Into the Unknown (A Frozen Fanfic)

Chapter Two

ANNA GLANCED around as laughter filled her ears. People were starting to stare. The Duke danced around her with his arms on his back like a chicken, and her face turned a bright red as she glowed with embarrassment. She had never seen anyone dance in such a manner.

"Like an agile peacock," the Duke spoke as he stepped on her foot disappearing behind her. She put her hands on her hips, lightly tapping with her feet to the beat so she appeared to be dancing, as she watched him. She gasped, stunned, as the Duke grabbed her by the waist and dipped her backward. Wasn't expecting that.

She gazed at the throne from her upside-down position, trying to find Elsa. Mama and Papa were there, but Elsa was gone. Anna smirked. And she said she wasn't a party animal.

"They don't call me The Little Dipper for nothing," the Duke announced proudly. He stood her up and released her before dancing around her once more. "Like a chicken with the face of a monkey, I fly!" She bit her lip, trying to hide the laugh burning her throat.

Whoever was behind her didn't hold the same idea as a chuckle echoed through her ears. She slowly turned her head and was relieved as her gaze met the green eyes of the man who tapped the Duke's shoulder.

"May I cut in?" Papa asked. Her father had that playful gleam in his eyes. He must have sensed her desperate need of rescuing.

The Duke gave Papa a skeptical look before releasing her into his hands.

Papa chuckled as he swept her away in his arms. "The Duke is our closest partner in trade," he explained as they danced. "He likes to insert himself into affairs he shouldn't." He leaned in and whispered, "You looked like you could use some saving." Straightening his back, he gave her a small wink.

She smiled widely and nodded at Papa's silliness as she followed his movements. "He dances oddly for a man in heels." Her father raised her hand, twirling her around a couple times when the music ended. Chuckling, Papa bowed at the last note followed by a curtsy from Anna.

She glanced past his shoulder as the Duke headed her way again with his head high. "Oh no," she whispered with a grimace. She watched as Papa slowly glanced behind him, obviously reading the distress on her face. He placed a hand on her back and ushered her towards the thrones sending a wave of relief through her body. Her foot was already aching from how many times the Duke had stepped on her toes. She needed a break.

As she neared the platform, Mama stood there smiling down at her. "How was the dance, my dear?" she questioned, placing a tender arm around Anna's shoulders and gently squeezing.

Anna smiled uneasily. "It was..." She couldn't find the right word. "Interesting." She glanced around the ballroom searching for her sister. "Where did Elsa go?"

"She stepped out for some fresh air." Mama gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about Elsa. I know she's having difficulty adjusting to all the parties but give her time. She's going to be queen someday. She's going to have to get used to them."

Anna nodded and raised her left foot, rubbing the bruised tender skin on top.

"Princess Anna!"

Her gaze shot upward at the familiar voice. A man with reddish hair and mutton chops stood at the base of the platform. Anna smiled at seeing his nicely pressed white uniform decorated with golden tassels and a red sash across his chest. His black shoes were polished enough to reflect the candlelight. It was the same man who had waved to her earlier, and who she had accidentally bumped into down in the square. She felt her cheeks grow hot as she blushed from his perfectly white smile.

The Duke stood beside him and cleared his throat. "I would like to introduce you to Prince Hans of the Southern Isles." The Prince gave a bow in greeting.