Into the Unknown (A Frozen Fanfic)

Chapter Two

ANNA GLANCED AROUND as laughter rang in her ears. People were starting to stare. The Duke danced around her with his arms on his back like a chicken. 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 and dipped her backward. Wasn't expecting that.

From her upside down position, she gazed at the throne trying to find Elsa. Mama and Papa were there, but Elsa was gone. She 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 keep back laughter.

A chuckle echoed from behind her. She slowly turned her head, embarrassed to find who was laughing. A small grin appeared as she stared into the green eyes of the man now before her.

"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 closet partner in trade," he explained as they danced. "He likes to insert himself in affairs he shouldn't." He leaned in and whispered, "I thought you needed 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 came to an end.

Chuckling, Papa bowed at the last note followed by a curtsy from Anna.

She glanced past his shoulder as the Duke headed her way once 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 thorns sending a wave of relief through her body. Her foot was already aching from the amount of 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 an arm around Anna's shoulders.

Anna gave an uneasy smile. "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 her. I know she's having a hard time adjusting to all the parties we've been having lately, but give her time."

Anna nodded as she sighed again, lifting her left foot and rubbing it.

"Princess Anna!"

She glanced upward at the familiar voice. A man with reddish hair and mutton chops stood before her and Mama. Anna smiled at seeing his nicely pressed white uniform, decorated with golden tassels, and his black shoes shone in the candle light. It was the same man who had waved to her earlier. She felt her cheeks grow hot as she blushed from his perfect smile.

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

She smiled as she curtsied, trying not to slip up into her clumsy self. "Pleased to meet you, Prince Hans." Music filled her ears as another song began.