The Head That Wears the Crown
Chapter Three
Politics
Elsa stood outside the throne room door, knowing she had to enter, she had no choice, but dreading it all the same. A week ago, she would have been nervous, yes, but still confident in her ability to take on her new responsibilities. Now . . . now everything had changed. Everyone knew her secret. Everyone. And her confidence was no longer what it once was.
Elsa had hoped that returning to the palace would restore a sense of normalcy to her life. Now, more than ever, she was finding herself incapable of making decisions. Even matters as trivial as deciding which dress to wear that day sent her into a maelstrom of strife; it had taken her almost an hour that morning to finally choose her clothing, and she only succeeded because her sister had been pounding on the door, reminding her that she had her first meeting with her ministers and she was running extremely late.
For the briefest of moments, Elsa strongly considered turning around, fleeing the palace, returning to her solitary domain on the North Mountain. It would be so easy, she thought. No one would even notice I was gone for several hours. It would be perfect!
What are you talking about? the rational part of her mind snapped back. You are the Queen of Arendelle now! You have responsibilities! You can't run away! So get in that throne room right now and meet with your ministers!
"Right," Elsa whispered. She stared at the door once more. "That's right, Elsa. Nothing stopping you. Just go right on in there." She continued to stand in the hall. "Anytime now."
She heard footsteps from behind her and felt a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Hey," Anna said. "What's going on? Aren't you supposed to be in your meeting right now?"
"Um . . . well . . ." Elsa stammered. "You see, I was just on my way in, when I realized that, um . . . I . . ."
Anna stared at her sister, concerned. "Elsa, what's going on? I've never seen you this nervous before."
"I can't do it, Anna," Elsa's voice was hushed, her tone defeated.
"Can't do what?" Anna asked, even though she already knew what her sister was talking about.
"I can't face them," Elsa said. "I can't handle it. The stares . . . the judging . . ."
"Elsa, it doesn't matter what they think. You're their queen. They have to respect you."
"Anna, it's not that simple," Elsa protested. "I spent years of my life, studying, training, working to learn how to rule a kingdom. No one knew about my curse. No one. Up until coronation day, people respected me because of what I'd accomplished, how hard I'd worked."
"And now?" Anna asked. "What makes you think anything has changed?"
"Oh, Anna, be realistic," Elsa said. "I can practically hear the whispers already. No one is going to believe that I've accomplished anything on my own now that they know what I can do. They'll think I've gotten everywhere in life through threats, through fear."
"No, they won't," Anna replied.
Elsa glared at her sister. "I cursed the kingdom with an unending winter because we had an argument. Do you really think they won't expect me to do far worse?"
"Who cares what they think?!" Anna cried, throwing her hands in the air. "I know you've spent your entire life trying to hide who you are, but everybody knows now. And they also know how you saved the kingdom, how you have controlled your powers and that you're still the same person you were a week ago."
Elsa tried to object, but Anna cut her off. "And if they still can't accept that, that's not your problem. You're the queen. They can deal with it, or they can be out of a job."
Elsa paused, considering Anna's words. "But what if I make the wrong decisions? What if I make mistakes?"
Anna put her arms around Elsa's waist. "You're human. You'll make mistakes. But you'll learn from them. And, if there's one thing I know about you, it's that mistakes will be few and far between. No one expects you to be perfect, Elsa. You shouldn't either. Just be . . . Just be the brave woman I know you are."
Elsa smiled, her sister's words providing a much-needed boost to her confidence. "Okay," she said. "But before I go in there, I need you to do me a favor."
"Of course," Anna replied. "What is it?"
"Come in with me," Elsa said. "Just for today. I could use . . . I could really use your support in there. You don't have to say anything. Just be there for me. Please."
Anna gave Elsa a kiss on the cheek. "Of course. But remember: You're the politician here. I'm just the moral support."
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
Within the throne room, the ministers were beside themselves. It had been more than half an hour since their session was scheduled to begin, and still the queen had not arrived. Such tardiness was unacceptable. Coupled with the fact that many of the ministers were on the record in calling for the queen to be executed for treason within the past week, the mood in the room was sour, to say the least.
Finally, the sergeant-at-arms opened the throne room door and announced to those assembled: "Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elsa, and Her Highness, Princess Anna."
The ministers followed protocol and rose, watching in silence as Elsa and Anna processed arm in arm to the throne. Once the two royals were seated, the ministers took their own seats.
Elsa cleared her throat. "My apologies, gentlemen, for my tardiness this morning. Rest assured, it will not become a habit. I was merely . . . preparing for this morning's agenda."
Chief Minister of State Andersen rose and bowed toward the throne. "Your Majesty," he said. "I believe I speak for my colleagues when I say that we are overjoyed that you are finally here to tend to your duties as Regent of Arendelle. May God grant you all wisdom and understanding to execute your office for the betterment of our people."
"Amen," murmured the assembly.
Elsa bowed her head. "Thank you, Minister," she said. "May your prayer be fulfilled."
"Now, Your Majesty," Andersen continued. "We have pressing matters to discuss regarding the status of our trade agreements. Minister Ingeborgson, if you please."
A younger man, well-groomed, with a thin mustache, rose and approached the throne. "Your Majesty," he said, bowing. "Minister of Trade Ingeborson, at your service."
"Please," Elsa said. "Proceed."
The minister paused for a moment, then continued. "Before I deliver my report, Your Majesty, might I inquire as to the . . . unusual breach of protocol you have elected to commit today."
Andersen shot Ingeborson a warning look, his eyes full of fury, but the younger man ignored him.
"What is he talking about?" whispered Anna, glancing at her sister in confusion.
Elsa took a deep breath. "I presume, Minister, that you speak of the presence of the Princess in the midst of a formal session of state."
A thin smile curled on Ingeborson's lips. "Precisely, Your Majesty. As I am sure you are well aware, it is tradition for only the ruling member of the royal family to be present during these sessions. Even your father, as . . . unorthodox as he could be at times, still respected this tradition. My colleagues and I were merely curious as to why you felt it appropriate to disregard protocol established long ago by our fathers."
Anna was on the verge of exploding. How dare he talk to Elsa like this! Who does he think he is? I'd like to rip that little mustache of his right off his lip and shove it up his nose!
Elsa remained perfectly still, her face the embodiment of calm and reason. Finally, she replied, "If the Minister is finished, I will briefly address this issue." She rose and walked down the steps, stopping directly in front of Ingeborgson. "Princess Anna is next in line to the throne of Arendelle. Should anything happen to me, she needs to be prepared to assume the full responsibilities of this office. I can think of no better way for her to learn than for her to observe these sessions." She moved ever-so-slightly closer toward Ingeborson. "Now, if that is all, Minister, I would be much obliged if you would concentrate on your responsibilities and deliver your report, and leave other matters to those to whom they pertain."
Murmurs swept through the assembly, praising the young queen for her calm and reasonable response. Andersen smiled, casting a knowing glance at Elsa, who returned the gaze in turn.
Humiliated, Ingeborgson bowed before Elsa. "My apologies, Your Majesty," he said. "I meant no disrespect."
Standing, the trade minister began his report. "As you all know, the events of the past week have caused great anxiety amongst our allies in trade. Even our oldest and strongest partners are now hesitant to continue their relationships with us. This is a dangerous time for Arendelle. We must act now to restore their faith in us, or else we risk isolating ourselves from the world and causing irreparable harm to our economy."
Elsa sat in her chair, brow furrowed, pondering this information. "What specifically are they concerned about, Minister?" she asked, although she already knew the answer.
The thin smile returned to Ingeborson's face. "Since Your Majesty has recently . . . elected to reveal a hitherto unknown ability to control the winter elements, our allies fear you may choose to use your powers to extort them into signing modified trade agreements that greatly reduce their profit in our joint ventures."
Andersen interjected. "Their concerns are unjustified. Her Majesty has expressed deep remorse and regret for the incident. It was entirely accidental and shall not happen again."
"And yet," Ingeborson continued, "And yet, the fear remains among our allies that last week's outburst may be just the tip of the iceberg . . . to borrow a phrase."
Anna stood, unable to listen any longer to this assault on her sister's character. "Well, they're wrong!" she shouted. "Elsa would never use her powers to extort anyone! That's just . . . that's just crazy!" She looked about the room, trying to find someone—anyone—to support her. "How can they—"
"Anna!" Elsa whispered, quietly yet forcefully enough that Anna immediately stopped talking.
Ingeborson smiled a very unsettling smile. "Yes, well, while Your Highness may take Her Majesty's word that she will not unleash eternal winter upon those who oppose us, unfortunately, our allies require something a little more . . . substantial in order to rest comfortably."
The members of the assembly began to bicker amongst themselves. Cries of "What can we do?" were heard mingling with others who blamed Elsa for the entire situation.
Anna watched as the ministers continued their incessant arguing. Is this what being queen is like? she thought. Presiding over these grown men acting like little boys! She turned to Elsa. Her sister's eyes were closed, deep in thought, one hand rubbing her temples, desperately trying to drive away the headache that threatened to consume her.
Suddenly, Elsa opened her eyes and rose. "Minister," she said. Immediately, the rabble died down. Elsa had not yelled, had not shouted, had not raised her voice. Rather, she had simply spoken calmly, but with a voice that wielded great authority.
"Minister," Elsa repeated. "It would appear that, given the circumstances, mere words are not sufficient to mend relations with our allies. Rather, more concrete assurances must be given."
Ingeborson was not prepared for how calmly the queen was handling the situation. "And . . . what does Her Majesty propose?" he asked, hoping to rattle her, to loosen her confidence.
Elsa turned to the Minister of Finance. "At last count, we were running a budget surplus, were we not?" she asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty," he replied. "There are more than enough funds available. What is it you propose?"
Elsa turned back to the assembly. "Ministers of Arendelle, we shall restore our allies' confidence in our nation. We shall invite them here for a state dinner and show them that we are committed to peaceful relations."
Andersen smiled. "An excellent idea, Your Majesty. It would be a wonderful opportunity for you to reestablish their trust."
Ingeborson was not satisfied. "And what exactly is it you plan on saying at this dinner to assuage their concerns? Are you going to deny what you are? Or will you simply promise never to use your powers against them? Mere words, Your Majesty. Our allies will not be comforted by words alone. They will want something concrete."
"And they will have it!" Anna said. "Because Elsa isn't going to hide her powers. She's going to demonstrate them for everyone."
The assembly erupted with countless conversations, each minister talking louder and louder to be sure to be heard.
Elsa turned to Anna. "Anna, what are you doing?"
Anna smiled. "Don't worry, it'll be fine." Raising her voice, she proceeded to speak, until the assembly was once again silent. "We're going to throw a winter-themed dinner in the middle of summer. And Elsa is going to use her powers to show everyone that they are safe. We'll put winter decorations all over the palace. Elsa can make ice sculptures and an ice skating rink. We will show everyone that there is nothing to fear from Arendelle and everything to gain by remaining in alliance with us."
Andersen nodded. "That should satisfy them for sure."
Elsa stood rigid, not moving. Revealing myself . . . to complete strangers? Letting the whole world know what I am?
Ingeborson sensed Elsa's uncertainty. "Your Majesty? Is this truly your will? Is this the course we will pursue?"
Elsa took a deep breath and exhaled. Looking out at the assembly, she said, "Yes, it is. Send messengers to all of our allies in trade. Inform them that the dinner of their lives will take place in two weeks!"
AN: Elsa is discovering that the world of politics is a dirty, dirty place. Ingeborgson is a political rival of Andersen's and will be a thorn in Elsa's side for quite some time. More to come. Please let me know what you think!