Chapter 21:
A New Beginning
A/N: At long last, the final chapter of our story. Enjoy!
True to her word, Elsa had a ship prepared to set sail for the Southern Isles early the next morning. Before they left, Hans was given a haircut, and good shave, along with a new set of clothes to wear. Elsa still didn't trust the prince entirely, so she instructed the guards to lead him onto the ship with his hands bound with rope. She wasn't going to risk any more unpleasantness.
Since Anna's return, Kristoff had never left her side. The ice harvester followed her everywhere, fearing that he might lose her again. Anna was overjoyed to see him again, and made sure to tell him just how much she loved him. The two months they had been apart only further strengthened their relationship. On the morning of their departure, Kristoff and Anna stood on the deck watching the crew prepare the ship for sailing. As they watched a man bring aboard a large crate, they noticed two guards coming up the ramp from behind. In the middle of them was Hans; his hands bound in rope. Upon seeing the Southern Isle prince, Kristoff's eyes lit up with rage. He clenched his fists together, and started to march towards him, but Anna caught him just before he could get to Hans.
"Kristoff, it's not worth it," she advised.
As much as Kristoff wanted to beat the living daylights out of the prince who had caused Anna so much harm, he knew that she was right. After today, he would be gone, and Arendelle would never have to worry about him ever again. But one thing still troubled him.
"I can't believe your sister pardoned that bastard," he said.
"It's surprising, I know. But I trust that she had good reasons for doing so," Anna said.
"What reasons could she possibly have? The guy kidnapped you Anna!" Kristoff cried.
"Yes, but he did other things as well, Kristoff. Even though Hans was the reason I ended up on that island in the first place, I never would have survived without him. I know it sounds strange, but it's the truth. He kept me alive."
Kristoff snorted. He knew Anna meant well, but Hans didn't deserve any sympathy whatsoever. "Still, he tried to hurt you, and that's enough reason for me to hate him."
"I don't blame you. And don't think for a minute that I'm being soft on him. Hans deserves everything that he gets. Even after he saved my life, it doesn't change what he did in the past."
A part of Anna meant what she had told Kristoff. Nothing that Hans could ever do would change what he tried to do to the sisters of Arendelle, but still, another part of her believed that he had changed during their time on the island together. He truly sounded remorseful, and even from Hans's standards that was impressive. Nonetheless, she knew that it was for the best that they never see each other again. Whether he changed or not, the past still remained, and Hans was a grim reminder of it all.
When they arrived in the Southern Isles, they were escorted into King Daniel's chambers. Elsa led the way, with Anna, Kristoff, and the two guards holding Hans behind them. Upon entering the room, King Daniel walked over to greet his guests from Arendelle.
"Welcome, Queen Elsa. I am so sorry that you had to go out of your way to bring this monster back home. We would have been more than happy to take him off your hands ourselves," King Daniel said.
"That's alright, King Daniel. It was no trouble at all. Besides, I need to talk to about Hans."
"I know, he's a disgrace to the entire country. I assure you Queen Elsa, that he will never see the light of day again. He'll be locked away in the dungeons for the rest of his days. I will personally see to it that this monster never harms anyone ever again."
"With all due respect, Your Majesty, I don't think that's necessary," Elsa said.
"What do you mean?" King Daniel asked, confused at the Snow Queen's statement.
"I mean that there is no need to punish Hans, because I am pardoning him for his crimes."
A loud gasp filled the entire room; King Daniel's being the loudest. Everyone turned their attention to the thirteenth prince, bound with rope, and hanging his head low. Did Queen Elsa really say she was going to pardon him?
"Queen Elsa, I know that you are a very compassionate ruler, but do you realize what this man has done to you? He kidnapped your sister, and for two months terrorized her on a desert island, all because his plans to hold her for ransom failed. God knows what he did to her. Hans doesn't deserve any pity whatsoever. He is a menace, and as such, he shall be severely punished for his actions. Guards, take the prisoner down to the dungeons. I want you to give him forty lashes each."
The guards started to pull Hans towards the door, when Elsa spoke up.
"That won't be necessary, King Daniel" she said firmly. "Now may you please let me finish speaking?"
"Of course, Your Majesty," King Daniel obliged.
"Thank you. As I said before, I have decided to pardon Hans for his crimes against Arendelle. However, this pardon does come with conditions, and its effectiveness depends on whether or not the conditions are upheld. There are three conditions to this particular pardon. One: Hans may never set foot in Arendelle ever again. Two: He shall never contact Princess Anna ever again. And the third condition, the one I believe is the most important, depends entirely upon you."
"Me? But I didn't do anything wrong!" King Daniel cried, disgusted at what Elsa was saying.
"I wouldn't say that," she said. "You're completely innocent in this whole story, King Daniel. When I first met you, I saw what kind of a man you are, and your attitude towards Hans. I was so disgusted at it, that for a moment, I actually pitied the man who had caused so much pain to my sister and I. The way you talked about Hans as if he were some sort of disease that you couldn't get rid of, let me see just how you really thought about him. As I told Hans yesterday, nobody is born evil. There are outside factors that contribute into making a person who they turn out to be in the end. I don't doubt that Hans was once a kind, and considerate person, but something happened to him that made him stray away from all that. And that something is you, and the rest of your sons."
Anna told me what Hans had told her about his childhood, and how you and his siblings constantly tormented him, never once showing him the love that he so desperately needed. Hans only had one person in his life that he thought truly loved him: his mother. Sadly, she died when he was still very young. With the only person who ever loved him gone, and the rest of you tormenting him constantly, slowly, but surely, Hans transformed into the monster that he is known as today. This by no means excuses Hans's actions. We all have choices to make in life, and Hans chose to do this wicked things. And because he committed such heinous acts, I will never truly forgive him. But due to the circumstances of all that has occurred, namely Hans saving Anna from the wrath of Prince Richard, I've decided to show him mercy.
"But Queen Elsa, Hans murdered Richard! My eldest son! How could I possible forgive him for that?"
"I understand how you feel, King Daniel," Elsa replied, remaining calm. "And I'm sorry for your loss. "But Richard was a despicable human being. He tried to rape me, my sister, and tried to kill her as well. If Hans hadn't been on that mountaintop, Richard might have succeeded in his sick plans. Believe me, it feels strange to thank the man who put Anna in this whole situation to begin with, but without him, Anna might not be here today."
The Snow Queen flashed Anna a big smile; showing just how happy she was that she had returned.
"Now as for the third condition," Elsa began. "I thought long and hard about this, and I've decided that the third condition of the pardon will depend entirely on you and the rest of your family. I want you to give Hans the proper love and respect that he was denied all these years. I want you to treat him like you would the rest of your children, let him know how much you love him, and help him when he needs it. If you fulfill these three conditions, then the pardon will stand firm. If you or Hans violate these conditions, then the pardon will be nullified, and I'll have no choice but take things into my own hands. Do you accept these terms and conditions, King Daniel?"
King Daniel was baffled at what he just heard. He understood two of the conditions in Elsa's pardon, but could not begin to fathom why she would demand that he treat Hans with respect, especially after all that he's done.
"With all due respect, Queen Elsa, I must say that what you demand is simply ridiculous?" King Daniel confessed.
"You want me to love the son who not only murdered my eldest, but also brought dishonor upon the entire kingdom? I think you've lost it."
Elsa remained calm, keeping her eyes focused on King Daniel. She ignored his little insult, knowing that he just didn't understand.
"I'm serious, King Daniel. I want you to treat Hans like you would anyone else. It's because of you that became the man that he is today, but perhaps you can prevent further damage by giving him the love that he always wanted.
King Daniel looked at Hans. His youngest son had his head hung low so that no one could see his face. He could tell that Hans must feel ashamed for all that he'd done, and rightfully so. But if Queen Elsa demanded that he treat Hans with respect, how in the world was she going to make sure that he fulfilled that part of the pardon?"
"And how are you going to know whether or not I do what you ask?"
"Simple. I shall keep in regular contact with your advisors, guards, servants, and anyone closest to you. If any of them report that you have continued to treat Hans with contempt, then the pardon will be nullified, and I will personally see to it, that you never sit on that throne again."
"Are you threatening me, Queen Elsa?" King Daniel asked, amazed that the Snow Queen would actually say something to him.
"Indeed I am, King Daniel. You see, I don't have to offer you this pardon. Hans and Richard have already committed enough crimes against Arendelle for me to declare war on the Southern Isles. In all honesty, my conscious says that I should do just that. Fortunately for you, I am a compassionate woman. I will do anything in my power to avoid unnecessary violence. Just because I am capable of it, doesn't mean I will use it. Now, do you really want the blood of thousands of innocent men, women and children on your hands, all because you refused the generous deal I offered you?
King Daniel knew that Elsa had him beat. He cared deeply for his people, and he would never forgive himself if anything were to happen to them. Though he hated the deal that Elsa was offering him, he knew that he had to put the safety of his people above anything else. Hans may be a free man, and King Daniel may have to be kinder to him, but to protect the Southern Isles from the wrath of the Snow Queen, it was worth it.
"Fine. I accept your terms and conditions," King Daniel said softly. "Now please go."
Elsa could tell that King Daniel no longer wished to see them. She ordered the guards to untie Hans, and lead him out of the room. Once in the entrance hall, Elsa granted Hans's wish.
"You may speak to my sister privately if you wish," she said. "You have five minutes."
Elsa had informed Anna of Hans's wish the previous evening, and the princess told her that she should accept. It was after all the last time either of them would see each other. Hans led Anna to the parlor on the right, while Elsa and Kristoff remained outside. Once they were alone, Hans spoke.
"Your sister is a very kind ruler," he said.
"Yes she is. That's what I love about her," Anna affirmed.
"I just hope that my father upholds the conditions of the pardon."
"It's not just up to him, it's up to you as well," Anna reminded him.
"Of course, and I will do so. But before you go, I wanted to tell you once again just how sorry I am for everything. These past two months have taught me what a selfish, cruel, sadistic man I was. It feels strange to say this, but had we not been stranded together, I don't think I would have ever realized that. There's something about you, Anna that brought out the good in me. I saw how much you cared about Elsa, and Kristoff, and it made me see just how big of a heart you have. You remind me of my mother. She always saw the good in people, no matter who they were. I think that's why I fell in love with you as well. Your compassion is the greatest thing about you, Anna. Don't ever lose it. Spread your love and kindness to as many people as possible, show them how much you care! I hope Kristoff realizes just how lucky he is to have you. If only I would have known sooner, then maybe I would be the one to hold you in my arms. I know you probably think I'm still a monster, and I don't blame you. No matter what I do, you'll always think that. I'm not asking for your forgiveness, Anna, I can live without it. All I want is for you to know how sorry I truly am, and how much I care about you. We may never see each other again, but please understand this. That's all I ask."
Anna paused for a moment, thinking over Hans's words, and the best way to respond to them.
"Hans, thank you for your words, I appreciate that. But I must let you know that I do believe that you've changed. There were times when I doubted it. To be honest, I went back and forth quite a bit. But the moment you saved me from Richard, erased any doubt that still lingered in my mind. You were willing to die for the person who months earlier you hated with all your heart. That was….so profound…I can't even begin to describe to you how it felt. I knew right then and there that you were a changed man, and that you realized the error of your ways. And as much as it pains me to say it, I think it's best that we never see each other again. I may have forgiven you, but that doesn't change all that's happened. Before I go, I want you know that I'm proud of you.
"Proud of me? For what?"
"I'm proud that you realize just how wrong your actions were, and how determined you are to change from here on out. If there's one thing I could ask from you, Hans that would be it. Go on with your life, make the best of it, find someone you love, and show her how much she means to you. Be humble, be kind, be honest, but most of all, be the good person I know you can be. Remember what Robinson Crusoe said, "It's never too late to be wise."
Hans smiled. Oh how he wanted to pick her up in his arms, and hold her forever. But he knew that he couldn't. The least he could do was to honor Anna's wish, and be the best man he could be. And maybe, just maybe, one day they would see each other again. Most people would tell him that this was highly unlikely, but Hans chose to believe it anyway.
Before opening the door, Anna looked back at Hans—standing perfectly still with tears in his eyes. She knew that this was against her better judgement, but she didn't care. Anna ran up to the prince who she spent the last two months with, and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Goodbye, Hans."
"Goodbye, Anna."
With that, the princess opened the door, and closed it behind her. Knowing it was the last time she would ever see Prince Hans of the Southern Isles.
On the journey home, Anna and Elsa took the time to bond with each other. They stood out on the deck, and watched as the ship sailed through the water, seeing fish every now and then. The two talked freely about what to do when they got back to Arendelle, and how the new trading agreement with the kingdom of Labraza.
"They sound nice," Anna commented.
"Yes, they are. As a matter of fact, King Luke is coming to Arendelle in a few days to finalize our trading agreement. You'll get to meet him then as well as his daughter Princess Ruby."
"Looking forward to it. You know how much I love meeting people."
Elsa laughed, patting Anna on the back. "Oh I know that alright."
For the next few minutes there was silence between the two sisters. Neither spoke as they both thought about Hans, and how different his life would be now. Elsa could tell that Anna was thinking about him as well.
"So how did your conversation with Hans go?"
"Well, I guess. I really don't want to talk about," Anna confessed.
"I understand. But if you ever need someone to talk too, I'm right here," Elsa offered.
Anna smiled. "You have no idea how happy that makes me."
Elsa wrapped her arms around Anna, pulling her in for a hug. "I love you, Anna," she said.
"I love you too, Elsa. So very much."
As the two sisters held each other, Kristoff walked over to join them, wrapping his own arms around. When the three broke apart, he looked into Anna's eyes. The two leaned forward, their lips meeting together, forming a perfect kiss. Elsa smiled the scene in front of her. Even though there had been so much tragedy in their lives, there was always a light at the end of the tunnel waiting for them. And for that, she couldn't be happier.
Hans knelt down beside Aubrey's grave, placing a bouquet of flowers onto it. Beside her, Richard lay buried, and despite his actions, Hans still took the time to visit him as well. He sat still for a while, staring at the headstones in front of him. Hans was so lost in his train of thought, that he didn't hear the sound of footsteps coming from behind him. The figure sat down beside him, and wrapped his arms around him.
"I miss her too, son," the man said.
Hans looked to his right, and saw his father sitting beside him.
"She was a wonderful lady," King Daniel said. "And she loved you with all her heart."
"I realize now what a failure I've been as a father towards you. Queen Elsa was right, I never gave you the love that you deserved. But I'm going to from here on out. I'm going be the father that you always wanted.
"Are you just doing this because Elsa told you too?" Hans asked, skeptical of his father's words.
"No son. I truly mean it. I'm sorry for all that I've done to you. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have turned out the way you did. I take full responsibility for everything that has happened. And for that, I am truly sorry."
For the first time in his life, Hans saw his father cry. He had never imagined him doing so, always picturing him as the strong and masculine type. But here he was crying his eyes out in front of him. Hans could tell that his father meant what he said, there was no doubt in his mind. He hugged his father tightly, and whispered to him.
"I love you, dad."
"I love you too, son."
A/N: And there we have the final main chapter of our story, but it's not over just yet. There's still an epilogue to come. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoyed the final main chapter! In the future, I'm thinking about writing a Kristelsa story. What do you all think? I've never done one before, but the concept sounds interesting. Keep in mind though, I still ship Kristanna. That is cannon after all.