As the Queen's ship, The Loving Snowman, floated into the bay, Elsa realized how different Arendelle looked than when she had left just two weeks before. The walls of the city, every corner of the castle, had been refurbished with fresh stone. Ribbons, hundreds of feet in length, decorated with varying shades of green, pink, blue, and yellow covered the rooftops of nearly every building in honor of Anna and Kristoff's upcoming wedding. The Loving Snowman pulled up to its place in the docks of Arendelle and dropped anchor. As the queen emerged from the ship and began making her way toward the castle, she was met on the docks by huge gatherings of people, all cheering for her return. She did her best smile as she walked; though she did not believe the people were convinced of their Queen's happiness. How could I be happy? During her two week venture, Elsa had hoped that with luck she might find a solution to her problem. But if there was one thing Elsa had been lacking of late, it was luck. She had instead received nothing other than news that was worse than she could have even imagined. Now's not the time or place to dwell on that. Right now, all that matters is that you appear happy. She gracefully extended her arms and touched the outstretched hands of the crowd that bordered either side of her as she walked. She realized the smile had faded from her face. Remember to smile. She did.

The voices of the crowd grew softer and quieter still as the castle's gates closed behind Elsa, until they were nothing more than a nearly imperceptible hum. The gardens seemed to have been kept in perfect condition, not a flower pedal out of place. Maybe I should leave more often. Elsa quickly disregarded the thought, slightly off put by the thought of leaving Arendelle again anytime soon. It was her home. Not only her home, but Anna, and Kristoff's as well. Governing the city is hard work, but Arendelle needs me. Anna needs me. And I need her. Much had been achieved in the Queen's absence, but it seemed to Elsa there was still too much to be done. I'll just have to work extra hard. For Anna.

The last time they had spoken, Elsa and Kristoff had ended on far worse terms than she would have liked. In fact, the argument had been so volatile, had hurt Elsa deep enough, that it nagged at her during the entirety of her voyage. He shouldn't have brought up Anna. She pondered the thought for a few moments. Did he bring up Anna? Or did I? The Queen did her best to push the thought from her mind. Either way, she'd have to make it up to Kristoff. Walking up to the castle doors, Elsa reached for the handle, but the doors pushed open against her, knocking Elsa off her feet and to the ground.

"Are you alright?" asked Kristoff, a look quite similar to worry, but much closer to embarrassment, sprawled across his face. "I'm so sorry," he spoke, reaching to pull Elsa to her feet. "I didn't mean to, uh, it was...if I had known you were on the other side-"

"It's nothing," Elsa stopped him, smiling. If Kristoff was anything, it was sincere. It was what she admired most about him. He would make a perfect husband for Anna. She grabbed hold of Kristoff's arm as he pulled her upright. "It was an accident," she said, brushing the dirt off her dress, "they happen." Kristoff stared back at her, trying not to laugh. It was all she could do to hold back a giggle. At the same moment, they burst into laughter. Kristoff gathered himself first.

"Elsa, look-" he tried to say, but the Queen interrupted.

"No, Kristoff," her smile vanished, an anxious look taking its place. She began to bite her lip. Situations like this weren't one of Elsa's strengths. "I owe you an apology."

"No you don't," bounced back Kristoff. He was being persistent; she had to give him that. "I shouldn't have said what I did. I crossed the line-"

"Yes, you did," responded Elsa, irritation in her voice. She instantly regretted it, "I'm...I shouldn't have snapped."

"No, it's...its fine. I never should have said anything to begin with." He was staring intently at Elsa now. It made her uncomfortable. "Look, I'm sorry I crossed the line, and I'm sorry I didn't hire someone else to get the ice for my wedding. I messed up." Kristoff looked away, "But I need to get going." Kristoff walked past Elsa and began the way from which she had just come. Elsa grabbed his arm. He stopped and turned.

"Why don't you take Anna with you?" Elsa asked. She held her breath, a hopeful look visible on her face.

"I don't know," said Kristoff, rubbing the back of his neck, "I hadn't thought of that. Are you sure that'd be a good idea?"

"Of course," exclaimed Elsa, "she'll love it!" Elsa was smiling now. Kristoff shook his head.

"I'm already running late as it is."

"Yes, but-" Elsa tried to speak, but he stopped her.

"No." Kristoff put his hands up as he talked, "it's not going to happen." The Queen's smile turned to a look of despair as Kristoff turned and walked away. She just stood there, watching him leave. After a moment, she turned around herself. Elsa made her way through the entranceway, past the ballroom, and up the stairs.

Outside of Anna's door, Elsa could hear her sister crying. She knocked, and heard the sound of Anna sitting up in her bed.

"Who is it?" Anna choked in a pleasant tone, trying to keep her sobs inaudible. She was doing a poor job.

"Your sister, Elsa. Can I come in?" Anna only halfway managed to respond, disregarding all previous attempts to hold back her tears. Elsa took it as a yes, and opened the door. She made her way toward Anna, who had shoved her face back into the pillow to resume crying. Elsa sat on the edge of the bed and put a hand on her sister.

"Do you want to talk about it?" asked Elsa, trying to sound as pleasant as possible. Anna made no move to respond, continuing to sob uncontrollably into her pillow. Elsa began to brush her sister's hair back behind the ears with her hand. "There, there," spoke Elsa, softly, "I'm right here when you need me. I'm not going anywhere." Elsa wrapped her arms around Anna and kissed the back of her sister's head. Gently, she began to rock her little sister back and forth. A single tear rolled down the Queen's cheek, completely ignored. All that mattered in the entire world was Anna.