The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the castle, casting a golden light across the richly decorated room.
The familiar sound of the wind whistling against the frozen fjords was a peaceful backdrop, though Anna barely noticed. She was too busy pacing across the large, cozy living room, wearing a path in the thick rug that covered the floor.
Kristoff watched Anna from the couch, where he sat next to Sven, his loyal reindeer, chewing on a snack as if completely oblivious to her anxious energy. He, on the other hand, had grown used to her pacing.
"Anna," he finally said, a look of amusement gracing his features.
"You're gonna wear a hole in the floor if you keep that up."
Anna stopped mid-step, turning back to look at Kristoff with a slight frown.
"I can't help it! I feel like I'm crawling out of my skin waiting for news. What if something's wrong? What if—"
"Anna," Kristoff interrupted, his voice soothing but firm at the same time.
"Elsa's fine. She's just resting. You don't need to worry so much."
"I know, I know," Anna replied, sighing as she flopped down onto the couch beside Kristoff.
"It's just…I can't help it. I'm excited, and nervous, and—well, you know how I get."
Kristoff chuckled and pulled Anna close, wrapping a strong arm around her shoulders.
"I do know. But Elsa's tougher than anyone. She's just tired from carrying around a baby, which you'd know a thing or two about if you gave yourself a minute to calm down."
Anna bit her lip, a sheepish smile creeping onto her face.
"I guess I am overreacting a little, huh?"
"Just a bit," Kristoff teased, squeezing Anna gently.
"But it's sweet. I'm sure Elsa appreciates how much you care."
Anna sighed again, this time in more resignation than worry, and leaned into Kristoff's side.
Kristoff's right. I'm just overreacting. Elsa's fine, she's just resting.
Elsa had reassured her yesterday that she was feeling fine, just a little worn out. Still, knowing her sister as well as she did, she couldn't help but worry.
The pregnancy had come as a bit of a surprise to everyone.
Elsa had always been focused on her duties as the ruler of both Arendelle and the Enchanted Forest, maintaining balance between the magical spirits and her own ice powers.
Though she and Kristoff had grown close over the years, Anna had never expected her sister to want children.
Elsa was always so measured, so careful with everything she did—and having a baby seemed like a huge leap for someone who once feared her emotions might harm others. But when she had announced her pregnancy, Anna had been thrilled beyond words.
Kristoff had looked both proud and a little overwhelmed, while Elsa, ever calm, had smiled with that quiet, serene expression she always wore when facing a new challenge.
Anna was excited too, but she couldn't help feeling a little protective. After everything Elsa had been through in her life—learning to control her powers, feeling isolated for so long—she wanted to make sure her sister was okay. More than okay, actually. She wanted Elsa to feel supported, loved, and as happy as possible during this new chapter in her life. Just as she was about to lose herself in another cycle of worried thoughts, there was a soft knock on the door to the living room.
"Come in!" she called, sitting up straighter.
The door opened, and Elsa stepped inside. Her platinum-blonde hair was braided loosely over one shoulder, and she wore a comfortable, flowing gown that highlighted the curve of her growing belly. Though she moved with her usual grace she was ever known for, there was a noticeable tiredness in her eyes, as if the day had taken more out of her than she'd expected.
Anna was up on her feet in an instant, rushing over to her sister.
"Elsa! How are you feeling? Do you need anything? Can I get you some tea? A pillow? Oh! Maybe a snack?"
Elsa chuckled softly, waving off her sister's flurry of concern.
"I'm fine, Anna. I promise."
She placed a hand on her swollen belly, her gaze softening as she felt the baby move inside her.
"Just a little tired."
Kristoff stood up, his gaze settling on Elsa with a mix of admiration and love.
"You look great, Elsa. Really."
"Thank you, Kristoff," Elsa replied, a small smile gracing her features.
"I feel pretty good, considering."
She glanced at Anna, who was practically vibrating with nervous energy.
"Anna, you don't have to worry so much. Everything's fine."
"I know, I know," Anna replied, though her tone made it clear she didn't entirely believe it.
"I just…I want to make sure you're comfortable. And happy. And…well, everything."
Elsa reached out and took Anna's hand in her own, squeezing it gently.
"You've always taken such good care of me, Anna. But right now, I promise, I'm okay."
Anna nodded, though her eyes drifted down to Elsa's stomach, unable to hide her curiosity.
"Has the baby been moving a lot today?"
Elsa's smile widened, and she placed her hand on her belly again.
"Actually, yes. It's been kind of amazing feeling her kick and squirm around. It's like she's reminding me that she's here, growing stronger every day."
Anna's eyes lit up with excitement.
"Can I feel? Please?"
Elsa laughed softly, nodded.
"Of course. Come here."
Anna's face glowed as she gingerly placed her hand on Elsa's belly, just below where her hand rested. At first, there was nothing but the warmth of Elsa's skin beneath her palm, and she held her breath, waiting. Then, suddenly, she felt it—a soft nudge against her hand, followed by another, more insistent kick. Her eyes went wide with wonder.
"Oh my God, Elsa!" she exclaimed.
"I felt it! That was the baby, wasn't it?"
Elsa nodded, her own expression filled with warmth and pride.
"Yes. That was her."
Anna's face was glowing as she looked up at Elsa, her hand still resting on her belly.
"This is incredible, Elsa. You're going to be such a great mom, I can already tell."
A faint blush touched Elsa's cheeks as she looked down, her hand brushing over the spot where the baby had kicked.
"I hope so. It's…a little overwhelming, to be honest."
Kristoff moved closer, his strong but gentle presence a steadying force. He placed a hand on Elsa's shoulder and smiled.
"You're not alone in this, Elsa. We've got your back."
Anna nodded eagerly.
"Exactly! You've got Kristoff, me, Olaf, and even Sven to help out if needed!"
She glanced over at the reindeer, who was now dozing peacefully beside the couch, completely oblivious to the conversation.
Elsa chuckled, her eyes crinkling at the corners.
"I'll keep that in mind."
For a moment, the room was quiet, filled with a warm sense of togetherness.
Anna marveled at the life growing inside her sister, the thought of the new little person who would soon join their family.
It was a feeling of pure joy, mingled with a sense of awe.
But then, as quickly as that joy came, a flicker of uncertainty passed across Elsa's face. She bit her lip, her hand lingering on her belly.
Anna immediately noticed this and took a step closer, grasping Elsa's hand.
"What's wrong, sis?" she asked, her voice softening.
Elsa hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"I…I guess I'm just…scared. I know I've faced a lot of challenges before, but this—having a baby—it feels so…different. It's like nothing I've ever experienced, and I don't want to make any mistakes."
Anna squeezed Elsa's hand tighter.
"Elsa, you're going to be an amazing mother. I mean, look at everything you've been through and how strong and resilient you are because of it. If anyone can handle this, it's you."
"And you're not doing it alone," Kristoff added, stepping closer to Elsa and wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"We're in this together. No matter what."
Elsa looked up at Kristoff, her eyes glistening with emotion.
"Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you two."
Kristoff smiled, leaning down to kiss Elsa's forehead.
"You'll never have to find out.
Anna grinned at the sight of the two of them together, feeling a deep sense of happiness for her sister.
For so long, Elsa had carried the weight of her powers and her responsibilities on her own. But now, she had Kristoff by her side, and a new chapter of her life was about to begin—a chapter filled with love, family, and the promise of a bright future. As the sun dipped down lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over the room, she sat down on the couch, resting her hand on her belly. Anna settled beside her, still buzzing with excitement, while Kristoff took a seat on the other side, his arm draped protectively over her shoulders. And for the first time in a long while, she felt truly at peace. The baby kicked again, a gentle reminder of the life growing inside her, and she smiled, knowing that with her family by her side, maybe, just maybe—everything was going to be okay.