Princess of Aldyn
All throughout the ballroom, courtyard, and main hall, it was extremely crowded. The first guests came earlier than expected, and brought gifts for Anna and Kristoff. A table was set aside for cards and gifts. One by one, the three of them made sure they welcomed each and every person. Outside in the courtyard, Elsa made ice sculptures from the water flowing out of the fountains. They were carved into beautiful swans that faced each other. She also froze a layer of ice around the pillars, carving her own design, and made walls of “stained glass” between some of them. It didn’t take her that long at all, really it only took seconds. She just had to have a general idea of what she wanted the place to look like in her head. Elsa’s powers were becoming a little stronger every day, just like the trolls told her when she was a child.
Elsa was disappointed the king and queen of Aldyn did not introduce their daughter earlier. She really had no clue about what this girl was like, except the princess did not want to come out and say hi. Still that was not a good reason to assume anything about her.
Scenarios started playing in Elsa’s mind. What if the girl’s powers were too out of control, and could not be tamed? What would happen then? What would she do?
Although, it could go the other way around, and everything could work itself out. Regardless, Elsa decided she would hold her judgment on the situation. Until she knew fully what the “problem” was with the princess’ magic at least.
She shook hands with the king of the Southern Isles, and his eldest son, who was next in line for the throne. He was in fact the brother to Hans, the first man Anna got engaged to. Though Hans did not turn out to be the nicest guy ever, the rest of the family was very apologetic and sincere. Elsa did not want to break off her connection with them, as they tried hard to make amends and apologized profusely. They sent her a gift, which she accepted, and replied with a letter that everything was forgiven.
The eldest son, Kurt, was a gentleman. Very serious, he always stood up straight. He looked much like his younger brother, except taller, broader, and had a full beard. His whole family shared the same honest blue eyes that Hans had. He was just as big as his father, and just as charismatic as his brother.
However, he did not interest Elsa. He was very good looking, but nothing about him captivated her. She definitely noticed he was eyeing her, and giving her a little extra attention while talking. But she went on, treating him as every other honored guest. She did not want to lead him on, for it would not work out.
Not that it couldn’t necessarily…
But Elsa just wasn’t attracted.
She noticed Princess Rapunzel and Prince Eugene, from the Kingdom of Corona, off in the distance. They lived more south, where it was warmer than Arendelle. She managed to catch their eye and wave at them.
In her head she noted that all the guests that Anna especially wanted were there. It was her choice to invite Hans’ family, though not all of them could come. She saw Anna and Kristoff laughing together with an older couple. It looked like they were thoroughly enjoying their time. Elsa was glad, they deserved to be happy.
She was not as naturally social as Anna. That was something her sister was better at. After a while, big crowds made her tired. Elsa decided grab a drink and find somewhere to sit down.
Over by the table of food, the waiter served her a glass of fine champagne. It was just what she needed, after a busy day constantly on her feet, she needed to sit down and unwind. The queen walked into the ballroom, where many couples were dancing and socializing. Closer to the wall there were fine velvet chairs to sit down on. She took a seat, and noticed a girl sitting not too far away. Like herself, she also had a glass of champagne in her hand.
She wore a simple forest green off-shoulder gown, which went down a few inches above her ankles, along with black heels. The only jewelry she wore were pearl earrings with diamonds in the middle, and a pearl necklace. Her hair was long, light ash brown, and had hint of red to it from the indoor lighting. The girl’s skin was fair, and her eyes were blue. She looked like she was just about her age, though maybe a little smaller in size.
But there were two things about her that Elsa noticed especially. One being the look on her face. It was obvious to see the girl felt out of place just being there. The second, and more recognizable, was that she was wearing short black gloves. Of course, gloves were not uncommon or necessarily unfashionable. She saw many other women wearing gloves around that night. But the girl’s gloves did not look like they were made of silk, but were made from a thicker fabric. When Elsa was growing up, she always had to wear gloves made from a similar material.
Elsa had the urge to talk to the girl. But for some reason she just could not make herself. It was not like anything was physically holding her back, but it just made her anxious. Maybe it was the champagne. Or maybe it was because this girl reminded the queen of her pitiful, sad past.
Just go up to her, she thought to herself.
Whatever the reason was, she disregarded it. It was her role as queen to make sure everyone was having a decent time. After a few minutes of getting over herself and a few more sips of her drink, she gathered the courage to go over and talk.
“Hello there,” she said with a smile.
The girl gave the queen a closed mouth smile and blushed, as she took a sip of her own drink.
Well that was awkward, Elsa thought to herself. But that did not stop her from trying to make conversation.
“What’s your name?” Elsa scooted closer to shake hands and be polite.
“Tanya,” the girl gave a one worded answer.
“How do you like the ball so far?”
“It’s alright. I don’t really know anybody here.”
“Did you come with anybody?”
“I came with my parents.”
“Where is your family from?”
“You sure have a lot of questions for me, don’t you,” Tanya seemed slightly flustered. “If you must know everything about me, I’m not from here, otherwise I’d know somebody. I have no idea where my parents went. My father is probably talking about the current politics that he’s so obsessed about. My mother is probably drunk and gossiping with people she doesn’t even know. But I don’t really care, I’m not some little kid that needs to be watched over. Does that answer all your questions?”
“I…” the queen was speechless. Elsa had never had anyone talk that upfront and brash to her before. She did not know how to respond. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bother you.” Elsa got up to move away before she embarrassed herself even further.
Taking notice that she hurt Elsa, the girl’s face softened. She grabbed the queen’s arm to get her attention.
“No, I’m sorry. That was rude. It’s been a long day.”
“Hasn’t it for all of us.”
“Very true. That and I’m not as peppy as half the people here,” Tanya chuckled.
Elsa went back down and sat beside the girl. “You should meet my sister then, she definitely loves to talk. Her energy definitely comes from being around people, and thrives during parties like tonight.”
“Your sister sounds very nice.”
“She’s the only family I have. It’s hard for me to believe Anna’s getting married in just a few days.”
It took Tanya a few moments to realize who she was speaking to.
“Wait. The princess is your sister so… you’re the queen of Arendelle? I’m so sorry, I had no idea-“
“Just call me Elsa,” the queen cut her off. “And you don’t need to apologize. I probably would have annoyed myself with all the questions I was asking.” They both chuckled, and then looked at each other in the eyes.
Her eyes were as blue as a storm.
A violinists started off playing a new song, and the rest of the string instruments came in. It was a slower song, and the men and women dancing dispersed from the dance floor.
“This song, I’ve heard it before somewhere,” Tanya said. “I just can’t quite remember where.”
“It’s one of my favorite pieces actually. I have to say though, it sounds much better on piano.”
“You have a piano here?” Tanya piped up?
“Yes it’s in the library upstairs, it’s quite old but still in tune. Would you like to go upstairs and play it?”
“Oh I don’t know how. I’ve always thought it was beautiful though, and have always wanted to learn.”
“Well since we are here, why don’t I play for you?”
“You can play?” Her eyes grew big like a child’s.
“Here, why don’t I show you?” Elsa said warmly.
They made their way up to Arendelle’s great library, vast with a sea of books. Some were placed so high up, that they may not have ever been touched, besides when they were shelved up there. There was a large fireplace and a mantle, along with some cozy chairs and couches. The whole room had a warm atmosphere to it. Towards the side of the room, there was a grand piano in all black. It looked very old, just as the queen said. Elsa lit the fire and candles to make her guest more comfortable, and the light gave the piano a gloss, which flickered whenever the flames did.
Elsa went over to the piano and sat down to the bench. She saw Tanya still standing, watching the queen, not really sure what to do with herself.
The queen saw this, so she scooted to the side to make room and pat the bench.
“You can sit with me while I play.”
Tanya just nodded and quietly sat down right against Elsa’s side.
“Now it’s been a year since I picked up piano again, so my playing may not be as good,” the sheet music said Clair de Lune on the top.
Elsa started off slow and delicately. Her fingertips slowly remembered again which keys to press, and when to use the pedal. It came back to her, like her memories from the past. Every sad feeling she had ever felt, the silent anger of her power when it swelled inside her, the fear she had dealt with her whole life. But most of all, the music reminded her of nighttime and the winter. Of snowflakes that fall to the ground, and the formation of icicles. She could feel her emotions pouring out into the music.
When the music started to pick up, she heard Tanya whisper, “So beautiful.”
The queen kept on playing. She loved the plinking of the keys, and how they felt under her fingertips. Elsa was not musically gifted with instruments, though she did have a voice. However it was something that gave her simple pleasure as a fun pastime.
When the song ended and her fingers stopped, she looked over at Tanya, who had tears in her eyes.
“Why are you crying?” She took out her handkerchief and wiped the tears from her eyes. The girl was obviously moved by her performance. “There, what’s the matter?”
“I feel so silly, tearing up like this. I remember now. That was the last song I ever heard my father play on the piano. When I was little, I would watch him play just like I did now. But he gave it up. Like everything else.”
Once more Elsa found herself not knowing how to respond. This was happening tonight more than she liked.
Tanya got up off the seat. “Including me. Same goes with my mother.”
You have to say something, anything. Make her feel better.
“Now listen, you’re parents do care. They’re your parents.”
“No they don’t. You don’t know them, and you don’t know me,” she said quietly.
Who was this girl, Elsa thought. She sounded very sad.
“Maybe that’s true,” the queen responded. “Maybe I don’t know you. But maybe, just like how they don’t know you, you don’t know them either.” Elsa realized that just maybe that was not the right thing to say. Maybe she should just not say anything.
Tanya looked hurt, as if the hard cold truth was told to her. “I… I… I’m sorry again Queen Elsa, thank you for showing me around the castle, and playing piano for me, but I have to go.”
Elsa did not want the girl to go, not on this bad note. She needed to apologize for what she blurted out.
“Wait Tanya!” She followed the girl, and grabbed hold of her arm.
“Let me go, please!” Tanya looked frightened. Just then, a glow emanated from her hand. In less than a second a flame burst out, and she aimed it towards the fireplace. Elsa let go.
There was a look of fear in Tanya’s eyes, the same fear that Elsa knew all too well. “Please,” the girl said in fear, as she held her arm and slowly backed away.
Elsa did not try to stop her from running out the door.
Tanya. She was the Princess of Aldyn.
Oh no.
Did she really know what she was getting into?