Crown Princess Elsa of Arendelle sat at an elaborate dressing table, watching calmly as her handmaiden put the finishing touches on her hair. She was already dressed and her makeup had been completed. Then the final pin was placed. She was more than presentable now, she was outstanding--just the way the King and Queen required it.

"Thank you, Abegail," stated Elsa, shifting her eyes away. The neutral tone of her voice had less to do with a lack of appreciation for her handmaiden's help and more to do with her unease over what she'd been helping her dress for.

"Yes, your highness," murmured the handmaiden, withdrawing from the room. She was a sweet woman, older than the princess, who knew the girl's secret and pitied her greatly. Enough even to keep the secret and not to judge her harshly. But Elsa didn't want anyone's pity today... she had enough of it for herself.

As the door closed, Elsa rose from her vanity and crossed through streaming light to the large, latticed window in her room. It was already late morning. She placed gloved fingers against the glass, momentarily twinging at the memory of blasting it with ice as a child--so many mistakes she'd had, and looked out.

It was a bright, beautiful morning with people milling about in the city below. To the side was the harbor, with many ships moored already. But Elsa easily picked out the royal ship from Corona Kingdom. She looked down, at the castle walls which were proudly thrust open, and was just in time to see the tail end of a procession. Just then trumpets blasted.

"She's here," Elsa murmured, closing her eyes, hands slipping from the glass.

She turned and looked into a mirror. She had white blond hair twisted into her customary style, with a small tiara resting atop her head. Purple eyeshadow, rosy pink blush, dark pink lips. Tasteful stud earrings. Her dress was beautifully crafted. She looked flawless and fashionable. But did that equate beauty? What about her countenance? Unguarded as she was at the moment, Elsa's expression was uncertain and nagged by worry. There was, as always, an undercurrent of terror in her eyes, an almost hunted look that she could easily pick out. Did others see it too? She shuddered at herself and turned away, tugging at her gloves for reassurance.

There was a knock at the door. She smoothed her dress, straightened, and fully turned her back on the window.

"You may enter," she called. Then she swallowed hard, her heart beginning to pound. Was it Anna herself? Or a manservant come to collect her? 'I'm not ready to see her!' she fretted, picturing the girl's typically enthusiastic and hopeful greetings, struggling to keep the war of emotions out of her posture and off of her face. But as soon as she saw who it was she felt like fainting with relief. "Abegail," she said, allowing herself just a sigh of relief and slumping of her shoulders.

The handmaiden curtsied, appearing not to notice her slipped control. "Yes, your highness. May I make any last minute adjustments for you? It is time to go down."

Elsa breathed calmly and forced herself to smile. "No, thank you. We will go now." She swept forward immediately, not stopping, trying to leave her fears behind. Abegail shut the door behind them.

After getting on his majestic, white stallion, Hans rode off his ship. He wore the same white suit he always wore. It would be Princess Anna's coming out ball in a few days, and he was determined to sweep her off her feet so he arrived early before the competition. Being 13th in line was quite lame, depressing even. It was time to fix that problem. He galloped toward the palace.

Guards took note of all the visitors as they passed, prepared to stop anyone fishy. Some stood on top of the wall, others were mounted below. Prince Hans' rushed entranced caused some raised eyebrows but that was all. Clearly he WAS a prince. He was preceded by two mounted noblemen and shortly followed by a green carriage. As the carriage rattled past, a surprisingly dark-skinned young lady peeked out. She had a beautiful face. She looked surprised to see a man directly in front of her, but then she had just enough time to smile at him prettily. The two gentlemen ahead grumbled as the reigned their horses aside to make room. Then they clomped after it and arrived at the steps. They stumbled over each other trying to reach the carriage first but were too slow. A manservant opened the door and lead the princess out. Acting as if their gallantry hadn't just been thwarted, the two men stuck out their chins and strode after her.

The castle was quite impressive and already decorated for the ball. More servants were posted all along the way to welcome guests and to direct both them and their luggage to wherever they needed to go. No one was required to present an invitation. But Hans was momentarily detained. "Welcome, your highness!" The servant bowed. "Will you be staying with us in the palace?" he inquired, just checking. Hans had no servants carrying his luggage so perhaps he was going to continue rooming on his ship? The servants could of course be coming later though. Knowing princes this one probably left his in the dust.

Hans was disappointed to see the green carriage. He had hoped he would be early enough to be the only guest. He was going to ride-up to this carriage and demand that they go away and return later. But, he was distracted by one of the palace insects, so he responded with sarcasm. "No, of course not. I was going to room with my horse in the stables." He dismounted from the horse, then handed the bridle to the servant. "Of course, I'm staying at the palace you idiot. See that my horse is properly taken care of."

The servant withheld a sigh and bowed again, taking the reins. However, it wasn't his job to deal with the horses, so he immediately called over someone else. Then he resumed his post, waiting for more guests to arrive.

At the top of the stairs, the princess from the green carriage and the two noblemen disappeared inside. Another servant was waiting for Hans. "Welcome, Your Highness!" he proclaimed in a very chipper voice. Almost like an announcer. "The Dining Hall is just down There, please take some Refreshments! And enjoy your Stay at The Castle of Arendelle!"

Hans just gave the announcer a dirty look as he walked past. He went straight to the dinning hall to check out what refreshments were available.