The man looked haggard and thin, with dark circles under his eyes and ribs showing from under a rumpled jacket. What was once thick and healthy auburn hair, was dull and listless. He was human, in the broadest sense and still only a shell of his former self, but when he spoke, a shudder still ran through her.

"Hello, Your Majesty. It's a pleasure to be received by you," came the sickly-sweet voice.

His head raised up and she found green eyes lock on hers, a small bitter smile plastered across his face. She remained regal and composed on the outside, but was quaking inside. Not trusting her voice, she only uttered what she had to.

"Prince Hans, Arendelle is pleased to recieve you," she said, mechanically.

With that the spell seemed broken and Hans stood, the guards on either side tensing. The red-head snorted and addressed Elsa, irritation plain in his voice.

"Would you please call off your attack dogs," he said, gesturing to the men.

"I would, were I not concerned for my safety," said Elsa icily.

At this Hans laughed, short and loud, causing Elsa to jump ever so slightly. He looked at her now again, with scorn in his eyes, but also something else? Exhaustion? Resignation? Submission.

"Queen Elsa, let's not stand on pretense here. We both know that you are more than capable of defending yourself should you need it. And I would like to speak with you. Alone."

Elsa's skin crawled at the notion but he seemed to be calm and at the very least he had no weapons on him. Her curiosity had always bordered on the dangerous, now more so than ever. As a reigning monarch she had a duty to treat royalty of any nation with respect, no matter how vile they had behaved. Doing otherwise risked offending another royal family and the Southern Isles were renowned for their massive navel forces. She also knew that keeping her enemies close would provide some knowledge of their dealings and movements, should the worst come.

"Very well Prince Hans. My men will wait outside the door. Right outside," she emphasized.

"As you wish," he acquiesced.

As her men filed out, some with looks of regret, Hans strode over to the window, gripping the sill until she was sure that underneath his navy gloves, his knuckles were as white as his face. The sunlight streamed into the room, highlighting small dust motes that drifted lazily about. Ironically the day was beautiful, but that seemed lost on the prince. Whatever he wanted to speak of, it bothered him deeply, that much was certain.

"What can I do for you, Prince Hans?" She asked coolly.

"I come as an official representative for the kingdom of the Southern Isles and under my father, King Gunther Konig, first of his name and ruler of the Southern Isles, to bring a message to Arendelle and its ruler, Queen Elsa Fridadottir, third of her name, Frost Born, and Mother of Winter."

Elsa was taken aback at the titles. It wasn't that she didn't expect them, oh no she did. She just didn't expect them to be as positive. Ice Queen maybe but, Frost Born? It seemed milder, and led the blonde to wonder if maybe her powers helped her gain respect among the other rulers. Or at least were a reason to think twice about invading the mountain filled country. Maybe the world was not as bad as her father had led her to believe.

"My message is this: I, Prince Hans, regret my actions during the coronation of the current Queen. I was wrong in what I had done and I am grievously ashamed as is all of the Isles. I humbly ask your forgiveness, Your Majesty," said Hans bowing low, lower than needed. The whole affair had been presented in extreme formality. This couldn't be all; they would have sent a messenger to deliver this, not a prince, no matter how low on the list of succession.

Even through its formality, she was surprised to find any trace of bitterness absent in his apology, leaving something that only served to puzzle her more. Sincerity. She couldn't figure out his game yet but she was cunning, and wouldn't be decieved again. SHE was in control. Flexing her powers, she felt the room grow cold slightly, then warm again. It was amazing what, in the few months since the Thaw, she had been able to accomplish. Now that she was able to practice almost constantly and be near Anna, who helped her thaw things when it got a little dicy, her control had grown ten fold.

Hans said nothing of the temperature, but he did take a step towards Elsa, which made her frown and draw herself up higher, fists tightening ever so slightly. A warning. An animal displaying dominance. This queen no longer fled. She fought. Hans retreated a step before speaking again.

"Your Majesty, I was duty-bound to deliver that message. However I have a message of my own for you," he said lowly, almost in a whisper.

His urgent tone seized a grip on her heart as she felt dread creep up. What else could he possibly want?

"Well?"

"I may regret my actions, but others do not. I acted in accordance with the orders of my King and father. I am not innocent, but I am not guilty either. The danger that you faced has not yet passed and , I am not the enemy. The storm is coming."