Anna retreated a few paces out of instinct. She was beginning to act and speak like him and was aware that she had gone too far. She didn't mean it that way. She shouldn't have listened to Arianna. She shouldn't have been here. She should have been on the next ship home already. But what had stopped her from doing so?
"Maybe you failed to notice, Anna, but I am a human too!" His family had the right to ridicule him and pass judgment on his morals and behaviour. He had no idea that another person's remarks would affect him in such a profound way.
"And I've had enough of your insults. I've received enough punishment working in that tavern. I'll admit, I wasn't the good guy you believed me to be. Not then, not now, and certainly not in the future. Unlike you, Anna, I was never loved by anyone. Is that why you've come this far? To exact vengeance on me?" Anna attempted to object.
"No, I simply-" He didn't let her speak.
"Well, in that case, be my guest. Look at me and see what I've become." Anna couldn't bring herself to look at him.
"I said, look at me, Princess." He demanded fiercely, grabbing her by her hair and forcing her head back. Anna slowly let her gaze meet his.
"Have a look at me. A closer look, yes. Try to memorize each feature you see: the despair, the misery, the sadness, the loneliness, everything." Anna lowered her gaze to the ground. What was she thinking?
"If you're here to have fun, laugh all you want. You turned out to be right! I couldn't get away with that! Hope you are happy now!" He said and started to walk away.
"Hope you enjoyed the show." The Princess stood up.
"Wait," She said. The former Prince stopped but didn't turn to look at her.
"Please, don't leave. I need to talk to you." He exhaled a long breath.
"You couldn't get enough of making fun of me, right? What else is there?"
His cynicism cut deep into her soul. She wasn't prepared for Hans to be so bold. However, wasn't she bold a few minutes earlier?
"I just want to help you!" She blurted out carelessly.