Before Ever After: The Royal Brigade

The Greeting

"Your majesty?" said a voice, "It's time to get up. You will be leaving soon." This voice seemed so distant to the sleeping princess. "Of course..." she yawned, "I'll be there in a minute." This was a lie. Not because she was a skilled liar, but because she was only half-conscious and didn't pay any attention to what she had just said. She began snoring but quickly bolted upright. "Where are we going, again?" she called, hoping the person on the other side of the door had not left. "Corona, miss. They're coronating the Lost Princess."

"Corn-er-ating the Lost Princess..." she trailed off. Her eyes snapped open as she realized exactly what was happening. She excitedly threw off her covers as she jumped out of bed. She grabbed the dress that she had chosen the night before and began changing. It was the same dress she had worn on the day that Kristoff had kissed her and Elsa decided to be more open. So many memories with one outfit...

Anna glanced out her window. It was a warm summer night. The kingdom was still sleeping soundly. The castle was another story: servants running back and forth to ensure that everything was prepared for the journey. Anna rushed through the castle to find her sister. Elsa was standing in her workroom, reciting notes to herself when Anna walked in. She wore an ice dress, as usual, that was a slightly shorter cut than her usual floor-length gown and faded into a pale purple. Her sleeves stopped just over her elbow and her skirt flowed with every quick-paced movement. She had left off the cape all together, seeing as it was much warmer in Corona.

"Elsa..?" she started, causing her sister to abruptly stop. "Don't worry. It'll be fine," she reassured. "You don't know that," the blonde said, "This is the first time I'll be with the world leaders since my..." She couldn't even come up with a word that would come close to explaining it. "Well, yes, but you have much better control now and it's not like you have anything to hide," Anna said, hopefully, "And I'll make sure no one tries to mess with you!" she joked, clenching her fist to punch imaginary people.

She was relieved to hear her sister's laugh. "I don't think that'll be necessary," Elsa said, grabbing her sister by the hand. Together, they walked out of the castle and to the docks. "We will be there around noon, your majesty," a man said as they walked on board. "Thank you, Captain," Elsa said politely, "My sister and I will be retiring to our chambers to catch up on some lost sleep." And with that, the two marched off to their temporary rooms.

A few hours later, the two stood on the deck of the ship, preparing to disembark. Anna had changed into a dress similar to her sister's, only it was many shades of green and covered in sunflowers. Her hair was up in its usual bun with a green and white ribbon intertwined to her red hair. On top of her hair sat a small tiara; she had not wanted to wear one at all due to her fear of losing it. Elsa's hair was in a bun that transformed into a ponytail. Magical snowflakes riddled her platinum blonde hair with one large one keeping her bangs out of her eyes. Her crown had been retrieved from her ice castle a few weeks prior and now sat gleaming upon her head.

As they stepped off the ship, Elsa noticed that some locals seemed to shrink away from her. She had expected it, no doubt word about her coronation had reached Corona, but she still felt a pang of sorrow. She straightened her back as she stepped into the carriage, pretending not to notice.

The princess sighed as she looked out her window. Why had her mother made her come? Couldn't she have attended on her own? These thoughts went through the princess' head as she played with one of her bright red curls that hung in her face.

There had been a time when she was forced to hide them in a head-dress that was much too tight. She was grateful that her mother had not forced her to wear one this time, but the fear that she might have to later still loomed. Instead,+ her hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail with a few simple jewels decorating the top of her head in place of a crown or tiara. Her wild red curls protested the restraint, but it was the best Merida could hope for. "Merida, posture," her mother said quietly. "Mum..." Merida groaned. "I know. I know," the Queen said, "But posture is important for your physical health." Merida rolled her eyes and sat up straighter.

Once again, she looked out at the landscape. A thick forest, not so different from her own, passed by. A few guards, from both Scotland and Corona, walked beside the carriage. If she craned her neck she could see her beloved horse, Angus. A few yards behind them were a few more carriages. The one directly behind them caught Merida's attention. It was, for the most part, a normal carriage. The thing that stood out was the ice sickles hanging from the top and the cold mist that seemed to envelop the carriage. How it was so cold in that space was puzzling to her.

Soon they had reached the center of the kingdom. The town was buzzing with excitement; banners covered in suns and the princess's face hung everywhere. "Now pay attention, Merida," said her mother, "It's very important to understand the customs of other countries. In some places, something as small as a handshake can start a war, though I don't think we'll have to worry about that here." Her mother lightly chuckled at the friendly people as they excitedly greeted each other.

As the Queen smiled and waved at the people, Merida looked curiously at the shops. Bakery. Flower shop. Art supplies. Library. Carvings. "Artsy place, isn't it?" she said, her eyes glued to the Carvings store. It was just such a store that caused her mother to be transformed into a large black bear. She made a mental note to visit it later.

The castle was a sight to behold, with towers reaching the sky and many beautiful balconies.  The carts slowed as the Princess Rapunzel, greeted the guests. The woman in front of them was a Duchess of some sort, clearly wearing too much makeup and towering powdered wig. Merida couldn't hear what she said, but it seemed to offend the Princess.

"Queen Elinor and Princess Merida of Dunbrough," said the announcer. Grateful for an excuse to stand, Merida practically jumped out of the carriage. She heard the Queen whisper to Rapunzel, "Queen Elinor brought her daughter to help prepare her for being Queen. From what I hear, I think you two will get along." A smile broke across the princess-to-be's face. "Oh! I love your dress!" she exclaimed, gawking at the fabric. Merida glanced down at her everyday, blue dress. Unknown to anyone but herself, she had a knife hidden in the folds, for self-protection of course. "Oh-erm- thanks," she said awkwardly, "Aren't you the one who had the long hair?" Elinor frowned at her daughter, scolding her with her eyes, before turning to the King and Queen of Corona, "It's lovely to see you again..." Rapunzel seemed only momentarily surprised at the question, "Oh, yes, but that a long story. I'll have to find you later so I can tell it to you. If you want to hear it that is," she added the last bit hastily, worried that she seemed demanding. "Sure," Merida said, happy that the brunette wasn't a stuck up snob, "Whenever you have some free time works." "Come now, Merida," Elinor said, "The Princess has other guests to greet." Once again the Queen began whispering advice into Rapunzel's ear, "These next young ladies are from Arendelle. Their parents died about three years ago when they were coming to visit us."

As Merida and Elinor left the announcer said, "Queen Elsa and Princess Anna of Arendelle." Rapunzel recognized them almost immediately, she and Eugene had attended Elsa's coronation a few months prior to gain an understanding of what to expect. The journey had only resulted in the discovery of another Royal with magic. That hadn't gotten the chance to introduce themselves to the new Queen due to her running off halfway into the reception. The Princess was another story. Anna seemed to recognize her as well, seeing as she almost immediately hugged Rapunzel, which was gladly returned. "Anna. Boundaries," the older sister said. "Oh! Right! Sorry!" said the younger, releasing her grip. "It's so good to see a familiar face!" Rapunzel said, smiling at the girl.

While Rapunzel hadn't met Elsa, she had a pleasant conversation with Anna. She turned to the blonde. "I was at your coronation," she started. Elsa grimaced, "You were?" Not hearing her, Rapunzel simply continued, "but never got the chance to introduce myself. I'm Rapunzel." She held out her hand for a shake that never came. "Please forgive me for not shaking your hand," Elsa said, glancing down at her own that had begun to sparkle and glow, "But I am still a bit... Out of sorts." Rapunzel was quick to assure her, "Oh don't worry about it! Completely understandable. But we should talk later, I want to get to know you." Elsa gave her a small smile before walking off. Anna lagged behind, "Word of advice, if my sister wants to be left alone, it's probably safer to let her be. I'm speaking from personal experience." And with that she hurried off to join her sister.