Clad in martial robes of all black and silver, the Queen and Crown Princess watched as the disgraced prisoner was dragged by his wrists, to the still-chilly stone block. The air was crisp with the fading night's cool, and Queen Elsa's mood for once, wasn't affecting the temperature around her.
Silently, the sisters of Arendelle looked on the spectacle, muted and clipped orders being passed back and forth. The faces of all were dour, and even a few of the smallfolk had been gathered, by Royal Proclamation.
Below them, in the stone square, the once-Prince Hans of the Southern Isles didn't struggle. Those who have no hope don't fight anymore. The flashy uniforms of the guardsmen seemed less exultant today, as the Royal Anthem filled the air around them all, while the prisoner was tied to the execution block firmly.
Fidgeting slightly, the ever-present masque of unhappiness on the Ministers' faces for once looked real, black and gray suits bearing the slightest of dew, in the pre-dawn light.
A Crier strode to the front of the podium, and her purple cloak would have been cheerful, and Anna would have commented happily on it any other time. Unfurling a ceremonial scroll, she cleared her throat unhappily.
"For the crimes of treason, including assault on the Royal Self, undermining the sitting government of the Nation, persecution of the Queen, and deception of the Royal Self:
"Hans, of the Southern Isles, you are found guilty on all charges. The sentence is Death, by Justice. What are your Last Words?"
Straining to lift his head, Hans showed the proud man he was raised as, as if to say, 'I am' one last time. His eyes lifted as far as they could, and rested on the Royal Box.
"I'm sorry," he rasped, and fell silent.
xXxXx
"Anna," King Agdar rumbled, "your mistake wasn't one of tactics."
He resumed picking up the chess pieces, keeping his gaze on his daughter. Princess Anna cocked her head, and stuck her tongue out. The King sighed, and continued.
"When it's needed, a ruler must take responsibilty."
He grasped her king, thrown in a childish tantrum.
"Anna, just because you're the most important person, doesn't mean you shouldn't shoulder the burden of power."
xXxXx
With a muttered 'for Father', the Crown Princess turned from the spectacle, and descended the stairs. Even a vampire regretted.
As she stepped into the square, Hans turned his gaze to the ground.
Anna reached behind her shoulder, and gripped a trusty greatsword, passed down from monarch to monarch. With a pair of snowflakes accompanying the sigils of Kings and Queens past in Arendelle, it betrayed none of its age. The steel wasn't rusted, but was kept only for executions and Royal Business.
Anna hefted the long weapon, and stood at rest, vision flitting between the unusually-darkly-clad Queen and the prisoner. Speaking softly, the flame-haired Princess spoke words she'd memorised since she was small.
"In the names of the Gods, I come forth, bearing Justice and Truth. Be ye prepared to enter their halls, for judgement or glory. I, Princess Anna, do ensign the Queen's Justice."
Queen Elsa's lonely eyes turned to the horizon, where the Sun was about to dawn. Eyes wide open, she looked at the pageant below.
"Proceed."
Slicing through the air, the ancient steel sang the last song Hans ever heard. His dirge.
A/N: I'm sorry it took so long! D: There will be at least one more. I can't let these girls just go.