"I mean, it was good. Nice. Really nice. You know, dancing. Music. Loads of people, nice people. Talked to loads of people. Got on quite well with them, and... I mean, no true love, but, well, that was always pretty crazy, right? So yeah. Best day ever. Even talked to Elsa a little, which was nice… I mean it would have been nice to talk some more to her, but then that weird little Duke of Weaseltown wanted to dance with me and when I came back, well, I don't know whether she'd wanted to go out onto the terrace to get away from her, and Prince Hans followed her, or he got her to go out there with him, but I mean by the time I saw them, like, I don't know much about these things but when I saw them talking I don't think they wanted a third person, you know? I've never seen Elsa so close to another person since we were tiny- I thought they were going to kiss for a moment, but they didn't anyway. And Elsa sure wouldn't want me following her round, so I got back in and did some more dancing til she came back again, and when I did see her again she doesn't want to talk about it and I call that suspicious, all that 'just your romantic imagination, Anna', and positively twitching when she said it; and then he catches up with both of us again, and he teases me, not badly, but it makes Elsa laugh- I do like him… I mean… I mean for a moment, when we met on the quay, I thought maybe he… well, I probably got it wrong because what do I know, he was just being nice- and anyway, then he saw Elsa, and I wouldn't blame him. I mean, I wouldn't court me when I could try to court Elsa. And she's closer his age. I mean I don't even mind, if they get married… it'd be fun to have him here… and if they marry there'll be more parties. He's got a huge family, and I'm sure he's got loads of friends. So, you know, it's all looking up. Well, if Elsa doesn't freeze up and just let him go and pass by- I mean I never know with Elsa…"

"Princess?"

Anna jumped- nobody ever interrupted her here, but when she looked round-

"Oh! Hans. Prince. Um. It's you. I mean, hey."

"Hey yourself. You were talking to the pictures?"

"Um, well, you know. Sometimes you gotta talk to someone, and…"

"…okay."

"You… were you… sorry, how long were you standing there?"

"Ah, well, I heard… something… nothing I didn't like, but, ah… you know, maybe that you're getting a little ahead of events."

"What- you mean… you mean you and Elsa?" (No, her voice didn't come out too fast or too loud, didn't shake at all, definitely no tears. It was going to be great.)

"I mean that. I mean-" Hans glanced over his shoulder, and closed the tall gallery door behind him- it was dark in there, and he beckoned her closer- Anna wondered if this was what conspiracy was like. "I mean, there is no me and Elsa yet. No, really. Alright- I think you're my friend now, right?"

"Am I? I mean, I am! I'm definitely your friend, that's great! We can be the greatest friends!"

"Okay, okay, that's great. You're my friend too. As a friend, I'll tell you: I'd like there to be a me and Elsa. But I don't know yet, right? I mean- she's your sister, you know her better than me: what do you think?"

"Oh I think Elsa would like there to be a you and Elsa. At least- at least I'm pretty sure, only… only I don't really know Elsa that much better than you do."

"But she's your sister!"

"I know, but Elsa… Well since our parents died I don't think anyone really knows Elsa. Whenever she's not at some kind of work she just shuts herself up in her room and I don't know what she does in there. I don't think I've been in since I was about five. I'm pretty sure we were close then, and we were so happy, then one day… one day that was it. Elsa didn't want to see me any more than she absolutely had to. And she never has. I see her around the castle, and she spoke to me a little today but… I don't know. But I know in all that time I never saw her talk to anyone outside lessons or work for as long as you got her to talk, except our parents. I think… I think tonight Elsa was happy, leastways as far as I know. So, you know, thank you. I think there being a you and Elsa would be a good thing."

"Well that's… aha… well, thank you. I'm glad you approve. That helps a lot."

"You want me to help? I mean, I don't know what I can do, it's not like I can get Elsa to listen to me much but if I talk about you- or you know, a letter under her door, if that's what you were thinking-"

"Something like that. It wouldn't be anything improper, but I'd still need to trust the person who did it. Someone who wouldn't start gossip. You know what people are like."

"Oh!" said Anna, who didn't. "Just say the word! I wouldn't have anyone to tell anyway, and- it's not like I have friends to tell. Apart from you and it's about you so that's okay. I'd love to make you and Elsa happy."

"You would. You really would. Anna, I'm so glad I met you. I've never had such a good friend. Really! Thank you. It makes so much difference, when you're in love, to have a friend who's supportive. You'll know that one day."

"…uh-huh. Yeah. You would be."

"…I guess. If I've time, with you know, a wife and a family, and all. You'll be great then. You'll be such a wonderful aunt. Nobody could have a better aunt than you."

"I will be a great aunt. Not a great aunt, until, well, maybe, that's going a bit ahead-"

"Yeah, quite. Thanks, Anna. It's going to be great. We'll see if we can get you a man, get you out of here."

"Oh, I but I don't want to leave Elsa… and now my friend's here, and…"

Hans laughed, and patted her shoulder.

"Yes I am," he said, as he walked away.

Anna looked back up at Joan, trying not to let her get blurry.

"It's great," she said to Joan. "Really. We're going to be so happy."