Chapter 4

Dawn normally arrived in Arendelle like a thief, quietly sneaking its way in. But not today. The sun, normally bright on the eastern horizon at this time of day, was powerless to penetrate the thick clouds, high winds and heavy blowing snow. It was a perfect day for families to stay inside and enjoy the time together. And in the palace, the scene was no different. Rather than risk the safety of her staff, Queen Elsa had declared a palace snow day, allowing palace staff whose duties had them working outside to stay in with their families. And while they were all grateful for their queen's kindness, none were more grateful than Anna.

"I'm so glad Elsa called this snow day." Anna said to Kristoff as they walked to the dining hall for breakfast. "The thought of you out in this storm just scares the stars out of me."

From across the table, Kristoff gave her a strange look and replied, "You do remember that I used to harvest ice, right? We used to work right through storms like this."

"I know." She replied. "But you weren't my fiancé then."

Kristoff started to reply, then bit his lip as he remembered some advice from an old ice harvester long ago. 'If the little woman ain't happy, you ain't happy.' So instead, he just smiled at her. They didn't say much more after that, continuing down the hall hand in hand.

"Hey Guys!" a familiar voice called out from behind them. Turning around, they immediately recognized the lumbering form approaching.

"Olaf!" Anna called out pleasantly. "Long time no see!"

Kristoff added, "Where you been, snowflake?"

"Up at the ice palace." Olaf replied.

Anna gave a quizzical look. "What were you doing up there?'

Olaf smiled. "Visiting my big brother. He gets a little lonely up there by himself."

"Um…didn't Elsa make you before she made Marshmallow?" Kristoff asked.

Olaf held his hands out in front of him and replied "Hey. Do YOU want to argue with him?"

"He's got you there!" Anna giggled, lightly slapping Kristoffs arm.

As they entered the dining hall, Anna noticed immediately that something wasn't right. The table was set, and the attendants were waiting to serve, but all of the chairs were empty. Where was Elsa? Anna knew she was awake, but her plate hadn't been touched. And she never missed breakfast. Maybe she had something urgent to deal with. Was it bad? Did she need Anna's help? Anna's mind raced from one thought to the next, until Kristoff snapped her back to the moment.

"Are we just gonna stand here staring at the table or are we going to eat?"

Anna shook her head and replied. "Oh! Right. Sorry. Just wondering where Elsa is. She's normally here by now."

Kristoff chuckled. "Honey, she's the queen. If she wants to be a bit late for breakfast, that's her call."

"I know." Anna shrugged. "I just worry about her, that's all."

"I'm sure all is well." Olaf reassured as Anna and Kristoff sat down. "She's probably out in the courtyard. You know how she loves snowy days."

The attendants served them breakfast. As they ate, they discussed what to do with their day off. Ideas bounced back and forth, with Olaf adding his thoughts now and then. Until Elsa and Victor came into the room, looking rather upset. Anna picked up on her sister's frustration right away and stood.

"Is something wrong, Elsa?"

Elsa groaned. "Some fool left the shutters in the furnace room open last night. The storm filled most of the shop with 3 feet of snow."

"Elsa got all the snow out," Victor added, "but everything is either soaked or frozen. It's a total mess down there."

Olaf commented, "Oh! Boy was I wrong."

As they joined Anna and Kristoff at the table, Elsa continued. "Luckily furnace 6 was at the far end of the room and stayed lit. The rest were drowned out. The foreman says it'll take all day just to dry them out."

"Sounds like another job for Princess Match!" Anna stated, running for the door before anyone could stop her. "Be right back!"

As Anna left, Victor suddenly realized something. That Olaf was a living, breathing snowman. As unusual as this was to him however, he kept his charming demeanor. Turning to Olaf, he commented, "I don't believe we've been introduced."

"Oh! I'm sorry!" Elsa piped. "Olaf, this is Prince Victor of Zalaria. An old friend from long ago. Victor, this is our royal advisor Olaf."

The two shook hands pleasantly, then Victor commented, "I must admit, you're not like any advisor I've met before."

"That's ok." Olaf smiled. "You're not like any prince I've ever met before."

Elsa's face went red. Kristoff tried not to snicker, but failed. Victor however sat up smiling and said, "Oh I like this little guy. He's got a quick wit."

As the attendants brought Elsa and Victor their meals, Kristoff questioned suspiciously, "Victor, how did you end up involved in this situation?" Elsa shot him a dirty look, to which he replied, "Just curious!"

Victor smiled. "Easy, traderman. I was up early and heading for the shop to work on my flyer. Elsa ran into me in the hall, literally. Knocked my flat on my backside. I tell you, this girl can run." He paused for a drink. "Anyways, when she told me of the emergency I offered my assistance."

"Oh." Kristoff replied sheepishly.

Elsa scowled at Kristoff. "Not that it's any of your concern."

"Whoa! Warm up a bit there, Icy!" Victor interjected. "He's your family, or at least will be. And you're his Queen. Of course he's gonna be watching out for you. Especially with a rogue like me roaming around the castle."

Victors charming smile disarmed Elsa's anger. "You're right Vikee."

Turning to Kristoff, Elsa said pleasantly, "Sorry for snapping at you. I guess I have to accept that you'll probably be as overbearing as my sister regarding my well-being."

Kristoff smiled in return. "Well…maybe not AS bad as Anna. She's set a pretty high bar for that!"

The 4 friends broke out laughing just as Anna returned from lighting the furnaces.

"Did I miss something?" she asked.

The storm raged on outside, trying its best to force its way through any crack or opening in the castle walls. Inside however, no-one seemed to notice, thanks in part to the workers maintaining the furnaces. But the main reason was the good company they kept. Nothing warmed the soul better than a good friend. And Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Victor were no exceptions. It would have been a good time for Victor to be working on his flyer, but the 4 friends instead spent the day sharing stories and playing games, just like Anna, Elsa and Victor did long ago. Kristoff told tales of his life as an ice harvester. Anna shared stories her mother told her when she was very young. Victor drew pictures as he told of his many amazing inventions. And Elsa shared her adventures in ruling Arendelle, even if they weren't as interesting as the stories the others told. They challenged each other to different games. Elsa and Anna went head to head with checkers while Kristoff and Victor placed wagers on darts, which cost Kristoff a barrel of ale. There were many laughs had by all. But there was one thing Anna did notice.

"Elsa, are you there?"

Elsa sighed as she watched Victor throw darts, then Anna's question snapped her back.

"Oh! Right! Is it my turn?'

Anna grinned. "Care to tell me where you've been?"

"What do you mean?" Elsa asked as she moved her piece.

"Don't give me that." Anna replied. "You've got a thing for Victor."

Elsa suddenly sat straight up. "WHAT?! No, of course not! Stop being silly!" She then glanced over at Victor, who was talking Kristoff into another bet, then turned back to Anna.

Anna propped her head in her hands. "Mmm Hmm."

Elsa slumped in her chair and conceded. "Is it that obvious?"

"What's the big deal, Elsa?" Anna asked. "He's very good looking, fun to be around, very smart, and technically royalty. And there's also the biggest point."

"Which is?" Elsa asked.

Anna smiled. "You're both single."

Elsa sighed. "I wish it was that simple."

"Why isn't it?"

Elsa thought a moment. "It's hard to explain. I am attracted to him…"

"I can tell." Anna quipped.

"But even though he is a prince, he's so… common."

Anna sat up in her chair. "Careful Elsa. My fiancé is, well was, a commoner."

"I don't mean that the way it sounds." Elsa pleaded. "Look. It's considered acceptable for a princess to choose a commoner for a husband. But a queen can only couple with royalty. Victor may have royal blood, but beyond that he is as far from a prince as one can be. It couldn't possibly work between us."

"That's a load of cow manure!" Anna gripped. "What fool told you that?"

Elsa glared at her sister. "Our father."

"Oh." Anna replied, sinking in her chair. "But I still don't agree. True love has nothing to do with status. It's how he makes you feel inside that matters."

"I only wish that were true." Elsa replied sadly.

"Hey, Royal ladies!" Kristoff hollered. "Either of you want to take over here. Victor is bleeding me dry."

Anna looked to Elsa, who simply gave a nod.

"I'm in!" Anna called out. "Hope you're ready to have your butt handed to you, Vic."

Victor laughed out loud. "Ho ho! Looking to restore your hubbys honor?"

"Bring it, sweetie!"