Hans got to make his own choices, despite being the unlucky thirteenth son in his family. His last hope of getting back on his feet and rising again had been erased from his heart and mind.
He knew he was risking everything when he escaped from his home. He knew what awaited him back there. Although he was nothing more than a clumsy cleaner, she saw in his eyes a flame he would never forget. Being alone and without anything in his name, Hans didn't have many options. A young duchess from a distant land discovered this new diamond during a visit to that secret tavern.
Women of aristocracy have seemed to find what was missing out in their marriage in that specific place. They kept visiting the same establishment for a pair of green eyes that held something almost magical and dark. Maybe his controversial past had something to do with the sudden interest of those women in a befallen prince.
"What are we doing here? I thought you said you would show me the sights!" Arianna smiled at her. At her Majesty's request, the duchess took upon the task of giving a tour to the princess of Arendelle.
She knew Anna's innocent nature, as she also knew that she wouldn't accompany her had she known the true destination.
"That's exactly the place you will never ever have the opportunity to visit." Arianna explained, but Anna couldn't be convinced in any way. France was a beautiful country with lots of beautiful places to visit, and yet Arianna had to bring her here.
"I am engaged. How am I to-" I am engaged. How am I to-" Anna protested. She wasn't going to say yes to everything that woman said. Elsa would have known what to say. If only she was here too...
"You said it yourself. You're engaged, not married. Enjoy your freedom while it lasts!" Arianna's answer didn't put her worries to rest. Anna wasn't like that. She would always fight for the people she loves and never abandon them, let alone pretend they didn't exist.
Anna let out a sigh of exasperation. Why should she listen to her? She had come to France as her kingdom's representative. She turned around to take her leave, but Arianna stopped her before she could go any further.
"Oh, come on now, Anna. You have been through much worse before. There's nothing you need to be afraid of!" Anna frowned at her. Did she think she was a coward? No one could even dare to talk to her like that.
"I am not scared!" Anna replied quickly, making the duchess smile at her newfound courage. And with that, the young princess took a deep breath before entering the establishment, hoping she would not regret this later.
Anna couldn't tell she liked the atmosphere that much. The combination of cigarettes and alcohol lingered in the air, making Anna feel sick. They sat down at a table that Arianna had specifically ordered.
"So, what do think about this place?" Anna looked back at her, rolling her eyes. She was a bit annoyed with her.
"I see, but you can't judge a book by its cover. You will find out soon why!" She was talking in riddles again, and that was something she didn't like. "What are you talking about? I am not in-"
"Save your breath, darling. It's going to be a long night." Anna couldn't claim she could understand her, but didn't have the time to think about anything more.
Suddenly, the music blared louder, the smoke became thicker. A man stood in the center of the stage. And then, he started to sing. Two men were accompanying him on the piano and violin.Anna had buried her face in her hands by that point, unwilling to comply with Arianna's insane wishes.
"Anna, don't act like a child. You have no idea what you're missing out on!" She pried Anna's hands away from her face gently. Anna's eyes widened with surprise the moment she saw who was on stage. No, it couldn't be!
"Anna? Is everything alright?" The other woman asked her, but Anna didn't move at all. Anna's gaze lingered on him for a while.
"Hans?!" Arianna tore her gaze away from that handsome boy on stage.
"I-is that Hans?!" The duchess looked back at her.
"Yes, that's his name. Do you know him?" Anna was completely speechless. Of all people, did she really have to meet with him?
"Anna, are you ok, darling? You look rather pale!" She just sat there, mouth agape, the moment she saw Hans taking off his shirt. Her eyes darted up from his face to his flat stomach and abs. She found herself smiling at the sight of him. She never had the chance to observe him back at the old times. He was really gorgeous. A sigh escaped from her lips and then it dawned on her. No, what was she doing? This man was her sworn enemy. She kicked herself mentally for being so stupid. Before she could assert what she was doing, she pulled back her chair and ducked, hiding under the table. Arianna saw that and couldn't help but smile at Anna's actions. Maybe she was wrong. Anna was still a child at heart. "Your Highness, what do you think you're doing?" Anna looked at her from under the tablecloth.
"M-my ring. I can't find my ring!" She said. The duchess laughed hard at Anna's clumsiness. "What's so funny?" She asked, rather irritated at the sight of the duchess laughing at her. If only she knew what was going on inside her at that specific moment.
"You can't stay here forever, Anna. Here, let me help you!" Arianna reached out for her hand to help her get out of her hiding spot. Anna was hesitant at first, but knew she couldn't do anything else.
"You have missed the greatest part!" Anna tried to keep her eyes away from Hans. This wasn't right. That man had destroyed her life. She had to get out of there. The duchess was taking a sip of her drink, her eyes never leaving that ignorant ex prince. That was Anna's chance.
She stood up and walked away from the table, but only to have Arianna grab her hand.
"Oh my God, Anna, please be patient!"
"You don't understand. I need to leave!" Anna tried her best to explain, but Arianna was determined to stay. Anna couldn't hold back her anger anymore. She couldn't stay in the same room with Hans.
"Stop this right now!" Everyone's gaze turned to that girl. The music suddenly stopped. Hans looked at their direction and gasped the moment he saw Anna standing there. His jaw tightened. Did she watch him while he was performing?
"Anna..?" He mumbled, suddenly feeling a little anxious.She didn't turn to look at him. This was already way too much for her. She grabbed her skirts and ran to the exit of the tavern, leaving the duchess without an explanation.
"Anna..." Arianna ran after her, before mumbling a sorry to the servant and paid for the drinks. Hans stood there, unsure of which his next move should be. The girl he held accountable for his destruction was there a few moments ago. The owner of the tavern motioned for him to finish his song, but Hans couldn't care about that. Anna didn't seem like that energetic girl he used to know. This Anna wasn't the same Anna to whom he had lost to. But why should he care? Everyone was responsible for his own actions.
~ Hope you really enjoyed this first chapter! Please read and review!