10 October, 1840

Eskil Castle,

Southern Isles

They had arrived in the early hours of the dawn, as the sun rose just above the horizon; the seas had been calm, and she had been unable to stay below decks- instead, coming up to watch as the Isles got closer and closer. From her place on at the ship's rail, she could already see the bunting waving in the breeze; the familiar green, purple and gold beckoning and welcoming her arrival.

The wind tugged at her hair, pulling strands free of her braid, and she sighed. Her heart was beginning to settle, and she felt a calm begin to settle over her. It had been five long, agonizing months since she had bid him goodbye in the quiet of the library amid soft kisses and whispered promises, their engagement a tender secret between them and only the most trusted of their household. Soon, my love. Soon, we will be reunited.

"Lise?" She turned to find her younger sister by her side, already in her finest to meet the court, her hair and dress protected by a cloak of soft green and purple. "You cannot meet the King of the Southern Isles looking like a windswept maiden on the moors."

After a moment, she allowed the younger girl to lead her back below decks, turning back briefly to watch the horizon.

It was all so overwhelming- from docking in port to boarding the carriage to the ride to court. People had lined the streets to welcome the foreign queen and her sister on her first diplomatic visit to the Isles. She had watched from the carriage window, waving briefly as they passed, her nerves a tight bundle in her stomach. Eskil Castle was ancient, as ancient as Linnea, with imposing stone towers and a tremendous gate. From the turrets, flew the flags of Arendelle, acknowledging her visit.

She didn't remember stepping out of the carriage, she only remembered leading her small entourage as they followed the main housekeeper through the castle grounds, inside and towards the throne room. They quickly shed their cloaks, and she nervously smoothed the skirt of her gown, turning to her sister. "Do I look okay?"

Anna smiled softly at her. The gown her sister wore was one of her own creation; a beautiful, soft mauve in color, the skirt belled out slightly, and the shoulders dropped into a square cut, similar to her coronation gown. Gold rosemaling adorned the skirt, and the train was small, but subtle. The simple gold lace upon the elbow-length sleeves that brushed against her arms was actually delicately crafted ice crystals, and she wore the front half of her hair pulled back into an elaborate twist, the rest of it hanging down her back in snow white curls. In her hair, she wore the diamond teardrop crown, as was customary. Their mother had worn the same crown on her diplomatic visits- as was custom for Arendelle royals.

No matter where you go, you represent Arendelle; you must show them your power, as their father used to tell them. She smiled at her sister, reaching for her hands. "You look beautiful, Lise. He will not know what to say to you." Her sister didn't acknowledge the phrase, and instead, squeezed her hands gently before pulling away. It was customary in the Isles for the sibling of lower rank of a visiting royal to be announced first, before the visiting monarch.

"Presenting Her Royal Highness, Annaliese Jane Bekkerdahl of Arendelle." She watched her younger sister slip through the doors and disappear into the throne room. A soft murmur of voices could be heard, and after a moment, she smoothed her skirt, hearing her introduction. "Presenting Her Royal Majesty, Iduna Elisabeth Isabella Katerine Bekkerdahl II, Queen of Arendelle." She lifted her head high as the doors opened.

The court surrounded her on both sides, women in simple gowns and men in dark colours; they shared glances, whispering behind their hands as they watched her, this newly crowned Arendellian queen, stride forward, her hands relaxed at her sides. She directed her gaze at no one but the man sitting upon the throne. The whispers went in one ear and out the other; she would not allow this, this strange court that belonged to the man she loved, to define her or her reign.

"She's as gorgeous as the reports claim... look at how her hair glistens like freshly fallen snow."

"So young, only eighteen, a year below our king in age-"

"I heard she has powers over ice and snow- can you imagine? An actual Snow Queen?"

When finally she stopped before the dais, she met his gaze. He sat up a little straighter, and she could tell he was fighting the urge to stand and embrace her. A moment passed, a tense moment as the whispers intensified, but she did not curtsy. Arendellian rule stated that a ruling monarch visiting another kingdom did not bow or curtsy until receiving the approval of the hosting monarch- and Hans knew this. He was hesitating deliberately, drinking her in, studying everything he could about her without getting close; from the ice of her gown, to the diamonds in her crown and the style of her hair even though he could not see it. Five months was along time for a man to go without the woman he loved, and he was relishing every moment-

The briefest of nods in her direction; she slowly gathered her skirts, and with a flourish, dropped into a deep curtsy, fingertips brushing the ground she knelt upon. She made sure to keep her head down, to allow him to admire the crown upon her head, to see the country she was representing and the power she held, for only a reigning monarch would wear such a symbol of power on a diplomatic visit. It may have been her first diplomatic visit, but she did not come to play games; she came to win, in whatever way possible. The sound of footsteps reached her ears, and soon she felt someone lifting her up. As she lifted her head, she met his gaze, stepping back to put the appropriate amount of distance between them. He smiled softly at her.

"Welcome to the Southern Isles, Your Majesty. I hope that both you and Princess Annaliese will find the country pleasing, and while you are here, please, consider Eskil Castle your home."

Silence fell, and she smiled softly, folding her hands beneath her breasts, cocking her head slightly to the side, the diamonds of her crown sparkling in the light. "I believe..." She glanced at where her sister stood, catching her eye. "I believe that Her Highness and I shall greatly enjoy getting to know this fine country of yours," She smiled softly. "King Johannes."

His green gaze sparked; her shirking of his royal title was deliberate. It was a dare, and he was more than happy to raise to the challenge, holding out a hand. She watched him, blue gaze calculating as he spoke. "It's a deep honor, to have the first diplomatic visit by the newly crowned Arendellian queen be to our... humble little island monarchy. I can only hope you will find everything within our small country to your liking," She reached out, allowing him to take her hand, which he brought to his lips, green gaze meeting hers. "Queen Iduna."

Game set, match.