A/N:

This fiction was inspired by a recent article I encountered that stated that Hans was not initially meant to be a villain, which ultimately led to his twist at the end being so unexpected. This is my version of Frozen, as shown from Hans' perspective. Ultimately I am planning on this fiction favoring Anna and Hans as a coupling, as well as a good explanation for why he betrayed her so badly. Forgive me, for this chapter holds a lot of back-story in the beginning of Hans and his brothers of the Southern Isles, but it is important to the plot throughout the story.

Thanks, and I hope you enjoy!

UPDATE: The first 7 chapters parallel the movie, to begin the sequel (Part II) skip to Chapter 8, The King is Dead.

Prologue:

Let Him Go

Candles adorned the massive, dark mahogany table that was set for fourteen. Tapestries of green and gold graced the walls, dressing the room in elegance and poise. The family crest was a repeating theme throughout the grand dining room: A green shield, guarded by two chained wolves and Latin banners that read "Fortem Posce Animum" or "Wish for a Strong Mind."

Eleven brothers sat, awaiting their father, King Elias, to meet them; he had news to share. They were all of varying ages and physical appearances, although sharing a similarity that proved their relation. They waited patiently, quietly, eyes studying one another and making silent judgments. Although they were quite accustomed to this kind of cruel behavior, this wasn't just an ordinary dinner. Significant others were shut out, taking their dinners in another wing of the castle. This was a confidential meeting, one to discuss the Southern Isles and broadening its borders, by any means necessary.

Over the years, trade between Arendelle and the Southern Isles had been steady, cordial. But with the recent news of Princess Elsa's coronation under way, it was time to finish what had been started many years ago.

The eleven men were startled from the loud boom of the dining room doors opening with some force. Their eyes were fixated on the proud, bearded king as he stalked into the room without a word. He stood, towering and almost menacing over the princes. They stood out of respect, and possibly fear, waiting for their father to take his seat. He cleared his throat and ran his gloved hand over his mustached mouth, his eyes narrowing.

"Where is Hans?" his deep voice bellowed. The sons looked around in confusion, unaware that the youngest prince was even absent. Although, this was nothing new. Hans was frequently forgotten.

On cue, the door to the dining hall opened once again, and Hans peered into the room nervously.

"Get in here. You're tardy," King Elias said gruffly, he had no patience for any delays.

"I-I'm sorry father. I just-"

"I do not have time for your excuses. Be seated," he said, slightly reddening. Hans shrunk under his brother's glaring eyes, hurrying to his seat. For one of the millionth times, he wished he was actually invisible, as opposed to how his father and brothers had treated him. At least then they would have an excuse. The great king and his sons were seated.

"We have received word from Arendelle," he informed the group. "We are to send a royal representative to attend Princess Elsa's coronation."

"Has the time come already?" the eldest son, Prince Elias III, asked. He was much older than Hans, who had only just passed his 23rd year.

"Aye," the King nodded. "Princess Elsa was to marry by her 21st year, to ensure the Southern Isles would have an heir married into Arendelle. As you know, we have been trying to get our betrothal negotiations back on track that were ceased after the passing of King Agdar and Queen Idun of Arendelle."

"But father," one of the sons spoke, Prince Galen. "Who will it be? Felix is surely best suited for rulership of Arendelle and closest to her age, but he is married to Adelaide."

"I am aware that Felix was the first choice, that had been agreed upon many years ago between both kingdoms. But with the passing of the King and Queen, those plans and promises went along with them. We no longer have contracts and treaties, we are no longer ushered in freely. Their will stated that the princesses were to have free will, which means she must be courted if we will see any union of families. That is what tonight it about."

The room fell silent as the princes took in the information. One of them would be sent to Arendelle to take the crown, but who? Their ages, statuses and demeanor varied so vastly that there was no solid choice.

Long ago, long before Hans was even born, King Elias took over the throne as the king of the Southern Isles. Humid in temperature, a mostly mild climate, this land was lush and bountiful. Through their various trade connections and allies, the people of the Southern Isles lived quant, fulfilling lives.

Through a forced marriage that eventually led to love and devotion, King Elias wed Princess Astrid, who became his queen. She was fair and loyal, lovely and kind. She spent most of her years as queen with child, bearing the king twelve healthy sons.

First born was the strong and stubborn Elias III. He was heir to the thrown and had never had to work hard to gain his father's favor. He was married to Princess Giana, who would take her place as queen when King Elias inevitably passed away.

Next was Frederik and Galen, who weren't twins but might as well have been. The brothers bore a striking resemblance and were born only ten months apart from one another. Prince Frederik was a self-proclaimed bachelor, more interested in scholarly pursuits while Prince Galen married quite young: a duchess from a neighboring kingdom and bore him two princesses of their own.

Prince Andreas was fourth born, but had perished of illness only three years back, and Prince Edvard (fifth to the throne) had become a monk at the kingdom's Lutheran cathedral, but never revoked his title. He sat there with them today, his humble cloak a far cry from their more lavish attires.

Prince Tomas and Prince Christian were twins, mostly drunkards, unwed and up to no real value to the royal family, but were still over ten years Elsa's senior. The likelihood of her choosing to marry one of them was slim. Next, however, was Prince Isaak, who was a well-known Lothario of the Isle Kingdoms. He had successfully wooed, seduced and ruined countless princesses, duchesses, maidens and bar wenches alike.

Cold-hearted and calculating, Prince Sedak was the 9th born. Prone to jealousy and a ravenous temper, he was the one who had done most of Hans' torturing as he grew up. Deeply resentful of the youngest prince, it was he that initiated a two-year long coup that led to Hans being ignored and forgotten, finding humor and satisfaction at his expense. Those two years took an amazingly harsh psychological toll on Prince Hans, who withdrew but began doing desperate actions to get some form of attention from his brothers. And yet, it was the same twisted prince that Hans so desperately looked up, hoping to rid himself of any vulnerability and weakness by striving to be him, the way a captive is devoted to their captor.

The king's second set of twins were much more successful than the first, Prince Magnus and Prince Mathias. Magus was married to the military, Admiral of the Fleet of the Southern Isles Navy. Hans, too, was a Navy officer under his brother. He had earned his title of Admiral Prince Hans, which he had hoped would make his father proud of him, to no avail. Mathias, on the other hand, was a poet and lover, engaged to the fair Princess Agnus of the West Cannes, their wedding was due sometime in the spring.

Felix, the last born son of King Elias and Queen Astrid, was a handsome, strong and brave prince. In all the years, he'd been the king's quiet favorite, his last born son of his precious queen. Felix was the chosen suitor for Princess Elsa of Arendelle when they were quite young. Unfortunately, Felix found love with Queen Adelaide of the Kingdom of Romany, and spent his current days ruling beside her as king.

After Felix was born, the queen fell ill, and passed away. The devastation that the king and princes felt led to an irreparable emotional damage, a dark shadow cast upon them. Over time, they had forgotten her love and warmth, replaced with a bitterness deep down, a sadness that changed them. When the king's political advisor, Lars, suggested the king marry the young wealthy daughter of a duke from a neighboring kingdom, he reluctantly took his advice. With no plans to have any more children, they soon found they were with child once more. The king hoped for a princess, some kind of light to shine in on this darkened family, a vulnerable one for the princes to adore and protect.

But again, it was another prince. Prince Hans was born, and instead of love and protection, he received bitterness and rejection from all of his family.

All, that is, except for his loving mother, Ava.

While most of the boys took after their father, broad and dark haired, Hans bore a striking resemblance to his lovely mother. She was slimmer, more frail. Her green eyes were piercing and her auburn hair shined like amber in the sunlight. The good in Hans, the part that always tried to override the anger, the hurt and the betrayal of his own family, didn't always win out. He acted out frequently as a young child, out of frustration and neglect. He had found her to be his protector, the one he could go to when no one else was there. She would calm the king when she felt he was being to hard on the youngest prince. This, however, led to feelings of favoritism that just made the other princes even more resentful of the youngest prince.

When Hans was little, six years old, his mother held him in her arms one night when the tears wouldn't stop. Sedak, Mathius and Magnus, the troublesome trio, had spent the evening berating him for not being of pure, royal blood as they were.

"Your mother was practically a commoner," Sedak taunted. Hans cried to his mother, never feeling like they belonged.

"Let's just go," he begged. "We can go to another kingdom, we can live as other people." His mother lovingly stroked his hair, shushing the heartbroken prince.

"Hans, you must try to find a way to not let those words get to you, you have to remember your worth and your strength. Do not let the anger win, do not let them drive you away."

The queen passed away when Hans was only eight, and with her died the only ally, the only sense of love and belonging, that Hans would ever have.

"Who will it be?" Prince Galen asked again, knowing full well that there was only one real choice at this point. Only one son that was unmarried and willing. The King's dark, brooding eyes found Hans' at the end of the table, he recoiled under their intimidating stare.

"Hans will go to Arendelle to marry Princess Elsa."

The brothers mumbled under their breath in surprise, some louder than others, but none were more shocked than Hans himself.

"Me?" he asked, his eyes widening and his tone simply astonished. In all the years, Hans had never been picked for royal representation of the Southern Isles; the king would never trust him with such responsibility. Over time, Hans had successfully moved up the ranks of the Navy to Admiral, earned his highest honors in swordsmanship and fencing, and received awards in his equestrian pursuits. He was the utmost example of good breeding and poise, the only people in disagreement of this fact were his own family.

"Not alone, of course. Lars will be attending as well for guidance and guardianship." It was then that the men even noticed Lars in the back of the room, slinking and spying as usual. It seemed that he was always around, a serpent in the grass, studying and skulking in the dark corners.

"You mean to babysit," Sedak chuckled. Hans narrowed his eyes and folded his arms in defiance.

"To ensure that plans go accordingly, that we don't have any mishaps," King Elias clarified.

"It's Hans, of course there will be a mishap," Magnus said hotly. In the few moments he'd been in their attendance, his family had managed to make him feel two inches tall. The fact that his father would even volunteer him left him flabbergasted.

"I don't understand. Why me?" Hans asked to himself more than anyone else.

"Last resort," his father said, dismissingly waving his hand. Of course, it would never be that he was a good candidate or of any importance. There simply were no other options.

"What about us?" Tomas asked, gesturing to himself and Christian. The king rose his eyebrows in amusement.

"You think I would even consider that after the fiasco in The Netherlands years ago?" he asked rhetorically. "And besides, no young, beautiful princess is going to consider marrying an old drunkard. You're both far too old for her."

"She's beautiful?" Hans suddenly asked, realizing that there was a real possibility he would be marrying soon. Was he even ready for that? At the same time, and all at once, Hans had a flash of a life away from this one. King of another country, far away from the torment and aguish of his brothers and his father. Maybe this was the chance he'd been waiting for? Maybe this was his ticket to a better life.

Better yet, this was a chance to reinvent himself, be the person he was always meant to be. To make his mother proud, even though he knew that overcoming his anger and bitterness was going to be the hardest task of all. For as long as he could remember, the unpleasant demons in his head has always been there, beckoning him and calling him over to the dark side. So many times he'd envisioned inflicting pain of any kind upon them, but knowing deep down he was not capable of such atrociousness.

Because through the hate, there was a little boy inside of him that only wanted love and acceptance, for his big brothers to teach him how to fish and allow him to join them on excursions, to be proud of him. So many times, he'd watched from the window as they would play some kind of sport in the castle courtyard, uninvited.

"You'll make the teams uneven," one would lie, usually his late brother Andreas, who at least tried to spare his feelings.

"And we just don't want you to play," Sedak would finish, throwing any sentiment out the window.

"I'm arranging for your garments to be packed, you leave in the morning," King Elias announced. "And now, if you will all excuse us, Hans and I have some details to discuss."

Disappointed or simply uninterested, the princes stood and made their way out of the dining hall, their food untouched, aside from Tomas and Christian, who took their wine to go. The doors slammed, leaving King Elias and Prince Hans in the agonizing silence.

"I am giving you one chance to succeed with this, Hans," the king called out to him. "I want Arendelle, by any means necessary."

"Then send Sedak," Hans defied, "he is much better at doing your dirty work." The king smirked, amused by his son's obvious lack of confidence.

"Sedak is a sociopath," he responded casually.

"Oh, so you HAVE known all these years?"

"I am sending you, that is final," the King said, his voice stern.

"But, what do I do? How will I get her to love me when I cannot even get my own family to?" Hans wondered aloud, his brows furrowed into a frown. The king sighed, his gruffness beginning to dissipate. He stood, a head taller than Hans, and gently put his hand on his shoulder.

"I know that the years have been hard on you, Hans. I know that your brothers have been cruel; I, myself, have not been a perfect father to you," he said quietly, in a tone Hans had never heard his father take, especially not with him. "It is hard for me to trust you with such a task, but our family name is counting on you to marry into Arendelle. This is an opportunity for our kingdom, our name, to grow. And with it, you can escape the torment and the years of hurt from your brothers." In that moment, Hans felt a closeness he'd never felt to his father, as though perhaps he hadn't hated him all these years.

"Why are you being so kind to me?" Hans asked, suspicious and slightly unconvinced that his father was even capable of such kind words. "Who we married or where we ended up has never been that important to you before."

"That was before." The King brought a cup of wine to his lips, taking a sip and setting it back down gingerly. His shoulders slumped a bit, his eyes softening even more than before. "I was hard on you to push you, Hans. You were the runt of the group, you needed to toughen up," Elias rationalized. Hans knew this was his father trying to sound sympathetic or remorseful, although he wasn't particularly too good at it.

"So you let them treat me this way all these years to toughen me up?" Hans exclaimed, appalled. He took a step back, shaking his head slowly. "You LET it happen?"

"I said I was not a perfect man," Elias said, his voice and defensiveness beginning to raise.

"Then why, why now do you send me there with such a heavy responsibility-" Hans began to ask.

"I am dying," Elias finally shouted. Hans' mouth dropped open, then finally closed. He swallowed, hard. Although he'd never been close to his father, although he had deep, dark fantasies of standing over his father's deathbed and telling him exactly what his negligence and 'tough love' had done to him, he was still his father, and the only parent he had left.

"H-how-" Hans began to ask, Elias held a hand up to his son's mouth.

"Details are not important, Hans. I need to know that you will be okay somewhere, with a family, before I go. It is one of my dying wishes. Your brothers, they are strong. They will get along just fine without me. It is not them I worry about." He heaved a great sigh, and tried to reach Hans' averting eyes with his own. "I know I did not treat you well, my son. I know I was always busy, and that losing Queen Astrid changed my heart, in a way that not even your mother could heal, but I can't do anything to change that now. All I can do is trust you to find your way, to become the great man I know you are capable of."

Hans stood, his body frozen and his mind running a million miles per minute. He was flabbergasted at the notion that his father had always cared for him, but had been unable to ever show him, that he let his brothers treat him so badly for so long as a form of conditioning. Everything he had ever done in his life was for his family's approval, and now it all came down to this one task, yet he felt utterly hopeless about it.

"Go to Arendelle, be a different person, be the person you always wanted to be. Court her, marry her, and don't come back. Those are my orders." King Elias turned to walk back to his chair, Hans silently stirring by his seat.

"When do I leave?"

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