Day 1

It was one thing to have Anna in the castle, but it was another thing all together having her several miles away in a two week long journey. When Anna was in the castle, Elsa was always certain that even if she was locked away in her room, Anna would be there just around the corner. Perhaps in the kitchens with Olaf, out in the courtyard with Kristoff, or even exploring the town. Despite everything, there was always that certainty that the princess would dream her dreams in the same place as Elsa did and that somehow their life would intermingle in their proximity. But Anna was not here.

Elsa ran her hand through her platinum locks. It was morning and yesterday Anna had left the castle. The hole in her chest did not shrink nor did the pain it caused. It pained her so much more than she thought to know that Anna was not here. The Queen sat on her bed, dark circles under her eyes hung like badges from her fight with sleep. She stumbled out of bed. Oh if only her sister could see her now, all the grace sucked out of her, leaving her wilted.

There was a quiet rap on the door and Gerda's voice could be heard.

"Your majesty, it's time for breakfast."

Life went on. The castle did not care of the pain inside Elsa's chest, much less the world outside. The documents that greeted her did not lessen in their amount simply because the Queen didn't sleep. Nothing changed except the slightly colder air around her.

The day went on. Preparations, reparations, negotiations. A grand time was coming, she was told. A time in which new alliances would be made. Where Arendelle would come out strong and prosper better than ever before. Where she will find her true love.

Except she already has. She already found someone she loves so completely there is no room left in her heart for another. Who could replace the years of loyalty Anna had shown her when she showed up at her door consistently? The absolute devotion she showed when she sacrificed her life to save Elsa's, despite her heart being poisoned by that very same sister? And this ball, full of men, were supposed to win the heart she no longer owns?

At the very least, she decided, there had to be some chance. Princesses. Should she not recommend to the council the highest possibility of finding her true love by opening their doors to those of all genders? Heck, if the ball doesn't work out, maybe they'll let her find one among the common folk.

Blood is thicker. Ha. The saying all of Arendelle had known since they were young, but taught not to take it literally. Family before all would be a better representation. Whether the family created by those related of blood or those related by love, this was the uttermost importance for the citizens. It was long since maintained that the royal family must fulfill the sacrifice of upholding the motto above and beyond the common citizens. Blood is thicker. And so the heir must be of blood. And despite the liberal state of the country, there was no room for preference for royalty. Until now.

Elsa could love whomever she chooses because anyone could give her a child. Man, woman, or other. While she was isolated in one area, she had the freedom no other royal had before her. An absolute freedom of choice.

That night these were the only thoughts she allowed in her head, the contemplation of the loopholes she now had before her. The possibilities of finding another girl she could fall utterly in love with. She managed to drift to sleep, but in her dreams where her inhibition did not exist, she dreamt of fiery braids and freckled noses.

Day 3

The day began with determination, having given herself a whole day to create a list of pros and cons. It made sense, her decision made sense. The queen strode confidently towards the room where her advisors awaited. A second pair of clacking shoes appeared next to Elsa, seemingly out of nowhere, but the queen was so focused on the task at hand she didn't flinch at all.

"You look like a woman with a mission," said Angela.

"I need to tell them we need a bigger pool of potential candidates. Include people of all status and gender. It only makes sense," said Elsa without breaking her stride.

"Ah yes, give yourself a chance to fall in love with anyone. Even your sister."

At this Elsa stopped abruptly.

"I don't know what you are talking about. That's absurd."

Angela tried to meet her eyes, but Elsa turned them away.

"You can't lie to me. I'm too old for that. I can see right into your heart."

"Your eyes are beginning to fail you."

Angela nodded her head, as if agreeing with Elsa until she took a deep breath.

"SO ELSA I HEAR YOU LOVE THE SMELL OF INCEST."

Elsa worriedly grabbed Angela and roughly pushed her into the nearest room. She pressed the witch against the wall as her eyes darted around to see if anyone heard.

"Are you crazy?!" Elsa hissed.

"It comes with age," shrugged Angela.

"Fine, I love her, is that what you wanted to hear?"

Angela said nothing but watched the changes in Elsa's face.

Oh. She said it out loud. To someone. Someone knows she's in love with Anna. And it felt…great! She felt warmth in her heart and body as she finally said it. It was addicting. She wanted to tell someone else. She wanted run around the castle telling everyone she was in love with the young redhead. Except Anna. That's just scary.

"That's the look I'm hoping for," said Angela as she continued to peer at Elsa's distracted face.

Elsa suddenly remembered where she was and hugged herself tightly.

"It doesn't change anything, you know," whispered Elsa. "Whether I tell you, a few servants, the whole kingdom, or worse, Anna. No one is going to accept this. Not even Anna has enough love in her to overlook this flaw of mine."

Angela held Elsa despite the cooling temperature. Elsa couldn't hurt her anyway, not when Angela's entire being vibrated with magic.

"Tell Anna, you can't let this torment you. Don't be afraid."

"I can't lose her too! I lost our parents already, I can't…I can't lose my sister. She's my everything, I'm nothing without her."

"This! This is why you need to take advantage of the time Anna has given you. You will lose her if she's your reason for being. You won't deserve her if you think you are nothing. Take this time to grow and learn and become an amazing person, not just a Queen, but a friend to all."

Angela chuckled softly. "You're a bit on the melodramatic side, but I wouldn't mind being your friend. Let's start there."

"I've never really had a friend. Outside of Anna and Olaf. What do we do now?"

"Well, in my many years of experience, friends tend to get you into trouble. So let's go start some trouble."

Elsa gulped. Perhaps she was in over her head.

Day 5

Elsa left the meeting with a deep breath and her hand slowly unclenching around Angela's.

"Now that wasn't so bad, was it?" Angela teased.

"You're right, it wasn't. It's just so strange to see years of tradition change with a simple silver lining."

"Simple? You and I can create life with any gender! That's more than just simple."

Elsa chuckled and allowed Angela to loop her arm within Elsa's. Ever since their talk, Elsa embraced the friendship Angela offered and all its benefits. With the witch's guidance, she began to talk to people within the castle, even making some unexpected friends. Who knew she and the old cook had so much in common? Or that one of the servants was able to give such excellent tips about art. These were just the people within the castle walls. Out there, there was so much more to explore. She finally understood the excitement Anna felt and wished she had taken up her offer to explore the town with her. To see the world through her eyes. This newfound understanding only made her fall further in love with Anna, if that was ever a possibility. And the pain of pushing her away grew.

"You're getting that look on your face. Anna?"

"Yes," Elsa sighed. There was no use in denying it. "There's so much I missed, so much I wish I shared with her."

"You still can. You can tell her anything."

Elsa looked down to meet Angela's sincere gaze. So knowing, deep, eternal. One of the many things describing the enigma that was Angela. It made her believe that everything would be okay.

"Maybe…maybe I will."

Angela's smile widened.

"That's great! And progress! Come on, let's go cause some mischief to celebrate."

Day 7

Elsa woke up, the dream still in the edges of her mind. Immediately she sought out Angela.

"I'll do it," she said, breathless and eyes wide and shining. "I'll tell her."

**Note: Hello everyone, it's been a while. I've decided to fix and continue the story, although it's been years since I've been a part of the Elsanna fandom. I think this is the kick I need to get back into writing. I wrote this chapter years ago, so I'm posting it unedited. I'm hoping the future chapters will be better.