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Chapter Five: "Coronation Day"

After weeks of sending out invites to neighboring kingdoms and party planning how he was going to host it, the day finally arrived. Nathan was slumbering deeply in his bedroom. He had been so anxious about the Coronation that he had almost stayed up all night. Somehow, he had managed to get himself to eventually go to sleep, but it had been a little too late. A soft knock came at his door, when the King's Regent asked curiously. "Your highness?" Nathan groaned, mumbling out across his arm sleepily. "What...?" The King's Regent didn't hear him and asked a bit louder as he knocked. "Prince Nathan?" Nathan jerked his head up a little, his arm lifting the blanket a bit to ask louder in a groggy tone. "Ya?" The King's Regent's voice was soothing when he gently told him. "I'm sorry to wake you, Sire. But the gates will open soon, and you still need to get ready." When Nathan didn't respond, the King's Regent carefully opened the door, saying a bit reluctantly. "Your highness? Are you listening?" Nathan snored softly against his arm, causing the King's Regent to sigh heavily. Beckoning other servants into the room, they rushed to the windows to open the large curtains to let in the morning light.

When that didn't work, the King's Regent walked up to the bed and grabbed the covers to pull them back. Upon seeing Nathan's feet where his head should have been, the King's Regent let out a groan and yanked the whole blanket off the bed. The sensation of the blanket tugging off him made him sit up, his hair was frizzed out and his eyes were unfocused when he yawned out. "What? I'm up..." The King's Regent snapped his fingers and gestured to the other servants to pull out his coronation cloths from the closet. Nathan glanced in the bustling servants directions, sleepily mumbling out. "What am I getting ready for...?" The King's Regent pulled his legs over the side of the bed, while informing him slowly. "Your coronation?" Nathan blinked blankly as his brain started to wake up to try and process that. He was so tired. After taking a deep breath, it suddenly clicked and he jumped to his feet, blurting out. "OH SHIT! What time is it?!" Jumping up so fast had made him lightheaded and he stumbled, but the King's Regent caught his arm. Helping him stand up, the King's Regent told him coolly. "We've got plenty of time, Highness." Nathan nodded, fixing his gloves that he'd taken to sleeping with.

After taking a bath that the servants had drawn for him, he came back and let them help him dress. He had gotten control over this part at least. The hot bath always calmed the servants, because he felt warmer, and it was easier for them to understand why he was cold after having one. When he was finally dressed in black pants with a dark blue long sleeve shirt and a black vest, he took a shaky breath. A servant approached him with a small box. When the servant opened the box, Nathan licked his dry lips nervously. They were his gloves to complete the outfit. They wanted his green ones to wash them. He started to reach for the finger of his glove, when the King's Regent piped up. "Put the box on the table for him. Come. Let's give him some space." Nathan nodded to the King's Regent thankfully, but his actions had made it worse. They didn't trust him to take off his gloves without an incident. Waiting for them to leave, he moved to his table to stare down at the box. Since the death of his parents, taking off his gloves stirred up too many emotions. Which usually resulted in something getting frozen. Glancing up at his parents' portrait, he took a deep breath and removed his gloves. Setting them gently on the table, he told himself calmly. "You can do this. It's only for one day..."

Reaching out for his ball and one of the candlesticks, he tried to keep himself completely emotionless. If he didn't feel anything, he would be fine. He held the items with confidence and turned to face the crowd in his imagination. He could do this. It would just be for a few minutes. However, as his fingers touched the different textures of the items in his hand, he started to lose control of himself. Everything felt weird against his skin after years of wearing gloves day and night. Glancing down at his hands, he watched his hands shake before frost started to creep along the items. Dropping the items to the floor, Nathan looked down at his palms and panted softly. Even after practicing all night... he wasn't any closer to controlling it. Turning back around, he reached out to grab his new black gloves and flinched when the box started to frost over. Yanking on his gloves, Nathan hugged himself and told the painting of his parents meekly. "I'm trying... But what if I can't do this? What if... What if I'm more of a danger here?" Nathan heard the bellowing of horns and loud chatter from outside his window. The loud commotion drawing him to his window to check it out. Outside, the Nobles were arriving and all of Arendelle was excited. The Nobles had clearly brought their eligible daughters to see if they could forge allegiances already.

Those that didn't have daughters brought their sons in the hopes of at least winning friendship points with him. Bowing his head, he told the painting a little more distressed. "This is going to be a nightmare... I'm not even a king yet and I feel like a prized stud they want to use." The more he thought about the idea of marriage, the more his heart sank. He hadn't even thought about it before. He couldn't marry anyone in his condition. He didn't need a Queen to rule Arendelle, but it would certainly raise questions if he didn't pick one. Letting out a disappointed sigh, he turned and started walking toward his bedroom door. His walk started off timid and grim, but by the time he reached the door, he had straightened himself up to be more presentable. Opening the doors, he looked over the shoulder of the King Regent and told him. "Tell the guards to open up the gates. Let's get this over with." The King's Regent bowed, then quickly walked off to relay the command. The other servants bowed, and he held himself high as he slowly strolled down the hallway. He'd gotten good at not looking anyone in the eyes. Even if it did make him seem indifferent to those around him.

As he walked along the halls, he saw servants open curtains and windows for the first time in years to let in as much light as possible. Whenever the servants saw him, they stopped to bow or curtsied to him until he passed them. His two best bodyguards stood at his sides, watching over him as he moved to the balcony to discreetly watch the Nobles file in. The Nobles were escorted into the castle toward the ceremony room. While the regular citizens of Arendelle were only allowed as far as the courtyard. When all the Nobles were seated, The King's Regent finally escorted Nathan toward the ceremony room. Nathan walked slower than normal, practically dragging his feet. Prompting the King's Regent to whisper to him comfortingly. "It's ok to be nervous. Your father was only twelve when he was made king. But he did just fine, and I know you will too." Nathan couldn't stop squeezing his hands behind his back, when he uttered back under his breath. "My father didn't have my condition." The King's Regent smirked, before whispering one last thing when they reached the doors. "Just imagine they are all naked... and try not to laugh." Nathan snorted softly, trying to compose himself as the King's Regent pushed the doors open and announced loudly. "All rise for his royal highness! The Prince of Arendelle!"

The Nobles and Royals in the booths all rose to their feet. As Nathan walked in, the choir standing in the rafters above began to sing a soft melody and the people bowed as he passed. Reaching the stairs, Nathan slowly took a knee and bowed his head to the Holy man preforming the ceremony. Placing a hand on his head, the Holy man said a prayer for him, then turned to take the royal crown off a plush cushion. Nathan lifted his head and the Holy man slowly placed it upon his head. So far so good. The Holy man beckoned him to rise, and he did. This time, the Holy man turned to take another cushion that held the Royal Orb and Scepter. Holding out the cushion to him, Nathan swallowed and tried to stay as still as possible. He was already so nervous that he barely heard the Holy man ask him. "Will you accept the burden of the orb? To rule over your subjects with mercy and understanding to the best of your abilities? Will you accept the burden of the Scepter? To bring justice and keep order within your kingdom?" Nathan lifted his chin high, announcing clearly. "I accept them." Nathan started to reach out for them, when the Holy man cleared his throat softly and whispered for only him to hear. "Your majesty? Your gloves."

Nathan curled his fingers back from the items. Taking a deep breath, he pretended he was alone in his room and slowly pulled his gloves off. He flexed his fingers a bit to keep them from shaking. Then set the gloves down between the items. Reaching out, he scooped up the items and closed his eyes as he turned to face the crowd of people. He held them up as the Holy man began to recite something in Latin. Nathan's heart began to race as his concentration slipped. Opening his eyes, he stared at his hands and exhaled at the sight of everyone rising again from their seats. A mistake. Releasing his breath had made it hard for him to regain it now. He couldn't inhale deep or fast enough now to calm himself down. His hands started to shake as he realized that everyone was staring at him. They hadn't seen him in years... and were no doubt judging him. He felt the frost starting to form under his hands and quickly whirled around to drop the items back on the cushion. The items nearly fell off the cushion, but the Holy man managed to balance out the cushion in time. Snatching his gloves, he rapidly slipped them back on. Once they were on, he calmed down and listened to the Holy man announce. "I present to you, King Nathan of Arendelle!" The crowd all stated with the Holy man soon after. "LONG LIVE THE KING!"

The King's Regent moved closer to escort Nathan out to the ballroom, saying lightly over his shoulder. "Well done, Majesty. I knew you could do it." Nathan huffed in return, a reluctant smile spreading across his face. It had been cutting it pretty close, but it felt good to feel like someone had a little faith in him. Making his way to the balcony that observed the courtyard, Nathan watched the King's Regent address the citizens of Arendelle loud and clear. "Ladies and Gentlemen! I present to you... King Nathan of Arendelle!" Nathan walked out onto the balcony and all of Arendelle burst into loud cheers. Waving to them, he smiled as they broke out into chants of 'Long live the king!' Nathan informed them that food would be handed out to them to let them enjoy and celebrate in the festivities with them. Then told them that on his tour of the kingdom later, that he'd be handing out coins to those he saw as an added well wish to good fortune to come during his reign. They burst into more cheers, and Nathan was then escorted to the end of the ballroom. Nathan took a seat upon the single throne chair that had been set out for him and once he was comfortable, the King's Regent started announcing every Noble and Royal that entered the ballroom.

Nathan could tell that it was going to be a long day and an even longer night. One after another the groups were introduced to him. They bowed and wished him long life. They informed him of his coronation gift and then they took a little time to introduce their sons or daughters. He politely greeted them and then the King's Regent gestured them away to partake in the food or drinks. Soon people were dancing and chatting loudly in groups. While still even more people were introduced to Nathan. Nathan was just starting to get bored with this, when an older man stepped up to him and bowed with his two sons. The King Regent gestured to them, informing Nathan calmly. "This is the Duke of Weselton and his two sons. Rolf and Ivar." Nathan nodded to them politely, when the Duke straightened up and said in a docile tone. "I was grieved to hear of your mother's passing. She and I were... close friends. Very lovely woman, your mother was." Nathan shifted uncomfortably in the seat, causing the Duke to rush out in a change of subject. "I hear that you've been unwell? Nothing contagious, I hope." The Duke chuckled, but everyone else started to look a bit uncomfortable by the statement. Sitting up, Nathan regaled loud enough for those close enough to hear. "It's nothing like that. I assure you. In fact, I'm getting stronger every day."

The King's Regent smirked, until the Duke stepped a bit closer to the throne. Nathan's guards stepped closer in response, but the Duke calmly raised his hands, before telling Nathan in a soft whisper. "I believe you. You appear healthy enough. However... should you feel under the weather. My eldest son, Rolf, is next in line for the throne of Arendelle. Maybe he can help you out." Nathan kept his eyes off the Duke's but leaned forward a bit to answer firmly. "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you." The Duke gave him a little bow, then moved away. Nathan shifted in his seat, asking the King's Regent nicely. "Can I be excused for a bit? I need some air." The King's Regent nodded, then bowed as he said. "Of course, your majesty." Getting to his feet, Nathan tried to calmly leave the ballroom. All eyes were on him as he left with two guards at his heels to escort him wherever he wanted to go. Leaving the ballroom, Nathan started to head for a large balcony that overlooked the fjord and with any luck would be empty. As he rounded the corner though, he slammed face first into another man. The man staggered back from him, rushing out. "Oh! I'm so sorry! I got turned around and... your majesty?"

Nathan adjusted his clothes, waving his guards to stand down. The man bowed deeply, telling him in a deeply apologetic voice. "Your highness, forgive me. It truly was an accident." Nathan shrugged, telling him in a soft frazzled voice. "It's fine. Carry on." Nathan started to walk around him, when the man asked him curiously. "Highness? Are you ok?" Nathan stopped at the doors to the balcony, mumbling out. "I'm fine." The man crept closer to him, saying gently. "Ya... No offence. But I've grown up with enough siblings to know that's a lie." Nathan crossed his arms, asking a bit defensively. "Who are you?" The man bowed again, answering openly. "Hans. Prince Hans of the Southern Isles, your majesty." Nathan blinked, mumbling out mostly to himself. "The Southern Isles? My parents were traveling to the South Sea to meet your parents." Hans rubbed his arm, sadly acknowledging. "Ya... I heard about that. I'm sorry." Before Nathan could dwell on it more, Hans asked him with a small smile and a warmth to his voice. "Hey? Have you eaten anything yet?" Nathan shook his head and Hans piped up happily. "If you want, I can go snag us something? Maybe talk a little? I know it's a bad time for politics but... technically our two kingdoms were in the middle of a diplomatic issue. I could use some friendly advice?"

Exhaling softly, Nathan shrugged. He didn't want to talk about business, but it would be something to do besides getting mind numbingly introduced to people he didn't know. Gesturing to the balcony, Nathan told him politely. "Sure. I'll be waiting here." Hans bowed to Nathan, slipping off toward the ballroom. Nathan watched him go for a brief second, then did a double take. In the stain glass doors of the balcony, Hans looked like a little Troll. Looking back at him though, Hans was as human as anyone else. Shaking his head, Nathan rubbed his tired eyes. He really needed to get out more. He was starting to see Trolls in more than just his dreams. To Be Continued... 

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