Chapter 54: Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

"I don't know if I can deal with this." Hans said abruptly, and swatted Frederick's hands away from his unbuttoned vest.

Frederick blinked, and lowered his hands to his sides. "Deal with what?"

"YOU." Hans said, eyeing his older brother cautiously. "You're being... nice. It's unnerving! Can't you go back to mocking me and acting like a pompous ass?"

Frederick frowned. "No? Why would you even want that?"

"It's what you always have done. You and everyone else-" Hans' eyes widened. "Oh god... did all of you have a personality shift overnight?!"

"No." Frederick shook his head. "But just because we've regarded you one way our whole lives...that doesn't mean it's right."

"It's taken you twenty-three years to even give a damn! Honestly, I think this is all a show." Hans scoffed and waved his left arm about. "This is all for your benefit, not mine. You aren't suddenly taking an interest in me because I'm laid up in here. It's because you feel guilty that this whole situation was your fault in the first place! YOU were the one who told Dirk and Derrick to divide myself and Anna. YOU treated me like a criminal for taking Anna out on the town, forcing her and the twins to break me out. And Dirk was apparently following YOUR orders to such an extreme that the only way he thought to divide us was to have known criminals kidnap her and force a confrontation where both of us ended up dead. I wasn't the only one attacked out there in the snow, Freddy. Anna faced her share of personal horror, and ALL of that could have been avoided if you just minded your own damn business in the first place and left us the hell alone." Hans' eyes narrowed and his glare pierced into his older brother. "So you'll excuse me if I don't believe in your sudden 'nice' behavior. You're wasting your breath if you think I'm going to forgive you that easily. Why don't you just go back downstairs to your -"

Frederick cleared his throat and crossed his arms. "Are you quite done?"

Hans glared at his brother and slouched back on the bed.

"You don't have to rub it in that everything that's happened to you and Anna has been my fault. I know it's my fault, and I am aware how much damage my attitude and actions have caused. Not only are relations with Arendelle tenser than ever before, but one of our brothers is dead. You could have been next. All of this could have been avoided completely if this family treated you with the respect you deserved in the first place." he stopped and took a softer look at Hans. "I know the apology has come years too late, but isn't it better late than never?"

"That saying doesn't fit all situations. I can't and won't sweep a lifetime of abuse and neglect under the rug just because you decided to have a change of heart."

"Hans, please. This wasn't something that I just woke up and decided on out of the blue. I was there with the doctors, watching as your life was slipping away. You have no idea what kind of eye-opener that was. To see the product of Dirk's madness...the blood and gore from your injuries being exposed with each layer we took off you. It was sickening. Watching the doctors patch you up and then hear them say there was nothing else they could do broke any form of resolve I had left. Something had to be done. The anger, the torment, the hostility... it all had to end. I made a vow on your 'deathbed' to become a better brother, and a better man. My own blood runs through your veins because I wanted to give you a second chance at the life you deserved all along." He uncrossed his arms and placed a comforting one on Hans' good shoulder.

Hans' gaze softened and he muttered under his breath. "Second chance..."

Frederick nodded. "That's what you yourself have been desiring all along, isn't it? After all, you and the princess decided on New Year's Eve to reconcile. She restored your friendship...and now so much more. You have asked the Queen for her forgiveness, no? If you can request such notions of others, can't you also accept my own? Give me a chance to become the brother I should have been all along."

Hans swallowed and looked away. I... I suppose he's right, as much as I hate to admit it. It's just weird to hear such emotional pleas coming from Freddy of all people, one of the biggest supporters of the 'make-Hans-miserable-campaign'. The last thing I would want to be is a hypocrite. With a sigh, he half-nodded. "Fine. Whatever." His hand moved and gave a loose tug on his open vest. "Go ahead. Finish the job."

Frederick couldn't help but smile as his fingers moved across the buttons, fastening them into place. "Thank you."

Hans let out a small snort. "Don't get too ahead of yourself. I don't think I'll ever be able to come to terms with the idea that you somehow have seen the light."

Frederick smirked and gave a soft tug on the vest, straightening it. "A clearer conscious has its benefits. The improved mood helps woo the ladies, you know." He gave a wink and then moved back towards the side chair where the rest of Hans' suit was draped.

Hans couldn't help but laugh bitterly and instantly regretted it once he felt the familiar pain in his midsection. "It wasn't like you couldn't seduce a woman before when you were a total arse."

"Seducing and wooing are very different, dear brother." Frederick returned, a red sash in one hand, and the suit jacket draped over the other. "This is no longer about an evening or two of carnal pleasures. For the good of the kingdom, and our father's sake, I need to find a bride. My former downcast demeanor has made that very difficult."

"Your 'former demeanor'?" Hans asked, and winced when Frederick carefully shifted his wrapped arm to tie on the sash across his chest. "I wouldn't exactly call you a ray of sunshine."

Frederick chuckled. "No. But, being here with you now has gotten quite a burden off my mind. Knowing there is a chance to mend our broken bond as brothers has given me some hope. In fact... it was a lovely young lady downstairs that even gave me the strength, and courage, I needed to come see you right now."

"Oh? Freddy found a bride?"

"Perhaps."

Hans smirked. "You should propose to her tonight." he boasted, "You know, 'be like Hans'! Three hour courtships are all the rage-"

"I am not that insensitive. Besides, she is not looking for romance tonight."

Hans sighed. "Sounds like your loss." He looked over to the jacket that Frederick was spreading open. "Uh, I'm not wearing that with only one arm. And it'll look stupid draped over my shoulders like some choppy cape."

"Suit yourself."

Hans rolled his eyes. "This is ridiculous, you know. How do you even expect me to get downstairs? I can't walk, let alone stand on my own two feet. Was this really worth wasting, what...thirty...forty minutes of your time just to get me to a party so I could sit on the sidelines?"

"Wouldn't you like to get out of this bedroom for one evening? See the splendor of the ballroom, the lovely ladies in their gowns-"

"To be a spectator all by myself while everyone else dances and acts merry? No thanks."

"I doubt you'll be alone long." Frederick replied and reached over the bed to pick up the velvet ring box. "A sharply dressed young man such as yourself? You'll have plenty of ladies swooning over you."

Hans scoffed. "No woman would 'swoon' over a cripple. Get real." He paused and then thought about it longer. "Well. Maybe one."

"That one girl is the only one that matters." Frederick replied, and placed the velvet box into Hans' hands.

Hans' trembling fingers opened the box and a gentle finger traced along the surface of the ring. For several minutes, he sat there lost to his own conflicted thoughts as he started blankly at the glimmering piece in his hand. He only looked back up when Frederick cleared his throat.

"C'mon," he said, holding out his arms to help his younger brother. "She's waiting for you."


"Annalise..." Anna carefully knelt before the little princess. "I thought I said no more chocolate until your daddy arrives."

Annalise put on a sad pouty face. "But… but Uncle Georg said I could have one!"

"And where is Uncle Georg?"

Annalise looked around. "over there. He went to get some punch!" she pointed to the beverage table several feet away. "I was thirsty."

"Eh, sorry it took so long, Lisee." Georg said when he finally came back with a small glass clutched in his hands. "Even near the walls, it's hard to maneuver through these crowds. I wish the musicians would start the next waltz soon, so half of these people would rush back to the dance floor." He turned to Anna and smirked. "And I know someone who still owes me one spin."

Anna laughed nervously. "All in good time, good sir." She smirked and pat his shoulder. "I just need a short break from all of that. I promise I won't forget."

"Good… because I was starting to wonder after you managed Viktor and Freddie."

Lisee tugged on Georg's jacket, and he bent down. She leaned in and whispered in his ear. "That's cuz she's saving the best for last!"

"Quite right!" Georg agreed and smirked up at Anna before straightening up again.

"I heard that." Anna snickered. "which means, Georg, that the pressure is on."

"I think I can rise to the challenge." He replied with confidence.

Anna smiled and her eyes scanned the room. Something sparkly caught her eye. It was a small diamond tiara, though she couldn't see far enough through the crowd who it belonged to. Curious was getting to her, and so she took a few steps away from her friends to see who it belonged to. I don't remember seeing anyone wearing that earlier in the evening.

The woman in question stopped before the steps to the monarchs, and she gave a respectful curtsy. Anna couldn't help but gasp when she turned around. Woah… she's gorgeous! The woman was slender and wore a silver ball gown and matching gloves. Her hair was long and brown, and her curls cascaded loose behind her back.

"Hey, you alright?" Georg asked and nudged her arm, snapping Anna's attention back.

"Yeah, I'm fine. But, do you know who that is?"

"Who?" He asked.

"That woman over there." Anna pointed across the room. "Near the king—oh. She's not there anymore. Where'd she go?"

"I wanna see!" Annalise tugged on Georg's jacket again, and he bent down to pick her up.

"Well… I don't see any mysterious woman, but I found Ludwig!" He smirked to Lisee. "It's about time your daddy decided to show his mug around here. We'll have to pick on him later."

"Yay, Papa's here!" Lisee clapped her hands.

"Oh! There she is!" Anna said. "She found Viktor—wait…what?" Did she just…kiss him?

"Oooh!" Georg's eyes went wide with surprise, finally catching on. "That's—"

"Mama!" Lisee gasped.

"That's your mother?" Anna asked. "She's beautiful!"

"Isn't she?" Georg smiled. "For a studious bookworm, Ludwig certainly knew how to pick a woman. I had no idea she was back in the Isles."

"Uncle Georg, lemme go! I wanna see Mama!" Annalise wiggled in her uncle's grip until he finally set her back on the floor and ran off into the crowd before either he or Anna could stop her.

Anna looked to Georg. "I suddenly feel nervous. I mean, I shouldn't feel nervous. It's kind-of unnerving how nervous this—" she rambled until Georg cut her off.

"Breathe, Princess. Relax. My dear-beloved sister-in-law is harmless. You'll see." He glanced ahead and grinned. "Ah, here they come."

"Ah, brother!" Viktor greeted with a wide grin and gestured to the trail of people behind him. "Look at these stragglers I picked up!"

"Dear sister." Georg smiled and kissed the woman on the cheek. "It's good to see you again." He turned and gestured to Anna. "Allow me to introduce you to a new friend of ours. This is Princess Anna of Arendelle. Anna? This is our sister-in-law, Giselle Westergaard."

"Your highness." Giselle smiled softly and gave a small curtsy. "A pleasure to meet you."

"She's my 'Auntie'!" Lisee giggled as she clung to her mother's skirts.

"Auntie?" Giselle asked and looked down at her daughter.

"Yeah!" Lisee nodded confidently. "Cuz she and Unkie Hans are getting married!"

Ludwig, Viktor and Georg exchanged panicked looks behind Anna's back, worried that the little princess could have just blew Hans' secret. Giselle only looked puzzled. However, their fears were calmed when Anna merely facepalmed.

"Lisee…" Anna sighed and turned to her mother. "I'm a friend of Hans, and Lisee has been obsessed with the notion that we're betrothed or something. It's not really a thing."

"Ah. I see." Giselle nodded slowly and Anna let out a sigh of relief.

That was a close one. I… I don't know why my face is so flushed talking about it. It's not like my relationship…or whatever it is, with Hans has been a secret. Everyone knows the whole 'Auntie Anna' thing is just a nickname. So…why am I so embarrassed?

"So Lud'…" Viktor nudged his brother. "What the heck too you so long to get here? You missed out on some of the fun."

"I'm sorry to have kept him from you." Giselle apologized. "My ship arrived late."

Ludwig nodded in agreement and spoke sarcastically. "Yes, do forgive me for wanting to greet my wife and infant son, whom I have not seen in two months." He took hold of Giselle's hand and clutched it close to him. "It took some time for the nanny to arrive upstairs for Henry, and Giselle still had to get dressed for the party."

Georg snickered and waggled his eyebrows at the couple. "Mmhm. Suuuure. It sounds to me like you were really taking full advantage of the undressing—ow!" He feigned a cry as Giselle slapped his torso. He gave a fake pout and rubbed his chest.

"Georg!" Her face was pink with embarrassment as she and Ludwig exchanged similar 'not-so-innocent' looks. "We'll have none of that! Certainly not in front of the child, or Princess Anna." Lucky for her, Annalise was momentarily distracted by a nearby woman's sparkling tiara and wasn't paying attention to that moment of conversation. "I'm sorry, Milady, for my brother's dirty mind."

"Heh." Anna let out a slight chuckle. "No worries. I've been around these jokers for three months now. I'm not really phased by them much anymore."

"You must have plenty of stories about your days here."

"Oh yes," Anna nodded. "I can say with certainty it's never been a dull… uh," she paused when a young man in a black royal suit came over to her and offered a bow. "Um, hello," she said shyly.

"Milady." He said. "I was wondering if you would honor me with a dance?"

Anna blushed. "Oh. I… um…" She said, uneasy, and turned to her friends for support.

"Go on," Viktor smiled. "We'll be here when you're finished."

"but… I—" She didn't get the chance to protest, for the young man took that as his opportunity to whisk Anna to the dance floor as the new waltz began.

"I don't think she wanted to go." Giselle protested with a voice of concern.

"Yeah. Way to go." Georg huffed. "Now she'll never dance with me."

"Oh relax." Viktor shrugged their concerns off. "One twirl isn't going to ruin the evening. Besides, once this number ends, you can sneak in there before someone else takes her hand, Georg."

"I suppose. Timing hasn't been my strong suit."

Giselle turned her attention away from the twins arguing and her eyes followed Anna as best as she could while the younger princess danced. It didn't escape her notice how Anna's demeanor had changed the moment the stranger came up to her. While she had only interacted with the princess for a few minutes, she had heard from Ludwig prior to arriving at the party how energetic and friendly the visiting princess was. And with a mere request from a stranger, she became very nervous and shy, panicked even. Her woman's intuition was telling her something was off, and it made her both curious and concerned. Soon though, she ended up tuning back into the conversation with the brothers when Ludwig spoke up.

"…Speaking of royal pains, where is Frederick?"

Georg shrugged. "No one knows. He disappeared about forty-five minutes ago."

Lisee tugged on her father's jacket. "I think the crazy lady scared him!"

"Annalise." Giselle said sharply. "We don't speak of others like that. It's rude and not at all proper for a little lady."

"Yes, Mama…"

"She is right though." Viktor came to his niece's defense. "Some of the ladies vying for his hand have been rather…daresay pushy. I'm not surprised that he had to step away to get some air."

"Perhaps, but this whole ball is in his honor." Ludwig frowned. "To be gone so long is worrying."

"Should someone go find him?" Giselle asked, looking up at her husband.

"Nah." Viktor shrugged. "He's a big boy. I think he can handle himself." He checked his pocket-watch. "Okay. We'll give him ten more minutes. If he's not back by then, we'll go man-hunting."


"What did you say to him?" Lady Rosalind asked with hands on her hips.

Princess Charlotte nearly jumped in her seat on the padded bench and looked up to see the same blonde woman who tried to corral the prince earlier in the evening. "E-excuse me?" She asked, shyly.

"The Prince." Rosalind clarified. "He decides to sit with you for twenty minutes and then suddenly bolts from the very gala of which he is the man of honor!" When Charlotte merely sat there staring wide-eyed at her outburst, she took it to continue. "How dare you upset him in such a way!"

"W-What?" Charlotte set her empty glass down and rose from her seat. "How dare I? For what? Engaging a man in honest and decent conversation?"

"Well clearly it wasn't decent nor honest if he has yet to come back!"

Charlotte felt her jaw drop as she worked up courage to engage the younger woman in this battle of words. "Prince Frederick's temporary departure is not by my own fault. He is merely dealing with a rather important personal matter."

"But why now? Surely it could wait until morning-"

"Are you c-capable of holding your tongue for the briefest moments?" Charlotte snapped and pressed her lips into a sharp line when Rosalind shut her mouth. "The affairs of the crowned prince are none of your concern, or mine for that matter. And furthermore... were you attempting to shame me by befriending the man and pulling him away from your greedy little hands?" The princess couldn't help but narrow her own eyes. "Y-you should be ashamed of yourself, you and your group of friends, pushing and shoving yourselves into the man's arms with your childish acts seduction. It's foolish, and futile, and all you've done is make him loathe the evening and all it stands for."

Rosalind refused to back down. "Are you completely unaware of what this evening is about? We are all here to vie for one man's affections." She said hotly. "Batting our eyelashes and flashing sweet smiles will only go so far. We women must flaunt what we have and use our resources to our advantage to weed out our competition."

"Competition?" Charlotte blinked. "Prince Frederick is not the only bachelor here tonight. There are princes from other kingdoms; sons of dukes and earls."

"He's the only one in line for the throne." Rosalind hissed. "Therefore, any girl he seems to have an eye for is a threat."

Charlotte rolled her eyes. "I am not a threat to you, or anyone else tonight. My attendance this night was mandatory, and so I am just trying to enjoy the atmosphere, and not go back to my kingdom with a man lusting for my body; a man who I barely know, all for the sake of wearing a sparkly crown."

"Then you're a fool." Rosalind spat.

"And you're out of line." Charlotte countered, raising her voice in hope of getting the matter across. "I am Vallacia's princess. And...by way of recent unfortunate events, her crowned princess. I will not be spoken down to by a foolish young girl with ambitions far from her reach-"

"Um, is everything alright, ladies?" said a nervous voice beside Rosalind. Both women turned to see a tall man with shaggy blonde hair looking a bit uncomfortable in his formal attire. "I don't mean to intrude on your conversation, only I heard shouting..."

"Yes, well," Charlotte said, her eyes shifting to Rosalind. "Lady Rosalind was just expressing her displeasure at the crowned prince's departure."

"What do you mean, departure?" The man asked.

"He left the party." Rosalind replied, eyeing Charlotte with disdain. "It's been close to an hour now. I fear he may not return."

"I wouldn't say that." He replied and gestured towards the other side of the ballroom. "I thought I saw him just over there, conversing with some older gentleman in uniform."

"What? Where?" Rosalind gasped, and immediately ducked back through into the crowd to find the prince, leaving Charlotte alone with the newcomer.

Charlotte's eyes scanned the ballroom. "I... I don't see the prince."

The man chuckled. "That's because he's not here." He smirked. "I just said that so she'd leave you alone. You seem very riled up."

"I am." She frowned and shook her head. "Lady Rosalind Spencer had the audacity to accuse me of making a grown man run away. But, don't dwell over our spat." She forced a smile. "I appreciate your interference, sir, and for making her run off. I don't think I would have been able to maintain proper composure much longer."

He gave a shy smile. "You're welcome."

Charlotte tilted her head and looked him up and down. "I take it you're not a prince or a member of royal blood, hm?"

He laughed. "No. My name is Kristoff. Kristoff Bjorgman. I'm Arendelle's ice master."

She tilted her head quizzically. "A rather interesting title. I'm Princess Charlotte of Vallacia."

Kristoff bowed. "A pleasure to meet you. And uh, as for the title, ice is my life. I've been an ice harvester for as long as I can remember."

"If it brings you joy, then it is a most noble profession." She smiled. "How did you come to arrive for this such event?"

Kristoff rubbed the back of his neck. "It's a bit of a crazy story that is probably best if I don't get into it."

"Well, do sit down." She pat the soft bench and then sat down herself. "At the very least, you can keep me company until the prince really does come back. And perhaps, it'll keep the vipers away."

Kristoff glanced towards the dance floor. "I take it you do know where he ran off to?"

She nodded. "he needed to right a terrible wrong regarding one of his brothers."

It didn't take Kristoff long to figure out what she was referring to. "Do you think it'll be worthwhile?"

Charlotte gave a slight shrug. "If it gets his guilt off his chest, then of course it will be."

They sat in silence for a bit, staring off towards the center of the ballroom.

"I see she's at it again." Charlotte said barely above a whisper.

"Hm?" Kristoff looked to where her gaze was set. "Oh uh...what is she doing?"

"Being pushy on a clearly-uninterested man." She shook her head.

Kristoff frowned. "I could be wrong, but isn't that one of the princes of the Isles?"

"Yes... but don't ask me which twin that is. I'm terrible with names, especially for those whom I've never even been formally introduced."

"he looks put off."

"According to Frederick, his brothers aren't really interested in finding dates." She leaned back.

"Speaking of... it looks like the man of the hour is back." Kristoff said, pointing one of the entrances off to the side. Frederick had just walked in casually adjusting his jacket as he moved through the room. "I can go if you want… if you prefer the prince for company."

Charlotte blinked. "Nonsense. Stay. Please. We can be outcasts together, at least for a little while."

Kristoff gave a small smile. "If that's what you'd like, your highness." When she nodded, he quietly cleared his throat. "So…uh, what's making you sit out here on the sidelines? I mean, you're a princess after all. Aren't royal balls your thing?"

Charlotte's gaze dropped to her lap. "Normally, yes." She sighed quietly. "Prince Frederick had a similar inquiry. You see…I've been forced to attend tonight by my grandmother." She gestured to the Queen Mother. "She's pushier than my own parents to get me a husband, but I'm not ready. I recently lost my brother and my fiancé to the sea. Pirates."

"Oh my gosh…" Kristoff bit his lip. "I'm so sorry… I didn't mean to pry—"

"It's alright, Kristoff. You meant no harm. But being a lady in mourning does put a damper on my personal festivities. I haven't been in much mood to dance or mingle. My grandmother has already given me grief over it several times tonight."

"Sorry she had to drag you out here. So…do you have any other siblings?"

She nodded. "Harold was the oldest. I am the middle child, and the only princess. After myself, I have a younger brother, William. With Harold's death, he's now next in line for the throne."

Wait… that's not what she said earlier. Kristoff was puzzled. "But… didn't you tell that girl that you were the crown princess?"

She let out a laugh. "Oh, that. I just said that so she'd back away. Honestly, between her smart-mouth and my grandmother's pushiness, it's a wonder I've lasted this long tonight."

"You must have high tolerance."

"Who knew." She shook her head. "I'm actually quite shy and reserved. It's remarkable I showed as much backbone to that girl that I did." She looked back to her new companion. "Your turn, Kristoff. What makes you an outcast tonight?"

"Well…this is my first royal ball, for starters." He said. "I also can't dance. It's only safe for me to stay on the sidelines."

Charlotte noticed his eyes were scanning the ballroom, looking for something; or someone. "Have you gotten any admirers tonight?"

"Huh?" He looked back at her and blushed slightly. "Me? No. I'm just here by myself tonight. Well, that's not true. I came with Queen Elsa and her sister, Princess Anna to represent Arendelle. But… none of us are um… that is…" he trailed off and sighed. Now it was his turn to lower his gaze. He felt embarrassed to be stammering like a wreck in front of a stranger. A nice stranger, but still.

She studied his face for a while and they sat in silence. "Forgive me if I'm prying too much, but it seems you're also suffering from some form of heartbreak, too." She paused. "Am I right?"

Kristoff sighed, and let out a nod. "I uh… recently had to come to terms with the fact that the girl I love now loves someone else."

"I'm so sorry." Charlotte said softly. "Were you both in love?"

"I thought we were. She and I have been through a lot together, and on some crazy adventures. She was getting over a nasty breakup, and so we were taking everything slowly. But… I guess too slow."

"What happened?"

"She ended up meeting the guy who broke her heart. Again… and fell for him all over."

"I'm so sorry to hear that." She replied softly.

"I guess… it hurts because I feel like I'm being sidelined for someone who, in the past, was a complete jerk. And now here I am as the 'nice guy who finishes last'." He shrugged. "I don't want to trouble you with the details…" He almost revealed that Princess Anna was the girl he was referring to but decided against it. If she had spoken to Frederick earlier in the evening, who knows what he would have said to her about Anna and her renewed relationship with Hans. He was already feeling embarrassed. Why make it worse?

Charlotte nodded. "I won't pretend to know the intricate details of this triangular relationship… but if it's any help…" she paused. "tell her how you feel and be honest. She may still have feelings for you, Kristoff. It may not be too late?"

If only that were true. He sighed to himself. "And if it is too late?"

"Cherish your friendship. You both are closer on an entirely different level because you did explore something more romantic. Even if that aspect of your bonds couldn't continue, you can still treasure each other on a platonic level, as close friends."

Kristoff sighed. "I suppose you're right." He glanced to her. "Um, thanks."

She tilted her head. "For what?"

"Just… being a listener. I don't have a lot of people I can vent to. And… it's nice to talk to someone who doesn't really know every detail of my life; an unbiased opinion is refreshing."

She gave a small smile. "You're welcome."

Kristoff's eyes scanned the ballroom once more, and finally, he caught sight of Princess Anna twirling around the center dance floor. He didn't recognize her dance partner. It didn't worry him too much. Anna had a polite smile on her face, but he could tell it wasn't a genuine one. I wonder…if I should try and talk to her tonight. Although, I really don't know how well it'll do if she's that hung up on Hans. Ugh… I can't believe in just these short months everything got flipped upside down. I know she loves Hans… she hasn't said it to my face, but I can read between the lines. But I love her too, and I don't want to lose her. Kristoff let out a small sigh and looked down at his lap. But… if I talk to her, should I wait until after we get back to Arendelle? I'll have plenty of time to come up with the right words to say. He frowned as he tried to sort through his conflicted thoughts. Or… maybe it'll be better if I tell her tonight, while she's still here in this kingdom. I suppose if there is the chance that she'll pick me over him, she would want to finish things off with him in person. Princess Charlotte does have a point. I should just be honest with Anna…and not put it off or it will be too late. I just must work up the courage to tell her the truth—wait… where did… By the time Kristoff looked back up towards the mass group of people, Anna had disappeared. She didn't stay missing for too long. He soon caught sight of her as she neared a far wall of the ballroom after managing to escape the grip of her dance partner. However, his face fell and his confidence began to crumble when he noticed who she was unknowingly approaching.


"One more round, Milady?"

Anna shook her head and managed to wrestle her hand free from her partner's grasp. "Thank you, but I think I'm going to give my feet a break. I'm not feeling much like dancing anymore right now." She replied and began to back away from him. Eventually, he took the hint and turned around to search for another maiden to dance with.

When the coast was clear, Anna let out a sigh of relief. Thank goodness that's over… She continued to walk backwards, knowing there was a padded bench behind her. Right now, all she could think of doing was sitting down and observing everyone else for a change.

The next thing she knew, she bumped into what felt like a leg sticking out into her path and she tumbled backwards. She let out a yelp in surprise. Then, an arm reached out and wrapped around her waist. A familiar grunt was heard, followed by an even more familiar voice.

"Glad I caught you…."

Anna's eyes widened as she turned her head to the side. "Hans!" she exclaimed and smiled wide. "You're… I mean…It's… "she stopped and took a moment to collect her thoughts. "what are you doing here?"

He smirked. "Catching you when you fall."

She managed to right herself and removed his arm from around her. He immediately leaned back on the seat and let out a sigh he didn't quite know he was holding in. "hey now… you tripped me on purpose."

"Of course, I did." He said matter-o-factly. "I had to get your attention somehow."

"Jerk." She replied and sat down next to him. "Why not just say 'hi' like normal people?"

"Hmph. 'Normal' is overrated. And besides, it's so rewarding to find you falling into my arms… or arm." Hans smirked, and his mouth formed into a smile as he took in her appearance, from her styled hair to her purple ball gown. "You're so beautiful."

She blushed and placed a hand on his. "Thank you. And you're looking pretty sharp yourself." She teased, admiring his dark suit, "I honestly forgot what you looked like in normal clothes."

He snorted. "Thank Freddie for staging this intervention on my behalf. I honestly had no intention of coming tonight."

She bit her lip. "Then why did you come?"

"Other than being guilted into this? I want to see him squirm when he's running from his flock of women. I could use some quality entertainment."

"Is that all?"

He turned to her and smiled, squeezing her hand. "And to see you, of course."

Her blush deepened. "H-how did you manage this? Are you really healed that much? I… I thought you couldn't walk."

"I can't."

Anna frowned. "What, did you hop down the stairs?"

He sighed and shook his head. "It would have been a lot less embarrassing if I did. I feel like a mess. I look like a mess." He looked down at himself, from the shoulder sling holding his arm to his torso to his swollen and bandaged left foot.

"You're a handsome mess." She said sweetly, and gently brushed some of his bangs aside. "And I'm really glad you're here. It'll make my night that much better."

He blinked in surprise. "Are you not enjoying yourself?"

She shook her head. "I am…but some of the men here…well…" she sighed, "my last dance partner was getting a bit…touchy." She shuddered uncomfortably.

Hans' eyes immediately narrowed. "Which one?" he asked darkly. "Perhaps I should go introduce myself."

Now it was her turn to scoff. "As what? My husband? Fiancé? Concerned third party? Please. We aren't engaged or anything, you know. It wouldn't make any difference."

Not yet… He thought to himself. He could feel the small ring in his vest pocket as if it was digging into him.

"Besides. How are you going to find him? He's buried in that crowd somewhere. And I'm sure by now—

"Okay, okay." He conceded. They sat quietly for a few minutes. "I've been told you're leaving tomorrow. It's the real reason I'm here. Frederick wanted to make sure I was able to spend our last night down here at the party instead of up in my stuffy room."

"That's… really nice of him. I'm surprised."

"No one is more surprised than I." He looked at her, suspicious. "He's being nice to me. I don't know if I can take it."

She couldn't help but smile. It's about time… "Maybe it's a sign that things will get better."

Hans snorted. "That, or he's incredibly drunk."

"Hans…" she shook her head. He only grinned in response. She felt his arm wrap around her and draw her closer to his side.

"So…" he began, "What nonsense did I miss before?"

"Not… not much. You remember Duke Spencer from Weselton, right?"

"Of course."

"He's here and brought his granddaughter. She's just as odd as he is. She's been going after Frederick all night."

"Which one is she?" He asked as his eyes scanned the crowd, curious.

"Um…oh! There she is… she's talking to the Duke by the beverage table. The blonde woman in the tight dress."

Hans couldn't help but wince when his eyes landed on her. "Ooh."

Anna giggled. "I'm sure she'll be after your brother soon, so you can get the 'quality entertainment' you're searching for."

"I could use a good laugh." His amused grin started to fade the more he thought about it. "But…not too good of one. It's all fun and games until the pain starts."

Anna frowned. "Are… are you in pain now?"

"A bit, actually." He shifted in his seat. Her face was full of concern, but he shrugged her off. "It's okay, really." He brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back. "It's all worth being able to spend the night with you."

"H-Hans…" she felt her face flush again and didn't even realize she was moving in to kiss him until there was almost no gap in between them.

"UNKIE HANS!"

Anna let out a small gasp in surprise and drew back while he merely let out a frustrated groan at the ruined moment. But, he couldn't feel angry at his niece's abundance of excitement, so he merely sighed and gave Anna an apologetic look. She only smiled back squeezed his hand.

"Annalise." Hans smiled to his niece. "You're looking very pretty tonight."

Annalise smiled and climbed onto the seat, squeezing herself between Anna and Hans. "How come you're hiding way back here?"

I didn't want to be found. He sighed to himself. "This is where Uncle Freddy and some really strong servants dumped me." He joked.

"Ooooh." Her young eyes traveled towards the floor and she gasped. "Where are your shoes?"

Hans snickered. "Haven't you heard? Footwear is terribly out of fashion. It's a lot easier to slide around in your socks." He joked. In reality, the swelling and wrappings over his left foot prevented all of his footwear from fitting properly. Rather than wearing only one or steal a pair of Phillip's huge dress shoes, he opted to go without.

"You're so silly." She tugged on his arm. "Unkie Hans, you should join the fun!"

He shook his head. "I think it's safer if I remain an observer."

"But… everything out there is so pretty!"

"There's an even more beautiful sight right here." He replied, giving a sideways glance to Anna, and he smiled seeing her blush deepen. "Have you been having a good time, Lisee?"

"Uhuh!" she nodded and looked up at her uncle. "Auntie Anna gave me chocolate. And I got Grandpapa to dance with me!"

"Really?" Hans asked. "I'm sorry I missed that."

"You should come dance!"

"Hans is still injured, sweetheart." Anna said. "I think it's a miracle he made it down here in one piece."

Hans snorted in response. "I'll be lucky if I make it back upstairs in one –"

"—Annalise! There you are!" Giselle said as she pushed her way through the crowd. "You shouldn't run off like that! There's too many people here, and I don't want to—oh my!" She stopped talking once she caught sight of Hans, and her gloved hands went to cover her mouth in shock.

"Hi Giselle." Hans nodded in greeting. "It's nice to see you. I had no idea you were coming home."

"Never mind that!" she exclaimed. "Hans, dear… what happened to you?"

He groaned. "I fell down the stairs."

Wait, what? Anna looked at Hans and tried to hide the confusion in her eyes. That is not at all what happened.

"You fell down the stairs?" Giselle asked. She couldn't quite believe him. Gently, she placed a hand on his chin to turn his head to the side so she can get a look at the cut across his cheek. "That must have been one nasty fall. I don't remember you being so clumsy."

"Oh." Anna waved a hand dismissively. "That's all my fault. I'm such a klutz. Hans and I have spent so much time together, I guess I've rubbed off on him. You know how it is." She let out an awkward laugh.

"I suppose so…" Giselle replied. She wasn't quite convinced. "Are you sure you'll be alright, Hans?"

He nodded. "I'm sure."

She gave her brother-in-law one more look before turning her attention back to her daughter. "Annalise, dear. It's far past your bedtime."

Annalise's eyes went wide. "Mama, no! I don't want to go to bed. I'm not sleepy!" she cried, and then turned around in the seat to cling to Anna. "I wanna stay with Auntie Anna! She has to go home tomorrow!"

Giselle sighed and put her hands on her hips. "Your uncles told me how much chocolate you've had tonight, my darling. Your sugar rush will be wearing off at any time—"

"—please, Mama?" Lisee put the sad eyes on full force.

"Ten more minutes." She said, and after giving her daughter a stern look, she disappeared back into the crowd.

"YAY! Thanks Mama!" She smiled and leaned into Anna's arm once her mother walked off. "Do you really hafta go?"

"I'm afraid so."" Anna replied, and pulled Annalise carefully onto her lap. "Elsa really wants to go home."

"But… I don't want you to leave. Who am I going to play with?"

"Well…" Anna thought for a moment. "You've got all of your uncles to spend time with."

"I don't want to play with them. They're boring!" Lisee whined.

"…I'm deeply hurt." Hans deadpanned.

Anna ignored him and continued to talk to the little princess. "There's always your brother…Henry, right?"

"But… he's a boy!"

"Yes… yes he is." Anna sighed. "How did you manage before I even came into your life?"

Lisee blinked and tapped her chin. "I dunno. But I don't wanna go back there. Please don't leave me!" she tugged on Anna's sleeve. "Don't you want to stay?"

Anna sighed. Lisee wasn't making the forced separation any easier to deal with. "Of course! Of course, I want to stay here. But to be honest, we always knew my days here were numbered. I was only supposed to stay here until spring. It's only a few weeks away—"

"Why can't you wait to go then?"

"It really doesn't matter, does it?" Hans interjected. "You're still going to cling to her and try to keep her here no matter when she has to go home."

Lisee sniffled and rubbed her eyes. "It's not fair!" she cried.

Anna pulled her into a hug. "Don't cry, Lisee. This won't be the last time we see each other."

"Really?" Lisee asked through her sniffles.

"Sure." Anna smiled. "I mean, I got to spend a lot of time in your kingdom. Maybe you could come visit mine."

Annalise gasped. "I… I can?"

"Absolutely! Imagine all the fun we could get up to! And…"

Lisee's eyes widened. "There's more?"

Anna nodded. "You can meet Olaf, and Marshmallow!"

"Yes! When can I come?"

"You'll have to ask your parents." Anna said.

"Speaking of…" Hans said, nodding his head to the side. Giselle was coming back their way.

"Oh no!" Lisee cried and shrunk back in the seat.

"Annalise, darling. It's time for bed." Her mother said.

"Noooo!" She whined and clung to Anna.

"You better do what your mother says, kiddo." Hans said.

"But…but but…" Lisee looked up at Anna. "I don't wanna leave…."

Anna ran her fingers through Lisee's hair. "Hey, it'll be okay. This isn't goodbye. And besides, I'll see you at breakfast tomorrow."

Lisee pouted. "Do you promise?"

Anna held out her pinky and smiled as she and Lisee looped fingers. "I promise."

Lisee gave Anna a tight hug and then carefully climbed off the bench and walked slowly to her parents.

"Hey now…" Hans said softly, outstretching his free hand to his niece. "No 'goodnight hug' for your Unkie Hans?" He asked while putting on a slight pout of his own.

Lisee skipped back and threw her arms around Hans, and he did his best to hold back a pained groan. "G'nite Unkie!"

"Goodnight, Squirt. See you in the morning."

Lisee waved goodbye as her parents led her to the doors of the ballroom. Once they were gone, Hans leaned back against the arm of the bench and sighed. "She's going to be so sad tomorrow."

"I know…"

"I'd make sure someone checks your luggage before it gets loaded on the ship. She might try and smuggle herself to Arendelle with you."

Anna smirked at him. "Can I keep her if she does?"

Hans snorted. "Only until Ludwig comes to take her home again."

"Hmph. What a spoil-sport." She teased, and then slid closer to him again to close the gap between them when Annalise pushed her way onto the seat. "So… that's Annalise's mother. She seems nice."

"She is." He nodded. "She can be strict sometimes, but she's a good mother. She and Ludwig are very hands-on parents. They have nannies for Annalise and Henry of course, for events like this, but they'll never grow up like I did… in the primary hands of nannies and governesses," he paused. "That's the kind of father I want be… when the time comes. I'll never do what my father did to me to my own children. I want to be an active influence in their lives… not some foreboding presence they fear."

Anna placed a comforting hand on his knee. "I'm sure when the time comes, you'll make a wonderful father."

He turned to look at her, curious. "You think so?"

She smiled. "I know so." When he didn't immediately reply, she let out a quiet sigh. Every so often she snuck a glance his way. He was looking out towards the main crowds of dancers, though his eyes didn't seem to be focused on any one person or object. He seems very quiet…pensive. I wonder what he's thinking about so intently. With a gentle nudge of her elbow, she prodded him in the side. "Hey," she said quietly, "penny for your thougts?"

He gave her a look that she couldn't quite read and shook his head. "No… you don't really want to know what goes on in my head."

She frowned. That was not the answer she was hoping for. "Well… how about a drink? I know I could use one. If you want, I can get you some champagne? Punch?"

He mulled it over and nodded. "Alright. Whatever you pick for yourself, I'll have, too."

She smiled and stood. "Okay. I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere."

As if I could…

She managed to make it to the beverage table with little trouble. And now with a champagne flute in each hand, she started her way back across the ballroom to her waiting prince. The journey back was a lot more precarious, as the center floor began to fill up again. The musicians began playing again, and now everyone was grabbing dance partners. I better hurry before I either spill these all over, or someone—

"Anna!" said two all-too familiar voices behind her. She turned to see Viktor and Georg approaching and sighed. –asks me to dance.

"Anna please." Georg pleaded. "Do you think I can collect on that dance now?"

"Well… I was on my way to give this to Hans…" she motioned with her head to the glasses in her hands.

"Oh don't worry, I'll take it to him." Said Viktor as he took both glasses from her and walked off to his little brother without another word, leaving Anna alone with his twin.

"Oh well… um…" she stammered, then sighed. "Okay, Georg. You wi—hey!" She could barely finish her sentence as the older man effortlessly took hold of her and whirled her onto the dance floor.

"There you are, Hans!" Viktor greeted his younger brother as he approached and held out the champagne glass.

"Hi…" Hans replied and took the glass from him. "Anna was bringing me a drink."

"I know. Georg and I intercepted her on the way back. I hope you don't mind."

"I do mind." Hans huffed. "What are you two scheming?"

"Nothing, dear brother!" Viktor said. "Georg merely wanted to take the opportunity to dance with her since she was on her own. And that means I can now talk to you."

Hans raised a brow. "Yeah? About what?"

"Her." Viktor replied and took a seat beside his brother. "I know you've probably brought that ring with you tonight. Have you proposed yet?"

Hans narrowed his eyes. "What's it to you if I did or not?"

"Inquiring minds want to know."

No, you're just being nosy. "No. I haven't."

"What are you waiting for?"

"The right moment?" Hans rolled his eyes. "Freddie went through all of the trouble to bring me down here, but I haven't had a moment's peace with her alone to work up enough courage to ask. And I suppose part of that is now your fault. So, thanks."

"Is there anything Georg and I could do to help?"

"I doubt it." Hans sighed. "I need to handle this in my own way. So. Thanks for the concern, but I just need to be alone to figure this out."

"Well, suit yourself," Viktor sighed and stood back up. "If you need me, I'll be here." He walked off.

Hans let out a huffed sigh and turned his gaze back to the dance floor. He had kept it to himself this entire time but sitting on the sidelines being a spectator for the evening made him feel far more miserable than he would have anticipated. What he wanted more than anything was to sweep Anna off her feet and into his arms, to steer her around the ballroom like he did before, at her sister's coronation ball. He wanted to take her out on the balcony outside, so they could have a few moments of privacy. He was counting on that type of atmosphere to aid him in setting the mood to propose to her.

Now, none of that was possible. Unable to dance, unable to walk, he was essentially trapped on his bench until he summoned his servants to carry him back to his room. With his ever-souring mood, it was becoming harder for him to envision any tender way of asking Anna for her hand. Part of him was accepting the fact that he should just whip the ring from his vest pocket and just ask. Thankfully, for his sake, the desire for romance was getting the better of him. He continued to watch Anna dance with Georg as he tried to come up with any sort of plan.

Then, another pair caught the corner of his eye. It was Frederick walking along the far edge of the ballroom with a woman in black holding his arm. That must be the woman he was talking to earlier, the one he mentioned upstairs. They certainly look…happy. He sighed and continued to watch as Frederick introduced her to his father. He watched as they talked for a few moments, until it looked like Frederick practically begged her to join him on the dance floor. Hans sighed again. It even looked like Freddie was getting a 'happy ending' of sorts tonight, especially if something were to come from his time spent with that woman.

He couldn't watch his older brother any longer, and his eyes scanned the ballroom again, looking for Anna. He found Georg first, walking back towards the edge of the room to rejoin his twin brother. Hans got excited. If Georg is there, then his dance was over, and Anna should be returning to his side any moment. But…where was she?

But, as quickly as his excitement came, it quickly went. His eyes soon fell onto Anna, only now she was dancing with Kristoff. Their moves seemed awkward, and Kristoff kept looking down at his feet. Clearly, he was no dancer. Still, she maintained a bright smile on her face as she enjoyed her friend's company. I hope I'm not losing her already…. He sighed and eventually looked away, unable to watch anymore. Any courage and confidence he was storing up was slowly slipping away.


"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry…I didn't mean to. I know my feet are—" Kristoff whispered out in a rushed stammer.

"Kristoff, it's okay. You're not the first person tonight to step on my feet." Anna smiled. "It's ok. I had no idea you could dance."

"heh heh…" Kristoff laughed nervously. "Neither did I. I feel more like a bundle of nerves."

"Why?"

"I wanted to spend some time with you tonight… but this is way out of my element." He sighed. "You have no idea how intimidating this is mingling with so much royal blood. I'm used to my fellow ice harvesters, and townspeople, and the trolls of course. I feel like I don't belong."

She made it through her twirl and looped her arms around his neck once he pulled her back in again. Their movements had shifted them towards the edge of the dance floor, so they weren't in anyone's way, and it was safer for them to merely sway back and forth to the music. She looked up at him and gave a small smile. "Does that mean if I have to travel to another kingdom and attend any sort of celebration, you won't come along?"

Kristoff blinked. "You… want me to?"

She gave a slight shrug. "You're my friend, Kristoff. I want us to spend more time together."

Kristoff couldn't help but smile. It wasn't quite the reaction he was expecting from her, but if she still desired his company, he would take what he could get. "Is there… a royal party everywhere you go?"

"huh? Oh. Of course not, silly." She shook her head. "I mean, maybe when you go on your trips out of Arendelle for your ice business, I could come along. Y-you know, for company and emotional support. Don't those trips get lonely?"

"Sometimes. But I'm never truly alone. I always have Sven…"

She feigned a huff. "Well, if you'd rather spend your time with a reindeer than me, I totally understand."

"Anna. You know what I meant."

"I know." She giggled. "I'm just pushing your buttons. But, I'm serious though, about you coming along with me. Foreign affairs can be a bit stuffy, and it'll be nice to have a friend along to diffuse some tension."

Kristoff gave a small shrug. "If…if that's what you want, Anna, then I'll be happy to come." He was beaming inside. While her offer for travel-companionship was nothing close to a rekindling of their relationship, he was relieved that their mere friendship wouldn't be tarnished from any sort of closure she would get with Hans. Ever since his talk with Princess Charlotte earlier, he was on mental pins and needles about talking to Anna about their friendship…more specifically, what was left of it. Hearing she still desired his company took quite a load of stress away.

She grinned and got on her tippy toes to kiss his cheek. "Thank you so much, Kristoff!" She squealed.

"H-hey, that's what friends are for…right?" He asked. He happened to glance over her shoulder straight ahead. He had a pretty clear view of Hans. It didn't escape his notice how Hans seemed to be looking in their direction, but not directly enough to match eyes. Kristoff's mouth pressed into a thin line. It's almost as if he's watching us…or I guess, watching me. I…wish he wouldn't look so angry over us. I'm not his enemy. He gave Anna another twirl, and when he looked back across the room again, Hans' gaze was down towards his lap. He's… he's waiting for Anna to come back. Hans might be a jerk, but he was right about one thing. No matter what happens between him and Anna, she's still leaving him tomorrow. I'll be able to spend as much time with her as I want in Arendelle. This is his last chance. I want to enjoy some time tonight with her too, but really…this should be their night, if anything to say goodbye. He sighed quietly, which caught her attention. She gave him a quizzical look.

"Is everything okay?"

Kristoff nodded. "Yeah. Everything's fine." He replied as the musical number came to an end. He gave her hand a small squeeze and stepped back. "I think though, I'm going to say goodnight."

"Now? But… it's so early!"

"I know. But you know me, this isn't really my comfort zone. I had a nice time among the glitz and glam, but I think now I'd rather change into something more comfortable and spend some time with Sven."

Anna blinked. "Are… are you sure?"

"I'm sure." Kristoff smiled softly and leaned down to kiss her cheek. "Say goodnight to your sister for me? I'll see you both at breakfast tomorrow." He held her gaze for a few seconds, then turned and walked out of the ballroom.

Anna watched him, baffled. What was that all about? She frowned and decided to take his words at face value. I guess there's only so much of this he can take. I'm sure he's fine… I hope he's fine.

Nonetheless, she turned and started back to where Hans was sitting, only now the bench was empty. "Hans?" She asked out loud in surprise. "Where did he go?" She moved closer to the bench, and her eyes went wide as she found him standing up and leaning on the nearby marble column.

"H-Hans!" She gasped and rushed over, holding out her arms as if he were to collapse into them at any moment. "What are you doing? Sit back down!"

"No." He shook his head and held out his left arm to her. "I want to try and enjoy myself tonight. Even if only for a moment."

"Hans… what are you—"

"Dance with me?" He pleaded.

"I… you…" She stumbled through her words. "I thought you were in pain."

"It subsided." He lied. In truth, he was aching quite a bit, but didn't want her to know that. "Look. I'm tired of sitting around watching everyone else have the time of their lives. You had a turn with what, all my brothers and Kristoff? You can manage just one with me."

"I… I don't know." She started, and saw the dejectedly-sad look in his eyes. "Please understand… it's not that I don't want to. I do want to… it's just…" her voice softened with worry. "What if I hurt you?"

"You won't." He answered simply. "But if it puts your mind at ease, if the pain becomes too unbearable, I promise to sit down. The seat is right here."

"Well…" she tried to wave him off, but he took that as the open invitation. He gently grasped her hand and pulled her to him. One arm looped up and around his neck, while the other awkwardly held the hand strapped down against his torso. His free arm snaked around her waist and held her close. "O-okay… now what?"

He chuckled. "We're adding new meaning to the term 'slow dance'." He started to sway to the side with her. All his weight was on his right foot as he struggled to hold his balance during turns. Every time he had to step on his bad foot, he forced enough pressure onto his toes before 'bouncing' the weight back to the other side.

"Are you okay?" She asked when she saw him visually wince.

"I'm fine." He replied and dipped his head down to touch foreheads with hers.

She blushed at their closeness and couldn't help but smile at the serene look across his face. This seemed by far the happiest she's seen him all week.

"You know…" he began. His voice was barely above a whisper. "This brings back some memories."

Anna smiled. "Elsa's coronation ball?"

"Mmm."

Anna couldn't help but smirk. "If I remember correctly, you weren't falling apart then."

"No…" He mused and looked her in the eye. "But you did knock me in the face."

She giggled. "That's true."

"And then days later, you punched me off the deck of that ship. If only I had the hindsight back then to know how much physical pain I would have to put up with all because of you." He smirked at her huffs. "It's alright though. For you, I would endure even more."

Hans… she blushed deeper at his words and her hands slipped from his and moved up to cradle his face. "What… what are you…" she trailed off as his lips grazed against hers. The kiss was short, and before she could register the tingling feeling, he had pulled back and lifted her arm to spin her around.

"I'm going to be so lonely when you leave…" he admitted sadly once he pulled her back to him.

"Oh not you, too…" she sighed softly. "You have family that cares about you—" she hushed herself seeing the deadpanned look on his face. "Okay… maybe three? Four people here that care.

"Maybe so." He sighed. "But they aren't you, and can never be you…"

He took a bad step towards her and his whole body wobbled. Anna was quick to steady him and when she looked up at his face, she bit her lip. His eyes were closed tight and his mouth pressed shut. His entire expression screamed 'pain', and she wouldn't have any more of it. "Okay… time to sit down. I mean it…"

Hans took several labored breaths. Pain was searing through his leg into his foot. "I… I think you're right." He limped heavily back the few steps to their padded bench, and he collapsed down in a heap.

Anna sat down slowly beside him and traced her fingers along his cheek. "I'm so sorry… it was a mistake letting you stand for so long."

His left hand placed itself over hers, holding it against his cheek. "Don't apologize… you enjoyed being in my arms just as much as I enjoyed holding you."

"I don't enjoy making your condition worse." She replied and looked down at her lap. "It wasn't worth it."

"Anna." He said and moved his face closer to hers. "It was. Every moment…" his voice trailed off.

Anna's eyes met his own and she searched them, trying to figure out what was going on in his head. Something was going on though. His arm was shaking, he was breathing heavily, and his expression showed traces of nervousness. Is… is he alright?

This… this is it. Hans thought to himself. His confined hand slipped unnoticed underneath his royal sash and fumbled to reach into his vest pocket. His fingertips were tracing along the ring sitting innocently inside.

"But you know…" He began, "our time doesn't have to…. Well…" he sighed, struggling to find the right words to go about this. Anna looked at him quizzically. "What I'm trying to say is… tonight doesn't have to be our last." He swallowed as his fingers managed to grip onto the band of the ring. Now to get it out of his pocket.

"What…. What do you mean?" she asked quietly.

Suddenly and without warning, Hans became a bundle of nerves. This was the moment he was waiting for for so long, and yet he found himself unable to move; frozen. His eyes scanned the room as if searching for a source of strength. He saw Ludwig and Giselle spinning in a slow waltz in the middle of the dance floor. He saw Viktor and Georg engaged in a lighthearted conversation with Alexei and a visiting Duke. On the other side of the ballroom, he noted Frederick and Princess Charlotte sipping champagne while avoiding the commotion in the center of the room. Each one of those people had tried to encourage him to take a step forward for his own happiness. They all had some part to play in getting him to this exact moment. Doing this deed, proposing to the girl he loved, wouldn't only be for himself and for Anna, but for all of them as well. He didn't want to let them down, let alone himself.

Lastly, and more importantly, his eyes landed on Queen Elsa while she sat in a chair beside the King's throne. She was talking with several foreign dignitaries and paying no immediate mind to the commotion of the ballroom. But, for a split second, her own eyes scanned the room, and Hans felt a lump in his throat when he truly thought they landed on him before returning to those she was conversing with. Her reserved smile never faltered, she never gestured with her hands or body as if she noticed him at all. Nonetheless, he was sure she did. That sparing glance was like a glare piercing right into his very soul, and her parting words to him that afternoon echoed in his mind.

" if you truly want me to have some sort of trust in you, then please. Respect my wishes on this matter. Do not propose to her. You don't have my blessing, and I doubt you ever will."

As the words echoed, they stung deeper and deeper. He loved Anna, more than he ever thought he ever could. But, what good was it if he didn't have her sister's trust? The coveted blessing? What would a proposal mean if Elsa forbade their desired union? Anna loved her sister too much to disregard her wishes. And without Elsa's trust, he had nothing.

Could he truly bring himself to propose on a desperate whim? Could he be selfish enough to put his own desires and those of his brothers over the bond between the girl he loved and her own sister?

Anna touched his cheek to snap him out of his frozen state. "Hans?"

Hans' breathing became labored as he came to his decision.

His fingers trembled as the delicate ring slipped from his fingers, back to the bottom of his pocket. His lips quivered as he struggled to find something to say.

"Will… will you…"

"yes?" she asked.

His voice was beginning to waiver as he fought to maintain his composure. "Will you promise to write to me?"

Anna blinked. Why do I get the feeling that wasn't what he was going to say? He's shaking so hard. What on earth could be wrong? "Of course I will." She smiled. "I.. I'll write every day if you want, and by the time the royal messenger comes around, you'll have a huge stack to read."

He nodded and forced himself to smile. "I'd like that, v-very much."

Anna shook her head and scooted closer to him. "Hans. Are you alright? You're trembling. What's wrong?"

"I," he stammered and waved over a servant. "I'm in a lot of pain. It's probably best if I went back upstairs…"

"Can I help?" She asked and held out her arms.

"N-no. My medics will be by in a few moments. They'll get me upstairs."

"If you're sure…" she said softly and with concern in her voice. "I'm worried for you."

"I know." He replied and leaned in to kiss her. He hesitated at the last moment and turned his head to kiss her cheek instead. "I'll say my farewells for tonight, Princess. Sleep well."

Anna could only watch with sadness and confusion as Harold and two other medics helped Hans get to his feet and assist him out of the ballroom and upstairs to his room.

"Shall I prepare you for bed, your highness?" Harold asked.

"No." Hans said and slumped back in his armchair. "Just leave me alone. I'll… I'll ring for you when I want help."

"Yes, sir." Harold bowed and closed the door quietly behind him.

Now alone, Hans roughly tugged off his sash and cravat and tossed them roughly onto the bed. He reached into his vest pocket and pulled out the ring. The stones sparkled against the light from the fireplace, and he reached onto the table beside him for the small velvet box to slip it back into. Now with the box enclosed in his fist, he broke down and let the tears fall from his eyes.

I couldn't do it. I can't do it. I'm sorry, Anna, for breaking your heart. Again. Now, my own heart is broken, too. He covered his face with his hand and let himself vent out his sorrows until there was nothing left….

…Until there was a soft knock on the door.

"Go. Away."

Another knock.

Frustrated, Hans growled out, "what?"

The door opened and Kristoff took a few nervous steps inside. "Um, Hans?" He called out nervously.

Hans' eyes snapped up to the door and immediately narrowed. "What do you want?"

Kristoff's hands fidgeted together. "I just wanted to see how you were doing… and—"

"—why do you care?"

"I'm going home tomorrow, and I doubt we'll be seeing much of each other in the future." Kristoff said, taking a few steps closer to the sitting prince. "I don't want us to part as enemies."

"But we still are, aren't we? Both trying to vie for Anna's affections?" Hans bit out. The hurt in his voice was crystal clear. "Well. To the victor goes the spoils. I hope you're satisfied."

"No. We aren't. And... I'm not satisfied." Kristoff shook his head. "Look…I know we got off on the wrong foot. It's true, I don't like you. I honestly don't think Anna deserves you. But, who am I to judge if she even deserves me, right?"

Hans cocked an eyebrow but said nothing.

"I've been thinking about what you've said to me the other day, and—"

Hans interrupted again and groaned. "Good god, did you have some weird epiphany overnight, too? What the hell was in the air?" He muttered.

"I… have no idea what you're talking about." Kristoff responded, and picked up where he left off. "anyway, I realize that Anna isn't stupid, nor naïve. If she truly sees good in you, then it must be there somewhere, right? She sees things in others that no one else does. I guess that's why we both love her."

"Go on…"

"And… if she trusts you, who am I to judge? I can tell how much you love her. And even though she won't bluntly admit it, she loves you, too, far more than I think she ever loved me."

Hans merely sat there, speechless.

"I guess what I came here to say is… you don't have to worry about me. I won't try and 'steal her back' once we return to Arendelle. I'll respect what you two have, and if I can help her, I will."

"There isn't going to be anything anymore." Hans replied bitterly and averted his gaze to the fireplace. "Elsa knows, and forbade me from asking for Anna's hand."

"But… but you love her."

"Yes, I do. And because I do, I have to let her go." He moved his closed fist over his mouth to hide the slipping of his composure.

"Are you—"

"Good night, Kristoff." Hans cut him off sharply, and then his voice softened. "I… appreciate you coming by, and I'm touched by your honesty. But right now, I want to be alone. Please."

Kristoff frowned, but nodded, accepting Hans' request. "Goodnight, Hans."

Hans' fingers drummed idly on the arm of the chair as his conflicted thoughts went through his mind. His eyes locked onto the ring box now laying in his lap. Perhaps there is a way to tell her how I feel…

Without a second thought, he yanked the summoning cord for Harold and then shakily rose to his feet and hobbled to his desk. I just need a pen and some paper…


The wind was particularly strong that night by the time Anna had left the party and retired to her room. She was dismayed to find every personal belonging packed away in trunks stacked near the door, ready to be placed on board the ship in the morning.

Anna tossed and turned in bed as she struggled to stay comfortable and fall asleep. What didn't help was the wind. There was a tree not far from her window, and in one of the blustery gusts, a branch broke off and struck against the window frame. The noise frightened her, and she bolted upright with eyes wide. "Who's there?!" She called out, and then paused. Her eyes scanned the room nervously and fell to the window. It's okay, Anna. Relax. No one is here. It was just the wind. It was just the wind…

She slipped out of bed and padded over to the window, pulling the curtains aside and peeking out.

It's just the wind. It's just the wind. Another branch blew right by and it made her jump. Ok. I need to calm my nerves. She walked over to her clothing trunk and opened it. Her robe was laying on top, and she reached for it. This is going to be a long, terrible night. If the dreams don't keep me awake, this weather certainly will…. Huh?

What she didn't expect was for a small object to fall from the pocket of her robe and land at her feet on the floor.

"Uh, what? This isn't mine…" she muttered out loud as she bent down and picked it up. It was a tiny velvety pouch. She could feel something hard inside, and there was a crinkle when she moved her fingers over it. Curiosity was getting the best of her, so she reached in and pulled out a slip of paper that was shoved inside. She was standing in her own shadow and so she couldn't read the words on the page yet. Rather than turn around to face the fire, she reached back into the pouch and grabbed the object inside. It was a small velvet box, one that would come from a jeweler.

Um, what's this? Without giving the box a second thought, she opened it. And the sight before her made her cry out and drop the box onto the floor in shock.

W-w-w-what?

Anna knelt onto the floor and picked the box back up. There was a dainty ring inside with a narrow gold band. A small pearl was at the center mount of the ring, and it was flanked with a trio of tiny diamonds on each side, giving the entire piece just enough sparkle and charm without appearing huge and gaudy.

"This…. This…is-!" She stammered, and her eyes immediately went back to the note clenched in her hands. Now she had to read what it said. Or, she tried to. The handwriting was very messy, and some of the paper looked wet. Most of the message was illegible to her, except for the most important part. The signature.

-Hans.

She sank to the floor as she tried to absorb what she found. Her breaths came out heavy as she clutched the paper to her chest.

Hans… did he just… did he just propose to me? On paper? Is that why he was acting so strange earlier tonight when he was struggling to find something to say? Was he trying to come up with the right words to ask?

A few tears began to fall as her emotions were starting to get the best of her. She glanced to the clock on the wall. 12:26am.

I can't let this be how we part…. I can't go home like this, not now… not if this is what I think it is. Oh god, I'm running out of time….

Without another word, she threw on and tied closed her robe over her nightdress and took the ring out of the box. Shoving the note and the ring in her pocket, she slipped out of her room and made her way down the corridors to Hans' room. To her advantage, the halls were empty and quiet, and soon she was at her destination. With a careful and paranoid look each direction down the hall, she quietly turned the knob and scurried inside.

He was asleep, but that didn't matter. She had planned to wake him up anyway. She closed the door quietly behind her, and her hands fumbled over the knob until she felt the lock click into place. Then, she silently padded over to his bed. The wind was howling, and she could have sworn she felt a draft coming from the windows.

"Hans?" She asked and reached over to nudge his shoulder. "Hans, wake up." She pleaded.

He jerked awake almost immediately and looked wildly around the room until his eyes fell on her. "Anna?" He asked as he struggled to sit up more. "What are you—"

"I can't do this." She blurted out.

"Do…what?"

"I can't leave you."

Hans blinked the exhaustion from his eyes. "It's a bit late for that, isn't it?"

Anna shook her head quickly. "No. It's never too late." She decided to take matters into her own hands. Without a second thought, she started pulling back the top blankets on the bed.

"Uh, what're—hey!" Hans hissed quietly and yanked the bedding from her grasp. "What are you doing?"

"What's it look like?"

"Oh no. No. No. NO." He held his arm out to stop her. "I know we've practically tossed all the rules of propriety into the fire during this last week, but I have to put my foot down somewhere. You are NOT getting into bed with me!"

"And I'm not leaving." She pleaded and paused to collect her thoughts. "Hans… this is my last night here… and I would rather spend these hours with you than all alone. Are you really going to say no to that?"

"Anna…" he sighed, "it's not that. Your reputation is at stake. It's bad enough that you spent nearly every night this week just sitting with me, talking until the way early hours of the morning. You're lucky no one noticed you coming and going. What if someone walks in while you're in here? You're a princess. If rumors get out that you shared a bed while unmarried, it'll cause scandal. Not to mention, your sister will kill me twice over."

"No one will know." She said confidently and leaned her hands on the bed. "I locked the door."

"Yes, because that certainly makes this dalliance alright." He said dryly. "What if your maid checks in early in the morning and you haven't snuck back in yet?"

"I'll think of something."

"The answer is still no."

"What's the big deal? We slept under a blanket on a sofa downstairs a few weeks ago and you didn't protest then!"

"Yeah, it was a couch. Once a bed is involved, everyone jumps to the wrong conclusions and assumes I took your virtue." Hans sighed and rubbed his forehead."What really brought all of this on, anyway?"

She bit her lip. "I… I found—aaaaah!" she jumped in a frightened panic as she heard the same sound of branches hitting the windows. She whirled around and clutched the bedpost as she looked around the room wildly as if expecting someone to have just broken in. Any mentioning of the ring she found was forgotten as she tried to pull herself together.

Hans' eyes went from the window to Anna in a panicked state. "Anna. It's just the wind."

When she turned back around about a minute later there was desperation in her eyes. "Please, Hans… let me stay. I… I don't want to be alone. Not again."

He eyed her for a long while. For whatever reason, she was beside herself, frightened even. But why? It's just weather. The longer he held her gaze, the more she seemed to lose it. Unfortunately, his resolve was starting to slip because it pained him to see her so upset. "This is a mistake…" he muttered under his breath, and eventually waved his arm to beckon her forward. Anna wasted no time in starting to untie the fabric belt of her robe. "Ah-ah-ah. That stays on."

"Huh?" She asked and looked down at her robe. "You expect me to sleep in this?"

"Should you be caught in here, the more clothes you have on, the less trouble I might be in." he sighed. "Now what's this all about?"

Anna didn't hesitate to throw back the blankets and practically jump into the bed. A quick sweeping motion of her hand pulled the bedding back up over her and she immediately closed the gap between her and Hans. Her face buried into his sleep shirt as her hands clung to him. "I'm frightened…" her voice muffled.

He frowned and moved his arm around her to keep her close. "Of what?" He asked softly. "The wind? Is it the noise?"

She shook her head and closed her eyes tight. "My… my nightmares…"

Nightmares? He thought to himself. "They're just dreams, Anna. They mean nothing—"

"NO!" She cried. "They're not!" Every time I g-go to sleep I see them. Hear them…"

"Who?" He asked.

"Your brother!" She broke into a sob and fresh tears started landing on his shirt. "Dirk… and those brutes!" Her fingers clenched into him and the sheets. "I hear creaks in my room… or a noise outside, and I'm afraid that someone is out to get me; kidnap me and drag me off through the snow like some hunting game, and I can't fall asleep. Or… when I do, I close my eyes and I'm in that room, b-bound and helpless…. While Dirk…he…he…" she trailed off, unable to speak of her experience anymore.

Hans' hand moved up and down her back, trying to soothe her. Her cries were the only sound breaking the silence between them. "Have you been having these nightmares ever since we came back?" He felt her nod against his chest. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I…" she sniffled, "I didn't want to burden you. And it wouldn't have made much difference anyway. You weren't in a position to do anything."

"Did you tell anyone about this?"

"No… because only you know the truth." She took a deep breath and tried to regain some composure. "I've been putting on brave faces to everyone. It's been easy around others. W-we talk and we laugh and for a while I forget about my own troubles. But at night when I'm by myself… everything just slips out, and I'm reliving everything all over again. Every sound…every touch. I c-can't take it. M-Maybe Elsa was right… I really do need to go home, where I'll be safe…"

"Oh Anna…." He sighed and tilted his head down to lay a light kiss atop her head. "You are safe now. Dirk is dead. He can't hurt you anymore, and neither will his partners. You've been holding in this burden for too long. Just let it go. It's alright. I'm here…"

They laid there for what seemed like an eternity while she cried into his chest. Eventually, she stopped and when she finally spoke, it brought a smile to his face. "T-thank you…."

"Do you feel better?"

"Maybe a little…"

"Good."

"You know…" she sniffled softly and forced a smile as she pulled away from him and propped herself on her side beside him. "your bed is a lot more comfortable than mine."

His mouth formed into a smirk as he angled himself slightly to the side. "That's because I'm in it. It's a package deal, you know."

She shook her head. "Had I known, I would have begged to jump in here earlier in the week…"

He chuckled and looked at her thoughtfully. "It's amazing what three months does. Oh, how the tables have turned."

"What do you mean?"

"If I remember correctly when you first arrived here, you claimed that my embrace was not only uncomfortable and undesirable, but you were revolting from the very idea of sharing a bed with me. And now, here you are, begging for my company and essentially pushing your way into my bed."

"Oh shut up." She blushed. "You were being a jerk then."

"You called me a 'jerk' tonight, too."

"Huh. I don't recall." She lied, and moved closer again, resting her head on his chest again. "Wow. We're really doing this, aren't we?"

"What?"

"Sharing a bed. It feels so….naughty; forbidden."

"it should. We're breaking every rule in the book." He replied.

"But, it's exciting…"

"What will your future husband think of this, hmm? When he finds out you've slept with another man?"

"We're not asleep."

"Not yet."

"I dunno, Hans." She said, smirking to herself. Her hand slipped into the robe pocket and her fingers traced around the ring inside. "I get the impression he won't mind, seeing as he already knows I'm here."

Hans' eyes widened, and he looked down at her in shock. "What? Are you trying to get me killed?"

"wait-What? NO!" She exclaimed and shifted her position. Now she propped herself up on her arms and leaned over him. "He was a very good sport about it."

"I had no idea Kristoff had such an open mind."

"He's not Kristoff."

"Oh? Then who? It must be someone you met at the ball. After all, we both know you have a knack for incredibly fast courtships."

She moved one of her hands to trace down his cheek along his sideburn as she fumbled the ring from her pocket. "What can I say. I know true love when I see it."

He looked at her with a confused look, and when she held out the ring before his eyes, his mouth turned into a slight frown. "Anna…."

"You didn't really think I would let you get away with asking such an important question on a piece of paper, did you?"

Hans swallowed and shook his head. "You didn't read it."

She blushed. "I couldn't… you have terrible handwriting."

He rolled his eyes. "My penmanship is just fine, thank you. You try writing something with your wrist strapped down and see how neat it looks." He sighed and gave her a sympathetic look. "Anna… I put everything into that ring. My heart and soul… but. It's not an engagement ring. Not anymore."

Her face fell as her gaze went to the ring in her hand to his eyes, searching for answers. "Wait… what are you saying?"

His voice was quiet. "I want very much to be the man you deserve. But I can't escape my past, not from everyone." He cleared his throat. "Your sister came to see me this afternoon. She knew what I was planning to do. I had every intention of proposing tonight at the ball. But I can't… and won't. Not without her blessing."

Anna's lips began to quiver. I was right… that was what he was trying to do earlier. "Hans… you don't need her blessing…" she scrambled to find a sense of logic. "We could…we could run off… move to another kingdom. O-or I could stay here with you…."

Hans swung his arm back around, so he could run his fingers through her hair gingerly. "We both know you could never do that. You love your sister too much to abandon her. You need each other. And I could never live with myself if I forced you apart. And besides, Elsa's blessing is just as important to you as it is to me. I won't go where I am not wanted. It wouldn't be fair to her, and certainly not to you."

"Then… what?" Anna felt tears forming in her eyes. "What are you trying to say?"

"I want you to take that ring… wear it if you wish, or keep it safely tucked away in a trinket box. It's a token of my love for you, and I want you to have it." He said with sadness in his voice. "I wish it could be different…"

Anna's heart was breaking for him. She held her left hand. "Put it on my finger, Hans."

Hans searched her eyes. "But—"

She forced the ring into his hand. "I promise you… This ring will never leave my hands. I will wear this every day so you will always be with me wherever I go. But for tonight, I want to forget everything else, and everyone else. Right now… you're all that matters to me. I love you, Hans… and if we can't have forever, I want to at least spend tonight as your fiancé…"

Anna's words brought a tear to his eye as he turned the ring in his fingers. Gently, he pushed it up her third finger until it was safely in place. "Oh Anna…" He then took hold of her hand and placed a long tender kiss over the ring. "You have no idea how happy you've made me."

She smiled and caressed his cheek as she leaned in to kiss him deeply. They lingered for a while until he gently broke away and leaned his forehead against hers.

"Don't get ahead of yourself though…" he whispered. "We're not married yet... and it wouldn't do any good if you…stimulated me a bit too far. I won't be responsible for ruining you before your wedding."

She blushed. "Oh please…" she shot back. "You've only got one good arm and leg. How much could you possibly do?"

He let out a growl and spoke hotly in her ear, just for show. "You'd be surprised what a man is capable of while being caressed by a beautiful woman."

She gasped and gave him a playful shove. "Don't be lewd."

He only smirked and repositioned himself to lay back down, wincing from the strain. "You started it." He teased and waved his finger to beckon her closer. "Now c'mere so we can get some sleep."

Anna smiled wide and slid down beside him. She laid her head down on his chest and slid one of her hands across his torso and underneath his sling. He let out a soft groan and she looked up at his face. "Did I hurt you?"

"No… its alright." He re-positioned his arms best he could to hold her tight against him. "I'll manage. But… if you kick my leg, you're going to be sorry."

"yes, sir." She smiled and closed her eyes, and silence filled the room once again.

The wind continued to howl outside, and every so often, Hans could feel her tense up. "Anna…."

"I'm… I'm okay." She mumbled sleepily.

He wasn't entirely convinced but didn't press the issue. She had an early day coming, and would need her rest. Hopefully with him there, no nightmare would plague her. He knew he wouldn't be getting much sleep himself, so he decided to stay awake as long as he could to keep an eye on her, just in case she gets restless. He would also have to make sure she made it back to her own room before the servants came around.

The hours passed, and Hans didn't even realize he dozed off until he heard the clock in the room chime for the six-o-clock hour. He stirred himself awake and smiled down at Anna slumbering away as if nothing was wrong. It was a shame he had to wake her up. She looked so peaceful.

"Anna…"

She didn't respond verbally, but he was sure she heard him. Her arms tightened around him and her head nuzzled deeper into his chest.

"Anna… wake up." He shook her shoulder gently.

"….huh? whut?" she mumbled and looked up at him in surprise. "O-oh. Um. Hi…" she blushed.

"sleep well?" he asked.

She nodded and flushed even deeper pink. "I did… thanks to you." She let out a sigh. "But… now I guess I must leave, huh."

"Mmhm." He nodded. "This was a mistake. I don't know if I can let you go now." His arm tightened around her back. "You gave me a small sampling of bliss. I may never feel that again."

"Never say never, Hans…" she pushed herself up and gave him a gentle kiss. "After all, who knows what the future will bring."

He returned her kiss and cupped her cheek. "I'll take any future so long as you're in it."

After they broke apart, Anna sighed. "I don't know how I'll manage without you."

"With the poise and grace of a princess?"

Anna laughed and stood. "If only. I'm neither of those things." Tears began to form as her emotions came to the surface. She knew leaving him would be the hardest thing she'd have to do. "This won't be goodbye, Hans. I mean it. I'll make Elsa understand somehow… she'll change her mind. You'll see."

He gave a sad smile. "I look forward to that day no matter how long it takes."

She nodded and her voice cracked. "I'll write to you. Every day. I promise."

"I'll practice my handwriting." He teased.

Anna choked back a sob as she sat back down on the bed to cup his face in her hands. "I love you."

"I know." He leaned forward and captured her lips with his own, giving one last parting kiss goodbye.

"Oh Hans," she gasped, breathless. "Parting is such sweet sorrow."

His mouth formed a smirk as he released his hold on her. "That I shall say good day till it be morrow." He nodded his head towards the door. "You best get going, Juliet."

Anna bit her lip and nodded. "Good bye, Hans."

"Farewell, my dear Princess. Until we meet again."