Chapter 7: A Long Journey to Arendelle

The snowflakes gently fell onto Anna's face as she stood outside the palace, dressed in a warm coat and carrying a small bag. The cold air stung her cheeks, and she could see her breath misting in front of her. She was about to embark on a long journey to the Southern Isles, to help the man who had once been her fiancé, Hans. The weight of her decision settled heavily on her shoulders as she thought about the challenges that lay ahead. As she walked through the palace corridors, Anna couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. She had agreed to help Hans, but she wasn't sure if she was doing the right thing. What if he was beyond help? What if he still had ulterior motives? The doubts swirled in her mind like a vortex, making her stomach twist with anxiety. Anna pushed aside her doubts and made her way to the throne room, where Elsa was waiting for her. The queen sat on her throne, her expression concerned. "Anna, I want you to be careful on your journey," she said, her voice gentle. "The Southern Isles are not a safe place, and King Westergaard is not a man to be trifled with." Anna nodded, feeling a sense of determination. "I'll be careful, Elsa. I promise." She looked at the letter in her hand, the one from Lars, Hans' brother. The words blurred together as she thought about the long journey ahead. Elsa handed Anna a small, intricately carved wooden box. "Take this," she said. "It's a gift, a token of my support. You never know when you might need it." The box felt heavy in Anna's hands, the wood smooth to the touch. Anna took the box and thanked Elsa, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her sister. She turned to leave, but Elsa's voice stopped her. "Anna, be careful around Hans. He's not the same man you once knew." The words sent a shiver down Anna's spine. Anna nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. She left the throne room and made her way to the courtyard, where Kristoff and Olaf were waiting for her. Kristoff's eyes were concerned as he handed her a small bag. "Be careful, Anna," he said. "The road to the Southern Isles is long and treacherous." Olaf, who had been quietly observing the scene, suddenly piped up. "I'll come with you, Anna! I love traveling!" His enthusiasm was infectious, but Anna knew she had to refuse. "I'm afraid it's not a good idea, Olaf," she said, smiling. "This journey is not suitable for a young snowman like you." Olaf's face fell, but he nodded understandingly. As Anna mounted her horse and prepared to leave, Kristoff handed her a small, leather-wrapped package. "Take this," he said. "It's some food and water for the road. You never know when you might need it." The package felt reassuring in Anna's hands. Anna thanked Kristoff and Olaf, and with a final glance at Arendelle, she set off on her journey, bound for the Southern Isles and the castle where Hans awaited her. The cold air hit her like a slap in the face as she rode her horse through the snow-covered landscape. She could see the frozen fjords and snow-covered mountains in the distance, their peaks glinting in the sunlight. As she rode, Anna couldn't help but think about Hans, and what she would find when she arrived at the castle. She wondered if he was still the same man she had once loved, or if he had changed. The thought sent a shiver down her spine. She was determined to help him, no matter what it took. The journey was long and arduous, but Anna was determined to reach her destination. She rode through the snow-covered landscape, her heart heavy with concern for the man she was about to meet. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape, Anna finally caught sight of the castle in the distance. It loomed above her, its stone walls towering and imposing. Anna felt a sense of trepidation as she approached the castle gates. What would she find inside? Would Hans be waiting for her, or would he be locked away, hidden from the world? The questions swirled in her mind as she dismounted her horse and approached the gates. The guards looked at her with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. "What brings you to the Southern Isles, Princess?" one of them asked, his voice gruff. Anna stood tall, her heart pounding in her chest. "I'm here to see Hans," she said, her voice firm. "I have a letter from his brother, Lars." The guards exchanged a look, and then one of them nodded. "Very well, Princess," he said. "You may enter." The gates creaked open, and Anna stepped inside, her heart heavy with trepidation. She was one step closer to helping Hans, but she had no idea what lay ahead. As she walked through the castle corridors, Anna could feel the weight of the castle's history bearing down on her. The stone walls seemed to whisper secrets in her ear, and she shivered at the thought of the darkness that lurked within. Finally, she arrived at a large wooden door, adorned with intricate carvings. She knocked, and a voice from the other side bade her enter. Anna took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead. She pushed open the door, and stepped inside.