Frozen | The Cycle of Change

Chapter 1: First Day of Rule

(This book happens shortly after the events of Frozen 2)

Arendelle...

"Good morning, Your Majesty. A bright, and wonderful day, today." Kai said.

Being her usual self, Anna snores through Kai's morning wake-up call. Then, Olaf pops in, and starts talking about what had just happened recently.

"Oh, this is exciting! I can finally experience change!" Olaf exclaimed.

Talks of changes consumed Olaf, while Anna was already awake, staring outside the window, towards the bay. Merchant ships arriving, people flock on the marketplace, the usual routines of the citizens of Arendelle.

Olaf looks at Anna. She seems discontented on what's happening.

"What's wrong?" Olaf asks.

"Well, Olaf... it's just, with Elsa out there, and me being Queen of Arendelle. It feels like everything returned to what it was before. Elsa and I are... separated again. Yes, she visits sometimes, and send letters. But, I kind of want her here in the castle, rather than the Enchanted Forest. This is her home still." Anna explained to Olaf.

"I'm sure Elsa is doing alright. She's a nice, loving person, just like you!" Olaf reiterates. Anna gives him a warm hug.

"I'm... scared, Olaf. I don't know very much on how to be queen. It was Elsa who was trained all her life for this, not me. I don't want to disappoint her, Olaf." Anna said.

Then, Kristoff barges in the library, looking for Anna.

"Anna? There you are! You are needed in the throne room." Kristoff said.

"But this is me now. This is life now, Olaf." Anna said, she hugs Olaf once more, then she leaves to meet the council in the throne.

"What was that all about?" Kristoff asks Olaf.

"She just... misses Elsa." Olaf replied.

"Oh. Everything changed so fast after Elsa left. I'm still not really used to this... royal life." Kristoff said.

Anna hurries to the throne room. There, she comes across Gerda and Kai.

"Your Majesty, where's your crown?" Kai asked.

"Oh, right! I... forgot it in my room. Sorry!" Anna replied. Gerda rushes to Anna's bedroom. The crown is left on the bedside table. Gerda quickly grabs it, and returns to Anna and Kai.

Kai places the crown on Anna. He nods, and then opens the doors.

"Queen Anna of Arendelle!" Kai announced to the people in the throne room.

The people in the throne room bows in courtesy as Anna approaches the Queen's chair. She insisted on the name change herself, saying that thrones are not her thing. After she takes her seat, the people in the room are seated as well. Kai stood beside her.

"Wow. For years, Elsa has to do this. I wonder how she handles the pressure, because I don't." Anna thought to herself.

"My Queen. Where has the former Queen of Arendelle gone?" A dignitary from the Northern Isles asked.

"Well. My sister, Queen Elsa has taken up a more important role. As protector of the Enchanted Forest in the north. She comes to Arendelle often to check the kingdom, that's assured." Anna responded.

"What about the Scandinavian Shield? Now that Queen Elsa is no longer in power, can the smaller kingdoms assure security and stability from Arendelle still?" the Duke of Svealand asked.

"I, uh... I look at it with my advisers, and I will inform all of you about it on the next meeting." Anna responded.

"Are you... even ready to rule? Like that witch?" A person in the back asked. The throne room falls silent, and all eyes are at the back.

"Uh... excuse me?" Anna interjected.

"Apologies, Your Highness. But, that's a question, worth proven with deeds, not words." The man said. Anna leans in to Kai, "Who's that?" Anna whispered.

"Prince Hector of the Southern Isles, Your Majesty." Kai whispered back.

"I... I intend to learn the ways of the kingdom. I've spent the years observing my sister, the former Queen, and I can say that I can." Anna responded.

"How can we assure that this... kingdom, runs properly with an inexperienced ruler on the throne? Maybe Queen Elsa made a lapse of judgment before ditching the... coveted, Crown of Arendelle, heh heh." Hector said. Anna stood from the ruler's chair, frustration and ire on her face. But Kai saved her from raging out by stepping ahead.

"That is all Her Majesty's time for now. Thank you for coming to the meeting. We expect your presence in front of the Queen soon." Kai announced. The various dignitaries and people in the room stood from their seat.

"All hail, Queen Anna of Arendelle! All hail, Queen Anna of Arendelle!" They all said in unison, then one by one, they leave the throne room. Anna slumps back on the ruler's chair, burying her face on her hands in frustration.

"And who said that the Southern Isles is invited!?" Anna lashes out.

"Your Majesty, the Southern Isles was among the members of the Scandinavian Shield. Queen Elsa herself convinced them... after that incident involving the prince." Kai explained.

"I don't understand, Kai. How did Elsa managed to do this for what? Six years? I barely lasted a day." Anna said, sinking her face on her hands once more.

"Because... she has you, Your Majesty." Kai replied, "As the head butler of Queen Elsa herself, I see that she draws energy and confidence from you. Because she knows that you're there for her, Your Majesty." Kai added.

"She makes it so easy being Queen. Why can't I do the same?" Anna asked.

"Queen Elsa didn't like it a bit, Your Majesty. She did it because that was her sworn oath when she took the crown. Queen Elsa brought about change to Arendelle; magic and all. But, Your Majesty, you're not Queen Elsa. You're Queen Anna." Kai advised.

Anna hugs Kai, "Thank you, Kai. No wonder mama and papa made you head butler back in the day." Anna said.

"It's an honor to serve, Your Majesty." Kai replied. Kristoff and Olaf went to see Anna. He gives her a warm kiss on the cheek, then notices the frown on her face.

"Tough day, huh?" Kristoff asked.

"I don't think I can do this, Kristoff." Anna said, letting out a sigh.

"Don't say that. Elsa won't like that kind of thinking. Besides, it's your first day, honey. Don't be so hard on yourself." Kristoff said, comforting Anna by massaging her shoulders.

"I wish Elsa was here. She knows what to do." Anna replied.

"I'm sure you can do it, Anna. Elsa didn't give up the crown to some... woman. She gave it to you, Anna. Because she knows what you can do. Don't let some... prince comment wear you down. Remember, you're the queen. Your rules are the kingdom's rules." Kristoff advised. Anna gives Kristoff a passionate kiss. After the kiss, Kristoff leaves Anna alone on the balcony. The autumn breezes in the night, Anna looks at the far distance of the bay.

There, a flash of light glimmers in the sky. But, it's not a star. It is an ice crystal, indicating Elsa's location.

"I miss you... Anna." Elsa uttered to the wind. Then, Gale swoop by.

"Aw, Gale. I just miss my sister. I hope she's doing alright." Elsa said, then Gale responds with a slight breeze.

"Today's the annual Scandinavian Convention; all the kingdoms arrive in Arendelle this week. I, uh... arranged it when I was queen back then." Elsa said to Gale. Then, Bruni the fire salamander zips by, demanding a snowflake treat, in which Elsa happily gives to it.

"I'm sure Anna's fine." Elsa said.

Back in Arendelle, Anna in sobbing under her pillow. Besides the pressure of ruling, she misses Elsa greatly.

"Elsa..." Anna said, looking at the family portrait on the wall.

"I miss you, Anna. I love you." Elsa said before sleeping.

Southern Isles...

"Hans!" Harold, the eldest of the thirteen brothers of Prince Hans yelled.

"What!?" Hans yelled back.

"Are you ready for your... great redemption?" Harold asked. Hans' rage turns into a sinister smile.

"Come, brother. A gracious visitor awaits you. You might... know him from before." Harold said.

Hans tagged along with his brother. They walked to the chambers, where the other eleven brothers await, their father, King Heinrich, and their guess.

"Well, I'll be it. Welcome back..." Hans said.

"Pleasure to meet you again, Prince Hans." The Duke of Weselton said, "Shall we, discuss our next move? It's been... six years." He added.

To be continued...