8Chapter Four: Sparkling Magic
Anna wasn't fond of waking up early in the morning. But her sleepy expression blossomed into a smile when she saw Kristoff and his pet reindeer waiting for her in the courtyard.
"Did my sister Elsa tell you to take me to Duke Humphrey's castle?" Anna asked eagerly. She pictured herself and Kristoff riding side by side in a wagon, chatting away, or even better, wrapping her arms around him while they rode on his reindeer!
"Uh, no, the queen just said to be here when the Duke arrives. And I guess here he comes."
"Oh." Anna's face fell as the duke's carriage rumbled into view. Disappointed and a little let down, she didn't respond to the big fat duke's cheerful greeting with anything more than a polite nod.
"Still sleepy?" The old duke chuckled as Anna climbed into the carriage beside him, carefully lifting up her long, thick wool skirts. The icy weather meant she had to dress warmly, especially for a long journey. "Well, here's something that should wake you up."
"Oh, how lovely!" Anna's emerald-green eyes flew open wide. Sparkling like the morning light on freshly fallen snow, the diamond nestled snugly against black velvet in a tiny black box. "Is it a present? For me?" She looked up shyly at the old duke. She didn't like him the way she liked Kristoff, and yet . . .
"It's like magic, isn't it? Sparkling magic, you might say. Don't worry, there's more where that came from." Just as Anna was reaching for the diamond the duke snapped the box shut, hiding it from view. "After you've seen my domain, and signed the treaty, we'll be trading partners. Then you'll have all the jewels and treasure your heart desires."
"Well, I won't sign until I see things for myself." Anna felt like the diamond was still sparkling in front of her eyes. She looked out of the coach, only to see Kristoff and his reindeer following patiently behind.
Duke Humphrey didn't seem to mind when Anna turned her attention to the passing scenery instead of conversing with him. "Nothing makes a person feel emptier inside than being homesick," he remarked, after they had been traveling along for quite some time. His low voice was gentle and soothing.
"I'm not feeling empty," Anna objected, even though her thoughts had been rather gloomy. Resting her cheek on the glass, she had been gazing out the window and wondering what Elsa was doing right this minute. Her sister never seemed to have any fun . . .
"No, of course not." Humphrey patted her hand. "Feeling hungry?"
"Yes, a little." Anna smiled, trying to put aside her gloomy thoughts. What was wrong with her? The old duke was only trying to make her feel better. "Right now I could eat a reindeer!"
The two of them laughed together while the coach rattled on. Outside, Kristoff and his loyal friend looked at each other.
They were both worried.
