Proposal

(A/N: And last chapter. One was posted a couple days ago for anyone who may have missed that update. Hans/Elsa fans will probably love this chapter. Unfortunately, don't think it's this easy just yet. As always, final A/N, probably short depending, is at the bottom.)

It wasn't long after the battle's end before Arendelle's citizens, until then hidden in a secret keep, returned to their homes. Within a week things were back to normal once more. More or less. The Duke of Weselton and company left to return to their land. The old man had a bargain to keep with the shadows. Shadows he frankly still didn't trust. In fact, he'd taken to glaring distrustfully and warningly at his own. He'd read up a bit on Pharabou and the land of the shadows—information had been found in some old Arabic and Persion texts for some reason—and he now knew that everyone's shadow was indeed a, well, shadow. On first glance that probably wouldn't make sense, but you got the picture!

Back in Arendelle, the brothers were preparing to sail for the Southern Isles again. Hans and Rhun walked down the hallway to where the Duke of Cumberland had been put up to stay. He had asked they be sent in to him. Though uneasy, they had gone. After all, the man was free of the mirror's influence now. There was no more reason to fear him. As Aaron had so often insisted in life, he was a good man. They entered the room where the Duke sat, woefully gazing out the window. He turned to the two. "I wanted to say I'm sorry," he said to them before they could speak. "Sorry will never make what happened to you two go away. It will never make it better… But it's all I can offer anymore. I am so, so sorry…"

They were silent. "It wasn't you who gave those orders," Rhun finally answered.

"But it was," the Duke replied.

"Under the influence of a corrupt and twisted mirror's shards," Rhun said. "But you won't have to worry about them anymore, my lord Duke. They are under the Elf King's protection now."

"I won't have to worry about anything anymore," the Duke muttered. "I intend to end my life… A final penance for all the wrongs I have done…"

"Don't. Please. He died so you wouldn't have to. Will you really throw that away?" Hans asked.

"Before the mirrors and windows I had always been known as a fair judge, even when the just punishment turned out to be death… The just punishment for me and all that I've done is death… Had Aaron known that, had I told him as much, perhaps he would still be alive… I can't go on without my son and my wife… I don't have the strength… I've poisoned myself already, you know… It won't be long now. Please, don't try to save me or talk me out of it. Just send my remains home to be buried alongside my family," the man said.

"What of the power vacuum that will open up in Cumberland with your death? Sir Duke, you can't…" Rhun began.

"Cumberland will be alright again. Perhaps the elf king may see it fit to ensure it is until another ruler is placed on the throne. And if he doesn't, it's alright, because my land will recover. It always has," the Duke said. He began coughing. Hans and Rhun quickly went to him as he started to waver. He was nearly gone, they saw. "My love, my son, I will meet you both soon," he whispered to the sky. Hans and Rhun sat him down gently and stayed with him. Minutes later, the man was gone. Hans had stopped looking at him long ago now. Rhun knew his brother was in no position to deal with this. Silently he picked up the body with a grunt and brought it away from the prince, who remained put. He would for a long time. This time Hans's being alone was for the best. He would come down to join them again eventually.

Hans silently looked at the scene outside, peaceful and happy… Would he ever feel at peace or happy again, he wondered? For a moment, following the Duke's example seemed so tempting… He had never felt at peace or happy, he realized. How could he feel it again? Was there really even any point in living on? There would be no happily ever after for him. There were no happily ever afters for the Princes of the Southern Isles. Happily ever after was an illusion, a lie… It was why so few of his stories had a genuine happily ever after. Almost always it was tragic or bittersweet, because happy endings were ideals concocted by fantasy and wishes. He shook his head and rose, leaving the room.

Two Months Later

Elsa looked out the window silently as her advisors continued blabbing on and on about how it was high time she chose the man she was going to marry, and that if none of those from the first round of suitors struck her fancy, that she should arrange a second round. She'd tuned them out long ago, though. It had been the same thing at least once every week for years now. She was so sick of hearing it. "You're dismissed," she suddenly said, cutting them off in the middle of whatever it was they'd been saying.

"Your Majesty…" one began.

"I said you're dismissed," she repeated, glaring back at them. "I'll think on your words and have a decision on what I'll do by tomorrow."

They were quiet. "Very well, Queen Elsa," another advisor answered. Without another word, they left. At least they'd finally gotten her to act.

Elsa sighed heavily, going to her throne and falling into it, leaning her head back. "Rough day, sis?" Anna asked, coming into the room as the advisors were leaving, glaring after them. She knew they were pressuring her sister, and she had half a mind to deck them for it, but she refrained.

"You have no idea. Give me good news. Please," Elsa pled.

"Well, chocolate cake for dessert tonight," Anna replied, smiling.

"Oh that's the best news I've had in forever," Elsa answered, giggling.

"It solves all life's problems," Anna said, giggling as well. Her smile became uneasy. "And…" She trailed off.

"And what?" Elsa asked, curiously looking at Anna.

Anna hesitated and drew a deep breath. "And Kristoff and I are… are trying for a baby," she admitted.

Elsa blinked blankly. What now? "What?" she asked, unsure she'd heard correctly.

Anna flushed. "We're trying for a baby," she replied.

"You're… Oh my god… Anna, are you serious?" Elsa asked, standing up. Anna nodded. Elsa blinked then began to laugh. Anna looked at her like she'd lost her mind. "Sis, that's amazing!" Elsa exclaimed, running to her sister and taking her into her arms.

Anna grinned. "You think?" she asked hopefully.

"You'll make an amazing mother, Anna! And Kristoff will be a great dad! This is so exciting!" Elsa exclaimed.

"Whoa, calm down Elsa, I'm not pregnant yet," Anna replied, giggling.

"Anna, I'm so happy for you," Elsa replied, pulling her sister into a hug. Anna hugged her tightly back. As Elsa looked over her sister's shoulder, though, her smile slowly fell to a sad frown as the weight of this hit her.

You could have had that…

She shook her head, ridding herself of the thought, and focused again on being happy for her sister. "I'm a little jealous you're going to be both married and a mother before your big sister, though," she teased.

"Married yes, a mother is yet to be seen," Anna answered.

"You will be. I don't even have a husband yet," she said.

Anna's smile fell. "But you will. You told the advisors you'd have your answer by tomorrow." Elsa's smile fell too. So she had… "I know you aren't going to go through another round of suitors, which means… which means you've decided to pick from the ones that were left… Who will you choose, Elsa…? Edvard?" She asked hopefully, but she knew it wouldn't be the case. She almost didn't want to hear the answer she knew she'd be given. She wanted Elsa to choose anyone else but him… But at the same time there was no one she would rather see her sister with more… Except maybe Iscawin, but Iscawin, despite all his efforts, had never connected to Elsa like… like Hans…

Elsa looked away, then back to Anna. She knew her sister knew what her answer would be. "I won't choose him if you don't want me to," she said.

"I want you to choose who you love," Anna said.

"I don't love anyone, Anna… It will be a marriage of convenience. That's why I'm giving you this call. If you don't want me to choose him, I won't. I'll be content with Iscawin or Edvard," she said.

"But happy with him," Anna said.

"No. Content," Elsa answered firmly.

"Why do you keep telling yourself that you don't love him?" Anna asked.

"I know my own heart, sis. Despite what you think, or anyone, I don't love him," Elsa answered. "Well, I do. Dearly. Only as an intimate friend, though. He'll keep up with me better than his brother or Edvard, that's about it. If you don't want me to pick him, I won't."

"You know your heart, Elsa… In everything but love," Anna answered. She didn't argue, though. "If he'll be the most satisfying choice for you, then take him… I've begun to start to tolerate him again anyway. He's… not so bad." It would be a long time before she completely forgave him, but she was taking steps in that direction. "I'm okay with it. Really I am."

Elsa smiled softly at her sister and hugged her again. "Thank you," she said.

Frozen

"She's made her decision," Moren said to his siblings suddenly over breakfast. At least, he could only deduce as much from the phrases 'urgent matter' and 'involves you and your brothers intimately' and 'isn't a matter of war or danger'.

"Uh, what?" Franz asked. That was random.

"She's chosen a suitor. From among us. All of us who are single," Moren said, glaring pointedly at Jürgen. Jürgen tensed up, but he wasn't alarmed. He knew it wasn't him she'd choose. "By tonight she'll arrive. She'll give me her decision. If the one she chooses agrees to be with her, an engagement will begin and talk of a wedding date will start." Hans was silent, looking only at his food.

It won't be you. Monsters do not deserve to reap rewards; let alone rewards they're not even sure they want.

"Dress your best and assemble in the throne room within the next three hours. She'll arrive before dinner and join us, and her new fiancé, for the meal," Moren said.

She should have chosen Edvard. Or Iscawin at least. Wait, you're not sure she didn't choose Iscawin. After all, what possible reason does she have to choose you? Especially when Anna's opinion is involved heavily in her choice.

"I have to go," Hans said, rising and leaving without waiting for an argument. Iscawin watched silently after his brother and hung his head.

You wish it would be you she chooses. Hans wishes it would be you too… But she won't, and you know she won't… You and he will both mourn and rejoice when her answer is given.

He closed his eyes. "I have to leave too," he said quietly, standing and walking quickly away. There was silence at the table. Oh boy. This was going to get interesting.

Frozen

"Announcing Queen Elsa of Arendelle!" the crier stated as the brothers sat on their thrones. Hans tensed slightly. His shoulders sagged and he bowed his head before looking up once more. The doors to the throne room opened and in she strode, followed by her entourage, graceful as ever they had seen her… His eyes watched her every movement before he tore them away and looked down again. Elsa knelt gracefully before Moren and his brothers, bowing her head.

"Queen Elsa, rise, please. There is no need for such formality. Tell me, sister. Why have you come on such short notice? It sounded urgent," Moren questioned gently. It was just a formality that he asked, though. As established, he already had guessed at what the answer would be.

"It was," she replied, rising and folding her hands in front of her, facing Moren boldly. "I've come for my sister's sake, not my own… Anna wishes to become pregnant. Very soon. Before that can happen, her marriage to Kristoff must be observed and seen as official among Arendelle's populace through a show wedding."

"Why have you come here telling this to us?" Moren questioned.

"Because by law a royal child can't marry until their elder siblings, if there are any, have," Elsa answered. Honestly it was an obscure law pretty well anyone would overlook if she had a mind to deny it or bring an end to it, but… She quickly stopped the thought process. No, law was law. She had to do this. She had no choice.

Yes you do. That law isn't even why you're here. You have a choice. You just wish you didn't.

"Before my sister can be with the man she loves without scandal, I must marry. So I come to you because I know in my heart that if I must be wed, I would as soon wed amongst the rulers of the Southern Isles, for the sake of an alliance that cannot be broken. Such a union would only benefit my people and yours, and if I don't marry by choice, I marry for the protection of my land. The stronger my own political ties, the greater chance I have."

"You come to claim a husband," Caleb said. "My lady, if it is your wish, and if my brothers should agree, then take your pick of them, all those who are not wed. They will become yours. You need only ask. Have you chosen among us?"

"I… I have," Elsa stated. Hans closed his eyes tightly and hung his head low, balling his hands in front of him. Those words should not hurt like they did. "Only I'm afraid he will not accept."

"Lady, no man of sound mind could ever refuse you," Hans murmured quietly. "Marriage of convenience or not, the one who has won your approval will be forever blessed to have called you his wife." Her gaze turned to him silently. Quietly she watched him.

"Speak his name, and I will give him to you, should he desire it," Moren said, causing her to turn back to him. "Which of us have you chosen as your prince consort?"

Elsa drew in a deep breath and looked around at the princes. This was it. There was no going back if she said a name now. There were no second thoughts or chances. If she spoke now, she spoke for forever. Hans shut his eyes tightly, willing back a threatening wave of pain. He looked up once more, steeling himself for her announcement. She turned back to Moren soon enough.

What are you doing? Do you even know?

She pushed aside the thought quickly. "I choose Prince Hans!" she declared loudly and boldly.

Frozen

Her entourage started in shock, looking at their queen in wide-eyed disbelief. Even the princes and king, who had expected as much, looked stunned at the certainty in her voice. Hans's mouth was dropped in disbelief. What? She just… Had she…? Moren blinked. "Prince… Hans," he repeated. He looked over at his stunned little brother who looked totally and completely bowled over, frozen in place and staring at Elsa in wide-eyed shock. Iscawin closed his eyes tightly. "So be it," Moren stated, recovering himself. "Hans?" Hans shook himself out of the frozen state and looked quickly at his sibling. "Will you go with her?"

Hans looked back at Elsa and rose slowly, numbly. She looked down at the ground. "Why?" he whispered barely loud enough to be heard, had the room not been dead silent already. "Why me?"

She looked up at him. "Answer yes or answer no," she replied. "Will you accept?"

He could only stare at her in disbelief. "I am the man who left your sister to die. The man who would have killed you. I am the traitor. I am the Chameleon who has worn so many masks and told so many lies that he doesn't even know who he is anymore. Why me?" he asked again.

She turned to him. "Answer yes or no," she repeated again, firmer this time. There would not be another chance for him to reply, and she made that clear in her voice.

He was silent, and for a horrible moment she believed he would refuse. "A thousand times yes," he finally answered. "Yes… I will go with you." She blinked rapidly, processing what she'd just heard. He… he'd accepted! Her heart had no right to be thumping within her as loudly as it was. She looked up at him, eyes filled with gratefulness. He approached her and took her hands in his, leaning his forehead against her own. "But don't choose me if it will only bring you bad memories and pain," he whispered. She looked sharply up at him. "I don't want to bring you pain," he said. "Not ever again… And it's all I've ever been able to do…" And all he would continue to, he feared.

"That's for me to worry about, not you," she answered. "I choose you."

"Elsa, please…" he began.

"I choose you," she repeated again, firmer this time. "Whatever suffering comes of it is on my heart alone."

"But it isn't," he answered.

"It will be," she promised.

"No. Never again will you face something like that alone," Hans stated. "It will be shared by both of us or neither." Elsa blushed faintly and looked away.

"So be it. The engagement is set. Best you start planning for a wedding date, sister," Caleb said, unable to help the faint smirk that crossed his lips. It was almost as if she hadn't heard him.

"He's spoken to you," Hans prompted in a whisper, a hint of a mischievous glint in his eyes again. She'd missed it. She'd been afraid it would never be seen again.

Elsa turned to Caleb. "I will," she replied. "We will."

"Good. Now we go to dinner and discuss plans," Moren said. He turned to Hans. "I wish you all the luck and happiness in the world, baby brother."

"I admit you'll be missed around here," Duach remarked. "It'll seem almost empty not being able to push you around and bully you." Hans started and gave his brother a scathing and unimpressed look. Ugh, this couldn't have come at a better time, he decided. Duach snickered with the triplets and Rhun.

"Yeah. Laugh it up," Hans bit sharply. Elsa squeezed his hand gently, smiling at him in a way that instantly pacified his growing anger and annoyance. He smiled back at her gently and pulled her close, holding her to himself. Even if this was indeed only a marriage of convenience, even if the love they shared that apparently neither he nor she understood was just intimate friendship, he knew he would be content in it. Perhaps even happy... Maybe happily ever afters could exist?

You're lying to yourself, prince… And before this is done, you will be the traitor again. She will see what you really are. A betrayer is all you'll ever be… You will run in fear, you will sabotage, you will try to make her hate you, and you will betray her to the point of death. You were lost long ago. You are a monster, not a man. You are me. You are the mirror…

A/N: Next story will be the figurative 'season finale' before the second part of this series starts up. Haven't planned overmuch into that yet, but a good few ideas are in place. So now an engagement is underway, but how it plays out is yet to be seen. Trust me, things are going to get a lot more complicated now that Mor'du is in the picture alongside the evil hobgoblin. The trolls are gone, say for the little ones who are being raised by the Sprite Empress and her folk, the shards of the mirror that had been made into looking glasses and windows are now in the custody of the Elven King, but trouble is lurking. Trouble that'll finally push things to their limit. Thank you all for reading and reviewing and for your continued support. It means a lot to me. I know I've said that before, but it does and I'll keep saying as much.