For as long as I can remember, the kingdom of Arendelle has been shut off from the rest of the world, especially the castle, with its locked gates, closed doors, and shuttered windows. That means the royal family—including me—has been the most closed off of all.

I’m Anna, Princess of Arendelle. It’s a fancy title that sounds very regal and proper, but I’m not like that. I’d rather run around with the wind in my hair and experience new things! If only I were allowed off the castle grounds, which I’m not. I used to beg my mother and father to change the rule, but they said it was necessary to keep Elsa and me safe.

I didn’t like it, but I trusted them. That’s why, after the terrible shipwreck that took our parents away, I didn’t complain when the castle stayed as closed off as ever.

Elsa, by the way, is my older sister. She never complains about the rule. She says as members of the royal family, we have responsibilities that are far more important than any little things we might want.

That’s Elsa. She’s a perfectly poised, proper and polished princess. Soon she’ll be an equally perfect queen. She’s very dedicated to Arendelle, and we’re lucky to have her as our future leader.

I just wish she were a little more dedicated to me.

Don’t get me wrong. She’s not mean to me or anything. She just…doesn’t seem to like me very much. It’s weird, because when we were little, we used to play together all the time. We especially loved winter. I remember we’d make snow angels, build snowmen, and have huge snowball fights. We’d laugh so hard we couldn’t even breathe!

Then, when I was about five years old, everything changed. Out of nowhere, Elsa stopped liking me. All of a sudden, every time I knocked on her door, she’d yell at me to go away.

I didn’t get it. I still don’t get it. What did I do to make her so upset? I feel like if I knew, I could make it better. I always tried to make it better. I invited her to play with me. I sent her little notes. I asked her what she was thinking about so maybe she’d start talking…but nothing I did helped.

The whole thing makes me really sad, but I can’t force Elsa to like me if she doesn’t. Besides, today my whole world will change. It’s Elsa’s coronation day. In just a few hours, she’ll take the oath and become Queen of Arendelle. By law, everyone is invited to witness the event. All of Arendelle will pour into our castle walls. Finally, I’ll have the chance to meet new people and make friends!

I could even fall in love.

I can picture exactly how it will happen. I’ll see him across the crowd. He’ll be tall and handsome. Our eyes will meet. I’ll give him a secret smile. He’ll think I’m sophisticated and fascinating. We’ll walk toward each other like there’s no one else in the world. Then, from the minute we say hello, we’ll know we’ll always be together. He’ll love me forever, and he won’t ever turn on me for no apparent reason, like some people I know.

I throw myself into my closet to find my coronation dress. I toss it on, then spin over to the mirror. I pin up my strawberry-blond hair. A thatch of white runs through it.

Did I mention I have a single streak of white hair? I was born with it, although I dreamed I was kissed by a troll.

Suddenly, I hear loud creaks and groans. It has to be the sound of the castle gates opening! I race into the hall but stop at Elsa’s closed door. I wonder if she’s nervous. Maybe I should try to talk to her.

There’s no point. She’ll only tell me to go away. Instead I run downstairs and into the courtyard, which is already filling with guests. I try to smile and look friendly, but when people see me, they won’t meet my eyes. They bow and hurry on their way.

I guess it’s not so easy for a princess to meet new people.

I’m disappointed, but if I can’t make a new friend, maybe I can at least slip outside the castle grounds for a little bit. It’s such a gorgeous summer day, and the water surrounding our kingdom glistens in the sunlight. I head to the docks, where beautifully decorated boats stream in from all over. I’m so amazed by their high masts and multicolored flags, I don’t even look where I’m going.

That’s probably why I’m shocked when a horse slams into me. It sends me toppling backward into a boat, and my weight tips the boat off the dock!

Oh, no! I can be so clumsy.

At the last second, the horse stops the boat with his hoof.

“I’m so sorry. Are you hurt?” a voice asks.

Surely that can’t be the horse.

I look up, and there is the most handsome man I’ve ever seen in my life.