Frozen Hearts

Prologue

His green eyes fluttered open as he took in the snowy landscape. I must be in Jotunheim he thought as he looked about. In the distance he spotted a castle made of ice. As he slowly stood up out of the snow he took off in the direction of the castle in hopes of finding the frost giants in a better mood then when he last saw them. Slowly he walked up the steps of the castle and to the magnificent doors already preparing the lies he would tell them. He took a deep breath as he knocked on the door and they slowly began to open. As he walked into the palace he took in the beautiful architecture of the ice. Surely such monsters could not create something so beautiful he thought. Suddenly he could hear footsteps in the distance. He readied himself with his best lie but he was not prepared for what came around the corner. All words were lost as he stood in awe at the creature before him. She was absolutely perfect. Her platinum blonde hair fell perfectly over her shoulder in a delicate braid. Her dress hugged her body to perfection. And her eyes, her eyes sparkled more than the ice that made up the castle. Then she spoke with a voice full of authority cold as ice but it also held the fragility of the freshly fallen snow. "Who are you? Surely you are not of Arrendelle. You dress so differently then anyone I have seen."

He stared blankly at her for a few moments as he composed himself. This once, he thought, this once I shall tell the truth. And thus he spoke. "I am Loki. Prince of Asgard."

Chapter 1: Eternal Winter

"Asgard?" She racked her brain trying to think of where this Asgard was. They didn't trade with them that much she knew, but then why would the prince be here and not at the real palace where it was warm. Her brow scrunched in thought. She had never heard of Asgard, maybe it was one of the distant isles she could never remember the names of. Yes that must be it she thought. Then she looked back at him. His green eyes fixed on her obviously studying her but there was also an impatience to his look. She knew she had taken a long time thinking about this Asgard. He raised his eyebrows as he waited for her to at least offer him a place to stay. Finally she spoke, "Welcome prince Loki to Arrendelle." He stared at her he was waiting for something more. What else was she supposed to say she had already welcomed him what else could he want. He huffed in annoyance, surely someone such as this could not be the queen, he thought, she doesn't even have the common courtesy to introduce herself! "May I have the honor, my lady of knowing your name?" His voice dripped with sarcasm and bitterness as he saw the realization of her mistake cross her features. She's easy to read, he thought, her emotions are displayed plain as day how perfect. "Yes of course where are my manners. I am Queen Elsa of Arrendelle." She held her head high as she spoke but she was afraid surely he knew what she did surely he knew she was a monster. He had to, no one could have missed it and rumors spread quickly. But instead of turning towards the door as she thought he would he bowed gracefully and a but reluctant but he did it none the less. She was shocked but regardless of if he knew or not he had the right to. He needed to know and then if he decided that he would still do business with her then she'd let him. As she opened her mouth to speak he spoke first. "Might I have a place to stay for awhile? I have traveled quite far to get to your kingdom. I only require a place to sleep, some food, and water. By morning I will be gone if you so wish." She looked back at him. She knew now he had no idea what she was. She couldn't endanger him she couldn't put someone in that position someone of his innocence. "No." She said simply. She then took off up the stairs. She could see the look on his face as she climbed the stairs. A look of shock, disbelief, and the smallest hint of betrayal.

He had expected her to let him stay and when she had said no he decided if this Elsa wouldn't freely let him stay he'd have to force her to let him. But how could he when he'd seen the look on her face as she left him. She was trying to protect him, but from what. Maybe this land was full of ferocious monsters. Now he was curious and at that moment Lokis curiosity out weighed his anger.

Elsa was pacing in her favorite room of her castle. That look it haunted her she couldn't get it out of her head. So many memories were associated with that look. Anna, she thought, Anna had that same look when I denied her my blessing to her marriage to Hans. She could feel the storm inside her she could feel it getting stronger now. "Conceal don't feel conceal don't feel." She kept whispering to herself.

As Loki entered the most magnificent room of the palace by far he saw Elsa. She was huddled in a corner holding her head in her hands. And he could hear her repeating some kind of chant to herself. As he neared her he heard her gasp as she whirled around. "Stay away!" She shouted. She had a look of pure terror on her face. He knew that look he himself had that look when he found out what he truly was. A look of terror not of him but herself scared she'd hurt scared she would cause him harm scared she is a monster. He held his hands up in defense as he took a slow step towards her.

"Please just leave me alone! I will only hurt you!" She said as she backed further into the corner.

"You won't hurt me. If anything it is I that will hurt you. I am prince of Asgard but I left I let myself fall into your world because I was only causing destruction to my own." He spoke to her the truth he knew that was the only way he could gain her trust.

"You don't understand. I am a monster! A queen sent into exile yes by my own choice but to protect my people. I almost killed people don't you see! I am dangerous there's nothing you can do to help me! Now just leave!" As she spoke the last part ice shot out of her hands and flew towards Loki.

Loki reached out and grabbed the oncoming icicle. She gasped as she took a step back. "See you can't hurt me. Your powers are nothing compared to mine. What you fear I treasure. These powers are a gift. You know not what it truly is to be a monster. I am a monster." She looked into his eyes. The hurt she saw surprised her. How could he be more of a monster than her? He was perfect the way his bright green eyes shone and his black hair came just past his ears. Then she saw his hand still held the ice the hand that was once pale white was now blue. Curious Elsa went to him and reached for his hand. He moved it away not wanting her to see who he really was. He could see the storm in her had calmed. Suddenly he felt lightheaded his journey here finally taking a toll on his body as he saw the world go black.

Elsa stood shocked for a second. She knew he had journeyed far to get here but how far exactly. She built a small fire and started to cook some soup for when he would wake. She was able to fashion a blanket out of the old clothes she abandoned. She dipped a cloth in some warm water and placed it on Lokis forehead. Curiously Elsa took his blue hand in hers to examine it. She traced the intricate designs that seemed to be engraved in the skin. Interesting, she thought, I've never seen anything like it. Finally Lokis eyes opened. "I'm so glad your awake. You scared me. I thought I had hurt you." Elsa said as Loki came to.

Loki saw nothing but genuine concern as she spoke. He was still so exhausted but he also realized how hungry he was as he smelled the soup. "Perhaps now you will let me stay." He said.

Elsa nodded her head. "Of course. Stay as long as you'd like. I'm sure your starving by now." Elsa handed Loki a bowl of hot soup and a spoon. As Loki took the bowl and spoon he realized that his hand had not changed back to its asgardian form. He frowned he'd have to fix that after he gained some of his strength back. "So Elsa Queen of Arrendelle tell me why would you have to exile yourself from your people?"

Elsa took a deep breath as she answered "Was what happened earlier not proof enough? I am dangerous. You saw that. I cannot bear the thought that I may lose control of my emotions and powers and if that happens I may accidentally harm one of my citizens or worse my sister. It's already happened once before. And that's why I have come here to this mountain and built this castle to be alone away from my people so that they will be safe. And so I'll stay here as long as need be trapped in this eternal winter."

Loki took in her answer. He nodded his head as he understood her reasoning. Elsa stood and said "It is late and it has been an exhausting day for both of us. You should rest there will be plenty of time to talk in the morning. Good night Loki." As Elsa walked out of the room she thought to herself, hopefully he'll be gone in the morning.

As Loki laid down to sleep he watched as Elsa's form disappeared. And his last thoughts before he fell asleep were, there is no way I'm leaving in the morning now. Then he let sleep take him.