Chapter Eleven

The sound of the admiral's boots stomping through the halls echoed loudly. He wouldn't allow his father to ignore him any longer, not with so much at stake. He clenched his gloved hands tightly as he steadily marched to the one place he knew where the king would be hiding, and despite his fears, his determination made him unstoppable. There was no room for fear when something he cared about for the first time was being threatened, and he had the power to do something about it.

"Father! I know you are in there and you WILL speak to me!" the prince shouted, pounding his fist on the heavy wooden door. There was no answer. The anger and frustration now starting to boil over, he stepped back and swiftly kicked the door in with a loud bang. The king jumped from his seat, pulling his eyes away from his card game, his most trusted military leaders sitting around him in a circle filled the room with heavy cigar smoke. "You are dismissed gentlemen; I have a few words to exchange with the king. Alone." Hans saluted the old men as they sneered at him, angrily pushing themselves out of their seats. He kept his eyes focused on the pompous, un-caring man who never called him by his own name.

"Boy, what the HELL is this about!?" the red king threw his hands on the table, sending chips and cards flying in all directions. "Who says you can just walk in my game and tell MY men what to do!" the beast's eyes turned red as he spat with rage. "You're god damn lucky you're needed so damn much!"

"You can go back to your 'duties' once you tell me what's going on with the war at sea." Hans leaned closer and pressed his fists firmly on the table, making eye contact and proving to the king that he wasn't going to back down. "I want to know everything you know." The king suddenly calmed down, and rolled his eyes, slumping back into his oversized armchair. He laughed loudly and threw his hands up in the air.

"There is nothing TO know boy! Look, if you're getting antsy and want to get back to what you do best… Then by all means, go. But you're not going to find anything." He laughed more. Hans refused to play his usual game.

"You told me, when I first went to you, about my suspicions about a surprise attack, that the blockade was still in place. Then HOW have you been able to manage all these damn shipments into the fjord? WHY are some of my ships going missing and letters of mine vanishing!?" The king sighed, and sat back, throwing his dirty boots up to rest his legs. Hans tried his best to not mention that spy; he feared that if he knew that he found him, his reaction would be violent.

"How did you find out about those ships anyway…" the king tried to think back, but he vaguely remembers any official meetings he's had since arriving. He shrugged it off. "Boy you're getting too obsessed with battle… Don't you think my ships are capable enough to handle their own? And your… Toys, just can't hold up to the eastern kingdom's forces without you to guide them?"

"Why didn't you tell me about my missing ships? Those men could be DEAD." Hans shouted.

"Since when did you care about the lives of your men?" the king scoffed. "Please, boy I have a hard enough time conquering lands for your…" he counted slowly on his fingers. "Twelve older, more capable brothers to rule over. I don't have the patience to continuously coddle you and your little tantrums when I have an army to build for my queen." He raised his hand and pointed to the door. "Your time is up." He smirked. Hans wanted to slap the ugly beard right off his face.

"YOUR queen!?" Hans shouted, the color rushing out from his face. The king sneered hard, and slowly rose to his feet, towering over his youngest son.

"Boy… It's clear to me that your place isn't here anymore. It's back at sea. Where you belong, where you should stay. Where you should've stayed. The only place you deserve to be." The king violently flipped the card table over without effort, sending Hans flying backward and crashing chairs in all directions. "You have ONE WEEK to gather your fleet and men and I want you GONE." He screamed.

"No!" Hans screamed back, now almost as red as the king, almost wishing he had his sword with him. "I have a promise to keep to the kingdom of Arendelle, that I would protect her from YOUR war! And I intend to keep that promise!"

"That is an ORDER ADMIRAL! Or do you want to go back to a life in a foot four wide box…" the king was shaking with fury, stomping forward, raising his hands to his son's neck. Hans's eyes grew wide, his back now pressed against the wall. The king violently grabbed his collar and slammed him hard, holding him up and dangling his boots above the floor. "You know, this is the first time I can remember you standing up for yourself like this, I'm impressed." He half-laughed, threatening to clench his neck within his fist. "But you've overstayed your welcome a long time ago; consider yourself lucky to still be alive. I know damn well what's making you tick, and I guarantee you something just, terrible could happen if I see you even look at her one more time... You have seven days to count your blessings and disappear."

The one thing spending years out on a ship taught Hans that biding your time, and developing a good sense of patience, was key to winning the upper hand in almost any situation. It paid almost every time to choose your battles wisely… Shaking uncontrollably with frustration, he had no choice but to look him in the eye...

"Yes, your majesty." He gagged, his weight being released with a thud against the floor. The King simply walked out of the room, immediately composing himself and smiled as if nothing even happened.

Elsa found her mind wandering a lot more than usual during her meetings with her sister during the warm afternoons… Especially since it had been two whole days since the traumatic events that unfolded during that intense thunderstorm. It was difficult to give her little sister her full attention when all she could think about was that spy, the king, and him… And why he was suddenly giving her a colder shoulder than she was giving him initially… All she wanted was to talk to him now more than ever before, nothing complicated… So what happened to cause him to suddenly vanish?

"Elsa? I did you like the train on this one or not?" Anna held up several sketches and samples of fabrics for her special dress. Elsa blushed as she completely forgot what they were talking about. "Everything alright? You seem awfully distracted today…"

"Me? Distracted?" Elsa tapped her hands nervously on her lap. Anna smirked and pointed down to the floor, where she had accidentally turned the room into an ice-rink without realizing it. The queen laughed nervously as she thawed it quickly with one tap of her shoe.

"So, what's going on?" Anna tucked away her dreams for just a moment, folding her giant notebook. She smiled and reached for her big sister's hand. Elsa didn't have the ability to fake a smile today, and Anna clenched her cold hands warmly, trying her best to comfort her.

"I'm just… Really… Concerned. About that awful war to the south. And a few other things." She sighed and looked away. Anna really wanted to know more, but, she knew well enough not to try and pry things out of her until she was ready. She was happy enough that she was doing her best to spend so much time with her lately in the first place.

"Hey, look, if you want to take a break from my planning for a little bit and just concentrate on your other duties…"

"No, no… That's the last thing I want to do." Elsa squeezed her hands back. "You are my priority."

"And you are too!" Anna smiled. "That's why I don't want you to burn yourself out before the big day."

"Anna…" Elsa sighed, not knowing how to communicate the confusion and doubt she was feeling, not sure how exactly she was feeling herself. Her puzzled expression only worried her sister further.

"Why don't you call it a night early huh?" Anna rose from their seat in their cozy study, and pulled her sister up with her. "I can use the time to go find Kristoff for an early dinner." She winked and forced a small laugh from Elsa.

"I, I suppose I could use a night to myself…" Elsa's mind immediately began to run with ideas. "To gather my thoughts."

"There you go. Treat yourself to some special queen time!" Elsa wasn't entirely thinking of herself however, trying her best to think of where the admiral would be during this sunset… Making the butterflies return, she couldn't stop her mind from questioning herself, and why she really wanted to see him. Was it because she really was scared? "Maybe you could use as vacation this summer." Or did she want to just… See him? Just look in his eyes and wonder if they were still sparkling… Was he troubled? Did she anger him? Maybe he wouldn't want to see her at all? Why can't she stop torturing herself like this? "Elsa!" shouted Anna, gripping her shoulder tightly. "I was just talking to you for five minutes, and all you did was just stare at me and then made it start snowing in the room again!" Elsa looked around and saw the flurries starting to collect on the furniture.

"Oh, I'm sorry…" Elsa winced with embarrassment, and quickly made the snow fly out the windows with a wave of her hand.

"What has gotten into you lately?" Anna pleaded, this was the first time in a while she was seeing her sister lose control so suddenly… Elsa nervously bit her lower lip, and looked away, just too afraid and ashamed to even admit to herself what her heart was trying so hard to tell her. But she couldn't listen. She refused to. She couldn't hurt her one and only sister… She kept repeating to herself, that her country and her family were the only things that mattered… Conceal, don't feel… She sighed deeply, and did her best to silence the storm brewing within her.

"I think I'm just overwhelmed and need a good night's sleep." Elsa tried her best to smile. "I'll be ok."

"Well, if you need me… Please just, talk to me, ok?" Anna weakly smiled back, not convinced at all that everything was ok.

The sunset that once lit the halls with a red glow, now began to fade into darkness, the deeper Elsa quickly and silently searched the castle. She looked everywhere she could possibly think to look… Except for outside… But it was getting darker by the minute. Trying to gather her bearings, she quietly peered through an open window, noticing the clouds obscuring the sun. Breathing in the fresh air, she allowed herself to rest a moment, and debated whether her search was a good idea after all… But, if he knew something she didn't, and it regarded what she was beginning to fear, it was worth going through the trouble. Or… Was it just an excuse to hear his voice again…

"Your majesty… You're done hiding from me and ignoring me. It's ok, I intimidate many…" a gruff voiced echoed, sending a cold chill down her back. She had been so foolish, why didn't she just go back to her room like Anna suggested? She refused to look over her shoulder, and continued to focus on the horizon. "You look quite, ravishing, this evening." The voice sneered. She felt sick to her stomach… "You know you never even once asked me my name?" he was getting impatient and angry. She gulped, and closed her eyes.

"You have a name?" she smirked.

"It's Leopold Johan Westergard the third." The beast frowned, trying to not let his frustration get the better of him again. Elsa laughed internally at his seriously poor excuse to impress her. "But, you, my queen…" he reached for her tiny hand, and pulled it up to his mouth. "Can call me Leo, like a lion." He winked. She gasped in disgust and pulled away immediately, pressing her back closer to the windowsill. "Your games are cute, but they're starting to get old." The king rolled his eyes and grunted.

"The one thing that's old here is you!" she snapped back, letting her anger speak for herself. Slamming his palm against the wall next to her, he forced himself to loom above and did his best to use his wide body to block her from an escape.

"Fight it all you want, but you know you need some more experience." He hissed, his white angry eyes showing Elsa is inner monster. She couldn't stand it anymore; the anger she tried to hold back now bubbled over and forced her hands to move on their own, a fist now flying into the red king's gut. He began to gag and slumped down, holding his abdomen in his shaking arms. As he struggled to breathe, the ice queen stomped her heel into the floor and a pillar of ice shot up, landing a hard uppercut into the fool's narrow chin. He fell onto his back completely stunned.

"I think my experience speaks for itself! And army or no army, you've overstayed your welcome." She stood over him, one hand on her hip, the other hand forming a large snowball.

"You're… You're a stupid woman." He coughed, struggling to pull himself up onto his elbows. "You can't survive without our treaty…" he wiped the small trail of blood falling from his nose with the back of his hand.

"And you're a stupid king for thinking you could cross me. Consider our treaty fulfilled, and run home as soon as the next ship is scheduled to leave. Until then, you better not be in my sights." Elsa formed her snowball into a sharp icicle, her hand gripping it tightly, and her fears flowing out of her completely. She regretting allowing herself to ever think he could have any power over her. She would never let that happen again. He growled silently, unable to fight back and furious to be continuously embarrassed by her.

"You're going to regret this; you have no idea what you're getting yourself into. You had one chance to save yourself you selfish whore." He attempted to rise, but Elsa threw her ice to his feet with a blast, freezing the king in place, leaving only his head free to wriggle and wince in pain.

"Guards!" Elsa shouted loudly, and leaned out the window, shouting out once more for help. "Take this unwelcome guest to his quarters and see that he is escorted at all times until he leaves! The Southern Isles have done enough for Arendelle!" She commanded, as many solider steps began to flood the hall. The infuriated red king continued to glare deeply at her, his burning rage only steadily growing and fueling his insanity even further. Elsa stepped back and crossed her arms, refusing to show him any doubt or weakness, glaring right back and making him even angrier for denying him any satisfaction. As the guards struggled to lift the ice block, and the king began to throw a tantrum, Elsa's mind began to run. Her eyes widened as she remembered one thing, and she had to find the admiral as soon as she could... She quickly brainstormed… And grabbed the arm of a free guard who tried not to laugh as five men attempted to carry the pompous icicle step by shaky step.

"I also command all guards to find Admiral Westergard at once, and to take him to the dungeon for immediate questioning."

"Yes my queen." The solider bowed and quickly ran to carry out his order. She sighed sadly, regretting her decision, but it was the only way to get her some real answers… And she was done waiting.

As the twilight and the humid rain clouds claimed the sky, a soft breeze flowed gently through the warm stables. Not much movement came from the cozy home of Sven and his newfound friends, but the silence was cut by a man's quiet laughter. The large reindeer stirred from his nap, and yawned, slowly rising to his feet with hay still sticking to his fur. He sniffed the air, and his tail began to wag as he licked his chops. He knew that smell. As he happily bounced from his stall, he stopped in his tracks once he saw who really woke him up. Surprised at the sight of Hans stroking the mane of his horse, Sven tried to back away without being noticed by this new person. But that smell kept him curious, and once he saw the strange man reach into a bucket for a large carrot… He immediately won his trust.

"It's so good to see you Sitron." Hans smiled warmly, patting the happy fjord horse with his bare hands, his blue sleeves rolled up and over his elbows. He was thrilled to see his old friend; once he had learned he was still here he had to see him. His mind was a mess, and no one seemed to help calm his nerves better than his horse. He tried to spend as much time with him as he could, wanting to run from all his troubles. He had no idea how he was going to approach the queen again, especially since he had yet to make up his mind about leaving… He sighed, deep in thought. "Looks like they've been treating you well…" Sitron smiled as much as a horse could as he chewed on his carrot, looking up at his reindeer friend and neighed with a full mouth. Sven stared with hunger and desperation, too afraid to move any closer. He drooled and panted like a dog. Hans couldn't help but laugh and grabbed another carrot and held it out to him. "Don't be shy, join the party." He held it out a little further, forcing Sven to lean in to sniff harder and harder. Slowly he tip-toed toward the irresistible smell, his hunger dictating his actions more than anything else. Han dangled it above his head now, stepping back and smirking, forcing Sven to look up and try and grab it with a light jump. Taking the opportunity from the distraction, Hans reached in with his free hand and gently patted Sven's muzzle, allowing him to finally grab his reward, and at the same time gaining more of his trust. He chewed loudly and happily as his new friend continued to pet him, Sitron nuzzling Hans's back with jealousy. "Nice to make a new buddy." He chuckled, and reached down to grab two more carrots.

"I could say the same thing." Hans quickly stood up straight, taken off guard and not thinking anyone else would be nearby. His cheeks turned bright red once he noticed he wasn't alone, and of all people to spot him talking to animals, it was Anna's new fiancé… "I know, awkward, right?" smiled Kristoff, leaning on the doorway to the large horse stall. "Wasn't expecting to see you here at all. Especially hanging out with my best friend." He crossed his arms, raising his one eyebrow at Sven, ignorant to Kristoff's concerns.

"My apologies." Hans coughed, brushing himself off and grabbing the bucket of carrots and hiding it behind his back. "I was… just…"

"Saying hi to your horse?" The awkward silence grew heavier as Sven tried to peek around Hans's back.

"…He looks great, glad he's been in good hands." Hans cleared his throat, ignoring Sven's nudging on his shoulder.

"…Yeah, I've been keeping an eye on them… Elsa has been riding Sitron too for lessons, so he does get out a lot…" More awkward silence. Kristoff noticed Sven snort with frustration and couldn't help but laugh a little bit as Hans learned the hard way that you don't get between him and his favorites. He jumped once Sven nibbled his arm, forcing him to drop the spoils onto the ground, freeing the rest of the goods to both the impatient reindeer and his jolly horse.

"That means he likes you." Kristoff laughed, amused a little too much at Hans's pain, who could only rub his arm and nervously force a smile.

"I'd hate to see what he'd do if he didn't." Hans chuckled, stepping away from his new 'friend'.

"…Look." Kristoff stepped closer, his smile hardening into a serious stare. "You did some pretty horrible things." Hans could only wait and see what he had to say, expecting what he had coming to him… Bracing himself for the worse. "Really, really horrible things… And I really, really, want to punch you for it." Hans took in a deep breath as Kristoff unfolded his arms, gripping his large fists tightly. Considering how things have been going for him lately, why wouldn't he get decked? "…But, I'm not going to do it. But only because Sven told me not to." He frowned. "So you better thank him." Hans blinked in disbelief. Kristoff coughed loudly, reassuring him he was serious. He decided it was best to play along… He reached over and gently patted the fluffy reindeer on his side.

"Thank you, very much Sven, for not punching me. You are really too kind, generous, and… more handsome." He nervously smiled. Kristoff nodded happily, and relaxed his stance.

"Good answer. So, you hang out in stables too huh?" Kristoff was very frank and to the point.

"Well, I suppose so, when I wasn't shipped out at sea I was usually with my horse when I was younger…" Hans turned back over to Sitron, feeling a little bittersweet that he wasn't a part of his life anymore, remembering how he would escape to go riding any chance he could get when he was a kid. That was punishment he felt he deserved as well… "He just was there to listen when no one else would I guess. That sounds odd, huh?" He walked over and hung the bucket and some grooming tools back on their proper hooks.

"Not really." Kristoff watched as Sven and Sitron played tug of war with the last carrot. "I can relate, in a way maybe... Sitron is a good listener."

"He's better off here anyway, having attention I couldn't give him anymore regardless... I am happy Queen Elsa has taken a liking to him, he has a good temperament for beginner riders." Hans sighed, walking towards the door, trying not to look Kristoff in the eye.

"…Sven is a good listener too." The blonde scruffy iceman coughed and looked down at the floor. "If there's something on your mind you want to say, just say it, he doesn't mind." Sven nodded in agreement as he chewed on his reward.

"I appreciate the offer, Sven, but take it from me, I don't have much to talk about." Smiled Hans. The silence claimed the air again, but it was suddenly interrupted by the sounds of stomping feet.

"Huh, wasn't expecting Anna here tonight either." Laughed Kristoff, half-kidding. Hans quickly turned pale and immediately looked for his escape.

"I'm so sorry if I'm interrupting anything…" Hans grabbed his uniform jacket, making for the exit.

"Don't worry about it." Kristoff sat down on a barrel of hay, happily waiting for Anna and her priceless reactions. But it wasn't Anna that greeted them. It was one of the royal guards.

"Admiral Westergard, you are to come with me at once." The solider grabbed Hans's arm roughly, and pulled him out of the stables. Kristoff immediately following, Sven close behind.

"On what grounds!?" Hans shouted, angrily pulling from the man's tight grip.

"You are being called in for questioning, by orders of her majesty, Queen Elsa." The young guard barked, pulling even harder and tripping Hans forward and onto the ground. As Hans coughed into the dirt, the guard quickly cuffed the admiral's arms behind his back. Kristoff could only stand there with his mouth open, unsure of what to do or say.

"…The, the queen!?" Hans gasped, the guard now dragging him to his feet, a second solider now appearing to help escort the prince to the dungeon. Hans struggled, not letting them do their job easily. What on earth, why was she doing this? His mind spun out of control with confusion as they continued to drag his weight, still in too much of a shock to let himself be escorted without a fuss. But, if she wanted him, how could he possibly say no? But what possessed her to go to such lengths? He was worried if his efforts to ignore her… Worked way too well… He closed his eyes and tried to calm down, hoping for the best.

"What on earth did you do!?" gasped Anna, running up to Kristoff from their hidden path behind the stable, grabbing Kristoff's limp hand.

"It wasn't me, it was Elsa!" Kristoff shouted, the two of them watching on, admittedly amused still by this sudden turn of events.

"I… can't believe Elsa is arresting him, after all that fussing she did after the party. I need to find out what's going on…" Anna sighed, not looking forward to forcing an answer out from her older sister. Kristoff's mind began to wander… Replaying the conversation he just had with the admiral in the stable.

"Tell me more about the… Fuss she made. What exactly did she say about Hans?"