Please don't kill me. I tried updating earlier, I really did. This is the first time in two weeks I have touched the computer. You can thank my busy and hectic schedule for that. So if this chapter is very rushed and rough, I'm sorry. I'm terrible at updating, I know. Forgive me, will you?
Thank you everyone who reviewed/favourited/followed. I truly do appreciate each and every one of them, and they inspire me to keep writing whenever I can, so please do continue if you want more frequent updates.
It's a pretty bad chapter, but enjoy anyway.
Chapter 7
There was a knock on Prince Hamlin's door. He stood from his desk, his curiosity piqued. "Your highness," he greeted with a bow. "What do I owe this visit?"
Elsa merely smiled in return, her nerves on end. No one knew about the covert meeting, not even Anna. If anything went awry, it would all be on her. "Prince Hamlin, there's someone who requests to see you. If you're not too occupied, that is."
"Not at all," he replied quickly. He was in the middle of writing a letter to his brother and king, reporting on the first meeting he had with Elsa. But that could wait. If the queen herself came to escort him, there must be a pressing matter to attend to. Besides, he was curious to find out who this person was. "Please, lead the way."
She nodded and began walking, ensuring that the prince was behind her all the while. Her heart was pounding in her chest. At last, she reached Hans' room. She knocked twice before opening the door and entering. She invited Hamlin into the room before slipping out, leaving the brothers in the room alone.
To say that Hamlin was confused would be an understatement. The curtains were drawn and shadows fell on the room. Elsa had disappeared the moment he entered. For a moment, he thought he'd been led to his death. But she wouldn't have done that to him. Not the queen of Arendelle.
Meanwhile, Hans sat in the corner of the room, hidden by shadows. His brother was there, right in front of him. He could just call out, reach out and Hamlin would know he was there. He opened his mouth but no sound came out.
"Hello? Anyone there?" Hamlin's voice echoed throughout the dark and silent room. "If there's no one there, I'll just go then." He turned to go.
Hans panicked. He couldn't allow his brother to leave and slip through his fingers. "Wait!" Hamlin stopped in his tracks and faced the direction of the voice. Hans stepped out of the shadows. "It's me, brother."
Hamlin didn't care that Hans had disgraced the kingdom, or that he was supposed to be far away. Without a moments' hesitation, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around him in a warm and firm embrace. "Hans…it really is you. I've missed you, brother."
The younger brother chuckled in happiness. "As have I." His face fell and a bitter look came onto his face. "You were the only one who missed me, weren't you?"
"Some were dismayed at you punishment. There were a few who commented that your exile was a little harsh. Several were-"
"Hamlin. The truth, please."
He sighed. "I can't lie to you and say that everyone was devastated at your banishment. You betrayed the kingdom and ruined our reputation. Many were glad to hear that you'd gone." Hans' face was contorted with sourness. "But not me. Hans, I always knew you were a good man with a good heart. Don't you ever forget that."
Hans nodded. "Thank you." His heart swelled at the conversation they were having. He was getting too emotional, too attached. He needed to change the subject before it was too late. He had to focus on his task and keep his eyes on the throne – his target. "But that's not why I wanted to speak to you." He paused for a moment. "I heard you came to court Queen Elsa."
Hamlin's eyes narrowed. "Yes, I did. I came to try to fix the damage from the incident and mend the ties between the two kingdoms." His head tilted to the side slightly. "Why are you here?" His voice no longer held the warmth it did a moment ago. Now it was filled with suspicion. Because while he loved his brother, he didn't trust him.
"I came to seek forgiveness. I found Queen Elsa, apologised to her, talked to her…" he trailed off and cleared his throat. "Which is why I wanted to tell you that you can't marry her."
"Why?"
"Because she doesn't love you."
Hamlin shook his head. "This is a marriage of convenience, Hans. There is little love involved."
"She should be marrying the man she loves!"
"And who would that be?"
"Me."
The older brother laughed despite himself. "You? The one who tried to kill her not too long ago? The one who lied to her sister so that you could seize the throne?" He paused for a moment, realisation coming upon him. His mirthless smile disappeared. "This is the real reason you're here, isn't it? To take power."
Hans shook his head. "No! I came here seeking forgivness-"
"Enough of this, Hans! You've ripped a hole in our kingdom's reputation; do you want to tear it apart now?"
"Hamlin…I love her."
He shook his head, giving Hans a look. "No you don't. Hans, please, give it up. You've always been determined as a child and this is you proving that you can do it once again. Making the queen think you've fallen in love with her, seizing her kingdom, then what are you going to do? Kill her?"
Hans remained silent. "I really do love her." His voice was soft, barely audible. And the sincerity within it made Hamlin pause.
The brothers locked eyes. Hamlin stared at him with his brows furrowed, trying to figure him out. Perhaps, just perhaps, he was telling the truth. There they remained for a while, silent and solemn.
"Alright," Hamlin breathed. "Maybe you really do love her." Hans smiled, knowing that was the closest he was ever going to get regarding his relationship with Elsa. "But what do you want to do? Hans, the barriers keeping you apart are endless."
"But I love her. I know it's going to be hard, but please…just let me try."
Hamlin nodded, the small frown still on his face. "Alright. I'll leave her alone and let you two work things out." He did find it a little suspicious that Hans was acting so strangely passionate but he reasoned that it was the love talking. "Just promise that you know what you're doing."
Hans laughed. "This is love, brother! Not knowing what you're doing is part of the whole concept of love. But don't worry; I'll do the right thing."
"Good." As if there was a telepathic link, they simultaneously reached out and embraced each other tightly and warmly. They knew that it was the last moment they'd have together and alone for a long time.
They pulled away after a short but intense moment. "Thank you, Hamlin." The older of the two nodded and turned to go. "Just to let you know, Elsa isn't the only one who has my love."
Hamlin stopped in the doorway, the door open and his hand gripping the handle. He turned back for just a moment. "I love you too, Hans."
_._._._._.
Elsa stared deep into the mirror. She didn't look right. She didn't feel right either. Her lips were abnormally pale and her eyes looked empty and hollow. Was it really her in the mirror?
A cool breeze blew through the room and she bristled. Her hands instinctively went to her arms to hug herself, keeping her body warm. She sneezed a sneeze that racked her whole body. Reaching out, she gripped the edge of the table to steady herself.
She glanced at the clock and her eyes widened. She was late. Lifting her skirt to allow more movement, she turned to the door and hastened from the room. The prince of the Southern Isles was waiting, and she wouldn't want to keep him there for too long. The world was spinning around her as she practically ran to the meeting room.
Prince Hamlin turned to look as the door flew open and she briskly walked in. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting, Prince Hamlin," she said, her shoes making a sharp sound with every step against the cold marble floor. She offered a weak smile as she sat across him.
"Thank you for agreeing to meet me," he replied, brushing off her apology with a small wave of his hand. He leaned forward slightly to study her a little better, his brows furrowing slightly. "Your highness, are you feeling well? I'm sorry, but I couldn't help but notice you look rather pale."
Elsa was surprised. Of all the suitors she had entertained, he was the only one who was the slightest bit concerned about her. The closest thing prior to this was a money-minded prince enquiring about the kingdom's economic growth. Prince Hamlin really was something. "I'm fine," she cleared her throat. "Thank you."
He nodded, though looking unconvinced. He then proceeded to business. "I requested for this meeting because of the discussion that I had with my brother several days ago." He paused for just a second. "We discussed several things, and after much consideration, I have come to a decision on this courtship."
Her expectant gaze landed on him, her interest piqued. Nervously, her fingers twisted behind her back. "I know I came to Arendelle to seek you hand in marriage," he began. "And do not mistake me, your highness, since I did enjoy the time I spent with you, but now I'm not sure if marriage is the best idea. I spoke to Hans, and what made me hesitate was the fact that he said he loves you. Your highness, I hope you don't mind me asking, but do you love him too?"
She smiled softly, hiding her anxiety. "Yes, I do." She spoke them with honesty, and then added Hamlin to the list of people who knew her true feelings for Hans. "But please, I do hope you can keep this in confidance." She had spent time with him after the first meeting they had together. She showed him the stables one day and had tea with him another day. From what she learnt about him, she knew he could be trusted.
Hamlin nodded. "Of course, your highness. I just needed to make sure my choice was the right one." He paused for a moment, trying to find the words to convey his meaning. "Your highness, being a ruler, you have to fulfil certain commitments, including ensuring your public image remains good. I don't intent to preach, but if you truly want to be with my brother, you'll have to be very careful."
"Don't worry, I will," she replied with as much confidence as she could muster. "Thank you, Prince Hamlin." She stood up and extended an arm in thanks. He followed suit, shaking her hand warmly.
A servant soon appeared with his entire luggage. He had gathered his sailors as well so they were prepared to leave. That was it. He was going. But a nagging thought that Hans was still up to no good wouldn't go away. He had to trust him. And at least trust Elsa. "If you need any help, I'll be glad to assist in any way."
Elsa nodded and smiled before curtsying, at which he responded with a bow. She watched as he slowly rode away, a small and polite smile plastered on her face in an attempt to hide her nervousness. Was sending him away really a good idea?
Perhaps she had been so blinded that all she could think of was sending every suitor away. The council of Arendelle would be displeased. She sat down and took a few deep breaths. She needed to talk to Hans.
Her mind was swirling as she walked through the corridors. So many things to think about. Decisions had to be made, and fast. Was love truly the solution to her problem? She certainly hoped so.
The door opened in front of her, and a pair of green eyes locked with her blue ones. Hans let her in before shutting the door behind her. "Elsa," he smiled, holding her close and letting her rest her head on his broad shoulders.
"Hamlin just left," she stated plainly after they'd pulled away. Hans just nodded grimly. She wondered why Hans had declined when she offered to arrange another meeting to say goodbye. But there were much more pressing things to talk of. "Hans, I can't keep doing this. Sending suitors away because I don't want to marry them."
Hans looked at her and frowned. "But you don't love them, do you?"
"No, of course not!" she was quick to answer. "But Hans, I'm the Queen. Not everything I do can be for love. Ultimately, I have to make a decision."
"What are you trying to say?" His frown deepened.
"I don't know…I don't know what to do. I have to marry royalty, Hans."
He paused for a moment, thinking. "Can't you wait a few years? My banishment ends in four and a half years. Elsa…will you marry me?"
Elsa just stared at him, surprised. "You're being serious?" He nodded and gulped nervously. She allowed herself a small smile before sighing dejectedly. "I want to say yes. I really do. But the thing is, I can't wait four and a half years. The council wants me married in less than three."
"Oh." Hans looked down. He was so close. So close to taking the crown. He had to think of a different plan, and fast. "So, that's it? You're just going to give up on us? On love?" he demanded, a passionate glint in his eyes.
She took a step back, the outburst surprising her. She didn't remain surprised for very long, because she instinctively retaliated. "I'm not giving up on anything! But you're right, because I'm the only one giving something up, isn't that right?"
He wasn't expecting that at all. "This is all I have! I have everything to lose here!"
"I have so much more to lose than you – my kingdom, the respect of my people. It's not easy ruling this land, but I suppose you wouldn't know that, would you?"
"You're really bringing my banishment up? It's not my fault I'm exiled!"
"Not your fault? So it's not your fault you tried to take over my kingdom?"
"Which you said you had forgiven me for!"
Elsa visibly softened at this. "You're right," she said in a small voice. "I don't want you to leave. But I can't turn my back on my kingdom, either. I'm just so lost."
Just then, the clock tower chimed. Elsa gasped and jerked away. "Is that really the time? I'm late!" She quickly turned her back and made for the door. "We'll talk another time," she called out as she closed the door behind her.
Hans stood in the empty room, accusations and retaliations echoing off the walls.
So this is their first fight. Next chapter should be less...dramatic? Not sure if that's the right word. There'll be less conversation and more thoughts in that one because word is you guys like those sort of things. Maybe I'll make them more frequent, then. I'll try to write and update the next chapter by the end of this month.
Question of the Chapter - favourite song from Frozen? Personally, mine is Love Is An Open Door. Because it's the only love duet in it? Perhaps. Probably. Let me know your opinion!
Until next time,
DBT
