I waited a week before sending a letter. Surely that wasn't too soon? I felt increasingly anxious as I stood near the stables. I had asked Linette over, under the pretense of a ride, assuming her parents were the first to see the letter. It was clearly after noon and she was late. My stomach fluttered as I fiddled with a stray bang that had fallen from my painstakingly perfected up-do. I wanted everything to be just right.

I heard footsteps on the gravel and cursed my racing heart. I grinned and waved, forcing myself to be patient and not rush forward.

"Anna." Linette curtsied.

I shook my head. "Please don't, it's far too formal."

Her cheeks colored and I couldn't think of anything more lovely.

"It will take practice." She smiled and shuffled her feet.

I suddenly wondered how old she actually was and mind mind ran through a dozen questions. Did she have siblings? What was her favorite color? Did she like chocolate? I supposed I should get to know her. I didn't want to rush headlong into things. Oh, but wasn't that always my way? Jump in completely or don't jump at all.

She cleared her throat. I had been in my head for too long. "Are we actually going for a ride? You see, I'm not very good..."

"You could ride with me?" I offered.

She smiled brightly. "I'd like that."

I grinned and prepared my favorite horse. Linette stayed near my side and asked questions about the process, which led in to questions about me.

"Have you always liked riding?"

I nodded. "Definitely. Ever since I was small it's made me feel free, like I'm flying." I grinned and felt the anxiety between us lift a little.

"I've only ridden twice. My father took me when I was small. There isn't really much chance for me to ride, but I remember enjoying it." Her eyes widened at the sight of our horse though and I chuckled.

"I promise you'll be safe." The next thought that flitted into my mind was that I got to touch her, to help her into the horse. I put my hand around her waist an handed her the reins.

"Just stick your foot right there and lift, on the count of three, okay?" She nodded and it was all I could do not to breathe in her flowery scent. My legs turned to jello as the hip I had seen nearly nude fit so perfectly in my grasp. She got on flawlessly but look frightened once up there. I quickly joined her and scooted up behind her wrapping one arm carefully around her waist.

"Are you ready?"

She nodded and that was all I needed to start the horse on a steady trot.

"I've got three brothers. All younger, it's impossible to rest!" Linette rolled her eyes. "It's always loud and always messy. The oldest is eleven, and he's still a brat."

"That's got to be fun! I mean... It's so different from my family." My voice broke on the last word and I quickly cleared my throat. "And you're?"

"Oh, I'm seventeen."

My heart sped up at that. Maybe I seemed like an inexperienced child to her. Had she been courted by women before? Because that's what it felt like we were doing.

I slowed the horse to a stop as we reached a particularly good view of the North Mountain. It's top peaks jutting into the sky like fierce swords. I always thought the mountain was as gorgeous as it was dangerous, but maybe the sight wasn't all that great.

Linette seemed distracted. I felt her lean back into me as we stopped.

"Princess, I mean Anna?" Her hand was warm as she took mine and entwined our fingers. "Isn't it lonely locked up in the castle all day?"

I squeezed her hand and sighed. "Yes, it always has been."

She turned which was not an easy thing to do in our position. "You don't seem lonely."

With her hazel eyes full of fondness I saw this as the jumping point. I pulled her impossibly closer for an intense kiss that left us both gasping.

"I suppose I'm not anymore."

I know that chapter is short but the next is going to be told from Elsa's point of view. It will alternate POVs every two chapters. Let me know what you think!