Into The Castle

Oddly enough the castle did have stables, but without a single horse in them. For visiting dignitaries I supposed, or maybe they'd kept them in the past and decided they weren't worth the upkeep. Whichever we left Maleficent and Ruby as Anna continued to gush about the castle, I swear she'd given every empty suit of armor along the way a name.

Anna was certainly charming in her way, but it was getting to be a bit much, even Cassandra's eyes were starting to glaze over.

"So when is a good time to meet your sister?" I managed to interject into her stream of words eventually.

She turned back to me while still holding my hand, she'd refused to let go this whole time. "Oh, we're going to see her now. Well, talk to her. She doesn't open her door often. Well, at all really... But she's going to make a public speech for the coronation and visit with the people like you who are showing up, so I'm sure she'll make an exception." And she was off, pulling me behind her again.

Such enthusiasm, she'd make such a great Cheshire. And interestingly, the guards seemed as trusting as Anna herself since they'd left the three of us to wander the building on our own. I wondered if they somehow knew Elsa could hold her own against a regular swordsman?

That was a really good question actually. Elsa's fear of her power could definitely stem from more than just the childhood accident with her sister. At least two of the delegates on their way were up to no good, had an assassin been sent to a frosty doom in the past?

That thought kept me distracted from the stream of babble until the Princess led me to a door on a high castle floor that didn't look that remarkable, and knocked.

She didn't just knock of course, but occasionally actually sang through it as well. Years of isolation had obviously done its damage to this poor thing. No wonder a different unscrupulous cad had used her so easily. I supposed I wasn't so different as I was using her to get to her sister, but I didn't intend to kill anyone.

Eventually Elsa responded. "What is it Anna?"

Hopping in excitement, Anna replied. "One of the dignitaries is here early! His name is Prince Guy from the Kingdom of Fawkes. His guard rides a wolf! She's so huge and fluffy!"

"Fawkes? We didn't send an invitation to them? I've never even heard of them? A wolf!?"

"Greetings your Majesty. While we did not receive an invitation, I heard about your upcoming coronation while visiting Corona and thought to drop by to give you well wishes on behalf of my father, the King."

That got the door opened, and the very nearly white haired blonde looked me and Cass over with great scrutiny. Not much trust in this one, something had definitely happened in the past, I'd bet on it.

"Prince Guy of Fawkes?" I nodded after a quick bow. "Just the one guard?" She looked Cassandra over and seemed to like what she saw.

"I saw no reason to come to your coronation with a show of **** your Majesty. I have just the Captain of my personal guard with me. Cassandra." At my gesture, the glowing-haired woman gave Elsa a bow as well. "There are a few others of my retinue about town still, but they should be by sooner or later."

Anna looked ecstatic to see her sister. I wondered just how often that happened. Probably not much, which was just sad. "Isn't it exciting? A few weeks to go and already we have visitors. Oh, and look at the pretty bracelet he gave me!" Anna held up her arm, showing the silver band to Elsa.

Elsa raised a pale eyebrow at the piece, then looked at me again. "Very nice. I suppose we should see about accommodations for the Prince and his people until the celebration."

Before Anna could launch into another ramble I held up another bracelet, this one with a large, clear diamond inset. "If you don't mind, I have a gift for you as well your Majesty."

Elsa took the bracelet and looked it over. "Not Majesty just yet, still just Princess until the ceremony. These are very fine quality, quite Princely gifts." She did not, I noted, put it on.

"The Kingdom of Fawkes is rich in silver, gold, and gems. We export fine jewelry, such as you see here. In truth my reason for visiting, as it was in Corona, has as much to do with seeking trade deals as congratulations. Though those are quite sincere."

She nodded, looking more at ease. It would seem she thought that a more likely reason for my appearance, making her less suspicious. Anna seemed unfazed in her excitement and was looking over Elsa's bracelet in glee. "And what kind of trade would you be looking for from Arendelle?"

"From what I've seen your Kingdom is rich in woodlands. Lumber is something my country does not have an excess of, being far south of the Kingdom of the Sun. And while raw goods would be easier to ship in bulk from Tirula, fine wooden furniture would still be at a premium."

Elsa seemed lost in thought for a time, but eventually snapped the bracelet on her arm and smiled at me. "I did expect most would show for the coronation with ulterior motives. I am glad to see in your case you seem to seek something mutually beneficial to both our Kingdoms."

I nodded in understanding, trying to hide my triumph. "I certainly understand. You must be worried that others will see a young, unwed Queen and try to take advantage. Younger sons seeking to annex your Kingdom by marriage even. You've nothing to fear from me there, I have no aspirations on your throne and seek only to help us both."

The nearly white haired woman was all smiles now. Clearly she believed she'd discovered my scheme and was fine with more trade. She still was careful to keep her physical distance from the rest of us and looked ready to dart behind her door at need though. And this was with her gloves on. Well at least she was somewhat relaxed now. "I can see from the Captain of your personal guard that you don't see women as weak."

"Indeed not. I can see you will make a strong Queen indeed."

"I'll take the Prince and find rooms for him and his people!" Anna enthused. "Maybe we can all have dinner together?" She looked at her sister with big pleading eyes.

Elsa clearly didn't think that was a good idea, but didn't want to seem rude, or hurt her sister I hoped, though she obviously took pains to keep away from her out of fear. "Yes, okay, we can do that. Until tonight Prince Guy." She obviously wanted to make an escape, so I graciously let her.

"Until tonight Princess Elsa." I gave her a bow and backed off while she closed the door behind her.

Anna grabbed my hand again and we were off. If anything she was even more excited now, and I'm not sure if she heard me ask for just the one room for everyone over her chatter.

We ran into a single guard who had Ruby, Maleficent, and Kat behind him. Obviously coming to find us. He didn't seem to think the girls looked strange at all, thank you Normality.

Anna seemed to forget all about me then and rushed forward to hug Kat. "So fluffy!" The monster girl actually looked at a loss for words.

The two of them were going to be such a terror.