Author's Notes: Part of the reason this chapter took a while is because I completely lost track of the story and had to go back and reread it. Not advisable, by the way.
We are reaching the end of this massive fic! I hope I've managed to catch all the inconsistencies and plotholes, and produce an ending that is worthy of this story. Thanks to everyone reading; you've followed this wagon a long way.
Elsa glided into the room. "How is it?"
"Oh! Your Majesty!" The royal dressmaker, a young woman named Alfhild, stood up when the queen appeared. Elsa waved at her and smiled, motioning for her to continue. "I'll need to make a few adjustments and let it out a little more at Princess Anna's waist, but that won't take more than a day or two, Your Majesty."
"Let it out?" Elsa peered at a blushing Anna, amused. "How many chocolates have you been eating lately, dear sister?"
"It's Cook's fault," grumbled Anna. She wriggled unhappily. "She makes such delicious things and she lets me taste-test her newest creations. And she already prepares second helpings for me before I can ask for them."
Elsa chuckled. Truthfully, she would much rather have Anna plump instead of rail-thin (because Anna post-Thaw is a hive of activity, and a thin Anna means an Anna who's been skipping meals), but Anna's gain is extra work for Alfhild.
The dressmaker finished her measurements. "I'm done, Your Highness."
"Yay!" Anna enthusiastically climbed out of the dress, practically shimmying the thick fabric off.
Once Alfhild was gone, Anna breathed a sigh of relief. "I love dressing up, but I definitely do not like heavy gowns," she groused.
"You seemed perfectly fine at my coronation." Elsa vaguely remembered the servants commenting on the general chaos Anna had wreaked in the morning, and hearing snatches of singing everywhere.
"Alfhild designed a special light summer-y gown for me, and she promised it could take anything I could throw at it. I was just putting it through its paces." Anna flopped on the couch, still in her undergarments. Her dress hung in the corner of the room, forgotten.
"Yet you signed up for this," Elsa reminded her gently. She certainly appreciated Anna's presence at her side, but a small part of her was insistent that Anna should be protected from the entire sordid matter.
Anna lifted her chin and glared imperiously at her older sister. "I followed you up the North Mountain in a blizzard; I can definitely handle itchy, heavy, ridiculously hot formal dresses."
Elsa smiled. She could always count on Anna to lift her mood, just by being her usual bratty, unswervingly loyal self. "I know," she said, and lightly bumped Anna's elbow with her own.
That drew a smile from Anna. "Face it, Elsa; you're stuck with me forever."
The simple words warmed Elsa's heart so much that she lacked the words to respond. Anna, however, chuckled and drew her sister in for a hug.
"... Are you ever gonna put your clothes back on?" asked Elsa, her fingers running over the laces of Anna's corset.
"Maybe never. I feel so liberated."
"Looks nice," he said.
"Make yourself comfortable," replied the cloaked man escorting him. He gave Hans a little push so Hans stumbled into the cell.
"Are you people required to follow the same script or something?" Hans straightened up, lip curling.
Once the cloaked man was out of sight, Hans sank on the wooden pallet. Here was another mess he had gotten himself into, and as before, it was entirely of his own making. He really hated how brooding in prison cells were such a major part of his life now. At least he wasn't destroying things on arrival; Hans counted it as character growth.
What bothered Hans the most was how it wasn't even the first time he was powerless to save himself, after everything he had done to take his fate into his own hands…
Perhaps the hero Elsa needed was one who could save himself first.
Yes, perhaps; if Hans could ever have the chance to learn how.
"Whoa," said Anna reverently.
Elsa had outdone herself. A fleet of warships, all conjured from Elsa's ice, were anchored in Arendelle harbour, ready for the voyage to the Southern Isles. Her sister had spent days cooped up with her admirals poring over plans just so she could replicate a real ship perfectly – with a few necessary changes.
The decks were coated with unmelting snow so the sailors wouldn't slip and fall. Elsa had made improvements of her own that weren't possible with conventional materials; the fleet's flagship was twice as large as a normal ship, but her admirals were adamant it was just as maneuverable as a ship half its size.
"I always say this, but this is the most amazing thing you've ever made," said Anna.
Elsa shook her head fondly. "I don't think I shall ever grow tired of hearing you say that."
"Can we go and have a closer look?"
"Please?" Kristoff chimed in. He had been silent up until this moment, seemingly mesmerized by the sight. There was a crowd gathering at the Arendelle dock now, townspeople stopping to admire their queen's latest ice creation.
"Of course." The words were barely out of her mouth when Anna and Kristoff scampered up the gangplank onto the flagship.
Elsa followed them at a more sedate pace. She trailed her fingers over the guardrail, allowing herself a moment to appreciate how far she had come with herself and her powers.
She also ignored the fact that she was essentially raising an army to go to war for one man.
Kristoff ran his mittened hands over the side. "Whoa." He tested the rope of the riggings, admiring how it gave to the pressure of his tugging like real rope. "Whoa," he echoed. "Have I ever told you how amazing your sister is?"
"Watch it, mister; don't forget it's me you're dating," Anna joked, elbowing him in the ribs. "Though I kinda get where you're coming from. If I wasn't her sister…"
"I could never forget that elbow, believe me," said Kristoff. "Also, that's just a bit creepy. But it's Elsa, so it's okay."
"Elsa's powers are just unbelievable." Anna skipped over the deck towards the ice cannon. "Just look at this!" She raised her voice so Elsa, over at the port side, could hear her. "Elsa, does this work?"
"Yes…?" She answered hesitantly, afraid they would want a demonstration.
Kristoff straightened up, gazing at Elsa with wide, starry eyes.
"... If you must have a demonstration, fine." Elsa waved her hand; a large snowball shot out of the cannon. It soared over the water before disappearing with a distant splash.
"Whoa," said Anna and Kristoff simultaneously.
"How does that even work?" Kristoff bent and squinted down the barrel of the cannon.
"It doesn't," said Elsa, shrugging. "They're mostly for show. I'm the one conjuring the snowballs."
Anna linked her arm with Elsa's. "My big sister, the one-woman army," she joked.
"We leave Arendelle in your capable hands, Thorir," said Elsa.
He bowed, deep and formal. "I shall merely take care of it until your return, Your Majesty."
Anna, never one for formalities, waited for Thorir to straighten before throwing her arms around his neck. "We'll be back sooner than you think, Thorir. I'll bring you a souvenir."
He chuckled affectionately. "I look forward to it, Princess Anna," said Thorir, patting her back.
The fleet's flagship was christened Nordlige Fjell. It was the biggest ship in the fleet because it was a fully-equipped warship, had additional rooms for the royal family, and had secret features known only to Elsa.
When the fleet put out to sea, the queen was sitting in her private study, engrossed in old books from the castle library.
These books were special, however. They were from a hidden shelf known only to the monarch of Arendelle and one other trusted advisor at any given time; they contained Arendelle's most prized secrets. For example, the book that Elsa was currently studying contained the only remaining copy of the blueprints for Arendelle Castle.
The pine marten curled up in front of the door chittered. Elsa looked up. "What is it?" she asked the animal.
It chittered again. Elsa closed her book and concealed it in her desk, locking the drawer with a burst of ice. Another flick of her fingers vanished the pine marten.
A minute later, a knock sounded at the door. "Elsa?"
"Come in," she called, and dissolved the ice lock with a wave of her hand, just as Anna bounced into the room.
"Hi, sis," she said. "I brought you a snack." In her hands, Anna carried a small plate of chocolates. "Cook packed this for us to share. She also warned me that she'd know if I ate them all myself," added Anna sheepishly.
"Thank you, Anna," she said gratefully.
"Whatcha doin'?"
"The usual," said Elsa. She pulled out a sheaf of papers from another drawer. "If you don't have anything to do, I could use some help with these letters."
She was half-expecting Anna to decline; even with the recent interest and ability her sister had been showing in government affairs, they were on an ice ship at sea.
But Anna brightened. "I thought you'd never ask," she said, pulling up a chair and rooting through the desk for a pen.
Elsa chided herself internally. She should have known better than to question Anna at this point.
With Anna's help, it didn't take long before the last letter was done and sealed with Arendelle's royal crocus. Elsa added a touch of her own unmeltable frost to seal the envelope, and it joined the neat pile of other envelopes.
"Done," said Anna, sounding satisfied.
"Thanks to you."
"Now let's go." Anna stood up and stretched. "We've got an entire ship to explore."
"I'll be right there, I have a few more things to do first."
Anna gave her a hard look. "Anything I can do to help?"
"I'm afraid not."
"Mmmkay. As long as you promise you'll be out as soon as you can, you stinker." She gave Elsa's elbow a light poke.
"I promise," said Elsa with a nod.
She surreptitiously sealed the door with her magic after Anna. Thankfully, Anna hadn't questioned her further; Elsa wasn't sure what she could have said that wouldn't be a lie or hurt Anna's feelings. It was not that Elsa didn't trust her own sister, but confiding in Anna meant speaking aloud and she didn't know who could be listening.
Elsa returned to her sealed drawer and the book inside. The lining of the back cover concealed a secret compartment, which she opened now; the documents inside detailed confidential information she had asked her spies to gather.
Here were some pieces of the puzzle. It was up to her to piece the mystery together while she had the chance to be away from her court.
That night, Elsa couldn't sleep.
Of course, Anna was out like a light and snoring within five minutes, draped over Elsa like a blanket.
She needed fresh air. Smiling fondly, Elsa dislodged herself with a kiss to Anna's cheek. She pulled a coat over her shoulders and stepped out.
The sea was still and glassy. Onboard, all was equally still; even the night helmsman hardly moved as he stood at the wheel. What little lamplight there was made the ice gleam, an ethereal sight in the darkness.
Elsa made her way to the back of the ship. Being here reminded her of a voyage more than a year ago, when there was a storm on the way home from Corona, and she…
She had never been so terrified; not since the day she'd believed Anna dead. And he had been there, just like before, only everything had been different.
He'd held her together, when before he had torn her down.
And now she was on her way to repay the favor.
Once Elsa had accepted her powers, she'd been thrilled to find there was nothing that couldn't be solved with them. Until this. Which shouldn't have been much of a problem anyway; unlike her powers, Elsa had been trained to be Queen since she was a little girl.
But she felt strong. She wasn't alone, and would never be again.
"Hey."
Elsa smiled. "Hey."
Kristoff joined her. "Can't sleep?"
"Not really."
"Anna snoring too loud?"
Elsa sniffed. "Nothing I haven't heard before. You shouldn't be up, either."
He chuckled. "I heard you, and thought you could use some company. What's on your mind?"
"Nothing much. The usual."
"You wouldn't be keeping anything from me again, would you?" asked Kristoff, folding his arms over his chest.
Elsa offered him a sheepish smile. "Not this time, no. I'm sorry."
"Hey, it's fine. I just want to be sure you're good this time." He tested his arms on the solid ice railing. "Anna's worried about you."
"She's been really worried about me lately." Similarly, Elsa had been making the effort to spend more time with Anna, to show her that she wasn't hiding anymore, and that she knew that Anna would always have her back. "I wish she wouldn't, but Anna's never taken no for an answer."
"Yeah. I've been telling her to lay off a little, but she's stubborn that way."
"You have?"
Kristoff shrugged. "You're the queen," he said simply. "There are some things you gotta do yourself." Lowering his voice, he added: "I've seen them. It's ice, and I know ice."
"I should've known than to keep anything ice from you, Kristoff." It made her feel a little guilty, that she and Kristoff were hiding things from Anna together, but she pushed her emotions down.
"It's a talent." He cleared his throat. "When those animals kept showing up out of season, I figured it was your doing – and that you'd have a good reason for it."
"You're okay with me doing this?" Keeping secrets from Anna, was the unspoken implication.
"You're family," he said. "Regardless of what Anna and I are to each other. You both are my family, and family trusts each other. I may not know everything, but I know that you wouldn't do it without a good reason, and that you'll tell her everything someday."
She felt choked up. Elsa had long accepted Kristoff as family, but hearing him return the sentiment so plainly warmed her heart.
"Aww, hey, come here," said Kristoff. He caught Elsa around the waist, hugging her roughly until she giggled.
Luckily for Elsa, the ships enjoyed fine weather for the duration of the voyage.
On the day her admiral had informed her they would reach the Southern Isles, Elsa stepped out on the deck and was hailed by a loud voice.
"Elsa!"
Anna approached her now, beaming from ear to ear.
"Hi." Elsa regarded her sister with amusement. "You look… smartly dressed."
Anna looked herself up and down; she was wearing a loose men's shirt, rolled up at the elbows, and breeches belted at the waist. Everything was at least three sizes too big for her. "I can't possibly wear one of my dresses on the rigging," she pointed out.
"I know," said Elsa, smiling widely. "Just make sure you get changed before we dock." She glanced at the ship's captain, who mouthed something at her. "Which would be in about… another two hours."
"What."
She turned back to the captain. "Display our colours," ordered Elsa. "Full sail ahead." The queen's mouth twitched as she caught sight of Anna ducking below deck.
It made for a grand entrance. The ice ships of Arendelle, its green and purple colours fluttering, sailed into the Southern Isles' harbour. Elsa noted gleefully that the flagship dwarfed all the ships bearing the scarlet and gold of the Southern Isles.
"Hey, looks like I didn't miss anything!"
Anna popped up at Elsa's elbow. She was dressed in her new formal gown, her hair in an up-do.
"Nope, you're just in time," said Elsa. "Also, that was fast."
"Of course! I've got fantastic timing, you know." Anna grinned sheepishly. As she walked away, the ribbon holding her hair up started to unravel; with a wave of her hand, Elsa repinned it and added an icy crocus.
Their ship glided into the harbour. Elsa conjured an ice gangway leading to the dock. It didn't even require a gesture like previous ones had. She lifted her head high and walked down the narrow path.
Frederik awaited her, flanked by a battalion of gold-armoured soldiers. He bowed low, and Elsa curtsied. "Welcome, Queen Elsa of Arendelle, to the Southern Isles," he said formally.
"Thank you, King Frederik." The words sat bitter and heavy on her tongue.
"And Princess Anna. An honour, indeed." He bowed again, a fraction shallower than he had for Elsa. "My lord Baron," he greeted Kristoff.
Elsa willed herself not to turn her head as Anna and Kristoff exchanged formal greetings with Frederik. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Anna sink into a brief curtsey, and Elsa breathed a silent sigh of relief.
"A pleasure to see you again, Your Majesty," said Anna. Only Elsa could detect the sulky tone underpinning Anna's voice.
"We are honoured indeed to receive such noble guests." Frederik nodded at the ships. "And on such wondrous ships."
"In turn, we are honoured by your hospitality," said Elsa.
"May I introduce my brothers?" Frederik nodded at the two men in formal uniform at his side. "Prince Farmund, and Prince Anselm of the Southern Isles."
The family resemblance was much less striking with these men. While Haakon had been practically a carbon copy of Hans, and Eirik and Frederik bore a strong resemblance to him, Farmund was blonde, much taller and thinner, his Westergaard green eyes hidden behind wire-rimmed spectacles. Anselm had dark hair and was built the opposite way, short and square. Side by side, they looked like a study in contrast.
"Your Majesty," said Farmund, bowing low to kiss Elsa's hand. "We bid you welcome."
"Thank you. It is a pleasure to meet you both," said Elsa, accepting Anselm's greeting in turn.
"My brothers will be more than happy to be your guides and companions during your visit," said Frederik. "Think of them as your stewards."
That meant they were spies, thought Elsa. Her smile never wavered. "We are honoured."
"But we can talk more later. You must be tired from your long voyage; we have prepared a feast tonight to welcome you." He motioned for them to follow. "My men shall show you to your rooms so you may freshen up before dinner."
Anna fell in step beside her. "I don't trust them at all," she muttered out of the corner of her mouth. A court smile remained plastered on her face. "Especially the ratty one." She jerked her head at Farmund.
"Shhh, we'll talk later," replied Elsa.
Elsa shut the door of her guest room behind her, sealing the door and keyhole with her ice. A flick of her wrist conjured a pair of ravens which flew around the room, searching for holes and other signs she was being spied on.
They alighted on her outstretched arm. "Nothing?" she asked, and they shook their heads.
She vanished them and then heaved a sigh of relief. At least Frederik's hospitality was more genuine than his smile.
A knock sounded at the door. "Elsa!"
"The door's not locked, Anna," called Elsa, vanishing her ice with a small wave. "Come in."
Anna came tumbling in, followed closely by Kristoff. "I can't believe they gave me and Kristoff separate rooms, which is a good thing," she added hastily on seeing the expression on Elsa's face. "The not so good part is that they're in separate wings. And this castle is huge." She made a face at Kristoff. "It took me an hour to find Kristoff."
"There are servants lurking everywhere. I swear there was one behind the door when I came out of the room." Kristoff shut the door behind him.
Elsa surreptitiously sealed the door again behind Kristoff. "This isn't Arendelle," replied Elsa. "And I don't need to remind you that Frederik and his brothers aren't exactly our friends."
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure all those extra servants are actually spying on us." Anna flopped on Elsa's bed, rolling until she was completely enveloped by the covers. She sighed happily.
"Great," grumbled Kristoff. "Just what we needed."
"I'm sure I don't need to remind you two that you need to be on your best behaviour at dinner later," said Elsa.
"Of course," said the blankets.
Kristoff groaned.
Hans lifted his head when he heard footsteps echoing through the stone. He waited until his visitor was standing in front of his cell before leaning back, folding his arms across his chest. "What do you want, Frederik?"
Frederik smirked. He was dressed formally in a Southern Isles' army general's uniform, the breast covered with medals. "Oh, nothing. I thought you'd like to know that Queen Elsa's here."
His eyes betrayed nothing. "And?"
"Precisely what I said. I thought you'd like to know."
"And you came all the way down here to inform me." Hans really wished he had ice powers now, so he could freeze the smug expression off Frederik's face. "How kind of you."
"You're my baby brother, Hans. It's the least I could do."
"Thank you, Frederik." He really, really didn't like the way Frederik's eyes glittered when he had said Elsa's name. Although he knew Frederik wouldn't be as foolish as to try and attack Elsa, he let himself imagine it, and what Elsa would do to him. Hans smiled.
"She really is quite a remarkable woman," continued Frederik. "Intelligent, regal, capable. You're so lucky to have earned her affection. They say opposites attract, you know."
"If you truly think she is as wonderful as that, then surely you should be spending the day with her instead of down here in this dungeon keeping me company," said Hans lightly.
"I'm hurt. I was under the impression you enjoy my company."
"Many people do. I'm certain they're wondering where you are now." He was tired. Verbal sparring with Frederik accomplished nothing. "Don't you have a formal dinner scheduled? I wouldn't want to deprive you of the pleasure of Elsa's company."
Frederik checked his pocket watch. "You're right. I have important things to attend to." He tucked the pocket watch back into his jacket. "Being king is exhausting; there are so many duties that require my attention." With that last parting shot, Frederik disappeared up the stairs.
Hans swore.
Elsa, as the visiting monarch, was seated on Frederik's right. The food was elaborate and exquisite, but she could barely taste any of it.
"I hope the food is to your liking, Queen Elsa," said Frederik. "The whiting was freshly caught this morning. Our court chef was trained in Paris."
She forced a smile. "It is remarkable," she said. "We don't have such choice delicacies in Arendelle."
"A pity. Perhaps reopening trade would remedy that." Frederik took a bite of food.
"A fine idea, King Frederik," said Elsa. She was astounded by how forward he was. None of the dignitaries she had dealt with had talked business so quickly. "We should discuss it further tomorrow."
"Ah, yes. Forgive me. You've journeyed a long way and haven't yet had time to rest; I should have been more mindful of that."
"Please, think nothing of it." She poked at her fish, moving a piece around her plate.
On her right, Farmund turned towards them. "My brother tells me Arendelle has the most breathtaking scenery. You are lucky indeed to live in such a beautiful kingdom."
"Thank you, Prince Farmund."
"Just Farmund, please, Your Majesty. I don't rank as highly as you do."
He was buttering her up, Elsa was certain. She smiled politely at him. "Farmund. I thank you for your kind words, but the Southern Isles has more than its fair share of beauty. I have heard the ruggedness of its coastlines and cliffs is breathtaking."
"England is a close rival, but if you choose to favour us over them, I wouldn't complain." Farmund lifted his wineglass to his mouth. "Before I get any more distracted with pleasantries, let me apologise for not having the pleasure of meeting you sooner."
"The pleasure is all mine," said Elsa automatically.
"I'm sure my poor brother has apologized for his siblings' actions numerous times, but let me add my own to his. Hardly scintillating dinner conversation, but sadly necessary."
Farmund was so unbelievably pompous, Elsa was fast losing her patience. She longed to tell Anna her instincts had been spot-on. "Apologies are not necessary. Hans has more than made up for his past actions, and my sister and I have been more than happy to forgive him."
"He had always been the problematic one out of the brothers," said Farmund. "Not his fault, of course; he was the youngest of thirteen. Our parents were busy, our oldest brothers were men already, and we younger brothers were still boys ourselves."
"I didn't mean to imply that any of you had anything to do with what Hans did."
"And I didn't mean for it to be interpreted as such." Farmund set down his glass. "My apologies, Queen Elsa."
She waved his apology away gracefully. "Only if you will accept mine. My family is tiny in comparison; my sister and I lost our parents at an early age. We simply cannot imagine such a large and warm family."
"You missed out on nothing. My father was so busy as a king, his main fatherly responsibility was naming his sons," laughed Farmund. "Why, he even decided that it was too much trouble to remember so many names, he started giving them names beginning with their mother's initial from my brother Pieter onwards."
"Ah."
"Father named me Anders, after my mother Anja. I didn't care much for it, though Anselm likes his name well enough. I go by my middle name, Farmund."
"All of you have different mothers…?"
Farmund chuckled. "Oh, goodness yes. Thirteen boys would have killed any normal woman, I'm sure, even a woman of royal blood."
Elsa's dislike of Farmund, already considerable, deepened further.
"Father had quite a number of wives. Anselm, myself, and our older brother Andreas have the same mother; our names begin with A for her, Anja. Hans and Frederik are our half-brothers."
"I see."
"But not all of us stayed here. Father made sure each of us had a trade, so we were able to seek our fortune elsewhere if we so chose. The chances of our inheriting the throne are tiny, you see." Farmund nodded at Anselm. "After Father passed, and Eirik became king, our older brothers decided it was time to see more of the world. So it's just Anselm and myself here now. I took over the royal library after Frederik became king, and Anselm is captain of the castle guard."
And Hans in your castle dungeon, thought Elsa.
He waved over a servant. "More wine, Your Majesty?"
The expression on Anna's face was truly a sight to behold. "That pompous, tiny-brained, tiny-dicked – !"
"Anna," said Elsa. The reprimand was half-hearted; they were safe in Elsa's magically-sealed bedroom.
Anna growled. "Captain of the castle guard, he says. He spends his days bullying people. He bragged about it all night. I just stared at his huge nose the whole time and imagined breaking it."
Kristoff made a face. "They're all so charming, aren't they? It really does run in the family."
"You got off easy. You didn't have to talk to any of the princes."
"I got some distant cousin or something. He talked about breeding his prize goats the entire time. Goat breeding. In exhaustive detail." Kristoff groaned loudly.
"When clearly reindeer are superior to goats?" Anna teased him. He clocked her with a pillow, making her squawk.
"Now, children," said Elsa.
"I'll children you!" yelled Anna. Letting out a fearsome battle cry, she socked Elsa in the side with her pillow. She was quickly ganged up on by both Kristoff and Elsa.
"To business," she said, and Frederik nodded.
"Sadly, yes."
She leaned forward ever-so-slightly, gaze locked with Frederik's. "I'll be frank, King Frederik; you have Arendellian citizens in your prison. I want them released into my custody."
The peanut gallery – composed of a handful of her own council and most of the Southern Isles' ministers – murmured among themselves.
"Your so-called Arendellian citizens were caught red-handed attempting to overthrow me," replied Frederik smoothly. "My men found evidence they were planning to take the throne for themselves."
"I am not denying their guilt. I am asking for the right to punish them. They are Arendellian citizens, therefore they fall under my jurisdiction."
"You constantly speak of your Arendellians, Queen Elsa. I hope you have not forgotten these men were born in the Southern Isles; indeed, one of them, the leader of the entire thing, is my own brother. Who has a history of attempting to overthrow monarchs."
Elsa resisted the urge to freeze him solid. "I am aware of that; thank you for the reminder, King Frederik. As you know, Baron Westergaard was punished according to the Arendellian laws, because of the crimes he committed in Arendelle. He has repented, and chosen to stay in Arendelle after his sentence was complete. Indeed, he was created Baron as a reward for his services rendered when the Southern Isles attacked Arendelle; the previous king, I believe, was behind that."
Frederik smiled. "My brothers colluded against Arendelle, yes. Hans heroically stopped them. But they are both dead now. They would have received due punishment for their crimes had they not already passed away. I am not my brothers, I assure you."
"I understand that very well, King Frederik. That's why I have come to attend these peace talks; I know you are a king who can be reasoned with, who has the best interests of the Southern Isles at heart." Elsa paused. "I propose we reopen trade."
"A good idea. Though it must be noted that Arendelle and the Southern Isles didn't have much actual trade going on; a regrettable thing, if you ask me."
"I agree. I propose we begin trading again as soon as possible, and in celebration of reopening ties between our kingdoms, I offer the Southern Isles something unique." Elsa nodded to the manservant beside her, who passed a sheaf of paper over to Frederik. "As you know, I was born with ice powers."
"The Snow Queen of Arendelle has long been famous in our lands."
"I propose the sale of my unique ice in addition to the ice cut by our ice harvesters. It has many unique properties which I'm sure you will appreciate." She nodded at the papers in his hand. "We have drawn up a rough draft of the agreement which awaits your input."
Frederik's smile never wavered. "Beg pardon, Queen Elsa; I'm certain you did not mean to imply that you would be able to buy the freedom of a convicted criminal with magic ice." The flatness of his voice drew murmurs from his ministers.
"And I am sorry that the implication was ever there," replied Elsa. She was having a hard time keeping the annoyance out of her voice. "I offer these things out of goodwill. In anticipation of the commencing of trade relations, and the hope they will be long and fruitful."
"Forgive me," said Frederik, sounding wholly unrepentant.
And the talks dragged on.
Elsa's ice ravens barely had time to finish their sweep of the room and disappear into mist before crazed hammering sounded at the door. "Elsa! It's me! Is your door locked?"
"Uh, not any more," said Elsa.
The door was flung open. Anna marched in, her mouth a grim slash of determination, and made a beeline for Elsa's bed. She flopped face-down on the pillows and screamed into them.
Elsa sat next to her and rubbed her back sympathetically.
Once Anna was done screaming, she rolled over. "Elsa, I know we have to be on our best behaviour – l"
Elsa gave her a look.
"Okay, me. I have to be on my best behaviour," she hastily amended, "but can I just punch him once? Pretty please? Just one little punch?"
"No."
"Ughhhh."
The smile slipped from Elsa's face. "Thank you, Anna. You didn't need to be here, listening to all that…"
"Garbage," suggested Anna happily.
"... garbage," said Elsa. "I'm really glad you're here. And you're making the effort to control your… fists."
Anna laughed sheepishly. "Awww, Elsa! You know I would do it all over again in a heartbeat! You're my sister, that counts for a lot. Anyway, I bet you'd do the same for me if Kristoff got his butt kidnapped by some… uh, angry ice golems. Which, come to think of it, is something that is totally legitimately happening if they had ice that was prettier than yours."
Elsa just shook her head. "Speaking of Kristoff, where is he?"
"He said something about being invited to see an automated textile loom." Anna rolled her eyes. "Don't tell him I told you this, but Kristoff's such a guy."
"I couldn't tell," replied Elsa dryly. Anna shrieked in outrage.
"Stinker." Anna let her head fall back on the pillow. "At least someone's having fun." Even though Kristoff was part of the Arendellian delegation as the Royal Ice Master, he wasn't required to attend all the negotiations. Kristoff hadn't even pretended to be disappointed, much to Anna's annoyance.
Elsa resumed her stroking of Anna's shoulder. Only to squeak in surprise when Anna leapt to her feet.
"Okay, pity party done," she said breezily. "Now let's work on getting you to see that goober."
"Wait, what?"
"Duh, the guy we came here to rescue," said Anna, speaking slowly and clearly.
"... Oh."
Anna glanced around in an exaggerated, comical fashion, and huddled closer to Elsa. "Are you gonna use your – you know – superpowers for it? Or I could go find Kristoff and make a diversion." She looked positively thrilled at the thought.
"Superpowers, Anna?"
"Ice dragons," she whispered theatrically.
"No. Absolutely not."
His cell in the Southern Isles differed from the Arendellian one in that he didn't have a window to look out of. Hans usually occupied himself by staring into space and thinking of things.
Something slipped through the bars of his cell. Hans turned his head and saw a white cat.
"Hello," he said, sitting up. "Are you lost, pretty girl?"
It looked at him. Its eyes were as blue as a fjord.
"Elsa…?"
The cat blinked at him, and then vanished. Hans leapt to his feet.
"Wait!" he called, rushing to the bars of the cell.
"Hans."
"Elsa," he whispered.
She stood before his cell, just out of reach. Hans remembered a time they had been like this (more than once). "Elsa," he repeated, fingers curling around the bars. They were cold. "Is it really you?"
She appeared composed. However, he could see the tension in her jaw, the tempest that swirled in her eyes.
"Come here," he said, sticking his hands out. "You look as lovely as ever. I've missed you."
Elsa let him cup her face in his palms. She turned her head, her lips ghosting over his skin, as her hands gripped his wrists. "Hans."
He smiled. "What are you doing here? How did you manage to sneak out from under Frederik's nose?"
"Anna helped." Elsa darted a glance towards the stairs.
"That's another debt of gratitude I owe your sister." Hans's thumbs caressed Elsa's cheeks. "As much as I've missed you, I really hoped we wouldn't be meeting like this."
She choked out a laugh, the sound wet. It sounded more like a sob. "You idiot – I was so worried for you."
"He won't kill me."
"Yes, but I'm afraid of what else he can do." She clung to him as though he would disappear any moment.
He felt tears on his skin. "I'm sorry."
"You never need to apologise, Elsa. Especially not to me." He leaned his forehead against the bars – the closest he could get to her. "You're taking a huge risk being here, but I'm so happy to see you."
"Me? Taking risks? I knew you shouldn't have come back at all," Elsa said bitterly. But her anger was gone as quickly as it had come, a snowflake in summer. "We'll get you out of there," she said, "I promise."
Hans' eyes blazed fire. "No."
"Wait, what?"
"You've risked so much saving me time and again, Elsa. It's time I learned to stand on my own two feet." He glanced down; a smile quirked his lips. "You need to go, you can't be seen down here."
"Hans…"
"Trust me," said Hans. His thumb traced the outline of her lips slowly, like he was committing it to memory. "I'll save myself this time. Now go."
Elsa pursed her lips. She nodded, once, and was gone.
To show that this mission wasn't simply an attempt to get Hans back (Elsa didn't want Frederik thinking his prisoner was valuable, and thus deserving of a higher price), the formal talks were interspersed with royal visits and other activities. It was deadly dull and very formal; Elsa was used to it, and Anna was bored to tears.
Especially after the events of the previous night.
They were hunting for rabbits today. Elsa watched as Frederik call his falcon back to his fist.
"It's a pity you don't hunt, Your Majesty," said Frederik. "The game is of superb quality this season."
Elsa smiled politely. "I'm afraid that my interests tend towards the indoors, King Frederik." It was true to a certain extent; while she spent most of her days inside out of necessity and preference, Elsa was a member of nobility and had received a comprehensive education. She could wield a sword, shoot a bow, and ride a horse if needed – which she had never needed to, given her powers.
But she wasn't about to give him any information; he was constantly prodding at her defences, hoping to find leverage to use against her. Hans had taught her some of his unique brand of statecraft. She was grateful that it was coming in handy now.
"I sincerely hope your interests include chess," said the king. "I am a poor player, but I am having a great deal of trouble finding opponents. No one will play truly against a king."
"My chess ability is nothing to brag about, sir," said Elsa, who had learned the game from her father at the age of eight, and was beating him regularly by the age of eleven. "I only know the basics. It would be an easy victory for you, Your Majesty."
Frederik threw his hand upwards, setting the falcon on its prey. "I appreciate your modesty, though from what I know of you so far, it's more likely that I will be the one losing to you."
Strike, parry. The falcon swooped in a blur of feathers, and then rose into the sky with a rabbit clutched in its talons. Frederik laughed triumphantly.
"Well done, sir," said Elsa.
The rabbit thudded at Frederik's feet. "You must congratulate Anja instead," replied Frederik, nodding at the peregrine falcon as it returned to his fist. "It is her kill."
"But you are her master." If he was going to play at allusions, she would follow suit. "She goes forth at your bidding."
"I am lucky that she is biddable."
Anja regarded them both with fierce golden eyes. Frederik motioned for his falconer to take the bird from him and hood it.
"Is your sister not well, Queen Elsa?" he asked. "She seemed rather tired at breakfast this morning."
"She has never been a morning person, King Frederik." That was true for the most part. Elsa smiled graciously. "But enough of my sister. The hunting is good today, we should not waste this opportunity."
"The entire crux of your argument rests in that Prince Hans is an Arendellian citizen, with all the rights that status entails."
"Yes." He was splitting legal hairs; Elsa struggled not to lose her temper.
"Equal to anyone born in Arendelle, as a reward for the services rendered during Haakon's… visit, to Arendelle."
Elsa firmed her jaw. "He risked his life to save mine, and was presumed dead for a while as a result."
"And yet, he is still Prince Hans Westergaard, of House Liljecrantz. There are many witnesses who clearly heard him identify himself as such." Frederik made a show of shuffling through his papers. "I can call them, if you wish, Queen Elsa."
"That is not necessary, thank you," she said.
"As you wish." Frederik cleared his throat. "If he had indeed given up his birthright, he should not be using that title. It is a crime to be claiming false titles, especially one as illustrious as the House of Liljecrantz. I also have witnesses and sworn statements that Prince Hans has used that name to raise support for his rebellion."
"Witnesses and sworn statements obtained by your men, King Frederik," said Elsa. The implication by force hung in the air unspoken. "Without the impartiality of those documents proven beyond doubt, they are inadmissible under Arendellian law."
"But they are perfectly sound under the Southern Isles' law. We are trying a Southern Isle noble, who has committed a crime in the Southern Isles," replied Frederik, as though talking to a child.
Elsa fought the urge to offer the man concessions. It would mean that she knew she had lost, and Frederik would be the one dictating terms. Arendelle would not remember her fondly if she let that happen. "I recognise your authority, King Frederik."
"Uhm, sorry?"
Both monarchs turned to see Princess Anna, hand half-raised as though waiting for a schoolmaster to call on her. "Your Majesty. King Frederik. If I might say something…?"
He nodded at her. The spark of confusion in his eyes was instantly replaced by blank politeness. "Yes, of course, Princess Anna."
"Thanks. It won't take long! I just… have a few questions to clarify…" She spoke distractedly as she shuffled through the piles of chicken-scratch notes before her. "Uhm. So basically, you're saying that Prince Hans can't be an Arendellian because he's already a Southern Isles… god, that's a mouthful. Westergaard. He's a Westergaard."
Elsa watched her sister, praying to every deity she could think of. She trusted Anna completely; she just hoped that Anna was getting to the point soon.
"Yes, that's what we have ascertained so far, Your Highness," said Frederik.
"Okay. Great. Sooo… I'm not sure about Southern Isles law, but do your dead people remain citizens? Like if someone wanted to take their dead father's ashes someplace else, would they need a passport for them?"
Frederik frowned. "Of course not," he said. He raised his voice slightly to be heard over the murmuring that had broken out among the assembled council members. "The rights of citizenship are for the living only."
"Right," said Anna, smiling sweetly. "Thanks for that. So, I have here a letter your brother wrote to Elsa just after the attack…" She pulled it from her pile. "... offering condolences on the demise of Princes Haakon and Hans."
Like a flash of lightning, Elsa saw where Anna was going with that train of thought. "I remember that. I sent him all the personal effects we could recover at the time, since we couldn't find the bodies."
Anna produced another letter. "Letter of acknowledgement of receipt of the personal articles." She cleared her throat. "So King Eirik confirmed that Hans was dead."
"He is clearly not dead. We all know that now," said Frederik.
"No one was expecting him to be alive, not even Elsa," riposted Anna. "So when he showed up alive, the natural thing was to reward him with a citizenship. Because he wasn't a Westergaard anymore, according to King Eirik."
Frederik's expression was thunderous. "King Eirik is deceased."
"Are you really gonna undo his decision? I mean – I've been looking around the Southern Isles these past week, and nearly all of your decisions are upholding King Eirik's." Anna tapped her chin thoughtfully. "If you did that, it would really seem like you were just out to get Hans."
There was silence.
"Like your sister, you seem to have a talent for ice powers, Princess Anna," said Frederik at last, "except yours is to skate on thin ice. Your argument is flimsy indeed."
A chuckle arose in the hall. Elsa dared not say a word, her heart in her throat.
"But valid," said Anna, tilting her chin upwards. "In the absence of a body, proof of decease must be approved by an official. I suppose King Eirik was as good as it got."
"So," said Frederik, expression sour, "you are telling me that Prince Hans gave up his Southern Isles citizenship and rights on his presumed death."
"Yep."
"Meaning that only his Arendellian citizenship, awarded after his return from the dead, is valid."
"Yeah."
"And thus, as an Arendellian committing a crime in the Southern Isles, he should be turned over to Arendelle and punished according to her laws."
Anna shrugged. "Pretty much."
"And how are you so sure that he did not simply fake his death to escape?"
"We don't," said Anna simply. "But we do know that he was lost overboard while trying to save Elsa. I mean… we could provide witnesses and sworn statements that testify to that. Also, he was fighting against the Southern Isles – his own people and brother – to save Arendelle's queen. He's got a history of fighting against the Southern Isles, basically," she added in an undertone.
Frederik leaned forward. He steepled his fingers. "... Queen Elsa. May I speak with you privately?"
"What is it, Your Majesty?" She knew she had won. Why else would he request a private audience – where even Anna and Kristoff could not attend?
Although she knew better, Elsa expected to see Frederik act more like a caged rat. Instead, he was his usual composed self.
"I thought that you would want to hear my proposition in private, lest you find it… unpleasant." There was an edge to the word Elsa did not like.
She produced her best courtly smile for him. "I am all ears," said Elsa, projecting as much confidence as she could muster. Every cell in her body was on edge.
"I have an idea that would prove a satisfactory resolution for our current impasse. I have no wish to bicker endlessly with you and your lovely sister. Let me be frank; her arguments are as flimsy as mine."
"You know what I want," said Elsa.
"Hear me out. There should not be so much difficulty in ensuring that both Arendelle and the Southern Isles are satisfied." Frederik clasped his hands behind his back. "I shall announce a marriage pact between our kingdoms."
Elsa began to laugh at the audacity of the man. "You jest, King Frederik. Anna is already engaged to Baron Kristoff."
"Not Princess Anna, Your Majesty, as lovely and brilliant as she is. I meant you."
Slowly, the full weight of his words sank in. "You – !"
"Is it not the ideal solution? Arendelle seeks a trade partner that will buy all the ice it can produce. The Southern Isles has access to many choice goods, but lacks a ready supply of fine, reasonably-priced ice. Arendelle's young queen is highly eligible, as is the young king of the Southern Isles."
"Why would I marry you?" snapped Elsa.
"Because if you marry me," replied Frederik, "I'll set Hans free."
Elsa fell silent. "I have no guarantee that you will keep your word," she said after a long pause.
Frederik shrugged. "I have never lied to you."
"Yes, you've only been less than forthcoming with the truth."
"Which is not the same as a lie."
"The absence of truth is not a lie, I suppose," she said dryly.
"Precisely," said Frederik, raising an eyebrow.
"The ice ships we sailed here on were intended as a gift for you," said Elsa. "Indestructible, powerful, yet lighter and more maneuverable than normal ships."
"I would be a fool to simply accept a fleet instead of the source of the fleet, and many more to come." Frederik spread his hands. "Think about it, Queen Elsa. We are both reigning monarchs; I assure you there will be no joining of kingdoms. You are welcome to stay in Arendelle, and I here. But both kingdoms will be joined far more securely than a mere trade partnership."
Elsa stared at him. "Why are you doing this? You don't love me. I could never love you."
"Royals don't marry for love," he said, sounding bored. "Royals marry to secure alliances. Which is what we will do. If it will make you feel better, think of it as a step towards repairing the damage to relations caused by Hans, Haakon, and Eirik."
Elsa's eyes blazed with cold fury. "And what makes you think, Frederik," she said, ice already swirling at her fingertips, "that I would simply lay down and agree with your plans?" A chill wind howled around them, whipping at their clothes. "That I wouldn't freeze your heart right here?" Icicles stretched from the walls, their razor-sharp points aimed at Frederik's neck.
"You're not a killer, Elsa," he said. But he wasn't smiling anymore.
She gritted her teeth; the ice vanished. "You're right. I'm not a killer, but only because of Hans."
He adjusted his clothing, as though it had been ruffled by a breeze and not the barely-controlled tempest Elsa had conjured. "If you agree to marry me, I will release Hans and his cronies with a full pardon. King's mercy. He can go back to Arendelle or whichever place will take him, or he can stay here." Frederik's lip curled. "As a prince of the Southern Isles, of course."
"Again, it is impossible to believe you."
Frederik crossed over to his writing desk and held up a letter. "Here is the royal pardon." Under Elsa's eye, he melted sealing wax on the paper and pressed his personal seal into it. "It is now official. All I have to do is give this to my steward and my brother will be a free man."
She watched him and did not move.
"I advise you to accept my proposal, Elsa. You sailed here with so much fanfare; the rumour on the street is that you are here to propose a marriage alliance."
"What?"
Frederik shrugged. "I cannot help what my people gossip about. Perhaps they think your fine ice ships are a wedding gift for the finest fleet in the North." He gave a shrug.
"What is it that you want from me, Frederik? My promise that Arendelle will never betray the Southern Isles? A protection pact?"
"You know what I want."
"Anything but that."
He ignored her, continuing as though she had not spoken. "I want you, Elsa. Of course your ability to conjure ice is very valuable, from a political point of view. Arendelle itself, while small and of little strategic value, is still an entire kingdom. Its goods are nothing essential to any empire and yet not inconsequential. But you, Queen Elsa… surely you can't be blind to your physical charms. If I marry you, your kingdom, your ice magic, and you will be mine."
A shudder ran down her spine. She felt cold, like she had never known cold before.
"Do you think little Hans wouldn't have seen that? That you are a prize above all?"
Elsa squared her shoulders. She'd come too far to let words like that destroy everything she and Hans had built. "I trust Hans. He has proven himself, over and over. You, however…"
"I am simply doing what any man in my position would do," said Frederik. His lip curled. "If you find me utterly distasteful, I have other brothers that might be more to your liking."
"This conversation is over, Frederik," spat Elsa.
As she turned on her heel and exited the room, she heard him call after her: "Check, Elsa."