Hans' mood seemed to be less grim then yesterday, thought Elsa as she took in the prince a few chairs away from her. After giving her vote as Queen, the Council relooked the proposal and would give complaints if there were.

However, that luckily wasn't the case, and the Queen saw Hans relax ever so slightly at the prospect of their renewed trade relationship. Due to late King Agdarr's diminishing voice on the country's affairs, the Southern Isles had rapidly broken ties.

The fact that he didn't want to aid them during a pirate attack closeby Ardellian borders, didn't help their bond either: 50 men died that day, according to the records he had read.

But now, that was all in the past, smiled Hans as both of them signed the documents. Arendelle would aid the Southern Isles with reindeer meat and wood. In return, the Southern Isles would export their porcelain and wool. The prince knew it would outrage many of the nobility, who would see their exclusive antic vases and expensive coats being duplicated… but it would also create new jobs in both sectors. Already, a few ships were packed with the valuable goods towards his country.

"Thank you, Prince Hans, for these negociations." Said Queen Elsa after she had given Kai instructions towards the parlour master at the docks. "It is a shame you don't wish to consider a permanent settlement as your country's representative."

"I consider myself enough with my position and your gratitude, your highness." Replied Hans smoothly.

After the last dignitary was gone, both of them dropped the formality they needed to keep up.

"I don't understand your withdrawal of my offer." Frowned Elsa.

"Like I said, queen Elsa, I am content with what I have."

Elsa stayed quiet for a while as she took the prince in. "You are telling yourself lies, Prince Hans. I've seen you enjoy your position."

"Temporarily position." Corrected Hans immediately. "I'm sure many would be more informative about the economic aspect in the trade relationship."

"True, some of my council members are more educated in this… but they can be tempted use their superior knowledge against me in order to gain personal advantage. I still have much to learn in order to transform theory in practise." Admitted the queen in all honesty to the prince. "As my friend, I value your honesty more than your attempts to bombard me with overcomplicated situations."

As a friend…. Hans went quiet, as he didn't know how to tell her how muddled his mind had become. He valued her as well; which was why he couldn't allow himself to get any closer to her in terms of the social ladder. He had done all he could to help the Southern Isles and in a few weeks, he would be gone for good.

Did you? Truly? Sure, the ships are being sent, but will your father even accept Queen Elsa's offered help? And if he knows YOU were the one making the negociations, he surely wouldn't listen.

But he would listen to you if you were Prince Consort of Arendelle... The queen is open to your suggestions…

No! Hans shook his head. She trusted him, and that was the worst thing of all. He didn't even know if he could trust himself with such power in his hands. Already, he was tempted to ask her for more drastic solutions to the Isles' situation…

"Prince Hans, what is wrong?" asked Elsa gently when she saw the prince' troubled face. "I see you are with your thoughts somewhere else. If you wish that I leave you alone, then-"

"no, your highness, it is nothing." Replied Hans quickly. Too quickly, and the queen raised her eyebrow. He couldn't understand her. Why was she always apologizing to him when she had nothing to be sorry for?! It didn't feel right for the prince: it felt as if he were in debt to her for her given opportunities and kindness.

And what did he repay her with? Nagging and whining about his personal problems. That's not how you treated a friend!

Elsa, however had begun to understand the prince's thoughts. "I have spoken to Prince Franz today about your country's specific problems."

"And?" spoke Hans out with a dry throat. Oh no! what had he asked of her?!

Elsa sighed deeply. "Well… we've discussed possibilities on how Arendelle could further help you with your financial debt. Hopefully our renewed trade relationship will keep the people content. We'll wait and see what will happen in the next few months. " The queen noticed Hans looking away from her. "Hans, there is no shame in asking someone's help. " Spoke the queen softly, yet hurt. It pained her to see that the prince didn't try to explain for himself what the gravity of the problems were.

"A friend shouldn't put all his problems on another's shoulders." Muttered Hans quietly.

"I'm not mad because you told me, I'm mad because you didn't." spoke Elsa as she forced the prince to look to her. "Franz told me quite… heartbreaking stories, involving mostly around you and trying to fix this mess. If I had known-"

"Like I said, you shouldn't have." Interrupted Hans. "You're the queen, and you should stay objective to every decision you make."

Elsa's eyes grew cold at his rejection. "I see. It seems, our friendship has been build only on one side of the bridge. I try to understand you, Hans… but how can I when you don't allow me your trust? How can we even work together when you don't wish to tell me your true thoughts?"

"It was only a temporarily position, your highness." Replied the prince. It was better this way. Better to have the plaster being ripped off immediately, instead of slowly peeling it away. It was hard, but quickly over. "What we had in those last 4 weeks, was entertaining, but that is that."

Elsa swallowed deeply at his words, but refused to fall apart in front of him. She wouldn't give him that satisfaction. "I guess I was wrong to presume you and your brother were nothing alike."

The prince's breath stocked when he heard her words and nearly, nearly he confessed how he felt. Nearly. But then he felt the devil's voice once more in his head, tempting him to give in and seize the power that was practically in his hands… He merely needed to say what was truly in his heart. And say, what is wrong what is wrong with confessing your struggle? She would understand… she would comfort you… and you would have both love and power. You'd be a fool to deny it.

Fools were mad in thought… and he wasn't mad. Not yet anyway, which was exactly why he had to do it before it was too late. Before he wasn't able to leave her side anymore, before he was completely addicted to her. If he wanted to get free of his powerhungry thoughts, he had to get free of her too.

Hans mustered up a smile. "Ah, your highness… both me and my brother play the game… but in the end, it all depends on HOW you play it. The bet that was placed on who would succeed to woo you, cost my brother quite the fortune. Since my brothers all bet that he would win instead of me, I-"

"Get out." Snarled Elsa as she balted her hands to fists. "Now."

Hans bowed, keeping up his act and went outside the room. The moment he was back into his chamber, the prince sunk on the ground and cried.

I'm truly sorry, Elsa. But it is better this way.


Queen Elsa didn't allow herself to think of her 'situation' with Hans, as she let herself consume by the workload she had still ahead. Elsa glanced to the order list and a small smile come up her lips. The Duke of Weaselton was next.

"Lord Duke… please sit down" nodded Elsa as she saw the short man enter into her study. The man put the documents on the table, and the two began to speak about their trade relationship. Although, there wasn't much need for actually; During her father's reign, Elsa had been present in the duke's meetings and knew that the man was to be trusted. The mere fact that he was here, was because it was out of respect and formality. She was considered to be equally fair to everyone after all.

"Those are reasonable terms, lord duke." Said the queen after the duke was done. "I'll certainly look into it. I hope we can continue these trade negociations in the future."

"Thank you, your majesty." Nodded the Duke of Weaselton and the conversation went quiet for a little while, causing the two to hear the clattering sounds on the training courtyard nearby. "But..i'm afraid that this time it will be my last official proposal."

"What do you mean, lord duke?"

The Duke sighed. "My family finds it too dangerous for me to go out at such an age as mine.. and frankly I want to respect their wishes, to spend time with my children and grandchildren now that I have still the chance."

"I completely understand that… but if I may ask so boldly, who is going to be your successor?"

The duke smiled. "My youngest daughter, Inger. She has found her love in economical affairs, instead of a husband."

"If she is just as good as her father, I am truly thrilled to work with her." Replied Elsa as she have the Duke her permission to go. The duke however, hesitated to leave and Elsa waited to hear what he had to say. Unlike many other dignitaries, the Duke had always been generous and honest in his advice.

"Your majesty if I may ask… Is there something between you and Prince Hans?"

"Not at all." Frowned the queen as she took in the duke after such a strange question. "Why do you say this?"

"The people are gossiping about you both." Said the Duke uncomfortable with the situation. "They say you and Hans are…sleeping together."

"What?!" startled Elsa as she balted her fists. "That's not true!" said the queen immediately in her defense. "Hans and I are simply acquaintances who get along very well."

"I don't mean to insinuate anything your majesty." Replied the Duke of Weaselton. "Its just what the people say." The man didn't say out loud the informality the queen addressed the prince with. No doubt it wouldn't sit her well. " If you wish it to stop, or at least cease a temporary halt to those rumors, perhaps it is beneficial to concentrate on another eligible bachelor besides Prince Hans on the upcoming Summer Ball."

Elsa bit her lip as she contemplated on his words. "I'll think about it. And… thank you for your counsel, lord duke."

"Its nothing, your highness" bowed the duke, before going out of the door.

Elsa took a deep breath, but couldn't keep her ice in this time – it shot all across the table and caused the ink to shatter. Luckily, no important documents were placed on it anymore. It would have been difficult to explain the sudden disappearance of several trade documents!

The Summer Ball! Goodness she had completely forgotten that it was in less then two weeks! In Arendelle it was the highlight of the year next to Christmas. And as the tradition wished it so, it was the ruler who began the first dance.

Elsa's breath went irregular. She didn't even know the basics of a simple commoner dance! How was she ever going to learn the walz?! She couldn't refuse to dance; never had this tradition been broken, and since she was quite keen on the traditions…

The queen groaned. If she sought an instructor right now, everyone who was in need of her, would notice. The gossip was already thick enough for the people; she didn't need to give it any more fuel then needed.

She could ask Kai.. but he was busy regulating the preparations and administration for the Ball. He couldn't spare any time besides that.

The queen paced around to find a solution for her problem, thinking of everyone who could possibly help. With a sigh, the only one who wouldn't raise suspicion, was Prince Hans. The people were already gossiping about them – if she went with another stranger, it would make her seem as a seducer. But how was she ever going to convince him to do this? They didn't exactly leave on good terms the last time…

The queen's eyes hardened when she thought of his rude words. Well, if Prince Hans wanted to play a game, she would too.


"You'll teach me how to dance and control my fear." Said Elsa in a calm voice to the prince before her.

"And why should I?" scoffed the prince. "No, wait let me rephrase that. Why should you? Judging from our last conversation, you wanted me out like the plague. If I didn't know any better I'd think at least one side of our gossip is true."

Elsa went red from rage, but held herself calm. It would be no use to lash out to him, when she had all the cards. "You will do this."

"Oh really?" said the prince. Damn that woman! Why couldn't she just LEAVE him alone?! Did she want him to give in to his powerhungry desires or what?! "And what makes you think you can?"

A loud BANG on the office table made Hans avert his eyes from the queen, towards the huge document that she had put in front of him. He knew it well; after all, he had written it himself.

"You know, it would be such a shame if our trade contract got accidentally thrown with the garbage into the fire." Said Elsa with a nonchalant tone.

Hans' green eyes flared up. "I have a spare copy in my own room."

"You mean this one?" said Elsa as she put the second package next to it.

"You wouldn't dare-" As Hans spoke, Elsa stood up and threw one of the documents into the fire.

Hans' eyes slowly went to the burning pages, back to Elsa. Neither words were said; but their eyes did instead. In the end, it was Hans who cast his eyes down and Elsa smiled for her victory.

"I'm so glad we came to an understanding." Spoke the queen as she put the documents underneath her desk. With a click, the lock was turned, and the queen slipped the key in-between one of her gloves.

However when she turned around, the queen stumbled backwards when the prince was much closer then she expected. "It is strange that you spoke of being afraid to touch people… At first I thought it was because you were afraid of dirt." Said Hans with the same nonchalance as Elsa had done before. Quick as lightening the prince took hold of her wrist and turned her glove around. Grey spots were visible upon it. "Why would a person, who claims to be such a neat freak, leave her own gloves so dirty?" said the prince in a low voice. "I asked you if you were afraid of crowds. And you went with it immediately. Yet, at your own coronation you contradict yourself by talking to almost everyone."

Elsa stayed quiet, however her heart was hammering in her chest.

"Then, I began to think.. you're always running away from people when you get stressed. Or afraid. Perhaps both of them. Which left me with two options. A-"

"I get panic attacks sometimes." Blurted Elsa out before he could give his first option. Too quickly she noted, and she cast her eyes down when the prince smiled victoriously.

"Ah, thank you, your highness. That leaves that option out." Hans' eyes travelled downwards to her hands. "This leaves all the options out that could possibly be to protect yourself from them. But It is the other way around isn't it?" whispered Hans. "You're protecting THEM from you… from whatever is hidden inside those gloves of yours."

"You're deluded." Spoke Elsa, but she couldn't get the tremble out of her voice.

"Then take off your gloves." Retorted Hans. "Its not such a big deal after all… you're not afraid to touch, or to be in big crowds… " Hans waved his hands around the empty room. "No touch, no crowd here." Said the prince as he focused back on Elsa.

The seconds passed into minutes and Elsa didn't bulge from her spot, refusing to do as Hans ordered. The eyes were back into their silent battle, and this time, it was Elsa who cast her eyes down.

Hans nodded and pushed Elsa's chin up, forcing her to look into his eyes. "You know, it is quite ironic. I want to be everything that my brother is not. Yet the one who accuses me of being alike my brother, is just as egoistical as him." Hans' mouth curled up. "Since you seem to like his method so much, I suppose you have no problem that I play along?" purred the prince.

She wants to play the game so badly… She's no angel like you thought she was. Why should you make yourself a saint as well? You've shown your colors, and she didn't turn you away. Not fully.

Hans stared further into Elsa's eyes, to see a slither of affection shining through the repulse of his words.

She likes you… even when you are like this. You don't have to chose Love or Power. You can have both… because she offers it to you in equal parts….

Elsa shuddered when she looked into Hans' eyes. There was a mixture of so many emotions in it, it was hard to find them all; the dark had almost taken everything of his eyes now. Anger mostly, for her manipulation. Amusement for her attempt to play the game. Strangely enough, sadness as well, as if she was a broken bird that could never be healed again.

But the most prominent, was dark, uncontrollable lust.

She nearly wanted to give in to the sheer tension that radiated in-between them. But, they were still playing the game. They still needed to watch one another. And if one of them would give in to their instinct, that person would belong to the other.

It was simultaneously that they stepped away from one another.

"See you tomorrow then, your highness. Sleep well." asked Hans with a smirk.

"And you" Elsa watched the prince go out of her study room and she sunk down in her chair, blushing viciously. She had magic, but now she began to doubt what was truly most powerful… the queen blushed even harder when she thought of her blackmail. To see Hans crumble underneath her gaze, was something she had never expected to find… accelerating.

She couldn't be too cocky though. Hans had noticed and even begun to guess about her curse. He was so dangerously close to the truth… she needed to be careful in the next few days. But then again.. maybe she needed to do the opposite.

"I want to be everything my brother is not…"

Hans' eyes, so full of possession for her…

Elsa's mouth split into a grin. Yes. She could use that definitely. Let's see how well he can work under some… womanly charms.

Well… that was… not what I intended to write. :o or at least, not so darkish.

Anyway, explanation of Elsa and Hans:

Hans wanted to back down, afraid of what the power would do to him. Therefore he tried to destroy his friendship with Elsa. However, with her blackmailing him, he has gone now completely to the dark side and plans to use whatever he can against her.

Elsa doesn't want her reputation to be in shatters. Hans was the only option but since he made it very clear he doesn't trust her, she decided to instead blackmail him. (Because like she said: how could she trust him, if he didn't trust her?) Also, Elsa wants to maintain her secret. If Hans would ever find out, she would keep him silent by blackmail.

But, since Hans has already his suspicions, its going to be a matter of time whoever cracks first. So… yeah, next time, you'll see Hans and Elsa have some dance lessons together, with A LOT of tension.