[ She felt like she molded into his arms, entirely fitting against him. The feeling of him stroking her hair made her hum gently as she thought about his question. ]
I'm... [ Honesty Anna, this was about honesty. ] I'm getting there. It's been a lot to adjust to, it's not something I was expecting. But hey, that's why rulers have more than one child, right? And I know it's the right thing to do.
I thought they had more than one kid because they liked having a family. [ Look, he's had some royal education, but he's still got hopes for some things. ] Right thing or not, if you're worried or upset, you can tell me.
They did. But there is more to it than just the love of children and family. It gets a little more complicated when it comes to royalty. Not every kingdom is like Arendelle, and honestly the bounty in Arendelle would be highly sought after if something happened to me or Elsa. It's the same reason you don't want to harvest ice anymore. A royal family is only as secure as their lineage. Wars happen without heirs.
You know, not every kingdom even allows girls to rule. Boys are usually preferable. Luckily Arendelle isn't so strict, but anyway... [ She took a moment to breathe in his scent and the warmth of him and let out a shaky sigh. ] My parents had Elsa, but they strengthened the line by having me.
There were times during my childhood where Elsa was so heavily the focus that I sometimes wondered if I was just...a spare. Someone else who could take the throne. I didn't know why else they would spend so much time with her. Sure, they loved me and I loved them, but my family was very... [ broken ] separated. It was easy to think... [ no one wanted me ] she was more important.
[ She chose her words carefully, they were still honest, but less dark then some of the thoughts she could sometimes spiral into. She had the whole picture now, but it had been painful. Focusing on the happier times and what was happening now was better. ]
So here I am, the younger daughter stepping into Elsa's role. It's not that I'm upset about it. I actually feel like finally I'm able to take a bigger part in helping the people of Arendelle, I don't know how to sort it all out in my own head. I'm a mess when it comes to the paperwork and the advisors are always having to snap me back to attention. I still wake up too late and I'm hardly...graceful. I don't know how to be Elsa or do what she did. What if I can't do what she did, or what the spirits apparently want me to do. Why did they even choose me? And...I...I miss her...
[ He listens without interrupting, much as he wants to in some parts. To tell her she's not a spare anything, to reassure her about her role in her family right from the start. But he knows these are all feelings he can't change for her. That just because she understands now doesn't mean the pain of the past would disappear so easily.
So instead, he hugs her tightly to him for a moment, pressing a kiss on the top of her head. There's a part of him that was frustrated with all of this just being thrust on her without any real discussion, but it was a part he quieted often enough, because at the end of the day, it didn't matter. It was what it was. ]
You don't have to be Elsa. There's a reason she said you were what was right for Arendelle. You'll have help with papers and maybe some meetings are gonna have to be done differently to keep you focused, but different isn't bad. You've been doing so much for Arendelle for so long, helping your sister, being the one who really engages with people and warms them to the throne. You were chosen because you have a real gift, Anna. You're a natural leader, even if you can't see that in yourself.
[ He squeezes again, letting out a sigh. ]
I know it'll be hard without her. But I promise, no matter what, you won't be alone in this.
[ Her thoughts as far as her family goes have always been a bit of a confusing topic. There was love, a lot of it, especially earlier on. That had faded a lot after...well, she supposes after Elsa had struck her with ice, but the paranoia felt so pointless to her now.
The tender kiss to her head brings her out of her thoughts and she smiles and nestles against him. ]
I know, and I know I never could be. I try to remind myself that I've done so much on my own. In reality I suppose I've done far more on my own then with her, but it just feels like I've always taken up the space in her shadow.
I guess it's true that I tend to have an easier time navigating a crowd. Though, what I wouldn't give for an ounce of her grace! But at least I didn't trip during my coronation.
[ He gives a small laugh at the comment on grace, because he can't say that he would've been surprised if she had tripped. ]
No one wants you to be anyone but yourself. Clumsiness and all. If you can survive the North Mountain, the Enchanted Forest, and Prince Hans, I think you can do just about anything.
[ As soon as his hands are at her sides, she's laughing at the attack. Maybe not the mature response, but what required anyone to be mature? Anna is still so childlike at heart.
Eh, don't get too huffy over the imbalance of power. Really it's just a reminder that women have less when it comes men. Soooo much less, that if you give him the title of King, some will still think he's above her. That's why if a Queen marries a King, she can just be a Queen because of course everyone knows she's beneath him.
[ She reaches out to take his fingers and weave hers through his. ] And that's why, I have no problem at all with you having the title. Because we both know who is in charge in this relationship. [ She bats her eyelashes, before leaning in to peck him on the tip of his nose. ]
Kidding, kidding! It's because I view us in every way as equals.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ He wraps his arms around her to more comfortably hold her against him, making sure to position one hand so that he can gently stroke her hair. ]
What about you? Are you ... okay with everything?
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I'm... [ Honesty Anna, this was about honesty. ] I'm getting there. It's been a lot to adjust to, it's not something I was expecting. But hey, that's why rulers have more than one child, right?
And I know it's the right thing to do.
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You know, not every kingdom even allows girls to rule. Boys are usually preferable. Luckily Arendelle isn't so strict, but anyway... [ She took a moment to breathe in his scent and the warmth of him and let out a shaky sigh. ] My parents had Elsa, but they strengthened the line by having me.
There were times during my childhood where Elsa was so heavily the focus that I sometimes wondered if I was just...a spare. Someone else who could take the throne. I didn't know why else they would spend so much time with her. Sure, they loved me and I loved them, but my family was very... [ broken ] separated. It was easy to think... [ no one wanted me ] she was more important.
[ She chose her words carefully, they were still honest, but less dark then some of the thoughts she could sometimes spiral into. She had the whole picture now, but it had been painful. Focusing on the happier times and what was happening now was better. ]
So here I am, the younger daughter stepping into Elsa's role. It's not that I'm upset about it. I actually feel like finally I'm able to take a bigger part in helping the people of Arendelle, I don't know how to sort it all out in my own head. I'm a mess when it comes to the paperwork and the advisors are always having to snap me back to attention. I still wake up too late and I'm hardly...graceful. I don't know how to be Elsa or do what she did. What if I can't do what she did, or what the spirits apparently want me to do. Why did they even choose me? And...I...I miss her...
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So instead, he hugs her tightly to him for a moment, pressing a kiss on the top of her head. There's a part of him that was frustrated with all of this just being thrust on her without any real discussion, but it was a part he quieted often enough, because at the end of the day, it didn't matter. It was what it was. ]
You don't have to be Elsa. There's a reason she said you were what was right for Arendelle. You'll have help with papers and maybe some meetings are gonna have to be done differently to keep you focused, but different isn't bad. You've been doing so much for Arendelle for so long, helping your sister, being the one who really engages with people and warms them to the throne. You were chosen because you have a real gift, Anna. You're a natural leader, even if you can't see that in yourself.
[ He squeezes again, letting out a sigh. ]
I know it'll be hard without her. But I promise, no matter what, you won't be alone in this.
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The tender kiss to her head brings her out of her thoughts and she smiles and nestles against him. ]
I know, and I know I never could be. I try to remind myself that I've done so much on my own. In reality I suppose I've done far more on my own then with her, but it just feels like I've always taken up the space in her shadow.
I guess it's true that I tend to have an easier time navigating a crowd. Though, what I wouldn't give for an ounce of her grace! But at least I didn't trip during my coronation.
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No one wants you to be anyone but yourself. Clumsiness and all. If you can survive the North Mountain, the Enchanted Forest, and Prince Hans, I think you can do just about anything.
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Maybe I'm just like a cat with nine lives!
[ Since basically she'd only narrowly escaped death in all of those things. ]
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1/3
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You're teasing me again.
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She gives a solid laugh. ]
You're picking it up quicker!
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You'd be good to remember I know all your weaknesses, your Highness.
[ His last words are emphasized with a quick tickle at her sides, because that is absolutely the mature response here. ]
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In between laughs, she manages to choke out. ]
Thats...that...that's your majesty!
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Oh, I am so sorry. How could I have been so foolish?
[ And he goes to tickle her again. ]
Majesty, then.
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[ She breaks down in laughter again as she squirms in his arms. ]
Though you should really respect your queen!!
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[ He clearly doesn't mind, given his playful tone, but his hands do finally stop, hopefully for good this time. ]
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[ She wrapped her arms around herself in that moment to try and stave off another assault on her sides. ]
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She taps his nose with her finger. ]
Only if she becomes a Queen by marrying him.
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Eh, don't get too huffy over the imbalance of power. Really it's just a reminder that women have less when it comes men. Soooo much less, that if you give him the title of King, some will still think he's above her. That's why if a Queen marries a King, she can just be a Queen because of course everyone knows she's beneath him.
[ She reaches out to take his fingers and weave hers through his. ] And that's why, I have no problem at all with you having the title. Because we both know who is in charge in this relationship. [ She bats her eyelashes, before leaning in to peck him on the tip of his nose. ]
Kidding, kidding! It's because I view us in every way as equals.
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You're lucky you're pretty.
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