The reception has now been in full swing for many hours.
Everyone has been gathered in the ballroom, dancing the night away to lavish melodies, enjoying delectable refreshments, and mingling to one another about the day's events and other such interesting topics.
Originally, the reception was planned to take place in the village square immediately following the ceremony.
We were going to remove the platform and clear away the seating arrangements.
It was going to be a simple affair with common village dances, as this was Anna's desire.
Anna agreed to relocate the reception to the ballroom.
"Why have a ballroom with no balls?" She reasoned.
I am glad to see that Anna does not seem to be downcast at all with this modification. She seems to be quite enjoying herself, as she has been twirling around with Kristoff, dance after dance.
A young man approaches me shyly and requests a dance.
I turn him down, politely, as this is what I have done all night whenever the situation arises.
I do not dance.
I suppose the most significant reason for this decision is that I do not enjoy the closeness necessary for the performance of the activity.
Every time I am touched, the coldness emanated from my body is a reminder of the inadequacy that I am to Arendelle.
Kristoff and Anna stumble off of the dance floor together, laughing like children.
They approach me.
"Oh, Elsa!" Anna exclaims. "I do believe this is the most wonderful night ever! It's as if it has come completely out of a dream!"
I smile at her, "I'm happy you are enjoying it."
"I am!"
She then jabs her finger in the direction of the refreshment table. "Oh, look! There are-"
"Sandwiches!" Kristoff finishes.
They take off together toward the table, laughing once again.
I squirm around in my throne, trying to get comfortable.
I am becoming restless just sitting here and my hands are hurting once again.
I admit to procrastinating, as I know that I should be announcing the news of my departure.
I just need a few more moments.
I rise to my feet, smooth out my skirts, and make my way out of the ballroom.
Nothing sounds better than a few moments alone.
I push open the grand door, just a crack, and slip out unnoticed.
Walking down one of the castle's many halls, I am relieved to be in solitude.
Here, I need not worry about concealing my every move. Here, I may openly display the pain on my face.
My hands shake.
I slip one of the white gloves from my right hand; what I see leaves me gasping for breath.
The frost has bitten all of the flesh up into my palm. The skin affected is blue and translucent as if it were actually ice and not skin at all.
All I can do is stare at it, with eyes wide open. I am horrified beyond words.
"I knew something was up with you." Kristoff's voice comes from behind me.
I whirl around to face him, my horrified expression still upon my face.
"Why did you not tell us, Elsa?"
"I just couldn't." I manage to get out.
"You need to tell, Anna."
"I can't!" I find my voice. "Kristoff, you know I can't do that. If I tell Anna, you know as well as I do that there will be nothing that will stop her from coming with me.
I need you both to stay here to take care of Arendelle."
Kristoff remains silent, a forlorn look in his eyes.
"Please, Kristoff?"
He dips his head solemnly. "Until you shall return."
"If I return."