Becoming the Queen

Family Reunion

During the week, Arianna avoided Fredrick, and he avoided her as well. Her father tried to make sense of what happened but no one told him. It made him frustrated to be out of the loop and Arianna knew that. Luckily, their trip was nearly finished and they were almost to Arendelle. 

She stood at the stern of the ship, just looking for a glimpse of the land. She loved the air in her face and her long brown hair down. The sun made her face glow. She stood there so long she didn't even realize someone had come to stand next to her. 

"The sun is beautiful, isn't it?"

She jumped and turned. It was Fredrick. He stared forward and smiled at the sun. His eyes seemed even more captivating in the light. 

"What are you doing here?"

"Am I not allowed to walk upon the deck the king graciously offered to take me aboard?"

She was shocked to silence. Her mouth hung open for a second before she looked forward. The warm sun did look like a shining jewel.

"It is quite lovely."

Fredrick nodded and sighed. "I apologize for overreacting the other night. You didn't know and you are probably someone who is very curious."

"Oh, no, I shouldn't have pushed. Everyone has their own reasons to believe in magical legends and you were no different. I am so sorry for that."

He turned to her and smiled. It wasn't until  now that Arianna noticed how much larger he was to her. He was at least a foot taller, and you could fit two of her between his broad shoulders. 

She knew this was the time to tell him how she would make it up to him. But she was so captivated in his gaze. Right as she gained the courage to tell him, he looked forward and shouted, "Look, Princess! Land!"

She looked forward and saw it. The little black speck in the far distance. She couldn't believe they were here. She would see her younger sister and read new books. And while she didn't enjoy the concept of the ball, she knew there would be food and, of course, chocolate.

She realized she had been so engrossed at the sight of land, she had forgotten to tell Fredrick her plan. With the brand new confidence from the excitement of the prospect of land, she turned to see him. But he had vanished from her side. She looked behind her and all she saw was the crew busily working and her brother running toward her. He had a huge smile on his face. 

"Ari! Ari! We are going to see Iduna!"

He picked her up like she was nothing. She hugged him back and as he set her down, their father came up behind them. He gathered them up in a giant family hug.

"I wish your mother was here."

He said with a tear in his eye. All three of them looked forward and the growing lump in front of them. As they neared the shore, Eric started shouting orders and walking to prepare for docking. 

The king set his hand on Arianna's shoulder. She looked up at him and smiled.

"You had better get your things ready for shore. "

She nodded and ran to her quarters to pack. She took a look at the dress she would wear at the ball. It was her mother's. A dark burgundy red dress. Her father had told her the significance of the dress. He said it was the dress her mother wore when she met her father. She understood why her father wanted her to wear this dress. She was only planning on wearing it simply for the fact it was her mother's.

She quickly finished putting her things away and ran to the deck. They were almost ready to dock. She went over to the edge of the boat and when she did, she saw a beautiful young woman standing with a taller, blonde man. When they saw her, they waved at her. Arianna could no longer hold it in.

"Iduna! Iduna! I'm so happy to see you!"

Iduna laughed. 

"I'm so happy to see you too, Arianna."

Eric ran to Arianna's side. He smiled and turned to call their father. He looked back at Iduna.

"I missed you, Iduna."

She smiled and nodded at him.

As soon as the boat was ready, Arianna practically flew off and gave Iduna a big hug. Eric soon joined them, and their father as well. It was a beautiful family reunion.

As soon as they retreated from their hug, Eric and their father began to talk with Agnarr about different issues regarding the leadership in their respective kingdoms. Iduna grabbed Arianna's hand. 

"Ari, I have some people you need to meet."

Arianna rolled her eyes as Iduna pulled her.

"Iduna, I'm not interested in meeting men. I'm perfectly happy without them."

Iduna didn't seem to care and kept pulling her till she reached two men. One of them being Fredrick, and the other was a tall, red-headed fellow that Arianna didn't recognize.

"Iduna, I've already met Fredrick. He was on the boat with us. His kingdom is off the coast."

"Well then, meet this man. His name is Humbert. He comes from the Southern Isles. He's a bit of a ways from here. I actually didn't expect him to come. But he did, so here he is."

Humbert took Arianna's hand and kissed it.

"If Your Highness would be so gracious as to accept this rose as my token of appreciation."

He extended his hand with a flawless rose. Arianna hesitated until Iduna bumped her. She took the rose and nodded toward him. She thanked him and then grabbed Iduna and walked away.

"That was the most awkward encounter in my life! I hope you didn't invite too many men?"

"Well," Iduna said with smirk, "I guess you'll have to see."

And with that, they walked toward the castle.