Elsa opened the door. Hans was waiting in a white dress uniform. “Princess,” he said with a smile, and held out his arm, “are you ready to be escorted to the chapel?”
No, she wanted to say, but she was happy to see him standing there. Hans was so thoughtful. He had offered to escort her to the ceremony, and she had agreed, knowing his presence was calming.
“Ah, look at this!” said the Duke, appearing out of nowhere. “The very picture of young love.”
The Duke, on the other hand, was not calming. What was he doing there?
He adjusted his wire-rimmed glasses and looked up at them over the edge of his ample nose. He had slicked his white hair back for the occasion and was in full military dress, with a gold sash and medals swinging from his jacket. “What a fine day this will be for the two of you!”
Lord Peterssen rushed down the hall toward them. “I believe the future queen decided Prince Hans would be escorting her to the ceremony.” Then he motioned to the Duke. “Why don’t I take you down and help you find a seat near the front?”
Thank goodness for Lord Peterssen!
The Duke ignored him. “I was just thinking about how elated the people will be to see Hans of the Southern Isles on her arm publicly for the first time. They’re not only getting a queen, they’re getting a potential king, too. Today would be a fine day to announce their union. Don’t you think?”
Elsa blushed. Lord Peterssen shifted uncomfortably. Hans looked away.
She was growing tired of the Duke’s pushiness. Marriage was not on her mind. She and Hans had developed a lovely friendship that could perhaps become more, but she had a crown to think of first and secrets that were consuming her. Plus, it was her coronation day.
Elsa heard a crash inside her room. Olaf!
“Your Grace, Elsa and I have already discussed this.” Hans’s voice was curt. “Her duties come first.” Lord Peterssen nodded agreeably.
“Of course, but still, announcing an engagement today, when Elsa is standing in front of her kingdom, would show them she will be a queen of the people,” the Duke insisted.
She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Anger bubbled up inside her.
“Princess?” the Duke pressed. “Don’t you agree?”
“I think this conversation should take place later,” Lord Peterssen said, checking his pocket watch. “The chapel is already full. We should be starting the ceremony soon.”
Hans looked at Elsa questioningly. “He brings up a good point, but the decision rests with you. What do you think?”
“I…” Elsa hesitated, feeling her fingers starting to tingle. No matter how much she enjoyed Hans’s company, they’d only known each other a short while. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but something was definitely holding her back.
“Have you even properly asked the princess?” the Duke asked, hitting Hans in the arm. “A princess deserves a proper proposal.”
Hans’s cheeks turned red. “No, but—”
“Ask the girl!” the Duke said jovially. Lord Peterssen ran a hand through his thinning hair. “Today is the day!”
“Elsa!” It was Olaf. He had never yelled to her when she was with people. “Elsa!” Maybe he was in trouble!
Lord Peterssen looked puzzled.
“Forgive me, but I think I left something in my room,” she said. Her whole body was starting to tingle.
Hans didn’t seem to hear her, because he was already getting down on one knee.
The sensation had never taken over her whole body before. Suddenly, she felt as if the walls were closing in. She had to get to Olaf.
The prince looked up at her shyly. “Princess Elsa of Arendelle, will you marry me?”
“Elsa!” Olaf called again, louder than before.
“I believe Gerda is calling me,” Elsa said sheepishly, and looked down at Hans. Her face felt flushed. “Would you excuse me for a moment?”
Hans couldn’t hide his surprise. “Yes, by all means…” He trailed off.
The Duke sighed. “We will wait for you—and your answer,” he said with a thin smile.
Hans stood up quickly and adjusted the medals on his jacket. He didn’t make eye contact with her. The whole situation was uncomfortable, and the Duke was making it worse. She was upset, but she had to get to Olaf and see what was wrong.
Elsa opened the door a crack, slipped inside, and shut the door. Olaf was standing right behind her, hopping up and down.
“Olaf, what is the matter?” Elsa whispered. “You can’t shout like that. Someone—”