Two Steps Back

Elsa was healed.

The doctor said so.

A month ago, Arendelle had been attacked by the Duke of Weselton, who wanted to loot the kingdom and murder Elsa. He wanted revenge for her treatment of him at her coronation, and he still considered her a monster, a wicked sorceress to be burned at the stake. He had taken Anna hostage to force Elsa to submit.

She had thwarted his plan, but the cost … she had allowed herself to be taken prisoner in order to let Anna escape, letting Elsa and her armed forces free the kingdom from the Duke's men. She had been beaten, imprisoned in her own dungeon, tormented by nightmares, and almost killed in the final battle.

That was a month ago. But now she was healed. The doctor said so.

Today she would attend her first Royal Council meeting since the attack. Anna had been acting as her Regent in the interim and doing a fine job. Although Elsa wasn't sure who would be happier for Elsa's return: Anna, or the Royal Council.

She sat at her dressing table, staring at the woman in the mirror. Her hair was flawless, her dress perfect. She was ready.

She stood, then picked up the last item to complete her ensemble for today.

Putting on the soft kidskin gloves, Queen Elsa of Arendelle went out to rule her kingdom again.

Elsa was healed; the doctor said so.