Anna was bored.

All day she had been busy with household chores (her brother Kristoff was no help), cooking and cleaning. Her mother was down with a cold, so it was up to her and Kristoff. Kristoff immediately volunteered to go outside and buy supplies before Anna could beat him to it. So, while her brother was out in the sun, Anna was stuck inside.

Anna looked outside. The sun was just beginning to set. Golden snowflakes brushed against the window. She picked up a bowl of food on one hand, and a glass of water in the other, and walked slowly to her mother's bedroom.

Her mother looked at her with tired eyes and smiled.

"Thank you, Anna. Is Kristoff back yet?"

"Not yet, Ma. But I expect he'll be home in a few minutes."

Right on cue, there was a knock on the door. Anna ran to open it.

"How is she?" Kristoff asked.

"She'll be fine. She's much better already." Anna replied.

"Excellent. I got some money helping out a shopkeeper, and bought some more food. We should easily be able to make it through the winter if there's a blizzard or something."

Her family did not have much. Their father was an ice harvester who passed away after an unexpected snowstorm triggered an avalanche. She was very young back then. Her mother owns a flower shop. And Kristoff decided to follow his father's footsteps. He would sell ice in the summer, and do odd jobs in the winter. Anna would stay at home and manage the house. She did not consider herself unfortunate. Rather, she felt lucky to have such a loving family, small though it may be.

"Thanks Kristoff. I am done for the day. I am going out to build a snowman."

"Alright. Be careful."

Anna grabbed her winter cloak, pulled on her gloves and hat, strapped in her boots and set off. She hoped she would find someone to play with. There were always kids her age in the town square. But when she got there, there was no one.

She looked at the castle, standing high and proud. It was forbidden to enter it. Her mother said that fourteen years ago, the castle doors were open, and the royal family would often host many festivals for its citizens. Four years ago, the King and Queen died at sea while visiting another kingdom. Everyone looked towards the princess to offer them guidance, but she was nowhere to be seen. Everyone thought that their kingdom was left without a ruler. After a few weeks of panic, it was confirmed that princess Elsa did not abandon them, she simply did not wish to make a public appearance. A coronation was held, despite the princess being underage, in order to appease the public. It was a private ceremony, and the public were not invited. At first, people were skeptical of the fact that they were being ruled by a little girl who apparently took no interest in ruling. But over the past few years, the situation changed drastically. The economy bloomed, tax rates decreased, infrastructure was set up, and everyone's life was better. Even Anna's mother received an annual allowance to help feed her two children. Whenever there was a crisis, Queen Elsa always had a solution. Gradually, people started trusting their new queen, and even praised her.

Anna wondered how such a young girl was able to handle such a huge responsibility. She was sure that anyone else would have crumbled under the pressure. She wondered how she looked like. There were no portraits of the Queen made, and no one had seen her for many years. Sometimes, the queen would write a letter addressing the public which was hung up in the town square. On those occasions, Anna couldn't help but stand there and admire her beautiful handwriting, and intelligent words.

The wind picked up as the streets became dark, and the temperature dropped. Anna shivered. Perhaps it's time to go home. She started trudging back. It was snowing heavily. The snow seeped through her cheap, hand-me-down boots.

The cold stung her face. She managed to slip in between a small lane between two big houses. She looked around. It was dirty and unkept. She figured no one really used that lane. Anna had bigger problems though. Her feet were wet, and she was getting colder by the minute, and she would freeze to death in a few hours if she stayed outside. Her mother won't be able to handle the loss of another family member. She slid down against the wall and shut her eyes. She had no idea how long she stayed that way until…

"Umm…Hello?"

Anna looked up. A stranger wearing a thin hooded cloak looked back. Her face was half hidden, but Anna could make out wisps of platinum blonde hair sticking out, and beautiful blue eyes.

"Do you need assistance?" the stranger asked her.

"Uhm, I was just waiting out the storm." Anna smiled at her. It was nice to see a complete stranger show some kindness.

"You are freezing. If you wait here, you will become deathly ill."

"Uh yeah. My shoes don't provide any protection at all."

The stranger bit her lip. "You can have mine."

"What?! What about you." It was only then did she notice that the stranger wasn't wearing any gloves. In fact, she wasn't wearing any winter clothing at all. Her cloak was thin, and had decorative snowflakes, and Anna could tell it was very expensive.

"It's alright, I don't mind the cold." She took off her socks and boots and gave them to Anna. Anna looked at her as if she were crazy, which she probably was. "Just take it." she said.

Anna hesitatingly obliged. The stranger pulled her to her feet.

"Come, I'll take you back home before you get sick."

The woman turned around and walked barefoot on fresh snow. Her feet sunk in, but she didn't flinch.

"A-Are you sure?" Anna asked once again.

"Yes. Now come on."

Together, they started walking. Anna would keep glancing at her companion, wondering if she was cold. But she wasn't even shivering. She seemed completely at home in the blizzard. The cold wind didn't seem to bother her at all. She walked as if taking a leisurely stroll through the park.

"We are here."

She knocked on the door, which sprung open almost immediately to reveal a very angry woman.

"Anna! I was so scare-oh, who is this?" she eyed the blonde suspiciously.

"Ma, she helped me through the snow. She even gave me her boots." Anna explained.

"My goodness, child! You must be so cold! You are not even wearing gloves. Come in quickly."

"I am sorry, but I must be going. I'll just take my boots and leave."

Her mother grabbed her arm. "I am not letting you freeze to death in this weather, young lady, so you better come in."

Said young lady sighed, and complied. She stepped inside and took off her hood. Her skin was pale white, with a hint of pink. Anna couldn't help but admire her beauty. Meanwhile, her mother fretted over her.

"That's such a thin cloak. I am surprised you are still standing." She handed her a warm blanket. "Put this on. It will keep you warm."

Anna set the table for dinner. The woman reluctantly joined them after a stern look from her mother.

"I don't wish to be a bother."

"You saved my daughter's life. It's the least we could do."

They sat down. Anna watched as the woman sat straight backed, picked up her spoon eloquently, and started eating, taking care to make as little noise as possible. Kristoff, on the other hand, wolfed down his food as if there was no tomorrow.

Their mother gave him a look. "Don't act like a pig Kristoff. Perhaps Anna's friend could teach you some table manners."

The woman flushed. Kristoff looked at her.

"So, what's your name?"

The woman paused for a moment.

"Elizabeth."

'Elizabeth. Her name is so elegant, just like her.' Anna thought. Elizabeth caught her staring, and she hurriedly looked down.

The storm subsided as the meal ended. Elizabeth looked at everyone.

"Thank you for your hospitality. Please accept this in return for your generosity."

Everyone gawked at her as she pulled out six months' worth of their family's income and deposited it on the table.

Her mother stammered. "M-My child, there's really no need…"

"Please." she cut her off. "It's the least I could do. Thank you." And with that, she strode out.

"Elizabeth! Wait!" Anna ran after her.

"Thank you so much. If it weren't for you, I would have been dead by now."

Elizabeth smiled. "You are welcome."

"Where do you live? Maybe we could be friends!" Anna said excitedly.

"Not far." she paused. "I'd like to be your friend."

Anna smiled warmly and held out her hand.

"I am Anna. How will I find you again?"

She shook her hand. "I will meet you in the public square the next time it snows. Use the money I gave you to buy yourself some warm clothes."

Anna hugged her. Elizabeth seemed hesitant, but slowly, her hands snaked around her waist.

"Thank you again, Elizabeth. Get home safe."

Elizabeth gave her a shy smile.

"I will, thank you. Goodnight Anna."

Anna watched as her new friend crossed the street and disappeared down the road.