Chapter 6

So this is Arendelle, Kresta thought as she looked out over the city. It's… smaller than I would have expected.

Still, she had to admit that it was a quaint little city with a certain charm. Nestled into the base of its fjord with a substantial harbor, it had numerous homes clustered around the bay with others dotting the far hillside. She suspected that it looked even more impressive when the mountains above were visible but on this morning a heavy fog had rolled down the valley, staying well above the water while still collecting around the peaks. And, while the city itself was small, she had to admit the castle itself was quite imposing. With numerous towers and soaring spires, the little island it squatted upon seemed all but impregnable. More impressive still was the main keep, a towering fortress whose peak reached even higher than most of the buildings in Maneva.

While most of the ships in the harbor were flying the flag of Arendelle numerous other ships could be seen moored around the bay with other colors ranging from the golden sun of Corona to the sapphire cross of the Southern Islands. In fact, it looked like they were one of the last parties to arrive. She even noticed a solitary ship along the pier bearing the crimson lion of Ildonen.

Her eyes hardened and her mouth twisted into a sneer as a deep-seated resentment rose within her at the sight of the scarlet symbol. Why would they even bother inviting those barbarians? Kresta thought bitterly, her hands curling into fists. As though they have any business being here. That Arendelle would send them an invitation to attend the princess's wedding only served to feed her mounting anger, but then they had an entire sea between them so they didn't have to deal with such foul neighbors.

Approaching footsteps across the deck announced her brother's presence before he stepped up beside her, also looking out over the water. Though Zach looked considerably better than when they'd been out at sea he was still a sickly and the sooner he got off the ship the better. He seemed to be thinking the same thing as he said, "Finally, we're here. We can get off this accursed ship and back onto some solid ground."

"It got you across the sea in one piece, didn't it?" she replied with a smirk.

"Yes, but I had to leave half of my stomach in the ocean on the way here. Besides, it will be so nice to sleep in a bed that doesn't move again."

"Yeah," Kresta offered noncommittally, not paying him any heed. Though she'd heard every word she wasn't really listening as her focus was still on the Ildonian ship. As such it took a minute or two for her to notice that Zach was watching her with a suspicious look on his face. Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, returning the look.

All she got in response was a weary sigh as he shook his head and looked back at the harbor before saying, "What is it?"

"What's what?" What're you getting at, brother?

He didn't reply right away, instead staring off into space with a stern expression. Just when she was about to ask again, though, he spoke. "I've known you for your entire life, Kresta. I think I can tell when you're ignoring me." He glanced over at her and frowned. "Question is, why are you ignoring me?"

Zach always did have a knack for knowing when something was wrong. They were twins, after all, so instead of denying it and pretending like everything was alright she simply gave a sigh of her own. "Fine. You want to know why?"Kresta nodded at the offending vessel. "That's why."

Following her gaze, he had nearly the same reaction she did when first seeing the ship. His expression sharpened into a scowl of pure contempt and his voice dropped to a growl as he muttered, "Oh. Them." However, unlike her he took a steadying breath and his face quickly became neutral once again as though he was pretending there was nothing out of the ordinary. "Well, it looks like everyone else is here so why not them?"

"You know perfectly well why not them," Kresta hissed.

Letting out another sigh, Zach looked down at the deck and shook his head. "Please don't go starting anything."

"That's just it! We never start it!" Before she could continue she bit back the retort. Memories were beginning to stir an old hatred within her but that didn't mean she had to yell at her brother. He wasn't at fault for what they did. So, instead, she shoved the anger back down and continued as calmly as she could. "They always do. We're just the ones who have to clean up their mess."

"Still, we're here to attend a wedding. Not to reignite an old feud. So promise me you won't go looking for a fight."

And, just like that, she felt another twinge of anger. Kresta knew he wasn't talking down to her but she couldn't help saying, "I'm not a child you can just boss around, Zachariah."

Normally Zach would have shot back with his own slight and they would have argued, as all siblings do, but not this time. Instead he simply gave her a sad smile. "I know you're not. But the last thing we need is for you to cause unnecessary friction between our two nations. Just think about how hard Victor has worked to keep the peace."

Victor would agree with me, she thought, but her frustration was beginning to recede. Even though he hated Ildonen even more than she did, her older brother was still doing everything he could so that their kingdoms could coexist. In fact, they were even experiencing a prolonged period of peace. And if he could tolerate their filth then she would have to as well.

"Fine. I'll play nice." She gave the ship one last glare. "But only so long as they do."

"Thank you. Now, let's get off this bloody ship." With that he turned and strode towards the other side of the ship and, after a pause, Kresta followed suite.

As they had conversed their ship had crossed the fjord and was steering into the harbor, making for a berth along the wharf. Already the crew was preparing to dock, hurrying all around the deck as they walked by with the captain standing in the center bellowing orders. "Prepare to douse canvas and drop the anchor, gentlemen! I want those barrels secured before we dock, Mr. Hadley! And Mr. Reevis, see to her highness's luggage! If any of them are so much as scuffed it will be your head!"

Ignoring all of them, Kresta stopped by the far railing and watched as the city slowly drifted by. Though it was only midmorning numerous people were already out and about, milling in the market place and the harbor. A few even noticed her ship, pointing at it while taking to one another. It had taken a while, but they were finally here. Now all there was was for her not to start a war and for Zach to woe a queen. Simple.

"Finally, we're here," her brother said as he stood beside her, voicing her thoughts. "No more creaking boats and rolling seas. Just warm feather beds."

"Still think Elsa will remember you?" she asked, smirking.

"That depends. Still think your fire mage is real?"

Her smirk grew into a grin when she glanced over and saw that he had the exact same expression. "I guess that's a yes for both of us then."

He returned the grin with a nod before heading towards the ramp that had just been placed down to the dock. "Let's not keep them waiting."

Following close behind, Kresta was going to remark on how eager he seemed, but before she could her smile faded. There was something she had to say first. "Real quick, sorry about my anger earlier," she sighed as they walked down the ramp. "It was uncalled for. It's just that, after all they've done to us…"

"Hey, it's fine," he replied, cutting her off before she could continue. "If someone told me there was anything but bad blood between our households I would call them a liar. That said, there's no sense in letting our rage get the better of us and stooping to their level."

She was going to respond with another smile when she noticed a man standing at the base of the ramp, watching them closely. As soon as she looked at him he gave them both a friendly smile followed by a bow and said, "Prince Zachariah, Princess Kresta. On behalf of the queen allow me to be the first to welcome you to Arendelle. If you would, please follow me to the castle. Her majesty is expecting you." With that, he turned and started walking down the pier.

"What about our belongings?" Zach called after him quizzically.

"Someone will be along shortly to take them up for you," he replied, barely pausing. "Don't worry, they will be waiting for you in the chambers you are provided with. However, time is short so I'm afraid I must insist that we do not delay."

After exchanging a glance with her brother, Kresta shrugged. "Very well, lead the way." To Zach she muttered, "Let's go pay our respects to the queen."