Author's Notes: Yes, I know that The Princess and the Frog takes place in the 1920s, but for the sake of indulging my fondness for hidden references, let's pretend it's in the same time period (for Frozen, I'm working with a 1830s timeframe). Disney canon aside, I may or may not have included references to some of my other fics. Cookies for people who catch them (only available in virtual chocolate chip).
History says that Norwegian titles are given on a personal basis (some may become hereditary) and don't come with any estate, which is perfect for the story. I picked Tromso (besides it being part of modern Norway) because the coat of arms features a reindeer =) I like to think that Kristoff and Anna's descendants somehow retained the baronetcy of Tromso to the present day.
As always, further author's notes, writing meta, and the like can be found on my Tumblr, the link to which is on my profile page.
"Wait," said Hans sharply. "What did you say?"
"What did I say?"
"You should have been my father. Isn't that what you said?"
Benedikt glanced at him, and looked away. "It was a slip of the tongue. Pay no heed to it."
"I will not," he frowned. "What exactly did you mean by that?"
"I don't have to explain every single thing I say – "
"– no, you don't, but this is something I think I need to know." Hans' expression grew fierce, and then abruptly softened. "Please," he said, almost as an afterthought.
The older man blinked in surprise. "Did you just – fine. As you wish, my prince." He pulled out his pipe, chewing on the stem thoughtfully before beginning to speak. "You are intelligent, charming, good-looking. Despite being born a noble, you haven't idled your life away, like that prince from Maldonia in his younger days. Good thing he met that girl who straightened him out."
"But."
Hans laughed darkly. "There's always a but, isn't there?"
"But," continued Benedikt, ignoring the younger man's remark, "you were born the youngest of thirteen princes. So much potential, wasted…"
"My formative years were not wasted."
"Plotting for a throne, any throne? Preying on Arendelle's naïve young princess? Trying to kill the queen? How is that not a waste of your talents?"
"Anna's magic was the only thing that prevented my plans from succeeding," he said bitterly. "They weren't foolish, nor did they fail. I don't see how that isn't a display of wasted talents."
"You misunderstand me. What I meant was the use of talent towards an end like that…"
"No, you don't understand!" burst out Hans angrily. "You don't understand what it was like to grow up surrounded by wolves, who tore you down, who made your life a constant torment, to be desperate enough to get out through the only means possible – "
"– and that is what I mean by wasted potential."
The prince's mouth slammed shut.
Benedikt sucked hard on the pipe, seemingly oblivious to the fact it was still unlighted. "My brother and I didn't have much of an exemplary upbringing, mind you, but I would take mine over yours in a heartbeat. Money, power, a circlet of gold… you'll be surprised how they pale in comparison to the love of family and friends."
A memory came to Hans' mind: "I've seen peasant children look enviously at my fine clothes and fancy carriage, but do they realize the price that's being paid for those things?"
"That's an interesting sentiment from you."
"That's what I used to think. Before I grew up."
He blinked, and came back to the present. Benedikt was watching him quite carefully. "I do realise my upbringing might have not been the healthiest or the most suitable," said Hans. "But I prefer to take the benefits from it rather than dwell on the ways I might have been fucked up."
The former sailor's eyebrows rose. "I know coarse language was a way of life for us, but that was uncalled for."
"What does it matter? It's gone. Done. I am who I am, and I don't wish to change anything, because it's foolish mooning over the past."
"That may be so, but…"
"But?"
"You might find the rest of your life much improved and happier if you were to change your outlook a little."
"For Elsa's sake?" he said, scowling, ignoring the other man's shocked expression.
"I never said that."
"You were implying it, all along; I'm not good enough for Elsa as I am. Is that it?"
"Her Majesty is truly a saint, to want to persist with you," said Benedikt at last, shaking his head.
"And now you're saying that I'm hopeless?"
"Not hopeless, my prince, but stubborn. A near-death experience did nothing to change your mind. I wonder how far the queen is willing to go."
"Anna... can I talk to you for a little while? I need to discuss something with you."
"Sure, Elsa," beamed the princess. Her smile slowly slipped as she took in the classic signs of Elsa's nervousness; fidgeting fingers, shoulders hunched forward, biting on her lower lip. "What is it?"
"... I'm planning on making Hans an advisor," blurted out Elsa.
"... what?"
Once the main point was made, the rest of Elsa's words poured out in a rush. "The council thinks he should be rewarded for what happened with the Southern Isles, and I think this is the best course of action. He has political and naval experience, and I can keep an eye on him. I can't send him back, and he hasn't got anywhere else to go. I figured that this way, he can earn his keep. I just..." She trailed off, looking lost, searching Anna's face for an immediate reaction. "I know what he's done to you – to us – and you probably won't ever forgive him, and I'm asking you because I don't want to keep anything from you again – "
"I think it's a good idea," said Anna.
Elsa opened her mouth to speak, realized Anna was agreeing with her, and blinked. "Anna...? You don't have to agree just because you think it'll make me happy." Her hands were folded in front of her, blue eyes wide with anxiety. "I won't do anything you're not completely comfortable with."
"Elsa, seriously, it's fine," she repeated. "If you know what you're doing, I'm all for it. Besides, it's not like we have no idea what he can get up to, right?"
The weak joke fell flat completely; the queen was practically gnawing on her lower lip, and it was starting to snow around them. "Anna, are you sure about this?"
"Absolutely."
She was nowhere to be found.
It wasn't unlike Anna to disappear, but it was very uncharacteristic of her to make no sound. He could usually follow the noise to the source – most of the time it was the princess – but today it was… quiet.
Kristoff had tried all her favourite hiding places; the spot on the roof, the waterfall, the gardens, the balcony, even the stables. Sven hadn't seen her, and he wasn't eating a carrot, meaning he hadn't been bribed into silence.
His worry for Anna in the light of recent events overpowered his natural reticence regarding the castle; he even paused outside Elsa's study for a long moment, but it didn't quite extend that far.
Eventually, he found himself outside Anna's bedroom door. Unlike the worn spot on Elsa's door, the paint on it was evenly faded with time, the brass handle shiny with use. Scratches and dents scattered over the wood hinted at many childhood adventures, and he wondered just how much time had she spent alone – and getting up to mischief.
He knocked. His heavy pounding seemed to echo through the entire castle, and he winced.
"Come in."
Kristoff's spirits lifted at the sound of the familiar voice; its absence had been strangely unsettling. "Anna?"
She was sprawled on the bed, one slipper on her foot and the other discarded; he didn't care to know exactly where. Anna barely glanced up at him, and he knew something was very wrong.
"Hey, Fiestypants," he said, trying to keep his tone as normal as possible.
"Hi."
"I thought things went well with Elsa?"
"They did, but…" She let the sentence trail off, rolling over on her stomach. "No. It's nothing."
He crouched down beside the bed. In spite of that, he still towered half a head over her; Kristoff opted to sit cross-legged on the floor instead. "If I know you, it's not nothing. What's wrong?"
"It's nothing," repeated Anna, blowing out her bangs with a huff. "Just me being stupid and selfish."
The faint smile fell from his face. "Whoa, whoa. Back up. That's crazy talk. Why would you say something like that? You're the most unstupid and unselfish person I know."
"I'm pretty sure unstupid isn't a real word," she pointed out, "and I can count the number of people you know on the fingers of one hand – actual, real-life humans, not trolls – so that's not too impressive."
"Fine. I'll let you have that one." He leaned forward and rested his chin on the bedsheets. "You feel like explaining the rest?"
Anna was silent for a long while – so long Kristoff thought she'd fallen asleep – but then she moved her head and started to talk. "Elsa wants to let Hans stay and I said I was fine with it, but I'm actually not." A muffled snort. "She wants to make him an advisor."
He waited.
"I mean – I didn't want him to die or anything. I don't like seeing Elsa sad either. But now he's going to be around, and I know I won't be able to stop thinking about what happened before everytime I look at him; when he looked at me with that face, and said those things…" Anna shivered, and he cupped her cheek with one hand. She leaned into his warmth. "Now I kinda feel like I shouldn't have told her about seeing him in town that day."
"I know it's different now. Elsa says it's different now, that she trusts him, that she might even love him and – " She broke off with a sniffle, curling into a tighter ball. "I told her I trust her, but I still don't trust him, despite everything he's done for her. And if he hurts her, I – " She broke off with a sniffle, chewing on her lip. "I… can't forgive myself."
Kristoff moved onto the bed, scooping the entire bundle of bedding and princess into his arms, rocking it like a baby. "Shhh," he said, brushing aside blanket until he found Anna's forehead, and kissing it. "You're not selfish, Anna. Far from it."
She shifted so she could look into his eyes. "I want him to go away forever," she mumbled in a tiny voice. "How is that not being selfish?"
"Now, I'm not taking sides or anything, but…"
"But?" she pressed.
"But you have a point." He dabbed the tears that threatened to spill with a corner of the blanket, making her squirm. "I can't say I know exactly how you feel, but I can imagine."
"Well, at first it was okay. Punching him got rid of most of the anger I was feeling. But I wasn't expecting to ever see him again, and then this whole thing with Elsa…" Anna sighed. "I just… I don't know if I can ever trust him. He hurt me, and I keep expecting him to hurt Elsa."
Kristoff was silent for a while, absently stroking Anna's hair. "Have you talked to Elsa about this? As in, this whole I'm-not-okay thing?"
"… No."
"Why don't you? I mean, I think Elsa should hear all this from you."
Anna squirmed. "But I know what she feels about him, and she'd definitely not go through with her plans if I were to tell her; Elsa's so overprotective sometimes."
"But you trust her?" he prompted.
"Of course!"
"I think Elsa is more than capable of taking care of herself," said Kristoff. "But honestly, I'm in no position to judge."
"What do you mean?" As she calmed down, Anna crawled out of Kristoff's arms and settled herself more comfortably in his lap.
"I've only known you both for a few months. I wouldn't say I know what you or Elsa think. Do you think you can say the same for me and Elsa?"
She furrowed her brow in concentration. "You… mayyyyybe. You're pretty simple, reindeer boy."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"I really can't say the same for Elsa, though," added the princess with a sigh. "We've known each other all our lives, but not really known known each other, and these past few months since the coronation has been full of rediscovering stuff about each other. Like for instance, did you know Elsa trips on her dress sometimes when she goes down staircases?"
"Really?"
"Really." Anna clapped her hand over her mouth. "Oh man – forget I said that. She'd kill me if I told anyone."
"Elsa's secret is safe with me," said Kristoff dryly. She grinned ruefully at him.
"You've only known him for what, a few days? And Elsa has for nearly a year?"
"Yeah…" She squinted at him. "Your point being?"
"Now, I'm not taking sides here," explained Kristoff, holding both hands palms-out in front of him, "but if Elsa says something like that, I think she has her reasons. Did you ask her – "
"She did say something along those lines, but I kinda wasn't listening?" said Anna sheepishly.
He raised an eyebrow. She huffed.
"… I get it. I'll talk to her."
"That's my girl." Kristoff ruffled her hair, and she fidgeted, laughing.
"Wait, did you – ?"
"Uhhh…" He blushed, and the heat in his face intensified when Anna pecked his cheek.
"You're cute when you talk without thinking."
"Where are you going?"
"Isn't it obvious?" grumbled Hans, fiddling with his cravat. "I'm going to answer the summons."
"Without telling us…?"
"… You would have known eventually."
"That doesn't make any sense. The queen summoned us as well." Benedikt nodded. "Fine. I'll tell Carl."
Hans' lip curled, and he nodded curtly. "Fine. Do as you please."
"Do you have to be so abrasive?"
"I'm not deliberately trying to be abrasive," said Hans stiltedly. "It's just – I'm not accustomed to having to explain my actions to people. Not to mention considering others' wellbeing."
"Sometimes I wonder if you're being serious, and I should be worried." Benedikt's eyes crinkled. "But you'll find caring about other people does wonders for the soul."
"If I still have one left."
"Now, before we adjourn this meeting, are there any last remaining issues you would like to mention?"
One of the members of her council – a mid-ranking military officer – cleared his throat and stood. "Lately, we have heard rumours that Prince Hans of the Southern Isles is alive," he said bluntly.
Elsa knew better than to be surprised; there were many spies besides her own working for various political factions, and her intelligence network had warned her that this might happen. The man who had spoken, Field Marshal de Falsen, was a surprise choice of advocate, however. His family was relatively new – they had been ennobled by her great-great-grandfather for outstanding military service – and she had thought they were content to stay out of politics, especially controversial issues such as this.
Nevertheless, she answered, equally bluntly: "The rumours are true. He was saved by a pair of Southern Isles soldiers. I was only aware of this after a chance meeting."
He nodded gravely amidst the storm of muttering that arose around them, locking eyes with the queen. "Then, with Your Majesty's blessing, we think the prince should be summoned to the castle to receive his reward for his services to the Crown."
"Oh? And what reward did you have in mind, Field Marshal?" Elsa asked, carefully noting the use of the word 'we'.
"I'm sure you could think of something appropriate, my queen."
Elsa smiled. "I have already issued a formal summons to the prince and his retinue towards that end," she said, relishing the momentary surprise on the man's face. "We will try to ascertain his reasons for betraying his kingdom and family then."
"As Your Majesty decrees." He sat down, and she was pleased to see his immediate neighbours shift a little farther from him. It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless.
Expanding her council from the tight-knit group of nobles of her father's time to a more diverse representation of Arendelle's society was proving to be troublesome, and Elsa was glad that she had her resources to fall back on to as she combated the politicking that was happening before her eyes.
She appreciated the fact that de Falsen's military training made him direct to the point of rudeness. The convoluted speeches of her council required a great deal of effort interpreting, and even more crafting a watertight response. There was only so much Anna could do to help, and Kristoff was definitely not cut out for politics.
And more importantly, Elsa wanted to preserve their innocence as long as she could.
Still, she mused, I can always do with more.
"If there's nothing else, I'd like to bring up the issue of the Royal Ice Master Kristoff Bjorgman," said Elsa.
Eirik sat in his study, engrossed in a book. The candle at his side began to burn low, casting flickering shadows over the room but went unnoticed.
There was a small knock at the door, inaudible for those who hadn't been listening for it. "Come in," said Eirik, snapping the book shut.
"Good evening, Your Majesty."
"What is so important you had to request a clandestine meeting with me tonight?" asked the king irritably. "You know I have a full day tomorrow."
The newcomer swept a bow. "My apologies for disturbing your rest, sire, but I have important news I think you should know."
"Yes?"
"His Highness Prince Hans is alive."
"The traitor Hans, you mean," corrected Eirik with a smirk.
"As you please Your Majesty."
"Hnn. That is interesting news. How is he?"
"He seems to be missing part of his left foot, but is otherwise hale."
Eirik rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "He got out of that and is only missing a foot? Apparently being the youngest of thirteen does give you an unparalleled survival instinct." The young king stood up and paced the room. "When was the last time you spoke to Brigit?"
"I received her report just before I left Arendelle. Would you like me to recite it to you?"
"That won't be necessary tonight. Summarise it for me, and give the full report another day when I ask for it."
The man cleared his throat. "Since the opening of the castle gates, there has been a flurry of activity within the walls, with new staff being hired almost every day. Brigit is currently a laundry maid, but she is doing her best to get into Queen Elsa's good graces and be promoted to a handmaid."
"Isn't there a way to hasten the process?"
"No. The senior servants have been with the royal family since the previous king's time. They are incorruptible. The queen and princess are also rather attached to the closest of the servants, and are loath to replace them anytime soon."
"I see. Never mind then," frowned Eirik. "Can she switch targets?"
"My king?"
"Instead of Elsa, try Anna. Little Hans got farther with her, didn't he? She's more likely to promote servants she takes a liking to. And where the princess goes…"
"... her sister goes," finished the man. "Yes. That might work."
"As for you, I want you to join the castle guard. I have Brigit in the servants' ranks already; I need a man in the guard." Eirik tapped his chin thoughtfully, and then asked, "How is Jehan?"
"He is a fast learner and a resourceful lad. He will be a credit to us all, sire."
"Good, good. Can we cut the final stages of his training short? I want him in Arendelle as well. A stable lad, someone strategically placed. See to that, please."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Will that be all?"
Eirik furrowed his brow. "For now," he said after a pause. "Let me think on this. Report back here tomorrow night – or rather, tonight – for further orders." As he left, the king turned his attention to the candle, staring into the flame long after it had burnt out, all earlier thoughts of sleep vanished from his thoughts.
The queen was busy with paperwork as usual, but today her thoughts kept straying to the summons she had sent out a few days before, and the council meeting from earlier that morning.
She had anticipated de Falsen's sentiments, and knew his faction had a sizeable position in her government. Despite having been groomed for the throne, it was a steep learning curve, and Elsa had taken her time acclimatizing to her crown; it had the unintended side effect of fostering factions competing for the power she left behind.
With Anna's support – and to some degree, Hans' – the young queen felt confident enough to take back her kingdom.
Elsa hoped that Hans was amenable to her plans – regardless of their complicated relationship. The word made her blush despite her best efforts, and she hastily turned her attention to the clock.
It was almost time to meet Anna for a late breakfast, almost lunch; the princess still had atrocious sleeping habits. Stacking her papers neatly, the queen made her way to Anna's room, enjoying the still-novel feeling of calling on her sister.
"Anna?" she called, knocking on her sister's door. "Are you in there?"
There was a muffled thud, and a squeak. The queen sighed and shook her head fondly, forever smitten with Anna's lack of coordination.
"Uh – just a minute!"
She waited. A few more thumps and thuds later, the door clicked open, and Anna stood in the doorway. "Okay!"
Elsa stifled her giggles behind her hand. "Are you sure you're fit to be seen in public?" she teased, motioning to the barely-tamed bird's nest that was the princess' hair. Anna pouted.
"It's just unmanageable this morning. I don't know what to do with it, and I had to open the door…"
"Alright, alright. Here, let me help." The queen took a brush and comb from Anna's vanity as her younger sibling plopped herself down on the stool. "Wow, what did you do last night to get these?" she asked, holding up a hopelessly-snarled lock of hair entangled with the brush.
"I wouldn't do it if I knew," huffed Anna.
Elsa merely shook her head and continued brushing, the mass of hair gradually becoming sleeker as she worked. Anna swung her feet and worked up the courage to speak.
"Elsa?"
"Yes?" asked the queen, distracted by a stubborn knot.
"Um… I was thinking…" Anna opened and closed her mouth a few times. "… About that thing with Hans."
Elsa's hands stilled. "What about it?"
"Uhm," said Anna, gnawing furiously on her lip, "remember when we were talking about him the other day?"
"Yes?"
"That… well… I'm not sure I'm totally okay with him because he lied and he said those horrible things to me and I know that you care about him but I really don't wanna see you get hurt like I was I think I'm being totally stupid and selfish but I don't want him around it makes me feel uncomfortable I didn't mean to feel this way but I do and I can't stop it I talked to Kristoff about it and he said I should talk to you." The words came out as a rush without warning, and Elsa blinked in surprise.
"I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch all of that." She laid down the brush and comb. "Anna, did he say anything – "
"Not really, and no, he didn't," she mumbled. "It's just me being selfish and stupid."
"Both of which you are not." Elsa placed her hands on Anna's shoulders, gently guiding her sister around to face her. "Just tell me why you think that. Don't keep anything from me, you won't hurt my feelings."
"Well… I don't know if I'm okay with having him around. Despite everything I said. Yeah. That's pretty much it."
"That," said Elsa firmly, "isn't being selfish, or stupid. The circumstances are horribly complicated, and it makes perfect sense for you not being immediately okay with it. In fact, I'm sorry I mentioned it."
"Stop right there," ordered Anna. "Just because I'm having second thoughts about this doesn't mean I'm against your idea. You're still a queen and you still get to make big decisions."
"But if you – "
"Me nothing. I know you wouldn't do something like that for purely selfish reasons, and the logical reasons are probably too complex to explain to me. I'm fine, I just need some time to adjust to it."
Elsa gave her a stern look. "Anna, I won't do anything you're not completely okay with. You're the most important person to me."
"And I tell you, I am completely okay with this!" Anna folded her arms across her chest. "You're not just saying that because it's some big sister thing – "
"I haven't been much of a big sister all these years, so I honestly wouldn't know."
"Elsa…"
Elsa squeezed her sister's shoulder, smiling slightly. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't dwell on the past, not when we've got the rest of our lives making up for that." Her expression grew serious as she continued to speak. "Anna… I wish I could tell you everything's going to be fine, but I really don't know." Her fingers moved restlessly, and her sister automatically reached for them. "I'm taking a big leap and I wish I knew exactly what I was doing, and how things would turn out."
The princess nodded slowly, her eyes wide. "Honestly… I wasn't expecting you to do something like that, Elsa. With Hans, I mean… well, I thought I was the one prone to jumping headlong into stupid decisions."
"Being impulsive is a family trait, I guess," said Elsa dryly, and Anna giggled. "There's so much we still don't know about each other."
"Yeah."
Instead of the companionable silence that filled in the space between their talks, this silence was awkward and stilted – the silence of new acquaintances getting to know each other. "Elsa – do you think – "
" – No," she said decisively. "Even though a lot happened at my coronation, I don't regret a second of it because it brought us back together."
"I know." Anna leaned forward, resting her forehead against Elsa's front. They stayed that way until Anna's stomach rumbled nosily, disrupting the moment.
"I think you're hungry," teased the queen.
"But my hair is still a mess," grumbled Anna – and then her eyes lit up. She reached out, sticking her fingers into Elsa's braid, pulling it loose.
"Anna!"
"Yours too," smirked the redhead.
"Your Majesty."
"Yes, Kai?" asked Elsa almost lazily from her spot on Anna's bed. The princess sat behind her, her own braids done, tongue sticking out as she worked on braiding her sister's long blonde hair into an intricate figure.
"You have guests waiting for you in the reception hall."
"Oh?" She straightened up. Anna made a noise of dismay as a lock of hair escaped her grip and hung slack. "Guests? This early in the day?" remarked the princess.
"It's afternoon, ma'am."
"But I just woke up – oh."
Kai's expression remained stoic – a skill honed over years of dealing with Princess Anna – and turned to Elsa. "The former Prince Hans, and two other men, are waiting to see you, my queen."
Anna dropped the half-finished braid in her hand. "Elsa…"
"Have them wait until I'm ready," the queen instructed, already getting up from the bed and smoothing her hair back. "I'll receive them in the throne room." If the senior castle butler was surprised by the formality of the meeting, he hid it well, bowing himself out of the room to carry out her orders. Elsa waited until the door of Anna's bedroom clicked shut behind the man before turning to Anna.
"I don't think I can do this alone."
Anna gripped her hands firmly. "I'd be at your side even if you didn't want me there, silly." She glanced at Elsa's loose hair. "Uh, do you want me to finish braiding that for you, or – "
" – it's fine like this," said Elsa distractedly, smoothing out her dress. "Even if you did undo the perfectly good hairdo I had this morning."
The princess opened her mouth to say something, caught sight of the tense expression her sister was wearing, and closed it again.
Out of the three, Carl was the most nervous; he continually fiddled with his jacket and scarf, tugging the latter up over his scarred face. "Would you stop that?" said Hans.
"Listen, you – " snarled the older man.
Before he could complete his description of Hans, a voice announced the arrival of Queen Elsa and Princess Anna, and the pair entered. The former prince was interested to note that while Elsa's eyes rested on him coolly, Anna was deliberately avoiding meeting his eyes.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness," he said, bowing the best as he could manage with his crutch. Benedikt and Carl murmured their greetings and followed suit. Elsa acknowledged them with a nod. "Thank you for answering my summons on such short notice," she said formally.
"It's no trouble, Queen Elsa," answered Benedikt. "How can we be of service?"
She merely smiled. "I was informed of the integral parts you played in helping Arendelle in the recent invasion," said Elsa, and Hans raised an eyebrow. "In light of your services to the Crown, I would like to reward you."
"Carl Egilsson. I offer you a place in the castle guard; Benedikt Egilsson, there is a place as an adviser in Arendelle's navy if you are interested."
Both men exchanged looks. "Your Majesty is too kind," began Benedikt.
"Also, I am aware of your status as refugees from the Southern Isles, along with your prince. I hereby confer upon you both full citizenship in Arendelle." The queen turned to her sister. "Anna, please explain to them the duties that the positions entail; I would like to speak to Prince Hans."
"Sure."
Elsa nodded, and he limped after her to the side room adjoining the throne room.
"For an official audience granting rewards, that was pretty low-key," he remarked once the heavy wooden doors had closed behind him.
"As I said, all of you are refugees from your home kingdom, and traitors to boot. If I were to hold a big public ceremony, I'd be condoning your actions and setting up Arendelle as officially opposed to the Southern Isles. Drawing up battlelines is something we can't afford to do."
Instead of scowling, Hans grinned. "Very politically astute, my queen."
"Thank you." She sat on the low couch and gestured for him to follow suit. "Now. Business first."
He watched her warily; even in the privacy of the side room, Elsa's demeanour was completely impersonal and cool. It was simultaneously intriguing and terrifying.
"Yes?"
"Whatever there was – is – between us, I think the best course of action would be to start over from the beginning. The early circumstances were unusual, to say the least; both at my coronation and after." As she spoke, she avoided meeting his gaze – the only time he had noticed her doing so that day.
Slowly, Hans nodded. "Yes… I understand what you mean," he began, "but I wonder at the need for that, considering we won't be spending time together in any capacity?"
"Actually… we would also like to offer you a place here as my personal advisor."
"Wait, what? Me? An advisor?"
Elsa nodded, ignoring the incredulity in his voice.
"… You must be kidding me."
"Why would I joke about a matter as serious as this?"
Hans gave a bark of laughter. "That's exactly it – this is a serious matter. You can't just appoint random traitors as – as advisors!"
"The council and I are in agreement; in light of your astute political savvy and your actions in the invasion, your appointment is the least Arendelle can do for you."
"You are mistaken." He folded his arms behind his back. "Giving me such a prominent position will be political suicide, Elsa."
"I don't – "
"Think about it. Arendelle, and quite a few of its neighbours, knows about my involvement in the events surrounding your coronation. Haakon's invasion is just a small petty attack in comparison; kingdoms go to war all the time. But a queen who froze over her entire kingdom? That will draw attention, welcome and otherwise."
"The council and I are confident in our decision."
"Oh, I don't doubt that; I'm assuming they are the most learned men in the kingdom. But that's precisely what they are. Who among them has studied abroad? Who has traveled to other kingdoms recently? Have they read the latest books, seen the latest plays? And not even mentioning your upbringing, Your Majesty." He saw her bite her lip, and continued in a kinder tone of voice. "Arendelle is not a large kingdom. The world has changed a lot, even in the short years between yours and your father's time."
She glanced at him. "By saying that, you're making a stronger case for yourself as an advisor."
"I'm hardly the most worldly or learned man; more importantly, I'm a foreigner. We don't need to mention my involvement in several attempts on yours and your sister's lives." Hans sighed. "Elsa… please don't jeopardise everything just for my sake."
"Who says everything is about you?" she shot back, fast as a whip, and he smiled in spite of himself.
"Of course. I apologize for saying that."
"Apology accepted," said Elsa, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "I'd already considered the points you brought up. Did you think I would just hand you a cushy job on my royal authority just because I had feelings for you?"
"Maybe?"
Elsa made a very unladylike snort, avoiding his eyes immediately after. "You wish. Anyway, I have also considered the numerous political ramifications of your appointment. Your brother isn't to be trusted, and my spies have confirmed he is planning on expanding his lands. Any opponent to his rule is a friend of Arendelle, and a disgraced former member of the Southern Isles' royal family, particularly one that defied him quite prominently – "
" – is a rallying figurehead for any alliance against the Southern Isles. I see."
"But Arendelle is not openly opposed to the Southern Isles," she emphasized. "You saved my life, and I am rewarding you for your actions."
"Ingenious."
"Furthermore, you're not only a political figure, but also a naval officer. Even if you can't serve physically, you have valuable intelligence about naval operations. I'm not just talking about the Southern Isles', but also in general, which will be handy to Arendelle – not to mention the actual former naval officer you brought."
"You speak as though Arendelle has no seafaring tradition of its own."
"Of course we have a long and noble tradition, but it's precisely as you described my council."
Hans raised an eyebrow.
"It has a glorious past, but we haven't exactly been making great strides forward with regards to technology. Gone are the days of the Hanseatic League, and the dominance of European seafaring; British frigates are the greatest ships on the water now, and they are creating a vast British Empire based on that technology. We need young and forward-looking officers to shape Arendelle's future."
There was a beat.
"Well," said Hans, "I do believe I've underestimated you, Your Majesty."
A smile slowly spread over her face, and she lost the look of the stern warrior-queen. "I've impressed you? That's a first."
"That's not true. You've done a lot of things that have amazed me – " he gestured at the window " – and continue to amaze me." He nodded at the dress of ice she wore, and Elsa blushed.
"But there's one problem, though."
"What is it?"
"I'm no longer a member of the Southern Isles' royal family, so I'm not a prince anymore. There are certain rules governing positions that only can be held by nobles…"
Elsa smiled. "That won't be a problem. I can just make you a member of Arendelle's nobility."
"Wait, what?"
"People talked when Kristoff started officially courting Anna, but it made things easier when I created him the Royal Ice Master. I am planning to make him a member of the nobility so their eventual marriage will be less controversial. Also, it always helps to have a faction of the nobility firmly behind the royal family."
He nodded approvingly. "You're more knowledgeable about queenship than I expected from a cloistered princess. Are you sure you still need my advice?"
"To be honest, I enjoyed our debates. They were stimulating… I haven't sparred verbally with anyone like that since Father passed away."
The mirth disappeared from his face. "I'm sorry, if that counts for anything." The words, he felt, were becoming easier to say with practice, becoming less mechanical and rote.
She shot him a curious look, but said her thanks nonetheless.
"One last thing." Hans bared his teeth in a grin devoid of amusement. "You are planning to make Kristoff a noble, but even if you do not, his loyalty to you and Anna is without question. If you were to make me a noble, how do you know I wouldn't turn against you?"
Elsa smiled. "I have other resources, and counter-measures just in case. There is a saying, that one should not put all of one's eggs in one basket." She shot him a penetrating look. "Especially when you are involved."
He let it slide. "I see you still don't trust me fully, Queen Elsa."
"No sensible person would." But she tempered the blow with a shy smile, and something in Hans' chest fluttered.
"Touché. But I am quite curious about those counter-measures you've put in place."
She squinted at him. "… Did you honestly think I would tell you?"
"Of course not, but it was worth a try," he admitted easily, a hint of a smile playing around his lips. Much to his amusement, Hans found he had missed the banter almost as much as Elsa had said she had. "In any case, your offer is very tempting. It's quite a promotion though; from prisoner to sailor to advisor and Arendellian nobleman."
Elsa chose not to respond. She stood, and made to leave the room. "Would you like some time to think about it?"
"No need. I accept your generous offer, Queen Elsa. Would you like me to swear the oaths of fealty to you right now?"
Her eyes widened as she caught the hidden implications of his statement – much to his disappointment. "We can do that at a later date with more witnesses," she said, blushing a little. He smirked and resisted the urge to comment on that.
Even if they were to start over, it was still heartening to see he could still have an impact on her.
As Hans limped out of the side room, the butler approached him. "Yes?"
The portly man bowed. "I have a message from Princess Anna," he said. "She requests the pleasure of your company at the balcony. She said you would know which one?"
"Certainly," he said, smiling faintly. "Has she been waiting long for me?"
"Not too long, sir."
"Then I shouldn't keep her waiting any more." The polite smile fell from his face as he moved to leave, his mind racing over the implications. Anna wished to talk to him; it would be the first time since after the Thaw when she had punched him that they would exchange more than a few words.
Would she tell him to back off from Elsa? It was so protective, so predictably Anna, that he wouldn't be surprised at all if she even tried to push him off the balcony. For all the thought that had gone into mulling over him and Elsa, it was Anna that he had hurt, Anna whom he had left to die.
A million things raced through his mind, and uncharacteristically, he couldn't think of a single thing to say.
She was sitting on the balcony humming to herself, so engrossed she didn't hear him approach. "What is it with you sisters and private meetings?" commented Hans dryly.
Anna jumped a little. "Oh! You're here. That was fast."
He gingerly lowered himself to the balcony, perching himself on the edge, noting she made no move to help him. "I'll take that as a compliment," he said, resting the crutch against a nearby pillar. "So what did you want to discuss with me, Princess?"
"Just Anna is fine," she said loftily, "you didn't seem to have a problem using my name before."
"I had a different aim in mind before."
An annoyed expression briefly crossed her face, but she continued talking like he had not spoken. "I asked you here because of Elsa."
"What about Elsa?" he asked, feeling a little weary from the sheer number of times the topic had popped up. "If you want me to back off – "
"N-no! That's not it at all!" Anna's face was flushed.
"Then?" Hans was truly bemused now; she had hated him for his actions, and now it seemed like it was the complete opposite.
She held up a hand. "Stop interrupting and let me finish."
"Okay."
"Good. Yes. Elsa. As I was trying to say, I don't trust you." She looked him square in the eye; Hans met her gaze head-on. "We never got to talk after I punched you out because honestly, I never expected to have to see you again."
"So did I."
"But then all this happened – " she gestured vaguely with both hands "– and well. I trust Elsa, but…"
"You don't trust me with Elsa," supplied Hans quietly.
"No." All the fight went out of Anna instantly. "I don't want Elsa to get hurt like I did," she muttered. "Especially since it's you. I know it took a while for Elsa to feel the way she does about you now, but for me…"
"I'm not asking for anything from you. You can hate me all you want. You're aware of that, right?"
"Of course I am!" Her hands were clenched in her lap. "But the weird thing is, I don't."
"You don't hate me…?"
Anna gave a snort of laughter. "I did. It's strange, but right now… I don't. All I really care about now is Elsa's happiness. The bad stuff that happened… it feels numb, like it never happened. And in a way," she added quietly, "I'm glad."
Hans' mind flashed back to their brief engagement; the cheerful, bubbly girl he danced with. Coming back from pursuing her sister, half-frozen and weak. The devastation in her eyes, replaced by an anger so heated, he avoided meeting her gaze as he locked her in the room. The cool fury as she dismissed him, and then punched him in the jaw.
He was having trouble reconciling the loathing he remembered with the calm indifference she possessed now.
"Anna, I…" The young man searched for the words he wanted. "I do feel remorse now, for my actions then."
"Now, you say? That's an improvement," she commented, raising an eyebrow. He blinked; her resemblance to her sister in that moment was uncanny.
But instead of rising to the bait, Hans clasped his hands together in his lap, chewing on his lip. "Anna. I realize what happened before – what I did to you was unforgivable."
She shot him a you-don't-say look, but said nothing.
"Nothing I can do or say now will make it right. But you aren't Elsa, and I… I'm not that person anymore." He exhaled deeply.
Anna's hand rested lightly on his, and Hans looked up in surprise; it withdrew almost immediately, as though she had been burnt.
"Prove it," she said shortly. "Treat Elsa well."
Hans was silent for a long moment. "I can't promise anything. I just…. this is new to me as well. Not having a long-term goal to work towards, no ulterior motives. All these… emotions."
She stared at him. "You sound like a worse person than the one I knew back then, in the library."
"I probably am." He looked down at the stump of his left leg. "I can't say with certainty that I am no longer that person, but I'm hoping it's a start in the right direction, at the very least."
Anna exhaled, a long loud sigh that ruffled her bangs. "I suppose that will have to do. Honestly, I still feel like I'm wasting my time talking to you about this."
"I can't blame you," remarked Hans dryly.
"One last thing."
"Yes?"
"Did you – did you ever feel anything for me? At all?"
Hans closed his eyes, and then opened them. "I certainly never despised you, Anna, and I never intended to hurt you," he said. "I did like you as a person – I wasn't faking anything that night. I really did enjoy our time together."
"But."
Anna shook her head. "There's always a but."
"But. I wasn't going to change my mind about my plans, no matter what I felt about you. I had my goals in mind, and you were just a stepping stone on the way. I'm sorry."
"Don't," said Anna, standing up. "I don't want or need your apology. I'm not seeking closure, or anything like that. It was just something I wanted to know."
Hans took it as his cue to pull himself upright. "… I hope I've cleared your doubts."
She shook her head slowly. "Far from it, but I really can't bring myself to care about you."
"I understand."
"Good." She clapped her hands together like a satisfied child.
"Wait a moment. I also have one last thing to say."
She tilted her head quizzically.
"Thank you."
"What was that for?"
"I'm quite certain Elsa wouldn't have offered me the position without your knowledge and approval, and this in spite of our past history."
It was a mark of how far they'd come that she didn't splutter and demand to know how he had come to that conclusion; Anna merely stared hard at him. "Just so you know, though, I've got my eye on you. Always."
Hans inclined his head. He knew in any conflict real or imagined – and inevitable, if she was as predictable as he figured – he would give way to her. Still, it cost him nothing to let her think she had the upper hand.
Author's End Notes: Incredibly plotty chapter, because goodness knows this fic is in dire need of plot. But that being said, we can have more shipping and fluff in the next chapter.