and shamelessly flaunted her in public without regard to Queen Elsa's feelings."
That bastard!
"Since he became heir apparent, Knudsvig has been receiving his own generous pension from the Northern Isles coffers and no longer relies on the Arendellian stipend. That gives him the opportunity for more mischief. He's been buying out Arendellian courtiers to his side, men who had previously lost favor with your sister. I'm afraid they've been spreading rumors."
I bet they did. "What kind of rumors?" Anna seethed.
Lord Nyberg shook his head. "Terrible lies Princess. I will not dare repeat them in detail as they are not decent for me to say. However, the gist of it is Knudsvig is claiming Queen Elsa is a frigid woman he blames for their childlessness. He brags that he already sired two sons with his mistress so he must not be at fault in this marriage. But I and many others in the Northern Isles court know the truth. He is afraid to be near your sister. He is a coward who is not even willing to speak to her face to face so he defames her in public to hide his shortcomings."
"Then there isn't a reason for Elsa to stay in this marriage any longer!" Anna exclaimed. "He has been unfaithful to her and he treats her ill. It's about time they separated!"
Lord Nyberg eyed her with alarm. "Princess please. I understand you are concerned but you must not speak so hastily. Knudsvig is doing all this precisely to provoke Queen Elsa to file a divorce so he can marry his vulgar mistress. While his father lives, he will never be allowed to pursue that recourse and only Queen Elsa can force them to separate. However, a divorce will not be in her best interests either. Believe me when I say that Knudsvig will make this ugly for her should it come to that. He will stop at nothing to make sure she will be blamed for this failure of a marriage. He is already calling her a witch. Imagine what else he will say if they must meet in a courtroom to dissolve their marriage. He will destroy her reputation that she can never hope to marry again."
"But what else should Elsa do? I will not let my sister be abused!"
"I can perhaps be of some assistance, Princess. We can help each other."
"In what way?" Anna asked.
"Knudsvig will send the Northern Isles to ruin if he takes the throne but your sister, Queen Elsa can save it. She cannot rule of course, as our law states only the male bloodline of the royal family can inherit the crown. However, she can be regent on behalf of her son in his minority."
"So she needs to have a son with Knudsvig." Anna said distastefully as she shuddered at what that meant for Elsa. "We already spoke of that. How is she going to be regent if Knudsvig is..." She stopped as he realized what Lord Nyberg is proposing. "You do not mean to kill Knudsvig...?"
Lord Nyberg shook his head. "Not so drastic as that I hope. He is still a member of the royal family I swore to protect so I will do what I can to spare his life. However, he can be stripped of power. If the people of the Northern Isles will not accept Knudsvig as their king, the council of Lords that I belong to can demand for his abdication or our military can restrain him and send him to exile to prevent a possible uprising. There are many ways we can remove him from influence without resorting to death. Once he is out of the way, I will personally endorse your sister as regent."
Anna reeled at the implications. This man was offering her sister the opportunity to rule two kingdoms if she was willing to put up with her abusive husband. If it were up to Anna, she would just say no to Lord Nyberg and let him deal with his own country's problems. Then she would punch Knudsvig so hard he can never speak ill of Elsa again or perhaps set Marshmallow on him for a few days until he left Elsa alone. However, Anna knew her sister would just remind her of the diplomatic consequences of punching it out or sending snow monsters on the rampage so she held her tongue. Besides, she wasn't exactly sure she can trust Lord Nyberg just yet. He could be setting Elsa into a trap too.
"I cannot speak for my sister. She alone can decide on this matter," Anna replied carefully.
"I completely understand. All I ask is you speak to her of what I proposed and help her consider this carefully. I am always open to speak to her again at length. She only needs to send word through Lord Svenson, our ambassador to Arendelle and my own nephew."
Anna nodded. She remembered Lord Svenson. He was that young handsome ambassador that had been quite visible at court since Elsa was married. He was always pleasant in his manner. Charming, Anna would admit and seemed eager to please. Many of the Arendellian servants liked him immensely. Even Elsa struck an easy friendship with him. However, Anna never really hit it off with him despite his being properly engaging. She reminded him too much of Hans when they first met and somehow that made her wary of him.
"I will speak to her," Anna replied.
"That is all that I can hope for. You have my thanks. Please let Queen Elsa know I and the people of the Northern Isles do not take this matter lightly and we offer this as we see her as our best hope against certain ruin. She will have the gratitude of hundreds of souls if she decides to take up this challenge."
"I will let her know." Anna said evenly though the man's last words unnerved her. Fortunately, Lord Nyberg expressed his thanks once more and bid her leave with a formal bow. He departed to join another group of men and immediately blended back into the busy ballroom. Anna remained where she was and pondered the man's words.
Hundreds of souls in Elsa's hands! Elsa shouldn't have to bear another burden like this on top of suffering Knudsvig until she gives him a child. Oh what a mess I got Elsa in. She shouldn't even be involved with Knudsvig if it weren't for me. Oh poor Elsa. How can I help her?
She looked up just as the crowd parted before her and Hans appeared. He immediately met her gaze and hurried over to her before he can get sidetracked again.
"You've been a wallflower all night. Is there something wrong?" he greeted.
Anna considered saying nothing about it for a moment but her expression gave her away. Hans immediately looked concerned and took her hands in his. "I saw you speaking to the Northern Isles ambassador. Something's wrong! Please tell me."
His concern was so open and the heaviness in her heart was so much that Anna relented to his gaze. Surely Hans will understand. His unhappy childhood was brought about by a horrible marriage too. Maybe he'll know how to help Elsa or at least give a better advice how to get Elsa out of this situation.
"Can we go somewhere quieter?" she asked.
Hans nodded and led her to an empty balcony where they wouldn't be overheard. Once there, Anna told Hans everything Lord Nyberg spoke to her about Elsa's condition. He said nothing as she ranted about Knudsvig's horrible behavior. He merely nodded with encouragement as she let off everything in her chest.
"What should I do, Hans? Elsa shouldn't have to go through this? She's already suffered so much. Isn't there just a way to break her marriage by offering Knudsvig something else?"
Hans pulled his hand from her grasp and looked away. It took him a moment to respond. "I think she should consider Lord Nyberg's proposal. It's her best option."
"Best option?" Anna gasped. She expected Hans would have thought of some wild idea to get Elsa out but just agreeing to the Northern Isles' ambassador was something she did not expect. "Let my sister stay with Knudsvig so she can gain another burden of ruling another kingdom? I've seen how hard she works just ruling Arendelle. It's no picnic ruling a kingdom. You expect her to rule another while trapped into an insufferable marriage? Hans, don't you think Elsa deserves to be happy?"
"Of course I do," he said sullenly. He walked away towards the edge of the balcony with his back to her. He stared out into the starry night sky. "Maybe... this is the way she can be happy. She doesn't need to put up with Knudsvig forever as Lord Nyberg said."
"But she'll remain married to him," Anna huffed. "She'll never have love the same as I have with Kristoff."
"It doesn't have to be with someone she's married to," Hans said so softly that Anna almost didn't hear it.
"What do you mean?" she asked as she approached him but he didn't turn to meet her.
"I mean..." Hans went on, haltingly as if he was exerting an effort just getting the words out. "Love appears in so many ways. You showed me that. Maybe... she could find love with her own child if she had one. She already has it with you, your children, your people, friends..."
Anna realized he had a point. Love comes in so many forms with different people. She ought to know. It was their sisterly bond that saved them from each other. She, from an icy death and Elsa from continued isolation.
And yet it still feels like I've cheated Elsa out of her chance for a romance of her own.
"So you think Elsa just isn't fated to find her true love in a romantic partner?" Anna asked sullenly. "I suppose it doesn't mean her life would be less fulfilling if she never found a man to love her the way she deserves."
"Perhaps," the word rolled off Hans uneasily. His gaze remained on the moonlit sky.
"Colonel Jorgenjorgen?" a man's voice called out. They both turned to find a liveried servant. He bowed respectfully when he saw Anna. "Pardon me your highness. I didn't know you were here. I was looking for the Colonel."
"What is it?" Hans asked.
"A message has arrived for you Sir," replied the servant. "The man who brought it insisted you must receive it immediately. A matter of importance, he said, but no reply is required." He held out a silver tray where a single sealed envelope lay.
Hans took it and thanked the man, effectively dismissing him. He glanced at the envelope then quickly tucked it safely into his coat pocket.
"Aren't you going to read it?" Anna asked.
"It's just from Holford, I can read it later. I think they're about to begin the toast to the New Year. We should head back."
Anna's interest was definitely intrigued as she recalled Hans' words to Holford to send word to him if Holford had accomplished what Hans set him to do. This may be Holford's answer.
"The man said it was important," Anna hinted.
"It can wait a few minutes... or a year," he chuckled lightly. "The countdown is about to begin. Let's not miss the opportunity to say goodbye to the sorrows of 1812 and look forward to the next year, shall we?"
Hans led her by the arm back into the center of the ballroom where King Frederick stood with one hand on a champagne glass and another on his pocket watch. He was giving a speech about the end of a trying year and the promise of a better life in 1813.
A servant passed by bearing drinks. Hans grabbed two flutes and handed Anna one. The Danish king asked everyone to raise their glasses and the guests all followed after him. Anna joined in just as her uncle declared 1813 officially started and the orchestra dramatically played a lively tune.
"Happy New Year," Anna whispered to Hans though she felt little reason to celebrate. She barely heard Hans greet her back before she was swept up in a wave of greetings from various guests. It went on for quite some time that she lost track of Hans completely.
The exploding sound of fireworks caught the attention of the guests and drew them to the windows and balconies where they can view the visual spectacle. Anna followed them and allowed herself to watch the fireworks for several minutes. The colors here were spectacular but they still pale in comparison to Elsa's iceworks during the holiday season.
I miss you Elsa. I'll be home with you and the twins soon. Maybe Kristoff is already there just waiting for me. You just couldn't get a message to tell me the good news yet. When I come home, I'll help you deal with Knudsvig. I won't let him hurt you. I'll find a way to give you your own true love.
She scanned the room as she tried to picture her sister happily celebrating on a night like this in the arm of a loving man still unknown. However, as she did, her gaze settled on a familiar redhead who stood by an empty window away from the crowd. He alone among the guests was not enjoying the fireworks. His head was bent intently over a piece of paper in his hands.
Anna watched him as a worried frown creased his brows. A flash from the last of the fireworks momentarily lit the back of his head, making his hair shine like gold for a split second. When it was gone, his frown disappeared too, replaced by an easy smile: charming, confident and seemingly without a care in the world. Caroline passed by him and was the first to notice his beaming countenance. She giggled a Happy New Year greeting at him and he was quick to respond with a gallant kiss on her hand.
Anna felt an unexplainable dread at the pit of her stomach as she watched Hans and Caroline walked away arm-in-arm and melted back onto the crowd of guests decked in Parisian high fashion.
Author's Note: The Princess Caroline I mentioned here is a real historical princess. She is the eldest and daughter of King Frederick VI of Denmark-Norway. She and her sister Vilhelmine were the only two children of King Frederick who survived into adulthood as none of his sons lived past infancy. Amalienborg Palace was one of the official residences of the Danish royal family during the Napoleonic wars and one used for entertaining guests so it made sense to set this chapter here.
I want to thank you all for patiently waiting for my updates. I've been a little slow lately as I wanted to make sure I get some details right before I posted it. I appreciate all the reviews and the theories you've put out and some of you are hitting quite close to the mark of how this will turn out but I'll wait a bit to reveal that in a few chapters. I think I've cleared up some of your questions on Elsa's situation. She is unfortunately, still stuck in a terrible marriage and it's about to get even more complicated with the new political situation Elsa is forced to confront.