A/N Well thank you to those who reviewed the last chapter and those who have added to favorites etc. Your support is appreciated.
Warning: This chapter will contain the use of bad language and the mention of implied pedaphilia.
Chapter Two.
Elsa paced the length of the throne room, nervously wringing her hands. She had arranged a meeting with Anna and was anticipating her impending arrival. As usual though, Anna was late and the longer she waited the more she was becoming lost in the churning turmoil of her own thoughts. Her mind began replaying over and over exactly what she was going to say to her.
Since the great thaw, things with Anna had been tenuous at best, they were still attempting to rebuild their relationship and it hadn't been easy. Elsa always knew there would come a time when she would have to make difficult decisions and this happened to be one of them.
As she stood staring at the clock for what seemed like the hundredth time, the queen was suddenly alerted to the sound of thundering footsteps, followed by a rather wet and red faced princess scrambling through the door. "So...sorry...late." Anna sounded so out of breath she could hardly form a proper apology.
Elsa gazed at her sister with her cerulean blue eyes, hesitating only briefly, before smiling. "Oh Anna, what happened to you?"
"Have you got all day? Because it's a really long story," Anna replied with a throaty chuckle.
The queen breathed deeply. "I guess I can wait until some other time to hear about another one of your misadventures."
"Yeah, that's probably for the best. So, what did you want to talk to me about?"
Slipping an arm around her sister's shoulders, Elsa guided her to a chair. "Well...actually you might want to sit down for this."
Anna's lips thinned into a grim line. "You sound serious. Is it bad?"
Elsa took a deep shuddering breath and then began.
The princess sat listening in pure shock horror as her sister explained this completely ludicrous plan of hers. She couldn't quite believe what she was hearing. By the time Elsa had finished, the redhead was seething. Her fists were clenched and her body was shaking. "YOU WANT TO DO WHAT? ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?!"
"Anna please, calm down," Elsa whispered.
"How do you expect me to calm down?! I'm not the one who has just announced she wants to escort a lying, murdering piece of donkey dung back to whatever insignificant country he came from."
"Technically he didn't kill anyone," Elsa swiftly reminded her.
"Well no...but that besides the point. It wasn't through lack of trying though. Just because he didn't succeed does not excuse the fact he left me to freeze to death and held a sword over your head. He was ready kill you without a moments thought."
"I am fully aware of his actions, Anna. And believe me when I say this. I do not take anything that man did to us lightly, but condemning him to certain death without at least a fair trial is not right. Father would never have permitted such a practice and neither will I."
The princess glared at Elsa in disgust. "ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO YOURSELF RIGHT NOW?!"
The queen let out an exasperated sign as she massaged her temples. "I think you're overreacting."
"OVERREACTING?!" Anna glared at her sister in utter bewilderment, before questioning her further. "Do I even get a say in all of this?"
Elsa remained obstinate, refusing to change her mind. "I'm sorry Anna, but I've already made my decision. Now, I'll be departing in three days time. Kai will be in charge, but I'm counting on you to help out as much as possible with the daily duties. Do I make myself clear?"
Anna would have preferred to scream a string of curses at her sister, yet instead she settled for flashing her a snide grin. "Crystal, Your Majesty."
"Well in that case I have a lot of work to be getting on with, may I suggest you go change out of those wet clothes and have Gerda draw you a warm bath. I would hate for you to catch a cold."
"I didn't think you were concerned with my welfare," the princess retorted.
"Always, Anna, always."
Elsa spent the following two days flittering around the castle, preparing a list of duties and delegating certain responsibilities to the palace servants. Anna had continued to ignore her, even avoiding her at breakfast, dinner and supper.
On the evening proceeding her departure, Elsa was sat in the parlor eating supper alone when she felt an odd wave of emotion pass through her. Hastily she clambered to her feet and hurried to find her sister.
A good thirty minutes later and a thorough search of the castle and courtyard had proved fruitless. Anna was nowhere to be found and the small number of servants she spoke with recalled not seeing the princess since early that morning. Elsa sighed, if she wasn't in the castle, or the grounds then there was only one other place she possibly could be.
Walking at a furious pace, Elsa soon entered the stables where she found Kristoff lounging comfortably in a stack of hay. Apart from his reindeer Sven though, he appeared to be alone, happily singing a song on his brand new lute which Anna had gifted to him along with the sled.
"Mr Bjorgman?"
Startled at the queen's presence the newly recruited ice master and deliverer quickly leapt to his feet, smoothed down his attire, before dipping into a sloppy bow. "Your Majesty...um... what can I do for you?"
"Actually I was looking for Anna. And since I know how she enjoys spending a considerable amount of time with you, I was hoping I might find her here."
"Well actually she was here, but she left before dinner. She was pretty upset and said she needed to be alone."
Elsa's heart sank. "Do you happen to know where she went?"
"Well...she made me swear not to tell you."
"I see, well that is unfortunate." Elsa then took a step towards the blond, straightening her shoulders and keeping her head high. She hoped to look as authoritative as possible without being overly intimidating.
Kristoff had never been in such close proximity to the queen before, especially one who had the power to turn him into a popsicle at any given moment. As much as wanted to remain loyal to Anna, he savored his life right now. "Um...um.. so you want to know where Anna is? Okay I'll tell you, just please don't freeze me!"
"It would appear my sister is very fond of you just the way you are, Mr Bjorgman, so I'm not going to be turning you into one of my decorative ice statues today."
Kristoff blushed bright red, clearly embarrassed.
"Now you were saying?" The queen prompted.
"Oh yes, she mentioned something about talking to her parents. Not quite sure what she meant by that though."
Elsa suddenly had a thought. "I think I might. Thank you Mr Bjorgman you've been most helpful."
"Anytime, Your Majesty."
"Please, call me Elsa, I insist."
It was a cool summer's evening and the wind was blowing gently as Elsa made her way up the steep, rocky path. Picking up the pace she soon reached the brow of the hill and was just able to make out the two large monoliths situated a short distance away.
As she approached her parents memorial stones with trepidation, the blonde soon spotted a lone figure kneeling in the center of the grass. She had her cloak wrapped tightly around her and her head bowed as if in prayer.
"Anna?" Elsa questioned, dropping to her knees beside her sister and reaching out for her hand.
Chest tight with anger, the princess swatted it away. "Leave me alone!"
Elsa tried again, this time her tone hardening. "Anna, please don't be like this!"
"Like what?"
The queen carefully picked her words. "Angry, indignant, resentful..."
"How do you expect me to feel?" Anna interjected. "Happy? Jolly? ECSTATIC?!"
"I don't expect you to feel that way at all, I just need for you to understand how hard this is for me. You have absolutely no idea how much I've wrestled with this decision. However, I have to do the right thing."
"How is this right thing? You're abandoning the kingdom for your own selfish needs, again!"
"That's not fair Anna."
"You know I'm not even that upset about you accompanying Hans. I'm upset because...because..." Suddenly and without warning a painful sob erupted from Anna's throat.
Fear spiking through her, Elsa immediately wrapped her arms around her younger sibling, and even though the redhead half-heartedly struggled for a few seconds to break free, the queen held firm. Finally, Anna gave up fighting and laid her head down on her sister's chest.
Several moments passed until Anna's sobs gradually subsided, allowing her to compose herself. "I'm scared Elsa. I'm scared something terrible is going to happen to you."
Even with thick emotions storming through her, Elsa did her best to reassure her sister. "Nothing is going to happen to me."
"That's probably what mama and papa thought too, only they didn't come back. What happens if the boat sinks? I can't bear to lose you too!"
Brushing away the last of her tears, Elsa embraced her sister once more. "Anna, you're not going to lose me. I'll be fine. Look, why don't you and I head back to the castle and I'll make us some hot chocolate. You can even sleep in with me tonight, you know just like we did when we were kids."
Anna managed to flash her a small smile. "I'd like that."
The next morning the castle was in full swing. The servants were busy rushing about ensuring everything was prepared for the queen's trip.
Elsa too was gathering a few last minute belongings, whilst Anna bumbled about packing her sister some healthy sandwiches for the journey.
Within the next hour, Elsa was standing at the docks preparing to board the ship. She was joined by Anna, Kristoff, Kai and Gerda who insisted they tag along in order to wave their beloved sovereign off.
As she waited nervously, Kai was the first to approach the monarch. "Have a safe journey, Your Majesty, and don't worry about Arendelle, she's in good hands."
"Thank you Kai."
Next, Elsa strolled towards her sister who was standing with Kristoff at the far end of the platform. Almost immediately tears started to well up in her eyes. "Well I guess this is goodbye."
Anna's bottom lip quivered and she could no longer stop the wash of anguish-filled tears that fell. She embraced her sister tightly, never wanting to let her go. "Promise you'll come back to me."
Elsa pulled away, drying the tears from her sister's turquoise orbs. "I promise."
The queen then directed her gaze towards Kristoff. "I'm counting on you to take care of my sister."
"Of course, Your Majesty."
Just then the gangplank was lowered and she was ushered towards it. She paused half-way to give one final wave to her family and although her heart was hammering inside her chest she proceeded onward.
Once she was safely on deck, the queen was greeted by a friendly, white bearded man. "Welcome aboard, Your Majesty. I'm Captain Johasson."
"I'm very pleased to meet your acquaintance," Elsa replied, politely.
"Well it's certainly been a while since I've been in the company of royalty. Did you know I sailed with your parents for several years before their tragic deaths? God rest their souls."
"No I'm afraid I did not. Although I was aware that my parents were keen seafaring people," Elsa declared.
"Oh they were, Your Majesty. Very much so. The kingdom suffered a great loss due to their untimely deaths, but I can see they did a fine job with you. I'm sure your parents would be proud, especially after recent events and the way you handled that wayward Prince."
"Actually..."
"Speaking of that vagabond," Johasson interrupted. "You needn't worry yourself. He has been secured in the brig under close guard. You can also rest assured that he won't be receiving any royal treatment whilst aboard my vessel."
"Actually, if you don't mind, I'd like to pay him a visit."
"What now, Your Majesty?"
Elsa nodded. "Yes, now."
"I'm afraid I must protest. Prince Hans is a dangerous criminal. It would be extremely irresponsible for me to allow you anywhere near that man."
"I appreciate your concern, captain, but I'm not after your approval. Now I'd appreciate if you'll allow me to see the prisoner."
The captain's face darkened. "Well in that case I'll have one of the crew escort you." He then whirled around abruptly and stalked off, soon disappearing from view.
Left alone, Elsa looked around the ship causing her to tremble slightly. Just three years ago her parents were standing on a ship very similar to this one. They were probably happy and excited and not the least concerned that something so terrible was going to happen.
"A penny for your thoughts," came a small voice.
"Excuse me?"
"A penny for your thoughts. My papa would say it to me all the time when he caught me daydreaming."
Elsa looked down, suddenly realizing she was now in the company of a young cabin boy who looked to be no older then ten years old. She noticed he had wavy brown hair and cute dimples. He extended his hand courteously. "Morning, Your Majesty. I'm Matthias."
At first, Elsa hesitated, but then warmly shook his hand. "Well good morning to you too, Matthias."
"Captain's ordered me to take you to see the prisoner," he said, flashing her a toothy grin.
The queen was rather surprised that the captain would leave her in the hands of such a young boy. When it came to children, Elsa had to admit she didn't quite have the experience. Remind me to talk with the captain later. "Has he now? Well in that case, please lead the way."
As Elsa made her way across the deck with her usual elegance and grace, she ignored the lingering stares. It was starting to become plainly obvious she had earned some overt attention from a small number of the crew.
"Hey! Get back to work you scallywags!" Matthias hollered to the men who had been fixated upon their guest. He turned back towards Elsa, displaying a cheeky grin. "I've always wanted to say that, just like a pirate."
"A great pirate," Elsa concurred.
As they continued walking, Matthias began asked some uncomfortable questions. "So what did he do anyway?"
"Who, Prince Hans?"
Matthias had no idea what the criminal's name was, let alone that he was a prince. "Wait, if he's a prince then why he is locked up? That doesn't usually happen in fairy tales."
Elsa halted, crouching down in front of the boy where she started to explain. "Matthias, let me tell you a little secret. Sometimes people are not always who they appear to be and that includes so called fairytale princes'. They are not always the heroes who valiantly ride in on their white horses, rescuing princesses and saving the day. Sometimes they pretend to be good, but then reveal themselves to be the real villains, intent on hurting people and destroying everything. Sometimes there is no happy ending."
Matthias hung his head. "Is that what happened with Prince Hans? Did he hurt people?"
Elsa nodded. "Yes, yes he did."
"Don't worry, Your Majesty. I'm strong. I can protect you."
The queen smiled. "Thank you, Matthias. And please call me Elsa."
After reaching the ship's brig a few minutes later, Elsa immediately dismissed Lars and Igor, the two Arendelle guards assigned to keep watch, before requesting Matthias allow her five minutes alone.
Matthias nodded, leaving the queen to approach Hans' cell.
When Hans spotted the queen of Arendelle walking graciously towards him he blinked, one, twice..three times. "Queen Elsa? Well isn't this a big surprise. I never expected to see you again after our previous encounter. What exactly are you doing here? Wait, are you stalking me?"
"Don't flatter yourself, Prince Hans. I'm simply here to escort you back to the Southern Isles where I'll be personally delivering you to your father."
"Preferential treatment, I'm honored. But isn't that a task for your guards? I mean I know they were pretty inept during that whole temper tantrum thing you had going on back in Arendelle, but surely even they couldn't mess this up."
"Actually, it is so I can meet with your father and discuss the possibility of a fair trial or at the very least a more fitting punishment."
Hans chuckled loudly. "Well it's always nice to know my fate is being decided either by the devil himself or some crazy ice witch."
Elsa let out a short, frustrated sigh at his blatant choice of words. "You should be thanking me."
"Look sweet cheeks, let me explain something to you. There is no such thing as a fair trial when it comes to the cruel treatment of princesses and attempted regicide of queens, so you're really wasting your time. Also being the unlucky thirteenth son, my father has been itching to get rid of me even before I was born, so this will just be the perfect excuse he needs."
"I had no idea," Elsa replied, expressing regret.
"I don't need your pity. I'm not a very nice man. I might have failed in my plan, but if the opportunity ever presented itself, I'd do it all over again. So if my father wishes to have me executed then perhaps you should just agree it's for the best. At least then you'll never have to worry about me coming after you and Anna ever again."
"Sorry to bother you Elsa, but it's been five minutes. Have you two finished talking yet?"
"Awww, sweet cheeks, who's this?" Hans asked curiously, once Matthias came into full view.
"Matthias please go wait over there," she instructed, giving him a gentle nudge.
"I see you've found yourself a little playmate," Hans teased. "And you're even on a first name basis, how very cute. However don't you think he's a tad young for you. I mean seriously, the lad hasn't even hit puberty yet so I don't think his attributes would satisfy your insatiable appetite. I on the other hand would be more then adequate in that department."
Elsa lunged forward, clenching the bars tightly, her powers threatening to be unleashed. "STOP IT YOU VILE PIG! THAT'S JUST SICK!"
"Tut, tut," he chided. "You really need to learn to control that temper."
Elsa averted her gaze from him as she stared down at her hands. She could feel herself uncontrollably channeling her power and she needed it to stop.
Hans couldn't resist provoking her further. "Surely you wouldn't want everyone on this ship to find out about your rather... unique talent. Some of these brutes look like they'd be capable of doing far worse then I ever could."
The queen could no longer contain her anger, ice shot out of her hands missing his head by mere centimeters. "SHUT-UP! YOU INSUFFERABLE BASTARD!"
"GODDAMN IT ELSA. YOU CRAZY BITCH!"
Luckily she was interrupted from doing anymore damage by the arrival of the two guards from earlier. After hearing the ruckus they immediately rushed to the queen's aid.
"Your Majesty, are you alright?" Lars asked in a concerned tone.
"He's not giving you any trouble is he? Because I won't have him disrespecting our queen," Igor then said.
"I'm fine, thank you." She turned back to Hans, snarling at him. "Enjoy the rest of your journey."
"You'll be back," he exclaimed, with a mocking grin.
"No I won't!" She yelled, grabbing Matthias' hand and dragging him as far away from Hans as remotely possible.
Hans chuckled loudly, before resigning himself to the back of his cell. She'll be back.
A/N More to come...