Disclaimer: I do not own Frozen.
Good news. This chapter and on will be nearly twice as long as the first chapter. Felt like I was giving you the shaft. Bad news, Anna's hardened feistiness is nonexistent when I write her with Elsa. Game over for intrigue. Or maybe that's another win for you?
Shi-san23, I think I hint at how Anna was forced into slavery in this chapter, but the resolution of her past may take place even later than Elsa's more plot-worthy problems.
Chapter II
...
She loaded the sled, and Kristoff sat beside her to man the reins to Sven. Noticing the young woman was cold, he grabbed her a wool blanket from the back of the sled. She took it hesitantly, unused to kindness from strangers.
"So…am I just going to call you feisty-pants, or do you have a name?"
The girl remained silent, wrapping herself tightly in the blanket and feeling sullen. Kristoff eyed the girl's hollow cheeks and almost sickly pallor, knowing underneath the blanket, she was thin as a reed. He grabbed again for the supplies and pulled out a couple of carrots, offering them to her.
"Hungry?"
They were not peeled and were probably still covered in some dirt, but the girl shot her bony arms out from the warmth of the blanket in order to grab at them, biting voraciously into one of the carrots. It was obvious the girl had not eaten in days. After eating more than half of the second carrot, she slowed her pace, chewing now instead of just swallowing.
"Anna. My name is Anna," the girl finally spoke. It was clearly her way of saying thanks. Kristoff smiled at this.
"We've got about an hour before we reach the castle, so I hope those two carrots will hold you over."
Anna nodded somberly at him. She had many questions brimming forth, but she wasn't sure how to start. Truthfully, she was scared to ask. Maybe this Kristoff would lose his temper. She acted tough, but there was only so much physical pain she could endure. Anna was big on talk about taking her own life before someone could ravish her, but she wasn't so sure she would be brave enough when faced with the actual situation.
She was going to be a body slave to a woman. Anna had not anticipated serving a mistress. When she spoke with her body slave cellmates, she had learned that mistresses were far less common than masters, especially mistresses owning female body slaves.
Anna was not sure how to feel about it all. Growing up, she would read books containing handsome princes. She had only dreamed of "tall and fair," unrealistic fancies for a poor girl as her. Her realistic choice of husband would only have tanned-skin from working the lands. Even noblemen were expected to participate in some sort of sport, coloring their skin in the spring and summer seasons.
She reasoned that she wanted a man similar to herself in that she burned terribly in the sun. She loved being outdoors, but she had to cover up or stand in shade so as not to damage her paler skin. She didn't need any more freckles.
When Anna imagined a female slave owner, her mind immediately went to the most recent orphanage owner, Ursula, the woman who sold her into the body slavery trade. Ursula was a large, homely, middle-aged woman with grey hair and even greyer skin. The wretched woman drove the orphanage into such debt that she sold poor Anna without remorse.
The thought of a woman like Ursula dragging her grubby hands all over Anna, crushing the slight girl with sheer girth, and ultimately defiling her—Anna wanted to shrivel up and sob. She could not contain her dread. She had to start asking questions about this wicked mistress from Kristoff.
"So…why does the—" Anna could not bring herself to say "my," "—mistress want a body slave that's a…girl?"
"Hm...that's a good question. Rumor has it—" Kristoff knew it was no rumor, but he did not want to relay his close relationship with the King, "—she refused betrothals for many years."
"Betrothals? Don't noblewomen typically have suitors?"
"Uh yes. But not her."
Anna did not like these answers thus far. The mistress sounded like an old, terrifying spinster—bitter and ready to devour any girl.
"Why?" Anna asked. She could not stop herself from blurting out, "Is she hideous?"
"I've never met her, but that may be it." Kristoff pondered if he should reveal the other information he had of Anna's mistress. He felt it was best for Anna to be as informed as possible. "Most eligible bachelors will not go after her."
Anna had a look of worry, but her deliberate eye contact encouraged Kristoff to continue speaking.
"She's locked in the castle, away from public eye. Men fear her. They believe she's a dangerous witch," Kristoff exhaled.
Anna shivered despite the adequacy of the blanket. Now she was picturing a hunchbacked woman well into her 60s, dragging her dirty nails over Anna, sagging breasts slapping into her freckled face.
"What kind of noblewomen lives in and is locked in a castle?" Anna breathed out.
"Princess Elsa."
"My mistress is a princess!?" Anna nearly fell out of the sled. She knew nothing of Arendelle's royal family because she had been so far removed from the kingdom proper, so far removed from society in her rural orphanage. To Anna, princesses belonged with those handsome princes, so therefore, princesses were pretty pretty girls.
"Yes, eldest daughter to the aging King of Arendelle," Kristoff murmured more to himself than to Anna. The King's health was not well, and he was worried for the father-figure.
Anna asked nothing more during the ride. Her mind seized upon the "aging" description of the King. She had heard that royals lived longer lives than average citizens, possibly into their 80s, so an eldest daughter could easily be 50, 60. The name "Elsa," though beautiful, even sounded like an outdated, old lady's name. Oh Elsie! Anna would be defiled by someone old enough to be her grandmother.
...
When they rode into the gates of Arendelle Castle, Anna couldn't believe her eyes. She had never seen such a grand structure in all her life, and she wondered if more than a 100 orphanages could fit within the castle walls. That did not include the expanse of cultivated land and courtyards surrounding the castle, the outer walls and towers, and the moat.
Kristoff steered them to the castle entrance where he bid a servant boy fetch several maids. Some minutes later several maids appeared, ready to take Anna to her mistress.
"Alright, here's where I drop you off, feisty-pants," Kristoff said.
Anna wasn't ready for this. Kristoff had been nothing but kind to her, and she almost wished now that he indeed was her master. He was handsome…in a big oaf sort of way. Still, a gentle giant was better than a clawing dinosaur of a woman.
"Will I see you again?" Anna looked at him tearfully.
"Uh…if Princess Elsa lets you," Kristoff said with obvious doubt. Anna groaned.
"I can't look for you, or I'll be punished. Find me in the stables before midmornings," Kristoff tried to reassure her with a lopsided grin. He whispered to her, "I promise to keep the gold for you. I swear it on uh…Sven's life. And that's a big deal. If the maids find it on you, they'll take it away from you."
Anna gave Kristoff a genuine smile of thanks, one that could warm a family in a blizzard. He felt that flicker of temptation to run away with her again, but he swallowed his traitorous feelings for his duty. He let her go, and pushed her forward.
"Until next time. Good luck, Anna!"
...
Anna was roughly bathed by the several maids who received her at the entrance. They spoke about Anna as if she wasn't there, disdainful of her servile role to the Princess. Anna was in the lowest social stratum after all. However, when the Princess's name was uttered, they all fell silent in fear. It was almost as if the Princess's name or existence were taboo. Anna shuddered as she was dragged along.
The maids unceremoniously stripped Anna, and she feared she was being assaulted. Fortunately, they just threw her into a large tub of cold water and scrubbed mercilessly at her raw skin. Anna could have taken on the band of maids, but she didn't want to cause trouble with so many witnesses. She was a surprisingly good fighter, having fought with all the boys and young men in the orphanage. What she lacked in size and muscle, she more than compensated for in speed and skill.
They hoisted her out of the tub, dried her hair well enough with towels so it could be tied into a fancy bun with a braided crown atop her bangs. As none of them were touching her inappropriately—at least in a sexual way—she gave up on covering her naked body. Though Anna was unaware, many of the maids were admiring her lithe build and pretty face. Soon they brought in a green dress and fitted her into it.
The dress seem made for her, and it was the highest quality piece of clothing Anna had ever worn. The maids were humming their airs of approval. They touched up her arms by applying some sort of concealing powder on the bruises and gashes.
Finally a plump, middle-aged woman appeared, the best dressed of the group. She thanked the maids and smiled warmly at Anna, actually making eye-contact with the girl. She walked up to Anna and placed a comforting arm on the girl's back, ushering her out the room.
"Hello dear, come along with me," the woman said. "My name is Gerda, and I will check up on you and the Princess from time to time. What is your name, child?"
"…Anna," Anna said demurely.
They walked through many corridors and flights of stairs, seeming unending to the country-bumpkin that was Anna.
"Anna, for your safety, you must heed my words," Gerda said, turning to face Anna.
Anna gulped, but nodded.
"You must always stay by the Princess's side and obey her commands. This is partially because it is dangerous for you to be away from your mistress's side. Others in the castle will only see your brand and take advantage of your situation. But more importantly, you must never talk about the Princess with another person. Only a handful of people are permitted to interact with the Princess, and if you spread any word of her, you will be executed. Do not even say her name to others. It is best that you stay with the Princess in her quarters. She rarely leaves anyway," Gerda sighed. Anna nodded, frightened.
"Excuse me Ms. Gerda, but why does she never leave her room?" Anna asked in trepidation.
"It's complicated, dear."
"Is she so horrible that no one will talk about her?"
"No, dear—"
"Why is everything about her such a secret…?" Anna panicked.
"You'll find out in time—
"Is she so old and bitter that she can't leave her room!?"
They stopped before a large white door with royal blue snowflake patterns. They were in a tall corner of the castle, and the many rooms surrounding the area seemed unoccupied. Gerda faced Anna once again and pulled the girl away from the door so as not to be heard.
"I will hear no more of these rumors of Elsa." Gerda's voice came off as more pained than stern.
"I'm just so scared," Anna whimpered. "I've never been a body slave. I'm a virgin, and I don't even know how to have sex except that it's supposed to hurt and someone sticks something inside me! I never chose this. Please, I can't live like this! I think I'm going to die from fear," Anna choked in hysterics.
"Child," Gerda placed that comforting hand on Anna's shoulder, "—don't believe everything you have heard about the Princess. She is the—rarest—person you will meet."
Anna didn't know how to interpret those words. She was about to say something, but Gerda beat her to it, bringing them once again up to the door.
"I hope that you will love her. She deserves so much more," Gerda murmured in hushed tones, more to herself than to Anna. Anna's gall rose at these words, not believing she could ever love someone who "owned" her.
Gerda knocked on the door, "Princess Elsa, it is me. I am coming in." Gerda opened the door.
Anna held her breath as she walked into the Princess's quarters, many shades of light blue. She expelled that breath upon catching sight of the Princess staring out a large triangular window. The Princess's back was facing them, and Anna was impressed by the slim, elegant figure of the Princess clad in royal dress. So the old lady had an agreeable physique. At least Anna wouldn't be crushed when she was ravished. Anna couldn't quite tell the color of the Princess's hair due to the reflection from the sun. It looked nearly white, confirming Anna's suspicions of the Princess's advanced age.
The Princess still had not turned around, unaware of the other entrant to her quarters.
"Elsa, I have a gift from your father," Gerda said to the Princess.
Elsa slowly turned, revealing her profile bit-by-bit to her audience.
Anna gasped at the grey hair that became platinum blonde, smooth ivory skin, sculpted cheekbones, aquiline nose, rosy pink lips, aristocratic brows, and dear God, the lightest blue eyes that were as startling as they were unreadable. Anna couldn't tear her eyes away from that face to appreciate the ample bosom and hourglass hips that graced the Princess's figure, too. Anna had never read about or could have ever imagined such beauty existed in this miserable world. Shakespeare and Homer would rise from their graves to see and write about such untold grace.
Elsa's shrewd gaze fell on Anna, analyzing her presence. Gerda bowed and urged Anna forward. Anna would not bow; no one had ever her taught her proper etiquette towards royals.
"What is the meaning of this, Gerda?" Elsa said in her no-nonsense contralto. Anna shivered pleasurably, unsure of why she reacted so to the Princess's voice.
"She is yours now, a companion of sorts," Gerda treaded carefully. Anna blushed, suddenly finding her nails very interesting.
"Excuse me?" Elsa's voice dropped dangerously, and she fluidly made her way to a trembling Anna. Anna could have sworn the temperature suddenly dropped in the room. Elsa inspected the girl, not quite understanding Gerda's meaning, that is, until she spotted the brand on Anna's left hand. Elsa drew back in hot embarrassment, gawking prettily at Anna. A heavy blush was dusting both girls' cheeks.
"A body slave!? What is father thinking?" Elsa shouted.
"I think he doesn't want you to be lonely, dearie."
"So he purchases me a human pet and thinks the problem is solved?" Elsa said with her uniquely dry and theatrical tone.
Anna wanted to crawl into a hole. Being called a "pet" was new.
"Now Elsa, I didn't raise you to speak like that," Gerda reprimanded.
"This is not a gift! It's a cruel joke. Why a body slave? And a girl at that!" Elsa's eyes lingered warily on Anna again before returning to Gerda. It was hard to discern whether the redness of Elsa's cheeks was attributable to her fury, embarrassment, or something else altogether.
"Is it really so strange an idea? You refuse any betrothal to a man."
"That's not fair, Gerda—you very well know why!" Elsa looked betrayed by her guardian.
"I'm sorry, Elsa. But I do believe this will be good for you. You spend too much time alone," Gerda said mournfully. The woman also believed Elsa showed no interest in men, but she decided to keep that to herself.
Elsa sighed, not wanting to fight with Gerda who so obviously cared for her.
"Then why didn't father present me with this gift, himself?" Elsa said brokenly.
"Dearie, you know your father is busy and less…energetic…than he used to be." Gerda meant "feeble and sickly," but Elsa would not receive that well. "These were the orders given to me."
Elsa did not say anything in turn, too saddened by the mention of her father's health status.
"I have many things to attend to, so I'll be off now. Please try and get along girls. Supper will be served in a couple of hours." With that, Gerda bowed and left the room.
When Gerda closed the door behind her, Anna was startled by how Elsa abruptly took several steps back. Elsa was staring at Anna in wide-eyed terror, ready to escape.
Anna's embarrassment from earlier vanished entirely as she observed this beautiful girl who was seized in anxiety. Anna was so bewildered. Surely she should be the one acting this way; she was the body slave. She felt the situation was altogether backwards, and it made her want to draw nearer to her new mistress. Rather than beginning to brew up multiple scenarios where she could escape this servitude, Anna completely dropped her guard, utterly intrigued by Elsa.
"What's wrong—do you think I'm going to hurt you?" Anna took one step forward while Elsa mirrored her movement backwards. It occurred to Anna—looking at this delicate, sheltered princess—that she could physically overtake this girl in seconds. But the thought went away just as it came, because Anna only fought in self-defense. It would be like assaulting a caged bird to harm this princess.
Elsa laughed nervously, bitterly, hopelessly, and still Anna thought it was the most melodic sound in the world.
"Not quite. …Are you not scared of me?" Elsa asked Anna as if the redhead were a lunatic.
"No, not at all, surprisingly…" Anna murmured. The redhead had wagered on being deathly averse to her owner.
But Anna knew there had to be a catch, what with all the dark rumors and secrecy surrounding the Princess. Like in those fairytales Anna loved so much, Elsa could suddenly transform into an old, cackling sorceress. It would seem unconsciously, Anna really had it against old folk. Popular literature was undoubtedly brainwashing her.
Yet…there truly was no fear. Anna innately felt like she could never fear Elsa. Quite the contrary. What was the opposite of fear? Maybe peace?—no, that was too simple. Rightness. Anna felt right as she gazed upon Elsa.
"Do you know who I am?" Elsa breathed out, holding her gloved hands together under her bosom. The Princess looked uncomfortably restrained to Anna.
"Princess Elsa." Anna gasped at how sweet the name tasted from her lips. It was not some old lady's name. "My mistress."
Anna couldn't believe she spoke that aloud, something she hadn't even admitted to herself. It had seemed too degrading before, but she felt quite swept off her feet. Even without the understanding of deferential etiquette, Anna almost bowed before Elsa, thinking her eyes overwhelmed by the pure majesty that was Elsa.
"No, you foolish girl, do you know what I'm capable of?" Elsa said somewhat mockingly.
"No, I guess I don't know much about inside the city—"
"You must leave—"
"Leave? What do you mea—?"
"Away from me."
"Where will I go?"
"Anywhere but my quarters."
"But Gerda told me to always stay by your s—"
"It isn't safe."
"She said it wasn't safe everywhere els—"
As they traded words, Anna was slowly advancing on Elsa. Elsa was nearly backed into the corner of her room. As Anna pleaded, Elsa panicked until the feeling was unbearable.
"GO AWAY!" Elsa's eyes closed shut as a flurry appeared around her hands.
Anna's eyes were momentarily mesmerized by this display before the flurry exploded in all directions, hitting Anna in the eyes and throwing her back into the ground.
Elsa's eyes reopened as she witnessed Anna sprawled on the ground. The blonde's whole form trembled as she choked out a sob and ran to the safety of her stately canopy bed, burrowing under the covers.
...
Sooo? Tell me what you like, what you don't.