( && empress of austria;; )

              does this princess mock her? or does she simply not realize
              that not every queen or empress is fortunate enough to have
              power? but then she pauses. she doubts the princess understands.
              from just how the princess holds herself, she can see that she does
              not have such restrictions. ( & from what Elisabeth has heard, the
              princess Anna will never have such restrictions. )

              jealousy gnaws at her heart. why can’t she be that free? why can’t
              she have some sort of control over her own life. no restrictions. no
              silly & ridiculous rules. 

              the empress attempts to smile, but she knows that the smile on her
              face is more of a grimace than anything else. 

                                                       ❝ if I was involved in the empire’s affairs,
                                       perhaps I can give you a better answer. however, I am
                                       sure that Franz Joseph shall consider it. ❞

              of course, that is if his mother allows such a thing to happen.  
              a sigh. then, she pauses again & bites her lip. she reaches up
              to play with her necklace. 

                        ❝ if you get a chance, you should suggest seeking an audience
                 with my husband’s mother. you will have a better chance at
                 getting that trading agreement by speaking to her.

                             although I must ask this ( & I am sure Sophie will ask this
                             as well ), but why you? why not send an experienced
                             diplomat who knows how to handle such affairs? ❞

         { Well I mean, we WOULD have sent a more experienced
         diplomat if not for the teeny tiny fact that Arendelle doesn’t
         really have one, on account of the twelve years we were
         under lockdown thanks to my parents, bless their souls really,
         but could they have been any stupider? And to top it off, it’s
         not like Elsa and I were prepared for this, both of us being
         locked in a stupid castle for a very big portion of our lives, &
         I’m pretty much all we have right now, okay? I went through
         as much training as I could possibly have on the subject, so
         I’m sorry if I’m a bit socially awkward or unaware, or whatever

                                             So if you could just WORK with me,
                                                                  I’d really appreciate it. }

         But of course, she can’t say any of that unless she wants to
         come off as mentally unfit for any place that involves royalty.
         So Anna tried to take a deep breath, & clear her panicked
         thoughts.

                          { Elsa would remain calm. } & that’s the thought
                          that kept Anna’s insanity from leaking out in this
                          court room.

         Anna did not need to spill her guts to this woman, who
         seemed to be in a position of power, but held none as
         if she was just a pretty trophy wife for onlookers, so she
         swiftly avoided the woman’s last questions.

         ❝ I’m confused. Are you not the Empress of Austria?
         Or am I speaking with the wrong woman? Who is this
         Sophie? Your mother-in-law? I was under the impression
          that the emperor and empress ran the country, or am
          I not experienced enough? ❞