What Once Was
As darkness descended upon Arendelle's castle, Elsa sat alone in her study pouring over the series of letters from the King and Queen of the Southern Isles as well as journals that her own parents had written. She was looking for a reason as to why she would agree to something so crazy. Both parents mentioned a long history between the current Queen of Arendelle and the youngest Prince of the Southern Isles but Elsa could not remember it for the life of her. How could she possibly recall something that happened when she was only three years old? It was increasingly difficult to wrap her head around that a young boy who their parents claimed she was inseparable from became the man who tried to end her life and steal her throne but it was that connection which lead his parents to plead for her help with his redemption. Maybe what once was could be once more was driving them.
"My Queen," Kai spoke up after a polite knock on the door. "The ship from the Southern Isles is entering the harbor."
"Thank you, Kai," Elsa replied warmly as she put away the letters and journals. "Are we ready for this?"
"That all depends on you, my Queen. I wish you all the success in the world."
Elsa nodded as she grabbed her cloak. "Let's get this over with."
Five months after the Great Thaw on a deeply cold night in October, the ship arrived from the Southern Isles into Arendelle's harbor. Soon the fjord would freeze over again under natural circumstances and travel would be virtually impossible until spring so the sole reason for the ship to be in the harbor would be there for several months.
Standing on the edge of the dock, Elsa, Queen of Arendelle , seemed to glow in the moonlight. A white blue aura seemed to surround her as she adjusted the hood on her velvet cloak as she watched her requested charge being escorted off the ship in chains. Four months of hard labor had changed the man who tried to usurp her throne through means of trickery, deceit and an intercepted attempt on her life. She watched as he was shoved roughly from the ship onto the dock. He was disheveled and his princely finery had been stripped away from him. No longer did she the arrogance in this man that had once drove him to the brink of regicide. What she saw was a man who was broken and barely hanging on by a thread.
"Take him to his chambers and draw a bath for him," Elsa commanded the guards without even addressing her prisoner. "Make sure he is fed a decent meal and has proper attire available to him."
The guards nodded and took to their orders without question. They knew better than to question the Snow Queen. As she watched them head up to the castle, the captain of the ship stepped forward.
"Pardon the intrusion, your Majesty, but are you sure you can handle him? He did make an attempt on your life and your throne."
Elsa smiled as she paid the captain for his services. "I thank you for your concern but I assure you I am more than capable of handling Prince Hans of the Southern Isles.
The castle was quiet since many of its residents had retired for the evening. Elsa had one thing to do before she took to her own bed for the night. She needed to speak with Hans.
Elsa strode up to the bedroom which she had assigned to Hans, on the completely opposite side of the castle from her own, Anna's room and Kristoff's quarters. The guards did not even hesitate to stop her when she opened the door. The only person who even slightly tried to halt her progress was the valet that she had assigned to Hans.
"My queen, my deepest apologies but his Highness is still in the bath and indisposed at the moment," he spoke up, trying to do his job.
"I know you are doing your best to serve him well but it is late and I am tired. I have no desire to wait longer to speak with him so it doesn't phase me in the least that he is still in the bath. I will have him summon you when we are finished," Elsa told the poor valet as she dismissed him and went for the bathroom door.
It had been a hellish few days for Hans. First having been ripped from the Southern Isles without any explanation only to spend five days in the hold of a ship in rough October seas where he was constantly praying for mercy from the seasickness that overtook him, which was unusual. When they finally docked and he was brought out of the hold to see where he was, his stomach rose into his throat when he saw Elsa standing on the dock. He thought to himself that she thought the punishment that his father had dished out wasn't harsh enough so she had to dish out her own.
It did not surprise him when Elsa didn't even acknowledge him on the dock but her orders did. He was taken to the castle, not the dungeon. He was given a proper bedroom in the palace with a valet to serve him. He was being treated more as a guest than a prisoner...like a prince again.
He relished the feel of a hot bath after the months of hard labor and cold buckets of water to wash out of. Hans had closed his eyes and laid his head back against the tub just to soak after he had washed himself thoroughly of the last few months. When he heard the door open, he just assumed it was his valet. "I would like to have a meal arranged when I am finished," he stated without even opening his eyes.
"I'll be sure to tell your valet but I have some questions first."
Hans' eyes popped open with a start as he scrambled to cover the more intimate parts of himself. "Elsa! I mean...your Majesty," he stammered out, trying to remember to have some propriety. "I am afraid you have me at some what of a disadvantage. Couldn't this have waited?"
"Your disadvantage is my advantage," Elsa countered coolly. "You are intelligent and quick on your feet. I have some questions for you and I want them answered truthfully or that hot water you're sitting in will get decidedly colder if you catch my drift," she stated as she conjured a small snow flurry in her hand.
Hans felt his cheeks flush from embarrassment as a cold chill went down his spine from facing Elsa. "I'll concede the fact that you have the upper hand here and I have no reason to be rude in the face of the hospitality I have been gifted with even though I am undeserving of it."
Elsa smiled that he was willing to cooperate. "What was your original intention of coming to Arendelle other than representing your kingdom at my coronation?"
"To marry into your house, your Majesty," Hans answered truthfully.
"Explain," Elsa countered.
Hans swallowed hard. Anna was easier to talk to. "Being the thirteenth son born to my family, I was tired of being kicked around on the bottom. I knew I needed to marry into another royal house to get anywhere and out of my brothers' shadow."
"Was Anna your desired target?"
"No," Hans replied softly. "I had originally wanted you."
Elsa was a little taken back by this. No one wanted to be around her. "Why me?"
Hans was really starting to hate having to be honest but it was better than being naked and freezing. "As I said, I wanted to be number one and you were the heir and Anna was the spare."
"The husband of a Queen Regnant in Arendelle is not elevated to the status of king. He retains his princely status as consort," Elsa countered. "I am not the first queen to rule this country on her own stead. When you were deceiving my sister, was it all an act or did you have any feelings for her?"
Hans paused before answering. "At first, it wasn't an act. I genuinely enjoyed being around Princess Anna. She was easy to talk to, fun to be with and understood a bit of what I was going through in my own country because of you shutting her out. It was only after she left me in charge when she went to look for you did I get the taste for power. I liked it and I wanted more which led to my eventual stupidity." He paused again, remembering his current situation. "May I ask what's the reason for the interrogation?"
"I'm trying to decide what to do with you," Elsa replied. "I have several options."
Hans swallowed hard. Several options... "May I ask what those options are?"
"You may," Elsa stated. "The first is throwing you in my dungeon for the better part of your days. The second is hard labor but not like what you were sentenced to in your own country. We are a much colder climate here and most likely you'd be hauling ice with Master Bjorgman and if you cross him again, I am fairly certain Anna will not hold him back from pounding you into the ground. The third is what I am most considering."
Hans absently rubbed his jaw at the memory of Anna's punch which knocked him into the water before his unfortunate incarceration. "What's the third option?"
"In the letter your parents wrote to me, they informed me that you were in your country's navy. What was your rank?" Elsa asked.
"I was an Admiral," Hans replied wondering where this may be going.
"Was that earned by birthright or hard work?"
"My initial commission as a lieutenant was by birthright but I earned the rank of Admiral," Hans replied, almost insulted.
"So you are a capable seaman?"
"Your Majesty, may I ask where this is going?" Hans asked a bit impatiently.
Elsa gave him a look to bite his tongue. "Based upon your answers, I am willing to give you a second chance to earn your way back into Arendelle's good graces. You will be conscripted into our navy with a rank of Rear Admiral."
"You're busting me down in rank?" Hans interrupted again.
"Would you like to go lower?" Elsa countered as a few ice cubes started to appear in the bath.
Hans shut his mouth and shook his head.
"Very good. As I said, you will be conscripted into our navy with the rank of Rear Admiral with the opportunity to advance just as any other sailor. You will show your trustworthiness and loyalty to Arendelle through loyal and faithful service. When you are port, you will be afforded the privilege of this room in the palace and the courtesy of your title and what it entails. If you can prove your worth, I will grant you the privilege of remaining in Arendelle as a citizen and not an exile in punishment. Any questions?"
Hans took a moment to digest what Elsa had said. "What happens if I do not earn the trust of others?"
"On the ship, you will be disciplined by the captain just like any other. On land, I will be putting you back into hard labor. Am I clear?"
Hans nodded. "When do I report to the ship?"
"The first day of spring," Elsa replied as she turned to leave. "Unlike your home, our winters are far harsher here and start much sooner. The harbor will be freezing over soon enough."
Hans felt his stomach rise into his throat. "What am I to do then for six months?"
Elsa stopped and turned back towards the tub, dipping her finger in and swirling the water to bring the temperature down just a bit. "I want to get to know the man who tried to usurp my kingdom. I want to know the man behind all the smoke and mirrors and without the masks that he so willingly employs. I want to see behind the facade and I have several months to do so. I suggest that you enjoy the comfort you have here for now and get some sleep and real food because your life will be far different soon enough. I will see you at breakfast in the morning. Good night, Prince Hans."
"Good night, your Majesty."
The sun had barely been up an hour before Hans' valet knocked as politely as possible to rouse the prince from much needed slumber. Hans' response was to pull the blanket over his head and roll over.
"I am sorry, sir, but her Majesty does rise early and she did request your presence at breakfast," the valet apologized as he opened the drapes to let the light in the room.
"It's the first time I have been in a real bed in months and I have to get woken up at the crack of dawn. Where's the hospitality in that?" Hans growled as he sat up in bed.
"Her Majesty wanted to use a few well placed snowballs," the valet replied as he handed Hans a robe. "Can I get your Highness anything?"
Hans slipped on the robe and headed for the bathroom. "No, thank you..." he paused, realizing that he did not know the man's name.
"Karl, sir," his valet piped in noticing the hesitation. "I will lay out something suitable for you and breakfast is being served in the dining room."
"Thank you, Karl. You can inform her Majesty that I will be down presently," Hans stated as he dismissed his valet.
Hans walked into the dining hall to find Elsa alone at the table, nibbling on a piece of toast. "Am I the only one who receives such a wake up call or will others soon be joining us?" he asked cautiously as took a seat a few down from where Elsa sat.
"Princess Anna has gone to Corona to visit our cousins and Master Bjorgman has gone into the mountains for the annual ice harvest," Elsa responded without looking up from the document she was reading.
"So, we are alone? You trust me that much?" Hans inquired.
"I don't trust you," Elsa countered. "Trust is earned. I am also not afraid of you. I hold your fate in my hands so I have no reason to fear you. If something happens to me, Anna becomes queen and I doubt she would hesitate one second before ordering your execution so your continued health and longevity depends on my opinion of you."
Hans sighed as he gazed down at his plate. There was really no choice for him but to play nice or his life was truly forfeit. "What am I to do here?"
"This is your home for now and you may treat it as such within reason," Elsa replied. "I only ask for complete honesty in return and if you can do that, I will do the same. Does that seem fair enough?"
Hans nodded. Elsa's deal was better than a life of hard labor. "May I ask a question?"
"Of course."
Hans took a deep breath, almost fearful of the answer before he asked the question. "What happened to my horse?"
"Sitron?" Elsa inquired. "He's a magnificent animal."
"May I ask where he is?"
Elsa could hear the worry in Hans' voice. "He's been quite comfortable in my stables. He's taken to sharing a bunch of carrots with Sven when the occasion allows it."
Hans was deeply relieved and a small smile ghosted across his lips for the first time in months. "May I see him?"
Elsa nodded. "I was thinking of showing you around the castle today so you don't get yourself lost. I guess we can start with the stables."
Following a few steps behind and flanked by two of Elsa's guards, Hans followed the frosty path left in the Snow Queen's wake as they walked to her stables. The chilly breeze that blew in when she opened the doors made the horses startle a bit in their stalls.
Scanning the stalls, it did not take Hans long to find the familiar whinny from Sitron. He walked right up to his faithful stallion in the last stall and couldn't hold back his emotions when his horse nuzzled him without hesitation.
"He missed you," Elsa interjected.
"He's not the only one," Hans admitted with a crack in his voice as he rubbed his horse's nose. "I would love nothing more at the moment to take him out for a ride."
"I have no reason to say no to that request," Elsa conceded. "He hasn't let anyone ride him."
Hans smiled. "That's Sitron. He's a spirited horse. I'm the only one who has ever ridden him. He needs a calm but firm hand and then he really is a gentle horse." Hans opened the stall door and started to saddle his horse and then paused. He was being rude. "Would you like to join me, your Majesty?"
Elsa was a bit taken back by the invitation. "Thank you, but I don't ride."
"Why not?" Hans inquired as he tightened the saddle around Sitron.
"The horses are afraid of me," Elsa admitted. "Most of them won't let me near them. They never have."
"Sitron's not," Hans told her. "Would you like to learn?"
Elsa hesitated. "I'm not sure. You just said he needs a certain touch and I haven't been on a horse since I was a child."
"If you're nervous, he'll sense it. The horse feels its rider," Hans stated as he mounted up. "I wouldn't let you go alone the first time anyway."
"Are you suggesting that I ride with you?" Elsa asked. "I'd fall off the back."
"Not if you held on to me," Hans stated as he extended his hand to her. "Then again, I could always hold on to you."
Elsa could see what he was suggesting and it did not put her at ease. "How would you control your horse with me sitting in front of you?"
"I could keep a hold on Sitron drunk out of my mind and half passed out. I've done it," he told her. "You said it yourself...my future depends on your safety...so what purpose would it serve me to put you in harm's way. There is no motive here other than showing you how much fun riding is. Please," he asked as he extended his hand once more, "ride with me."
Elsa slowly nodded in agreement as she took Hans' hand.
He smiled as he pulled her up to side sideways in his saddle since her long skirt prevented her from riding astride. With one arm around her waist and the other on Sitron's reins, Hans pulled Elsa close to him and gave Sitron a quick kick and the horse took off out of the stable for the first time in months.
Elsa screamed as the horse took off and found it hard to breathe. Hans lead the horse away from the crowded streets to more open fields and eased him back a bit to calm Elsa down. The leaves were changing colors with the autumn and there was a chilly bite in the air but it didn't matter. This was freedom.
"Take his reins," Hans urged as he placed them in Elsa's hands. "Pull them to turn his head in the direction that you wish to go and pull back if you want to stop."
"I can't do this," Elsa stated nervously.
Hans slipped his hands over hers. "You can build an entire castle out of ice. You can do this."
"How do I get him to go?"
"Give him a little nudge with your foot. Bigger the nudge, the faster he'll go," Hans instructed.
Elsa took a deep breath as she felt the leather of the reins in her hand. She gripped them a little tighter and gently nudged Sitron with her foot and the horse started a slow trot. A huge smile of accomplishment graced Elsa's features that hadn't been seen in long time. The joy was only interrupted by a large crack of thunder which startled the horse slightly.
Hans felt Sitron jump a bit and he quickly grabbed the reins, holding on tightly to Elsa as he kicked the horse into a sharp run to get them back to the castle before they got completely soaked.
Once back at the castle, Elsa ordered fires lit and hot chocolate in the library for both herself and Hans while they changed into dry clothes.
Elsa was sitting by the fire, sipping her at her mug of cocoa when Hans entered. She offered the other mug to him when she saw him shiver. "You can sit by the fire if you wish," she invited him.
"Thank you, your Majesty," Hans replied, taking a deep sip of the offered drink. "I thought the cold doesn't bother you."
"It doesn't. I had the fires lit for you more than me," Elsa admitted. "Anna complains the most when the castle is freezing cold."
Hans didn't want to discuss Anna. He knew where Elsa had been civil to him despite how she felt, Anna was the one who knocked him into the fjord with one punch and he did not welcome the next meeting. "Did you enjoy yourself on Sitron?"
"Very much so," Elsa admitted. "I haven't had much fun in a long time. It was a shame that it was cut short by the rain."
"Maybe we can go out again tomorrow?" Hans suggested somewhat boldly.
"I would love to but it will have to wait until after a very long series of diplomatic discussions," Elsa replied. "One of which I need to attend to now. I hope you will join me for dinner but for now, enjoy the library and warm up," she added as she draped a blanket over him.
Hans thanked her for the blanket as he wrapped it around himself. "Until then, your Majesty."
