** October, 1839 - Kingdom of Arendelle, Estate of Bjorn Thorstad **
Monsieur Robin Sylvain Pierre was a guest of Baron Bjorn Thorstad. He had a faint Gallic accent and an air of Continental sophistication. Mingling with the other guests of the Baron after a fine dinner, his witty rejoinders and easy manners of a gentleman made him the center of attention. Arendelle was, after all, only a minor realm on the fringe of the great conflicts that had torn Europe apart over the last fifty years. It was eye-opening for the gentry and minor nobility of such a rustic kingdom to rub elbows with visitors such as Pierre.
Thorstad had become acquainted with Pierre while on holiday. He had been sampling a fine repast at a coffeehouse/inn on the Continent, and struck up a conversation. Monsieur Pierre had described himself as a homme d'affaires, that is, a man of business.
"I trade, Monsieur Thorstad. Import, export, whatever goods seem to be in fashion. I have heard of your kingdom of Arendelle from the Duke of Weselton. He speaks highly of the profit he makes there, and it is good fortune that I have made your acquaintance. I had thought to travel there and see what business opportunities there might be for one such as I." he explained. "It will be good to have a local contact to ease the way for a stranger."
"Men such as we can make good fortunes together, N'est-ce pas?" Pierre said as he clinked glasses with his new-found business associate.
Among the other guests was the Duke of Weselton, their common associate. He would occasionally travel to visit his major trade partners and look after business personally. Arendelle was growing to be one of his most important trading interests. It happened that an 'inexperienced mere slip of a girl' had a fine sense for policies that grew Arendelle's economy. Her father's reign had already increased both external trade and internal growth, but Elsa's continuation of his policies, enhanced with her own ideas, had led to unprecedented prosperity. She was a popular monarch to the people of Arendelle as a result, even as she stayed reclusive, almost unseen.
"So, Weselton, will you be back anytime soon?" Thorstad was chatting with the Duke as they enjoyed a very fine after-dinner cognac, a guest-gift brought by Pierre to honor his host. It was exceedingly smooth going down, and may have loosened the Duke's tongue a bit.
"Not until the coronation next summer. Getting too late in the year for comfortable travel, and come spring I'll make the rounds before ending up here for the big celebration." The Duke was a wizened, pretentious little man with a bad toupee. "Do you think they'll finally open the gates, hmm? What do you think the royal family has been hiding all these years? Is that girl deformed or sickly, or is someone else running the kingdom and she merely a puppet?"
Anders Reinertsen had joined them and snorted, "She's certainly not deformed. Rather pretty, in a vapid sort of way. And she is no one's puppet, although she certainly isn't up to the standards of her father." His antipathy for Elsa had only grown since his humiliation at her hands, and now bordered on ill-concealed hatred.
Thorstad ignored the jape; he had listened to Reinertsen's rants about Elsa for too long and could quote them verbatim. The Duke seemed intrigued, though. "Really, Anders? If she's not a puppet, are there any prospects for a Prince Consort in the picture anytime soon? I'm sure she would appreciate the help of a strong husband to rule this kingdom."
"Not bloody likely. Hard to court a woman who only appears for a few hours a month. And then only at rigidly scripted events like the council meetings or invocations by the Bishop as the fleet sails in the spring." Reinertsen took another sip of his cognac. "Say, this is fine liquor. We don't get its like around here very often. I need to talk to this Pierre and see if my trading house could set up a franchise for regular import." He wandered off toward the group being regaled by Pierre with some uproarious joke.
Alone again, the Duke looked archly at Thorstad. "Not bloody likely, hmm? What do you think?"
Thorstad casually looked around to be sure no one was in earshot. He murmured, "As much as I hate to admit it, Anders is probably right. She could be a cloistered nun for all the contact she has outside of the Council. And she seems to display all the interest of a nun in the more earthly pleasure that might be found in a consort, especially one of the princely variety. She's a cold one. I'm not sure I can remember ever seeing her smile."
The Duke nodded. "What about the sister? Any opportunities there?"
Thorstad mulled that over a bit before replying. "Possible. The girl is far more flighty than the Queen. She isn't seen outside the castle very often, but when she is, it's clear she's a friend to all and eager for friendship in return. Her clumsy exuberance is indulged by her keepers. She is innocent, naive, sheltered. Only fifteen when the parents went on that voyage and never came back. I suspect her father didn't have enough time to teach her all the ways worldly men would seek to exploit her charms."
"Wouldn't the Queen protect her?"
"Perhaps. Although for all we know, she might be glad to turn her over to a husband and wash her hands of the responsibility. Consider, the more children trailing around after the Princess, the less pressure on the Queen to seek out what might be an unpleasant prospect of marriage. The succession would pass through the Princess Anna, and the Queen would be free to indulge herself in whatever dalliance caught her fancy."
The two men considered this in silence. The Duke finally spoke up. "So, the Princess Anna may be longing for a Prince Charming to sweep her off her feet and out from under the repressive hand of an uncaring sister. The right Prince Charming, who would be grateful to the benefactors who were able to introduce him to such a vivacious young woman."
"What are you thinking, Your Grace?" Thorstad asked.
"I may know just the Prince Charming. My next stop is the Southern Isles. They'll be getting an invitation to witness the Coronation next summer. A word in the right ear, and I may be able to influence who they send, like a handsome, charming Prince who is thirteenth in line for his own kingdom, and might be very interested in a naive girl who would ascend a throne if something happened to remove her sister." The Duke smirked at his own cleverness. "And who would show his gratitude for an introduction with favorable terms on trade agreements, once he was Consort to a Queen."
Thorstad imagined he could hear the coins clinking in the Duke's brain as he counted the profits in this vision. "Somehow, Your Grace, I don't think it will be quite that easy."
** May, 1840 - Kingdom of the Southern Isles - Villa of the Duke of Weselton **
"Prince Hans of the Southern Isles, may I present Baron Bjorn Thorstad of Arendelle?" The Duke of Weselton had rented a very nice villa for his spring sojourn in the Southern Isles.
Thorstad had arranged a holiday for himself, and 'just happened' to run into his old friend the Duke while visiting the Southern Isles. Their plans for increased wealth and influence in Arendelle could not be entrusted to easily compromised mail packets. Seemingly casual meetings filled the void. This was the first meeting to include Prince Hans, thirteenth in line for the throne of the Kingdom of the Southern Isles.
"You Highness, may I say how delighted I am to finally make your acquaintance?" Thorstad shook his hand as he said this. "The Duke speaks highly of your ready wit and charm with the young ladies of the court."
Thorstad had to admit the man certainly looked the part; he was tall and handsome, with the sculpted features and bearing that swept young women off their feet into a swoon of delight. He wondered if this prince had any brains to match his beauty, or was he simply the runt of another inbred royal litter?
Several hours later, after drinks, dinner, and more drinks, Thorstad was convinced the Prince was no empty tunic. He had a keen mind, with a bent toward advancing himself onto a throne. Clearly he relished the opportunity the Duke and Thorstad laid in front of him.
"Gentlemen, a toast to our endeavor! May this be the beginning of a long and profitable partnership!" the Duke raised his glass, and the other two men followed in agreement.
"So, Hans...does the idea of wooing our Princess appeal to you?" Thorstad asked.
"Indeed, Bjorn, it does." They had become chummy over the drinks. "I have one question, however."
"Do go on, Hans." Thorstad wondered what the question would be.
"While I foresee no difficulties in charming the Princess Anna, won't her sister be an obstacle? More pointedly, won't her sister's advisers be an obstacle? You mention this Admiral Naismith as being fiercely loyal to House Arendelle. Might he be disruptive of a budding romance between the Princess and a foreign prince?"
A most cogent question, indeed! Thorstad was impressed with Hans' insight.
Naismith was a worry that kept niggling at Thorstad; he knew the old man watched over the two women like a mother bear would her cubs. He had a feisty Navy and several regiments of humorless Marines to back him up. The armed forces of Arendelle took their cues from their leadership. Loyalty to the throne was unquestioned, and a fierce protectiveness toward their reclusive Queen was the norm. It was amazing, really, considering how infrequently she appeared in public. The gentle charisma Elsa projected baffled Thorstad. For some reason, her people loved her. On those very rare occasions when they actually saw her they cheered their Queen with unabashed enthusiasm. Acclaim she would acknowledge with brief waves, blushes, and the barest hint of a smile.
"Your point is well taken, Hans. Any suggestions?"
"The Coronation will attract dignitaries from all of northern Europe. Ships will arrive and depart carrying nobility and lesser royalty to honor the Queen of Arendelle. Ships that would make attractive prey for ... pirates. Pirates that the Arendelle Navy goes to great lengths to destroy on a routine basis." Hans was smiling. Thorstad wondered where he was going with this.
Continuing, Hans said, "Suppose that 'pirate' activity increased in the days leading up to the planned festivities. And further suppose, my dear Duke, that when you arrived in Arendelle, you went to the Naval authorities and reported that your trade fleets had picked up rumors of a nefarious plot for attacks on the guests?" A smug smile on his face showed Hans approved of his own idea.
Thorstad had to admit the idea had merit. Yes, much merit indeed.
"My boy, you are a genius!" the Duke was effusive in his praise. Hans preened.
** July 13, 1840 - Evening - Kingdom of Arendelle, Estate of Bjorn Thorstad **
The Baron mingled with his guests. On the eve of the Coronation of Queen Elsa of Arendelle, everyone of means was either throwing a party or attending one. He had scored somewhat of a coup by snagging the Duke of Weselton and Prince Hans of the Southern Isles for his gathering, along with Monsieur Pierre, Anders Reinertsen, and Torbjørn Solheim. Solheim had replaced Reinertsen on the Royal Advisory Council. He was a political ally, but not privy to the more ... sensitive ... plans shared by Thorstad and the Duke.
Prince Hans charmed the group. He and Pierre were excellent foils, throwing entertaining jests and stories back and forth like skilled jugglers. The two of them kept the laughter flowing as freely as the liquor.
Sometime after the crowd had thinned, Thorstad, the Duke and Prince Hans shared cognac on the patio. Pierre remained inside, regaling those who remained with delightful stories of European court intrigues.
"Well, big day tomorrow, hey my boy?" the Duke jogged Hans with an elbow. The brief look of annoyance that flitted across his face was invisible in the dim lantern light. Hans smiled to cover his irritation. He was not the pliant boy the Duke thought he was. At the last ditch, he was his own man, seeking only that which would benefit Prince Hans.
"Yes, Your Grace. I am looking forward to the entire affair." Hans replied.
"And the navy sailed this afternoon. Excellent intelligence you brought to us, Your Grace! Arendelle thanks you!" Thorstad chuckled to the Duke.
"Yes, indeed. Gentlemen, a toast! To the Queen! May her gates remain open, that we may exploit her riches!" The Duke was completely oblivious to the double entendre of his words. Hans and Thorstad simply rolled their eyes as they clinked glasses with the venal little man.
** July 13, 1840 - Afternoon - Kingdom of Arendelle, Queen Elsa's Study **
"Your Majesty." Admiral Mikael Naismith bowed to his Queen.
"You asked to see me, Admiral?" She inquired.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I regret that I will be unable to attend your Coronation Ceremony tomorrow. We have received reports from several of the ships arriving for your Coronation that there is increased pirate activity in the area. More worrisome is news brought to us by the Duke of Weselton. He informs us that there are rumors that this activity is a precursor to a series of attacks on the ships of your guests as they return to their home ports after the celebration."
This news was disconcerting to her, to say the least. "So you intend to take the fleet to sea to prevent such attacks?"
"Exactly so, Your Majesty. It would hardly reflect well on Arendelle's hospitality if we allowed our guests to be attacked after they were so gracious as to help us celebrate the coronation of our young Queen." He was unsurprised that she had immediately drawn the correct conclusion from his statements. His observation of her actions over the last three years made it clear to him that she possessed a mind of quick wit and keen intelligence.
"I am sorry that you will not be here, Admiral, but I appreciate your attention to duty. Arendelle is fortunate to have such men as you in her service." The Queen was sincere in this sentiment. She knew that he could be counted on to perform his duty even if he found it repugnant. The dungeon episode had proven that to her.
"If I may be so presumptuous, Queen Elsa, may I say that your example of attention to duty is one that inspires all of us. I truly do regret that I will not be here tomorrow to honor you." He bowed deeply to take his leave.
"Thank you, Admiral. I appreciate your saying so, but I am only doing what is to be expected of someone with the responsibility of leading a kingdom." Elsa blushed slightly. She wasn't used to receiving such compliments, and she really didn't see anything extraordinary about her focus on her duty.
He simply nodded and left to take command of the fleet. No one would interfere with the coronation of Queen Elsa if the Royal Arendelle Navy had anything to say about it.