Something there.
"Your majesty" nodded Queen Adrianne as the man entered the library. "Thank you that you could come so swiftly."
Agdarr shook his head. "It's fine, really. The matter is after all important." The man sat down and the queen offered him a glass of wine. After the King took a sip of it, he placed it immediately back on the table to get to the subject of their conversation. "Elsa wasn't quite thrilled to spend her time with Hans last night." Frowned the King.
Queen Adrianne felt the underlying accusing tone from the King. "I needed to do something to bring them together. If what the court says is true, Elsa is quite taken with the visiting prince of Gothagen."
"The court, the court" grumbled the King frustrated. "They know that Elsa is bethrothed to your son."
"Gossip is stronger then the truth. The common people won't care as long as they have some excitement in their days." Spoke the woman sharply. "So what is truly going on between Nickolaj and Elsa?"
Agdarr sighed deeply. "He took her out into town. Nothing happened, ex-" The man cursed in himself when he slipped.
"Except?" pressed the Queen of the Southern Isles on.
"Elsa lost control and displayed her magic. While the common people have addressed it as fool's talk… Nickolaj stood closest to her." As Agdarr explained himself in a calm tone, Queen Adrianne had risen from her chair and began pacing around.
"He wasn't drunk enough to place the blame on that?" asked the queen with thin lips.
"No." Silence filled the room, until Agdarr spoke again. "I think its better to tell him the truth. It would do neither of our reputations good to his country if the truth came out one way or another."
Queen Adrianne shook her head. "The Duke of Nyerbergen, Kai, Lars, now Nickolaj of Gothagen… Agdarr, as loyal as they all may seem to be… I don't question it but…"
"I know" nodded the King of Arendelle as he stared into the fire. The more people knew of Elsa's and Hans' secret the more danger they were all in. What if the Order had infiltrated their ranks? The fact that they had kept so quiet the last decade didn't feel well for the parents. What if they captured them, tortured them for information? They couldn't trust anyone…
"Do you trust the boy?" They had to be sure about this.
"He saw-"
"Do you trust him?" interrupted Queen Adrianne mercilessly.
"Strangely enough… yes. His reputation about being a heartbreaker may be true, but he is loyal to my daughter." The King had watched Nickolaj like a hawk the last few days. And as he had done nothing provoking, nor suspicious deeds the King trusted his instincts.
"Loyalty or love are a thin line…" mused the Queen. "It can all quickly turn to jealousy once our countries unite with our children." The queen sighed and turned her head towards the King. "Very well. Tell Nickolaj. Throw a peddle and see what he does with it."
Agdarr hummed approvingly at her suggestion. "But please don't pressure Hans or Elsa into being one other's presence, Adrianne. Push too hard, and the wood will break."
What is he doing here?! Hans stopped in the middle of the doorway when he saw Nickolaj train.
The prince had made it a habbit to practise in the early evening – that way, he could have some peace and quiet. Swordfighting at such hours always calmed him down…Well, except now.
"Prince Hans" nodded Nickolaj with a panting breath – clearly he was already busy for quite a while.
Hans nodded in respect and took his own wooden sword to practise on the dummy next to the prince. They consisted of old hay from the stables and were great to practise on. Hans took a deep breath and began his slashes. They were simple and repetitive, but for now it was only a warm up. When his muscles felt less stiff, the prince changed the pattern. Left, down right, up, right up, middle. Twice. Left, down right, up, right up, middle, down left. Again twice.
Just when the prince found himself go into a trance, he was reminded of Nickolaj's presence once more when the man began to talk.
"Is it alright for you if we practise together?" asked the 17-year old man politely. "I always find it better if I have a real person in front of me."
Hans looked back to the foreign prince. Well, he couldn't deny his logic – he too preferred a sparring friend. "Sure." Shrugged the boy his shoulders. Both men went to a wider space, away from the dummy's and took their stance in. Nickolaj counted down. "Three, two-"
Hans had anticipated Nickolaj's attack and easily blocked his swing. "It's the oldest trick in the book." Rolled Hans his eyes as he pushed the blade away. He moved his sword onwards, from the left to the right. It was easily countered by Nickolaj.
"I know" shrugged Nickolaj as both princes tested each other's strength. "Just wanted to make sure you were carved out of the right wood."
"And what's that?" retorted Hans as the pace began to pick up. The prince grunted when Nickolaj's sword came close to his shoulder – he barely could counter it! As the prince held his stance, he noticed Nickolaj's unbalanced feet. As Hans turned the weapon away from his body, he kicked onto the prince's knee.
Nickolaj hissed and was forced to go back into defence as Hans regained his position. "If you would play unfair or not."
"Well, neither are you." answered Hans as their swords clashed again.
Nickolaj's eyebrows went up. "I have a feeling this comment symbolizes more then just the sword play?" As they sparred on, a white- purple shadow could be seen from the corner of their mind's eye that wasn't there before. Nickolaj followed Hans' gaze, who saw Elsa watch from a safe distance.
"Please carry on" spoke Elsa when the men stopped. "Don't stop on my account."
The swords clashing upon one another, and the great distance in-between them and Elsa made it unable for the princess to hear their conversation. So, both men went on with their conversation as if nothing had happened.
"Indeed." Grumbled Hans as he blocked Nickolaj's sword above his head. "You flirt with Princess Elsa as if she's your fiancé!"
"She could become my fiancé." Nickolaj watched carefully what effect this had on the prince – nothing. The prince stayed as calm as ever, at least on the outside. A small twitch of the eye made it know to the Gothagian prince that he had hit a sore spot. "There is still a lot of time before your marriage. Anything can happen."
"You have no right. She's not yours to be with." Growled Hans as he did an attaque.
"Don't I?" Nickolaj hissed when the sword made partly contact with his hand - it burned him! Vaguely the prince could feel the tingling pain of a small burn form upon the hit place. The sun had shone upon the metal swords for quite some time… they became overheated, mused Nickolaj as they went on. "Since when would you actually care with whom she spends her time with? You barely interest yourself in her!" The prince began to rain down a series of attaques on his opponent, which Hans all blocked.
"Well, how could that be?" sissed Hans as he walked backwards to get some respite from Nickolaj's harsh blows."Its clear that she wants you."
"No, I have seen her looking at you, Hans. I have never seen someone look to me like that in my entire life. Didn't you notice how eager she was to see you after my rendez-vous with her?" A grimace came over the man's face when the sword became even hotter on the hilt.
"You broke her heart with some peasant girl!" growled the red-haired prince while the swords grinted against one another. Nickolaj's words made him loose his temper. "If this sword were sharp, I would slice your neck open here and now."
."She was my half-sister, Hans" explained Nickolaj calmly. " I explained to The King of Arendelle, and to Princess Elsa herself. "
Hans narrowed his eyes at the man's explanation – but he found no lie in his eyes.
"The only one who's holding down to have a relationship with princess Elsa, is you, Hans. But if it means so much for you, then I'll trouble you no longer and will step aside to give you your space."
Nickolaj used Hans' surprise and mental contemplation about his explanation immediately. With a well-calculated swing, Hans was disarmed and with a sword pressed against the neck. The clapping of Elsa's hands made the men once again aware of reality. After Hans picked up his sword, the two walked towards her.
"That was amazing." Grinned Elsa to the exhausted pair. "You're quite good with the sword." Spoke Elsa to Nickolaj. "Both of you." Her eyes shifted to Hans, and her smile turned watery as if she was expecting a refusal or a snarky remark.
"Thank you, your majesty" answered Hans, causing Elsa to be surprised at his comment. He had always been so stiff towards her... "Nickolaj was quite a good opponent." Spoke Hans in appreciation of the man.
This caused Elsa to be even more surprised. Hans and Nickolaj becoming friends?! She had come here to prevent a bloodbath, and now she found the two men actually smiling towards one another?! "Well, that's… amazing." Spoke Elsa after a short silence as both her and Hans' eyes locked. It seemed he had finally left that immature behaviour behind…
Nickolaj coughed, drawing attention back to him for a moment. "If you would please forgive me your grace, I'm going to change out of these clothes." The man quickly left the training area, abandoning a very shy Hans and Elsa in the process.
"Elsa-"
"Hans, I-"
Both teenager's turned red from embarrasement.
"you first" nodded Hans.
"I uhm… I wanted to say that-"
"Oh Hans there you are!" Hans and Elsa cringed when they heard Queen Adrianne walk their way. What was it now that she would insinuate?! Honeymoon? Kids? O Please don't let her tell about the wet dreams I had two years ago! Pleaded Hans to the heavens above.
"I see you are both exhausted dear. Why don't you come upstairs for an evening meal?"
Hans sighed relieved. Thank god it was just a-
When he and Elsa entered, Hans dropped his sword on the ground from sheer shock.
Candles.
Roses.
and hte whole room was practically SCREAMING "romance" and "Pink"
"Now, I'll be upstairs. You two behave" smiled the Queen as she shut the door behind the two.
"Why would she-" Elsa touched one of the little decorated hearts before glancing back to Hans.
Oh.
OH.
Both blushed and took an extra step away from one another. "Well." Spoke Elsa after a long silence. "It would be a shame not to eat the food, right?"
"Right." Nodded Hans with flushed cheeks. The only one who's holding down in a relationship with princess Elsa, is you, Hans. The prince looked back to Elsa. "So, how do your lessons go with Lars?" tried the prince to keep up the conversation.
"Good really. I can diminish the snow already. I tried to make a living creature out of Ice, but…" Elsa smiled apologetically to Hans. "I'm afraid I'm not as strong as you."
Hans' eyebrows went up. "Our powers were equal in force. I don't think that's the reason…Perhaps if you could show me, I can tell what is wrong?"
Show him? Now? Elsa fundled with her hands but nodded nevertheless. The girl concentrated her magic in her hands and began to wiggle her fingers in order to move the snow on the right place.
Hans bit his lip and balted his fists - his magic may be gone, but the memory and knowledge was still in his hands. He nearly wanted to copy Elsa, when he felt nothing but his blood pumping through his veins. Hans shook his head to cast those thoughts away; right now he needed to focus on Elsa. Hans narrowed his eyes on her movements – while she build the structure right, she forgot an important movement…
"Wait, stop for a moment" commanded Hans immediately. "I think I know why you can't do it. The problem is a certain movement from your wrist. Like this" Hans showed the movement and Elsa tried to copy him. "Almost. Watch again" For a second time, Elsa tried to copy the prince, but failed again. "If I may, your highness…" Hans placed himself behind Elsa's back and took hold of her hands.
Elsa blushed deeply when she felt Hans' hands envelop hers like a cocoon. Not only because he was so close, but also from the sudden warmth that came off him. A second later though, it was gone and Elsa frowned. Huh. Had to be her imagination.
"Now, do it again" whispered Hans in Elsa's ear. As he guided her hands the prince watched in a trance Elsa's magic do its work. Well, their work. Hans blinked his tears away as he moved Elsa's magic with her hands. It was almost as if he did it….
Elsa lowered her hands, to see the little ice creature in front of her – a squirrel. The two watched on to see the little ice-squarrel open his blue eyes and run arround. "Oh!" smiled Elsa. "Hans, thank you so much!" whispered the girl.
"You're welcome." Spoke Hans quietly. He hadn't moved from his spot and neither had she. And as Elsa turned her head around, it suddenly became clear on how close they were. Lost in the moment, both leaned in to seal their lips when-
"ah!" Elsa screamed and laughed when the squirrel jumped on her shoulder, climbing onwards to her head. Her braid quickly became a mess, with lose strands everywhere. The squirrel didn't stop there though – it jumped to Hans' shoulder now and began to sniffle his cheek. "He likes you."
"Well we can't exactly call him a 'he' all the time" smiled Hans as he took the little creature in his hand. "How would you call him?"
Elsa bit her lip. "Ratatoskr"
Hans grinned when he recognized the name from Norse mythology. "The sly messenger who brings gossip on the tree of Life?"
"Too bombastic?" asked Elsa his opinion.
"I like it." Grinned Hans as the squirrel jumped back to Elsa's shoulder. Elsa however plucked the creature from her shoulder – its claws kinda hurt!- and laid it down the table.
"Sleep" commanded Elsa. Immediately after, Ratatoskr's eyes closed, lost in his slumber. "I didn't want to ruin our date tonight by an extra pair of eyes"
"Date?" squealed Hans in surprise. "I mean…" Hans scratched his neck. "Are we having one? I uhm…"
Elsa smiled back. "Well, in my dictionary it kinda looks like a rendez-vous" spoke Elsa to ease his nervousness. Its strange how quick he changes – especially when they were alone. He was so mean, coarse and unrefined... and now he's almost dear and so unsure.. I wonder why I didn't see it there before. From the back of her mind's eye, Elsa could see a piano. "Do you play the piano?"
"I do." Spoke Hans still nervously. When Elsa sat down, the prince placed himself besides her. "Well, I only do know a few songs" apologized the prince as he stationed his fingers. His fingers trailed over the notes and Elsa smiled when she recognized it – it was an old norse song from the 15th century. While they hadn't made the piano back then, Arendelle re-invented the song a few years ago and modernized it.
Elsa jumped in when Hans had difficulty playing it – this part had to be done by two after all. Both played on and as they reached the end of the song, their hands brushed at the exact same final note.
Both stayed quiet for a long time as they were too lost in the moment. When the clock galmed midnight however, both jumped nearly out of their skin. "I should go and retire to my room." spoke Elsa with a hint of reluctance. Silently Hans accompanied her and they stopped at her chambers. "Thank you for your companionship, prince Hans."
"Thank you as well, m'lady." Answered Hans back. He didn't know why he did it. Perhaps because he wanted to relive that special moment again when she made Ratatoskr – when he felt warmth for the first time in years. Hans took her hand and placed a kiss on it.
After Elsa had gone inside her room, Hans retired to his own… dreading what dreams he would have now.
He was again in the cold... and while he had a course before, now he was lost. Should he go to the Mirror, only to die in its fire all over again? Or stay here and die from acute hypothermia?
"Hans…"
Hans looked into the opposite direction of the bright Mirror… Elsa! Hans crawled once again on his hands and knees towards his salvation. "Elsa…"
"I'm here" smiled Elsa as she cupped his cheek.
Hans sighed contently in her embrace. Now everything was alright. The cold didn't seem so harsh anymore… Hans frowned. That was quite odd – before he was still shuddering and now he felt okay… something wasn't quite right.
Hans gasped when he looked downwards. Oh, how he wanted to scream! But the harsh winter air made his throat dry and hoarsh, leaving only short gasps in the process. His flesh had turned white-blue, and as he watched it turned black – meaning that that body part had died off from the rest.
"Elsa.." Hans looked upwards to see Elsa just as shocked as him, with tears in her eyes.
"Hans, no!"
"Elsa, I lo-" He couldn't speak as the ice had reached his neck, crawling further on to his face. "Elsa, I love y-"
With a loud gasp Hans awoke from his nightmare. Dream. Whatever it was. As he tried to get his breathing under control Hans stared to the ceiling. What did those damn dreams mean?!
I wanted to give a more lighter chapter here. Hans and Elsa finally begin to "warm up" to one another. As you can see, Queen Adrianne is quite a Helsa shipper like us XD
What do you think of King Agdarr's decision to trust Nickolaj with Elsa's secret?