"It's gorgeous," Mara breathed, brushing her hand over the fabric.

The ambassador leaned against the wall of the workshop, his smile slowly growing at the girl's excitement.

Elsa pulled a corner of the dress over the fabric. "I can't tell the difference."

"The weave is tighter. There's probably been some improvement in technology. Though you're correct, they're almost indistinguishable."

"Can you have the dress ready for the wedding?"

"I'll have it ready for fitting in a week, a week in a half at the latest."

"Perfect. Tell me if you need anything else." Elsa turned to the ambassador, "shall we go to my office upstairs?"

"It would be my pleasure." His bow was too low to be polite.

Elsa gave Mara a parting nod, before turning her full attention to the ambassador. He had the sideburns and long face that marked everyone from Southern Isles. His thins lips peeled away from his teeth to reveal a crocodile grin. Occasionally he'd make an attempt to school his expression into something more professional, but he was too excited by that day's events to maintain his political exterior.

Elsa gestured him into her office. Unlike either her bedroom or the library, she only used the office for meeting others. Because of this it was by far the neatest room in the castle. The desk only had an inkwell, a quill and a few loose sheets of parchment. The books by the window were meticulously ordered by chronology and subject. The room was clean and sterile and Elsa hated it.

"Would you take a seat?" Elsa offered him the stiff backed chair in front of the desk.

"Thank you. I believe the silk pleased you?"

"It was beautiful. How do you make it?"

"The process is unimportant; leave the details to the craftsmen. They produce such fineries in large quantities, enough that we're practically over run. But of course," he added quickly. "There are many people who are eager to purchase such beautiful cloth. It is in high demand."

"I'm glad the Southern Isles is prospering. You've been blessed with many trade partners."

"We were so unfortunate to lose one not two years ago."

"We still trade with you."

"A ship or two a year, that's nothing compared to the onslaught of riches that our kingdoms used to share."

"You know why we cut of trade."

"Yes, the errant prince." The ambassador dismissed Hans attempted homicide. "He was a foolish child and the king has reprimanded his son many times. Surely you shouldn't continue to punish both our kingdoms for the actions of one man."

Elsa nibbled on the inside of her cheek. He was right. Hans had been acting alone without the knowledge of the king or any of his family. Still he'd tried to kill both her and Anna, it felt wrong to ignore an offense like that. His father might have hit his hand, but he'd never been brought to trial. Elsa didn't want to reward the king for letting his son get away unscathed. Either way, the matter was challenging and Elsa needed more time to think.

"This is such a challenging matter. I really don't like impersonal communication for something as important as this."

"I assure you I speak for the king in all matters."

"I'd like to talk about this further. I believe the second brother, Niels, is coming. We can talk further then."

The ambassador gritted his teeth. "Excellent, I'll inform the king."

"No need, I'll write him myself." Somehow Elsa didn't trust the ambassador's interpretation of events. "I'll start it immediately. You're excused."

He stood and gave a half bow, nowhere as formal as the first, and marched out of the room. Elsa pulled a piece of parchment towards her and dipped the quill. She would need to send the letter out by the next day if it was going to get to the Southern Isles in time. Even then, it was doubtful it would arrive before the prince left. Still, it was courtesy to inform the king.

Look at you being all forgiving. What a good little queen.

Elsa started. A thin man lounged in the chair across from her, examining his spider-like hands. Though he consisted mostly of smoke, Elsa could see hints of features.

"Are you my shadow?"

He laughed. You could call me that.

Elsa's heart raced, but she tried to stay calm. "I haven't seen you in a while."

Did you feel lonely? I just got so busy. Don't worry, it's all for you.

"What are you talking about?"

I can't tell you that would spoil the fun.

"Then I won't ask."

I'm glad you've stopped pretending I'm not real.

Elsa didn't answer.

I see how it is. I'll leave to your writing, but only because I've found someone much more fun than you.

Elsa pitied them.

…..

The queen swept into the room and addressed Stick, "so you're the instructor. I'm surprised you know how to dance."

"I make sure to educate myself in anything that could help your majesties."

"I'm honored by your dedication, but I'm afraid you've encountered an impossible task." Her eyes flitted to Jack and her lip twitched. "So you're the dance partner my sister mentioned."

Jack gave his goofy bow, "I too live to serve. Though I'm afraid I'm only educated in matters of amusement."

"Then I'm afraid you're not much use to me. Hopefully you'll be a suitable partner nonetheless. What dance shall we be starting with?"

"The waltz."

Jack tried to hide his groan. It wouldn't do to have Elsa see his boredom. He had to project fun and amusement. "I love the waltz!"

Stick gave him a suspicious look, "I'm sure you'll discover it's more enjoyable with a partner. Come closer now." He gestured Jack and Elsa together. "Your hand on her waist. Hold his shoulder and both clasp hands. Perfect. I'll give you a song to dance to and after that we can work on technique."

He turned on the music and Jack began to step. Jack had noticed the queen's beauty before, but now, this close; it suddenly struck him how delicate she looked. Her clothes, though unrevealing, accented her elegance. His hand fluttered by her side, unsure how he should be grabbing her. He glanced at her face to see if she was having any of the same troubles, but her gaze was vacant. She was bored. She though dancing with him was boring. That simply couldn't happen.

He coughed, and she started, finally focusing on him. "Have you ever seen Stick laugh?"

"Beg pardon?"

Oops. "Have you ever seen Nelson laugh?"

She thought for a moment. "I don't think he does laugh. I'm not sure it's possible."

"He laughed just a few days ago."

"What happened?" Her eyes had lit up; she was interested.

"I told him I wanted to try Halling."

"Of course he laughed."

"What do you mean of course?"

"Well, I mean this in the best way, but you don't seem particularly strong."

"I have no idea what you're talking about. This uniform is unflattering; under this I'm all muscle."

"That would be rather unhealthy."

Jack stared at her. Was that a joke? It wasn't very funny, but the queen didn't seem like she tried humor often. Whatever it was, it was a step.

"No matter what you say, I am a perfect specimen of human health. I'm fully capable of doing the Halling."

"Tell you what, if you can get Nelson to laugh, in front of me, I'll ask him to teach us the Halling."

"Us?"

"I might as well try it, besides I don't think you'll succeed."

"Prepare to be amazed. Hey St-Nelson!"

Stick turned off the music, "I'm curious, what's important enough to interrupt your lesson?"

"What's a pirates favorite letter?"

"You've got to be kidding me."

"It's Arrr. Get it? Arrr."

Elsa burst out laughing. "I can't believe that was the best joke you could come up with."

Jack blushed. "I was under pressure." The joke had been pathetic, but for some reason, he was still satisfied.