Elsa woke slowly. Consciousness creeping up in small pieces. Outside her window, the sky was lightening. The sun wasn't up yet, but it was time she was. Her duties as Queen forced her to be up early. Maybe, if Anna started to make progress, her days would be less stressful. If not, at least less full. Elsa knew she would do well if she tried. Later she thought. She sat up and stretched, giving a yawn very unbecoming a queen. She made her way to the bathroom and washed the sleep from her face. Then rang for her handmaidens to help her prepare for the day.
She made her way through the castle to her office. There were letters to be read, and a trade agreement to go over. Some light work before breakfast. She had been there about a half-hour when there was a knock on the door. Elsa wondered what it could possibly be at this hour. She was one of very few people awake this early. "Enter" she said with her "queen voice", and was surprised to see Annas' face peer around the door. "You're seriously up and working this time of day?" Anna asked.
"Most days" Elsa replied. "Nothing much, usually just paperwork right now. The real fun begins after breakfast." She watched as Anna shuffled across the room, clearly not fully awake. She pulled up a chair closer to the desk across from her sister and sat. She rubbed her eyes, then yawned. Elsa handed her a few letters for Anna to read. The girls sat in silence for a while. Anna spoke first.
"Oooh! Rapunzel and Eugene will be coming for our spring festival! I can't wait to see them again!" Elsa smiled, They were very close with their cousin, and although Prince Eugene had not been fully accepted, given his background and somewhat tainted past, he was slowly winning the people of Corona over. Elsa liked him for his quick wit and sense of humor. With the two of them together, there never was a dull moment.
Elsa read her letter and sighed. "The prime minister of Weseltown wants to open trade talks… again !" Anna frowned.
"Can't they take a hint? After what, four years? They think we'll allow them to even set foot in Arendell? Let alone open trade?" The former Duke had been replaced last year, but the sisters were still against anything related to that particular Kingdom.
"Maybe we should invite the current Duke to the castle, and hear what he has to say?" Elsa was curious to see what Anna would say. Anna crossed her arms, and rested her head on her thumb. Her index finger tapping her cheek in thought.
"Well, it has been four years, and while the old Duke has been replaced, I'm not sure the rest of the regime has changed its tune."
Elsa immediately straightened. "I'm impressed with your line of thinking on the matter… WOW! " Elsa knew she had it in her!
"Elsa, it's not like I don't completely not pay attention…" She deadpanned. "But you're the Queen, it is your decision."
"… and I'm with you on this one. Still… four years. Maybe we should discuss this with the council…"
"Well, they could have some insight on what going on there, maybe we could mention the letter." Anna said.
"Very well, we'll mention it at the next council meeting." This 'princess training' might not be as hard as Elsa thought…
Anna looked at another letter…"Lord Klonder from Aspendykke would like to meet and discuss our trade agreement with them."
"Lord-Klonder?" Elsa asked, leading her…
"Oooh, was he the one with the flowing brown hair, and the broad shoulders?" Elsa rolled her eyes, and stifled a groan. Just when she thought this would be easy…
"No… Anna, he was the elderly gentleman with short graying hair. Although he did have a rather handsome grandson."
"Yeah, he was like, twelve? I remember now. He wanted you to marry that boy?"
"Fourteen, and yes he wanted us to marry." Elsa said. "To enhance our trade, and the friendships between our peoples, THAT was the official statement. Lord Klonder just wanted to enhance his own standing, while strangling his competition." Elsa thought back to their last meeting. It had been civil, but cold. His grandson was pleasant enough, but he was still a boy. He couldn't get out of his own way with a map.
"If Lord Klonder improved his position, he would control most of the trade in the region." Anna said. Elsa was surprised. "And…" Elsa asked leadingly.
"He could possibly bleed the neighboring kingdoms dry, cutting off trade with the others to get what he wants." Anna stated. "This could also lead to war!" Elsa was impressed.
"You see, it's not as simple as finding the cutest guy, or the flowing-est hair. These choices also come with complications Anna. It's so much about what I am rather than who I am. What I am is Queen of Arendelle, The Snow Queen. And who I am…"
"Is the awesome-est sister! Who could turn any man into frozen mincemeat!" Anna announced, with a great deal of pride. "I'm sorry I tease you so much about this Elsa. I keep forgetting you're the Queen. When I look at you most times, I see my sister. I've seen the looks Elsa! I've watched you at the balls. And, when we're with Kristoff. I know it's not, -easy for you. But I worry about you sometimes… and… I… I just want you to be happy."
"I know Anna." Elsa reached her hand across her desk, seeking her sisters'. Which she gave. They held hands, and locked eyes. "You only kid me because you care!" Both girls burst into a fit of giggles. They exchanged another glance, one which spoke volumes, until Elsa spoke.
"I don't know about you, but I'm hungry! And I could use some coffee!" Anna nodded, and both rose from their chairs. As they walked towards the door, Anna said "I know you'll find someone Elsa, and I'll be so happy for you, I know it!" Elsa smiled at her sister, ever the optimist. She couldn't help but feel it too.
The girls made their way to the "working" dining room. Called that because it was on the same level of the castle as her office. This was where both formal and informal meals were taken, as opposed to the main dining hall, where the official state dinners were held. They often were alone together, but there was a standing invitation to all members of the council, as well as any foreign officials staying in the castle.
The food was brought out, but no one joined them for breakfast. They ate mostly in silence, enjoying each others presence. Anna didn't really like coffee, but this morning was 'special', she needed it. May be she could talk Elsa in to not getting up sooo early. She hoped it would get easier.
"I thought you didn't like coffee." Elsa said, she herself was on her second cup, and Anna was matching her.
"I don't really, but since YOU drug me out of my bed to start SOOO early for work, I needed something!"
"Oh, stop being such a drama princess ! Besides, it was YOOOU who drug yourself out of your own bed this morning." Elsa teased.
"Yeah… well… shut up…" was Annas' intelligent answer. Both girls laughed. Elsa took Annas' hand, and gave it a squeeze.
"I know why you did it, and I appreciate it." Elsa looked into her eyes, and held the moment.
"I love you Elsa, I want to help…" Anna said. They held their gazes on each other. So much love and understanding, they both relished times like these.
Then, it was broken. They both realized breakfast was over, and it was time for work, AGAIN. They made their way out the door, and Elsa had her sister follow her for her morning tour of the castle. She would check with the staff, to see if there were any problems, and take care of them. With the seasons changing, so were many of the decorations around the castle. Those needed tending to also. Maybe this was one responsibility she could hand Anna. She would bring it up over lunch, maybe.
After the tour was over, it was back to her office where the meetings would begin shortly. She had scheduled meetings with the finance minister, and the Commanding General of their military. She also had two meetings with foreign officials, and a meeting with her head courtier, and all before lunch! She sighed, it was going to be a long day…
Anna had bravely sat through the first meeting. While she appeared attentive, most of what was talked about was over her head. Financing the upcoming festival, and housing all the dignitaries. Trade agreements going awry. Offsets, and deferred maintenance, it was a bit much for her to get her head around. She managed not to fall asleep, or implode from boredom, but just barely… The meeting with General Hroldstadt was a little more interesting. Anna knew her geography. Their place in the world, and the surrounding countries. Also a general feel for the relations between each. The General was about to end their meeting when he paused for a moment.
"One last thing, my Queen…"
"Yes General, what is it?" Both girls interests were piqued.
"There have been reports of some of our trade ships being attacked." He said. "Nothing solid right now, just second and third hand accounts. Nothing official. We'll have to wait for the captains or crews to return…"
"Indeed, General? Your thoughts?" Elsa asked. General Hroldstadt was an imposing figure. He was in his mid-sixties with balding, graying hair. He was dressed in an impeccable green uniform. He had served both with and under her father, rising to the rank of general just before his death. He would keep her occupied as a child with stories of his adventures and battles, during some of the longer council meetings where she attended, whether invited, or not.
"Pirates, or maybe just privateers, I'm not making judgments until I have some solid proof. Until then, I'll inform the Admiraltry, have the captains be wary."
"Very good General, you are dismissed."
The General stood and gave a respectful bow to each of them, then turned on his heels and marched out the door. After it was closed, Elsa looked at Anna "Probably nothing?" She asked.
"Yeah, probably…" Anna said. "It could cause a problem with trade and visits from foreign officials, but… He's right, we should wait before we start sending our whole navy after them. "
"Very good!" Elsa was proud of her. Anna could be a force to be reconned with…
Anna nervously reached up to tuck her bangs behind her ear, biting her lip. "Ahhh… could… I… er?"
"Be excused? Yes you may." Elsa finished for her. "You did very well this morning, I'm impressed. Not many could sit in on a finance meeting and not fall asleep sometimes!"
"Thanks, I do have a meeting of my own, with Catarin, and some of the guild chiefs to discuss the festival." Anna said proudly. "Maybe I could eliminate one whole meeting of yours!"
" THAT would be wonderful! Maybe we could spend that time in the gardens? Or maybe take a walk in the courtyard?" Elsa said.
"Sounds great!" Anna stepped up, and embraced her sister briefly. Then took a couple of steps back, and gave Elsa a small curtsy. "My Queen…" She said half playfully, smiling so her whole face was alight.
Elsa barely held in a laugh-giggle, and dipped her head at Anna in dismissal. "Bye Sis!" she called over her shoulder as she walked out the door. Elsa was so very proud of her. Just this small gesture, meant so much to her. She wanted to do something for Anna, to show her appreciation. Something small… She had it in an instant. She would commission a broach from one of the smiths… that one jovial fellow… Valdor! That was it. She was out touring the city, much like she does the castle, but not quite as often, to see the town and be seen by her subjects, out among her people. She remembered seeing some very nice pieces of jewelry in his shop. He had also made her cousins' rings. But, she wanted it to be a surprise. She would go there herself, she just had to figure out how . How to do it discreetly. She would think about it later. She still had two meetings, then lunch then…
Headache…
Her meetings were over, the first went well, with more or less a hello and catching up with an old ally of Arendelle. There was a promise of another meeting, and a formal presentation at Court for renewal of their agreement. The second one…
That ambassador from… Boeggstonia, that was it. A country she hadn't heard of much until recently. The official documents proposed a trade of timbers and minerals, for fish and cloth, and precious metals. But that was not what the ambassador was interested in. She could tell by the way he was looking at her, almost leering. It made her sick to her stomach. He tried to pass himself off as a war hero, but she could tell the closest he'd ever gotten to a weapon was a kitchen knife. It was all she could do not to freeze the room solid in her ire. No promises were made, and no accords struck.
She took lunch in her office, then a few more meetings, then more paperwork. She sighed, at least her meeting with Catarin, the head Courtier was cancelled. She finished up her work with a few hours to spare before dinner. She left her office, and found Anna in the gardens. They wandered aimlessly, taking in the newly planted flowers, a couple of areas were being completely replanted. Both girls gave their advice on the arrangement particulars. Elsa asked after Annas' meeting with Catarin and the guild members. Anna said it started off well enough, but an argument started between the guild chiefs. Anna puffed out her chest a little as she told Elsa she found herself a "Queen voice" she would be proud of. Elsa giggled behind a hand. Anna had invited them to dinner, so they could maybe finalize things over a meal and some wine.
Both separated, going to their rooms to wash up and change for dinner. Anna met Elsa at the door, and after being announced, entered the dining room. The table was full, both of food and guests. The guild chiefs were there, as well as the whole of her counsel. There were also a couple of ambassadors as well. Thankfully, that oaf of a Boeggstonian wasn't one of them.
Part way through the meal, Elsa noticed the guild chiefs were talking animatedly to each other. It soon turned into a hushed argument. They seemed to forget where they were, as their voices grew in volume. That is, until it started snowing, right in this room, and only on them. The initial shock stopped the conversation. They then realized what was happening, and where they were. They all turned, to a man, at the same time towards the head of the table. Eyes as big as the dinner plates they were eating off of. The Queen was not amused.
She was sitting straight up, her right elbow on the table with her hand straight up. Her fingers were half-curled around a large, slowly spinning snowflake. More snow snaked around said forearm. Her eyes were a deep icy blue, glowing.
"GENTLEMEN! What seems to be the issue here?" Not quite her 'Queen voice' but the offenders were appropriately cowed.
"My Queen! Apologies! I… we… That is… ERRR…" Absolute horror on their faces.
"I was informed by the Princess that an agreement was reached this afternoon, was it not?"
"Y… YES, My… MY Queen!" All three answered at once.
"Then WHAT exactly is the issue?" Elsa was glaring at each of them. Headache-coming back-full force-.
"W… we were just… haggling… over the particulars…"
Elsa shot a quick glance at Anna, saying 'you take it from here…'
Anna straightened in her chair. "It has been decided that the Artists guild shall have the focus of the festival for the first three days, after which it is the Agriculturalists guild, the the Trade guild for the remaining three days."
"Sounds fair enough to me." Elsa stated. It was still snowing.
"Y… yes,… P… p… Princess, my Q… Queen…" Anna was looking particularly smug.
"Then, it's settled. Please eat! drink!…" Elsa commanded. And they did so without another word.
Elsa glanced at Anna, who mouthed, "You're awesome!" with a glint in her eye. Elsa answered with a wink, and a smile barely hidden behind her wine glass, held to her mouth. It's good to be The Queen, AND The Snow Queen.
When dinner was finished, goodbyes were said, apologies made, and all bowed respectfully. The girls walked to their rooms. Elsa with her hands clasped in front of her, and Anna hanging on her arm. They were laughing and giggling over the events of the evening.
"Wow! Did you see the look on their faces? I thought we were gonna have a mess to clean up off the floor…" Anna laughed.
"Well, I had to get their attention somehow!"
"That sure did the trick! I can't believe you did that. And to top it all off, you had ME tell them again! It was awesome!" Anna laughed maniacally.
"My headache was returning, I didn't want to loose my temper. Besides, this should make your future negotiations, all of them, go much more smoothly…" Elsa stated.
"You're the awesomest sister EVER!" Anna pumped her fist in victory.
"I try." She does, and she will. Elsa will do for her sister whatever it took to make her happy and safe. To make up for all those years of separation, and the events that led up to her acceptance. She would.
Upon reaching their doors, the girls embraced, each giving an extra firm squeeze, just because, and turned to their rooms. "Goodnight, Anna…"
"Goodnight, Elsa." Anna looked at her fondly, head tilted just so…
Both girls slept soundly after a full day. With nothing but peaceful dreams…