The snowstorm was beginning to subside. This was a problem for her as people might start coming out of their homes. Winter storms were the only time she felt secure enough to go outside. There was no fear of her secret being exposed. She could also stop wearing those damned gloves. She quickened her pace, and navigated through the forest behind her castle.
After a while, she reached a small clearing. She looked around cautiously. There was no sign of anyone, except a few birds. She bent down, and grabbed a hook (cleverly hidden under foliage) and pulled. A trapdoor swung open. Quickly, she hopped in and closed the lid above her. A small torch was burning dimly. She pulled out a rag from her pocket and wrapped it around the fire. That should give her enough light to make it to the castle.
It took quite a while wandering around the maze of tunnels, until she finally reached another trapdoor. She wasn't scared of being lost. She had memorized all the pathways as per the royal custom. In case of an emergency, the royal family would have access to a quick getaway. But Elsa had no family. All she used it for was to sneak around the town in the cold and dark. She opened the trapdoor and climbed up.
"Oh Goodness, Elsa. Don't scare me like that!" Gerda squeaked as she popped out.
"Sorry" she grinned sheepishly.
"How was your little outing? You seem happy about something."
Images of an adorable redhead floated through her mind. 'Did she really mean it? Does she really want to be my friend?' Elsa never had a friend before. The only ones she talked to were her parents and the castle staff. Now, it's just the staff.
"Your Majesty?"
Elsa shook her head. "Oh yes, it was quite interesting."
Gerda could tell she wasn't telling her something, but didn't push it. "Excellent, I'll have dinner ready in just a moment."
"Actually, I already had dinner…"
"What! Where?"
So, Elsa told her about her little adventure, and her new friend.
"She said she wanted to be my friend…do you think she actually meant it or was she simply being courteous?" she asked nervously.
Gerda looked like she might burst into tears. She hugged her close. "Oh Elsa, of course she meant it! You are a wonderful person. Anyone would be lucky to have you as their friend. Tell me more about Anna. She sounds like a sweet girl."
"She is." Elsa smiled dreamily as she recalled the warm hug she received less than an hour ago.
Gerda smirked. She knew exactly what that look meant. "Was she beautiful?"
"Y-yes." Elsa looked away.
Gerda gently pulled her chin up. "Elsa, I know you like her. I am so happy for you. You have been alone for long enough."
'Do I really like her?' Elsa wondered. She felt like a desperate creep. Why would Anna like her back? She was a mess.
"I am tired. I think I'll turn in."
Gerda nodded approvingly.
The next few weeks were busy. Winter had finally arrived, and preparations had to be made. Food had to be stocked up, ships had to be secured in the harbor, and they had received a fresh supply of winter clothing from their trade partners. Everything required the Queen to make decisions, after reading through mountains of paperwork. This meant, that Elsa was stuck inside the castle. The whole time, Elsa would be distracted by her thoughts. She wondered what Anna was doing. Would she hate her for betraying their friendship? She promised to show up when it snowed. Two snowfalls and a blizzard had gone by, and she had had no chance to keep her word. She has no choice in the matter. The kingdom must come first. Her father had drilled that into her from a very young age. She couldn't possibly abandon her duties for her own selfish needs.
Finally, it snowed on a weekend. This was her chance. She had no meetings today. She could finish her work after coming back. She'll stay up late if she had to. Quickly she grabbed her cloak. She couldn't contain her thoughts. Would Anna still be there? Would she still want to be her friend? She didn't want to go out and face disappointment. Her one chance at making a friend was probably blown by now.
"Please be careful, Your Majesty. I am sure Ms. Anna is a lovely person, but you have known her only for a day." Kai was there to see her off this time, and unlike Gerda, he preferred caution. Elsa nodded.
It was a short walk from the secret opening to the town square. She looked around. There weren't many people. Shops were closed. Her heart sank. There was no sign of Anna. Tears leaked out of her eyes. She wiped them away furiously. She cursed her royal blood. She was foolish to think she could ever have a chance at normal life.
She turned around to go back, and crashed into someone. She toppled and fell.
"Elizabeth?"
Sry about the short chap. I'll try and make the next one longer. Thanks for reading.