The annual Queen's Ball occurs on the longest day of summer. It takes place in the royal gardens. Every man, woman and child are invited. Together the people of Arendelle dance arm in arm until the last hint of sunlight is gone.

But I'm not the queen of summer. I am the Snow Queen and nothing will ever change that.

Somewhere along the way, Pitch's nickname has stuck in my mind and now I cannot escape it.

I pull my thoughts away from the dark king and focus on the occasion.

The dress I wear is the same one that my mother wore during her last summer ball. Of course, at the time, we didn't realize it would be her last.

I walk through the royal gardens. The servants have worked hard to turn a few trees and bushes into a glimpse of paradise. Candles flicker throughout the garden, scenting the air with vanilla. Several tables are spread around the fountains. They are covered with dishes of food.

Anna runs up to me Kristoff strolls behind her, smiling at her usual overabundance of energy.

"It is almost time for the guests to arrive!" Anna squeals. "I am so excited."

"Really?" I shake my head. "I hadn't noticed." Hopefully she won't begin to jump up and down. We should try to preserve at least some dignity.

Although, I do seem to have enough dignity for both of us. I cannot stop Anna from being herself and I wouldn't want to.

"All right." Anna surveys the garden around us. Late afternoon sunlight streams through the willowy trees around us. "Everything looks perfect. The orchestra is setting up in the corner. They should be ready in time for the First Dance."

I jerk my head up. "Wait, you don't mean the king and queen's Waltz, do you?"

"Of course I do. It's tradition."

I grab Anna's elbow. "Excuse us for a moment, Kristoff."

"As you wish." Kristoff kisses Anna's cheek and wanders over to the tables of food.

"Anna?" I fold my arms. "We already discussed this. More than once! The First Dance is a waltz for the queen and king." My voice breaks. "It is a beautiful waltz and I miss watching Mother and Father dance it every summer. But I can't possibly stand up in front of everyone and dance by myself!"

Anna's eyes brighten. "Don't worry, Elsa! You won't be alone."

"Who's going to dance with me? Kristoff?" I scoff at the idea. "I have a much better idea. Why don't you dance with Kristoff?"

"I'm not the queen."

I sigh. She can be so stubborn. "Well, I might be queen, but Kristoff isn't a king." Although he might be a prince one day if he marries Anna.

"I didn't say that you would dance with Kristoff. You said that."

"Then who-?"

"Be quiet and trust me. Can you do that much?"

I drop my hands to my side. Of course I can trust her. I will do anything for her. Even if it means dancing alone in front of the entire kingdom. "Yes, Anna. I may not like it. But I do trust you."

"Good. Our guests are waiting. You should probably tell the guards to open the gates." Anna turns on her heel, her pink dress swirling around her feet. She walks over to the table and taps Kristoff on the shoulder. He turns around, his entire face lighting up at the sight of her.

She says something and he throws his head back. I didn't hear her comment, but I can hear his laughter.

I walk over to one of the soldiers. He stands at attention, ready to obey my every command.

Loyalty to my father has transferred to loyalty to me, even though I have already broken their trust. I hope I will never make that mistake again.

I hold my head high. "It is time for the Queen's Ball to begin. Open the gates."

**

Laughter fills the royal gardens.

The happiness of those around me breaks through my walls. I cannot help the smile spreading across my face. Little children run past me. They giggle and shout.

Couples stroll by arm in arm. Guards stand around the perimeters of the garden, but even they seem more relaxed.

It is a beautiful summer day. The sun dances through the trees, as if she were the queen of the party and not I.

The orchestra takes their seats. As if on cue, the crowded garden falls silent. Every head turns my way.

This time they are not waiting for a speech or an apology. I have already been forgiven. Now they are waiting for a dance, the First Dance.

My eyes dart through the crowd, searching for Anna. I told her I trusted her, but I didn't expect her to leave me to dance alone.

I step away from one of the fountains and enter the small clearing in the middle of the garden.

"Good afternoon and welcome to our annual Queen's Ball. I am pleased that so many were able to join us. Our ball will begin with the traditional First Dance." I nod at the orchestra.

A young girl stands and lifts a silver flute to her lips. She takes a steady breath and begins to play. The crystal, sweat music weaves through the garden. One by one the other instruments join in.

I bend my knees and fall into a perfect curtsey. I bow my head. Red creeps into my cheeks. I guess I deserve this. Who would want to dance with me?

I straighten up from my curtsey and lift my head.

My eyes collide with Jack's steady gaze. He stands in front of me. His outfit would shame Hans himself. But his white hair is as messy as ever and his eyes-nothing can dim that brilliant blue.

He bows briefly and holds out his hand. "May I have this dance?"

My heart swells inside me. Anna did come through. And so did Jack.

"You may." I rest my gloved hand onto his. For once he has no staff. He is unarmed, but I am not.

I lay my other hand on his shoulder and Jack slips his arm around my waist

Right there, in front of everyone, Jack and I dance the King and Queen's Waltz, the First Dance of the summer ball