Chapter 11:
Queen Anna Requests Your Presence
The Southern Isles
"Hmmmm." Hummed Hanna to herself as she continued to go through her closet, still unsure of what she should wear for this evenings dinner with the noble delegates of the high class and royals from visiting kingdoms. Several beautiful and expensive dresses had been thrown all over the floor of her room.
Her father made it crystal clear that she expected her to be there to at least give the welcoming words and grace since the Southern Isles loved it's one and only princess.
But of course, Hanna wasn't too fond of the idea. Not one bit. She hated being around royals. At least the ones she's met anyways. She always imagined Elsa and Anna being the exact opposite however, since they always seem to distance themselves from the rest of the world, much like Hans and she did.
My type of people.
She was still covered in mud from this early mornings adventure ride with her faithful companion, Engel. She was able to successfully sneak past her royal guards once again, even if her father had doubled the guards since last time. Her muddy boots had been kicked across the room as if there was no evidence whatsoever.
"I'll just need Cassandra's opinion." She sighed throwing another beautiful dress to the floor. "She always knows what's best to wear in a event like this--"
She immediately seized and tensed up when she heard light tapping on her window. With furrowed brows she turned to the sound of the tapping and saw leaves floating in mid air majestically with a letter.
Another letter.
Immediately she walked over towards the cloudy reflection and opened its window before making way for Gale to which the wind spirit welcomed itself in with kind and genuine whistles as its leafs followed behind.
"Well... Uhh. It's nice to see you again I suppose." Said Hanna, still not a hundred percent used to a magical wind spirit before her eyes. As she walked back towards her bed. "I see you have another letter for me."
The wind spirit erupted into joyful giggles as it spun around in circles before delivering the letter directly into Hanna's curious hands.
She stared at the Arendellian crest with carefulness before tearing it open. It was her. It was Queen Elsa once more writing to her. Reading her name on the letter was still strange. She pushed the thought aside as she continued to read the final parts of her letter.
Long story short, we may need you to come to Arendelle a lot faster than what was anticipated. I was able to successfully convince my sister, Anna, to give you safe passage.
She agreed if she is to start alliance with the Southern Isles again, there is only one person she is willing to talk to first. And it seems she isn't so fond of any Southern Isles prince, king or men to be exact. No offense.
Hanna snickered. "None taken."
I promise and give you my word that once we take care of business between our two kingdoms, I will take you to see Hans that same hour.
Once again, I'm so sorry I may be coming off as persistent, but I just want you to know ahead of time so you are prepared. You should expect a letter from Queen Anna hopefully tomorrow, if not the day after. I am so grateful for your service, princess Hanna. I promise Hans won't be leaving anywhere.
Sincerely,
Queen Elsa of Arendelle
She looked up again and sighed heavily with her eyes rolling backwards and her smirk meeting halfway. "Hans's past life returning to bite him in the ass? How am I not surprised..."
She quickly folded the letter and stuffed it under her pillow when she heard footsteps approaching her door. "Go! Before she sees you!" Hissed Hanna as she started shooing Gale away.
There was a knock twice before Kristina entered the room, respectful as always, but not before Gale had rushed out and escaped through the window.
"Your highness, good morning." She said politely as always before following it up with a curtsy.
"Kristina, it's good to see you again." Replied Hanna as she bowed her head.
"I've come to help you pick out your dress for tonight's ball." She quickly glanced down to Hanna's muddy dress and even towards the scattered dresses on the floor. "And possibly prepare your bath too."
Hanna smiled. "You know me like the back of your hand, Kristina." Said Hanna as she stepped aside and heard several maid servants enter the room, each of them carrying warm buckets of water as they began to fill up her large bath.
One of the maidservants dumped beautiful peddles of roses into the bath for the smell of flowers to fill the waters and the bathroom. Fit for a princess of royalty.
"Shall we help you bathe, your highness?" Asked one of the maidservants.
"I think I can manage on my own, thank you. But while you're here I have a favor to ask of you." Said Hanna as she undressed herself till she was completely naked.
"Yes your highness?" Asked Kristina.
"Fetch for Cassandra please. Tell her Princess Hanna wishes to speak to her of an important matter." Said Hanna as she started to unbraid her long auburn hair as she faced the mirror in front of her.
"Of course." Replied Kristina as she and the rest of the maidservants excused herself and closed the door behind them.
Hanna made her way into her bathroom and slowly stepped into the warm waters until she completely sunk herself inside, relaxing her arms to the side as she took a deep and relaxing breath, feeling the warmness overcome her naked body while the peddles of flowers floated lovingly. All while she began to think of a way to convince her stubborn father to allow her to leave to Arendelle.
Arendelle
Elsa hadn't had the moment to convince Anna to write back to Hanna just yet, in fact none of them had time since they were both practically arranging the contract they would issue to the royal king of the Southern isles with the help of council.
But once that was taken care of they had gone for a walk through the kingdom of Arendelle, even paying a visit to the orphanage, a special tradition both sisters did since opening the gates for the kingdom again. They would play with the children and even invite them over to the kingdom for supper occasionally.
"Bye Queen Elsa, bye Queen Anna!" Shouted the children with giddiness as they waved the royal sisters goodbye.
"Come back and play with us again soon!" Shouted another small child.
"Goodbye sweetheart, we'll be back next week and with Olaf this time, we promise!" Shouted Anna as she and Elsa waved the children goodbye. "I wish I could adopt all of them." She sighed as they walked past the crowds of people, heading towards the castle again.
"All those children? On top of the children you and Kristoff will have??" Teased Elsa with a smile as their people bowed and acknowledged them respectfully.
"Hey! I always wanted a big family, you know that!" Retaliated Anna as she playfully shoved her sister.
"Right right. I remember." Laughed Elsa imagining her child sister again. "You even had a list of names picked specifically for boys when you were just six years old."
"That's right! Get ready for a lot of nephews, aunt Elsa." Said Anna playfully as Elsa laughed and shook her head. "No but in all seriousness now I'm doubting an all boys family. I mean look at the Westergaards. All boys. Well, except for the mysterious twin sister he hid about."
"Still not over that huh?" Chuckled Elsa until suddenly she started to pick up her pace with a familiar thought popping up in her mind. "Oh! That reminds me. We should head back to the castle and get started on the letter for Princess Hanna."
"Whoa whoa, hold on." Said Anna as she gently but firmly grabbed her sisters arm to stop her from walking any further. "You want me to write to her now? What's the hurry?? It hasn't even snowed yet, we're only in the middle of October!"
Elsa bit her lip. She had to once again convince her sister to head her words. She could tell that the strawberry blonde was growing more suspicious by the second.
But too much was at stake. She had to convince her. There was no other way, especially with Hans's situation regarding the mysterious league he used to belong with and their threat to invade the Northudlra.
"Anna, I can feel the winter coming, it's going to sneak up on us very soon and when it does it's going to do a lot more than just snow." Explained the older sister. And technically she wasn't lying.
"But Elsa--"
"Anna, please just trust me on this. If we request her presence now she could be here by next week and we can get it over with." Continued Elsa as Anna furrowed her at her.
Anna sighed and rubbed her forehead. She couldn't understand why Elsa was so desperate to have Janna come and it was making her anxious. And usually never got anxious.
"I-I don't know, Elsa. It just feels like your more dedicated about this than I am. I mean you literally want me to move up our schedule. What will the council think?" She replied.
"We're doing this for our people. Come on, Anna. When have I ever let you down?" Said Elsa with a wry smile. Hoping it would convince her somehow.
"Well..."
"Anna!" Exclaimed Elsa as Anna erupted into laughter.
"I'm kidding!" Laughed Anna. "But... I still don't know about this, Elsa."
Elsa smiled at Anna and put her arm around the crook of her neck, trying to impersonate Anna's boyish body language. "If the council says anything you can blame it all on me. But I promise it'll be worth it at the end."
Anna pressed her lips together and inhaled deeply, her body relaxing and admitting defeat as she I crossed her arms. "Oh what the hell. Might as well get it over with since we've come this far already."
"That's the spirit!" Exclaimed Elsa as she gave her sister a big hug, to which she returned gratefully and lovingly. "Oh and watch that tongue of yours, sis. You're a Queen now." Corrected Elsa jokingly with a wink.
Anna rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out at her.
The Southern Isles
Hanna exhaled deeply as she let out all her negative and worried thoughts leave her nose.
Her hair completely wet as she sunk deeper into the tub, grunting in pleasure as she continued to stick her foot out of the water and then back into the water in relaxation.
Peddles of beautiful flowers flowing down her bare feet and knees as if she was a pure and majestic goddess whom the nature of the world admired.
She had even even asked one of the maidservants to bring her an apple to snack on, as she normally did always. Her and Hans were the same way, they always had to have an apple with them to snack on at all times.
Knock-knock came the sudden noise.
"Come in."She replied as she started to move her toes around. Enjoying the sensation of the warmness surrounding her and not once taking her eyes of her from them.
Kristina slowly stepped in. "Your highness. Here is Cassandra, like you requested." She gestured behind her and in stepped Cassandra. Her feminine armor strapped on her as always, holding the handle of her sword to her side with her hair tied in a beautiful bun.
"Perfect. Thank you, Kristina. Please give us some privacy if you could." Said Hanna smiling at her maidservant.
"Of course, your highness." Replied Kristina with a curtsy before turning around and shutting the bathroom door behind her, leaving the two ladies to themselves.
Cassandra turned back to Hanna. Silence lingered in the air as the two women said nothing to each other. Just the relaxing noise of Hanna's feet going in and out of the water.
Suddenly Casssandra smirked and curtsied respectfully to the naked princess on the bathtub. "Your highness."
"Okay, drop the act would you." Deadpanned Hanna. Cassandra immediately lifted her head to flash the princess a large smile followed with a guffaw of laughter.
"Sorry I couldn't help myself." Smiled Cassandra.
"When can't you." Replied Hanna with a half-smile before gesturing to her side. "Pull up a chair, take a seat. How are things with the Løvinden?"
"The girls are doing okay. Missing you as always. They were just surprised they didn't get a lecture from the king himself after the stunt you pulled off." Said Cassandra as she pulled up the nearest chair and sat next to the naked princess. "Seems like his favorite daughter had talked him out of it or something."
"More like I took the blame." Said Hanna rolling her eyes and taking a bite of her apple.
"He's still on your back about marrying a prince isn't he?" Asked Cassandra as she leaned her elbows on top of the tub.
"Pfft, every day. He's worried I'm going to die alone and never meet someone. Did you see the last prince he tried setting me up with??" Replied Hanna.
"Honestly I thought he was the kings servant.. Or footstool.." Replied Cassandra as she put her chin on top of her fist.
"Right!?" Exclaimed Hanna as she leaned forward with widened eyes. Cassandra snickered loudly and erupted into laughter. "That poor man. Great guy just... not my type."
"Right, right. I forget that you prefer to spend nights with sailors, occasionally some princes. Women from the night shows and occasionally, the former lady in waiting of princess Rapunzel." Winked Cassandra deviously, obviously referring to herself.
Hanna wasn't like other princesses. She didn't care about the whole philosophy of waiting till marriage. She respected people for applying it to their lives but she knew just like every other person that royals never applied this teaching. They were hypocrites. Even if they tried to convince others they did.
Especially not her brothers. Most of them were even unfaithful to their wives whom they were arranged with. Not that it mattered, she could care less what they did to their bodies. What got her angry however was when a man would try to lecture her what she can't or cannot do with her own body. Not just her but any women for that matter.
For this reason whenever Hanna was in the mood she would go out and spend nights with people she found interesting and attracted to. Men and women, regardless of the title or class they belonged to. Of course she would hide her identity. No one ever suspected they spent a night with the princess of the Southern Isles. Unless they were princes. And even then when the deed was done she would threaten them to not say a word to her father.
All except Cassandra that is.
"Okay, relax. That was only one time and we were both drunk." Replied Hanna with rolled eyes as she threw a fresh apple from the fruit basket to Cassandra which she caught easily.
"One time? I believe if it was several times and many orgasms. And if I recall I believe we were only tipsy, your highness." Retaliated Cassandra as Hanna rolled her eyes again. "So what is that you need from me, Hanna? My sexual talents again??" She followed it up with another smirk.
"Yeah keep up the sass and I'll tell everyone how flat your ass is." Replied Hanna taking another bite of her apple as Cassandra erupted into laughter again. "Actually, I called you because I'm requesting a favor from you."
"Go on." Replied Cassandra as she leaned back on the chair and threw her boots up right on top of the bath yup, next to Hanna's feet as she took a bite of her own fresh apple.
She said nothing for awhile, pondering what the best way was to come about this was, but instead she followed her instinct and just spat the truth as she always did. "I need you to accompany me to Arendelle." Said Hanna as she sat up on the bathtub where her chest was fully exposed.
"Arendelle?? Now why on earth would I want go there?? Sorry to inform you but my lady in waiting days are long gone." Replied Cassandra with a smirk.
"Well I think you'll change your mind once I tell you the real reason I'm going." Hanna smirked back as she lifted her naked arm from the warm bath water before gesturing to her room. "Be a good woman and go to my room. Under my pillow are two letters. Bring them to me."
Cassandra rose to her feet and did as she was told. "Oh and bring my new shampoo while you're at it!" Yelled Hanna. "It's a new smell that apperantly resembles sunflowers."
"Sunflowers has a smell?" Asked Cassandra with furrowed brows as she entered the bathroom again. The two letters in one hand, and the new shampoo bottle in the other. She sat back down in the chair and set the shampoo on the bathtub next to Hanna. "Now what's the real reason then??"
Hanna smirked at her again. "I have received a letter from Queen Elsa of Arendelle."
"No... You mean the snow queen?" Asked Cassandra as she sat her boots next to Hanna's feet again. She quickly began to inspect the second letter, completely clueless as to what was going on. "What does she want??"
"My help." Smiled Hanna. "She reached out to me and explained how her kingdom is having troubles with the upcoming winter season. They hadn't had a good trading partner in years since we ended on bad terms and it seems this winter won't be friendly either. So she's asking me to help her establish trade with our kingdoms once again, and in return... she'll help me."
"With what?" Asked Cassandra, now paying in full attention. "A sex toy made of ice??"
Hanna smirked again, leaned back, and cleared her throat. "In return, she will be helping me reunite with my brother." Cassandra met Hanna's curious green eyes with her brown ones. Her brows furrowed as if she had and idea who she was talking about.
"That's right." Smiled Hanna. "My twin brother, Hans. You remember him right? I mean... you two did sleep together so..." she smirked as she took another bite of her apple.
"Oh. I remember him all right." Chuckled Cassandra with a devilish and flirtatious smirk filling the corner of her lips. "Trust me. No one could ever forget someone as good as he is in bed when you go a couple rounds with him."
"Guess it runs in the family." Shrugged Hanna pridefully and jokingly. "You must be so proud. Knowing you slept with the two twins of the Southern Isles."
"One of my greatest accomplishments." Winked Cassandra as Hanna rolled her eyes. "But in all seriousness, yes of course I remember him. Why wouldn't I? You guys did so much for me. But don't tell me he made his way back to Arendelle again..."
"Find out yourself." Replied Hanna as she gestured to the letters in her hands before taking another bite out of her apple.
Cassandra turned her attention back to the letters in her hand. She slowly opened both of them and glanced over the elegant writing in silence with only the sounds of the soft water splashes from Hanna as she gently moved her feet back inside the water in and out.
After a long and silent moment, Cassandra looked back up with her brows furrowed and her eyes staring at Hanna's emeralds with seriousness. "Oh my God... he's been staying with the Queen this whole time??"
"Yup." Sighed Hanna. As she started to spread the new shampoo into her hands, slowly rubbing her fingers together before setting them on top of her hair and running through her auburn locks As she sat forward on her knees. "At least that's what it seems like."
"Wow... he's got some balls." Snickered Cassandra. "I mean to go back to the woman you almost decapitated? That's called having giant balls. I should know, I've seen them."
Hanna rolled her eyes in disgust as her face grimaced. "You're really bringing up my brothers balls?
"Sorry, what I'm trying to say is that this... this is bold." Said Cassandra lifting up the letter to her eye level. "How the hell has she not frozen him to death yet? Or has he been bedding her since he arrived in her life again. I mean honestly who hasn't he bedded..."
"No. Definitely not." Snickered Hanna. "She doesn't seem like that kind of person. Rumors are that she's extremely shy and sensitive. Even Hans confirmed that with me when he returned from Arendelle. But knowing him, he's convinced her to take advantage of the Southern Isles system, and it's a good strategy if you think about it."
"Smart thinking of him for telling the queen to specifically send for you to negotiate the deals. God knows you can't trust the other Westergaard brothers." Laughed Cassandra as she met her mouth to the apple.
"Trust me, you have no idea." Scoffed Hanna as she took one final bite of her finished apple before throwing it across the room and into the trash bin near her large dresser.
"But there's also a situation in this. How the hell are you going to convince daddy?" Asked Cassandra with a smirk as Hanna rolled her eyes again. "You're his only daughter, you really think he'll let you leave to Arendelle by yourself??"
"Not if you come with me." Retaliated Hanna.
"Yeah that'll make a difference." Deadpanned Cassandra sarcastically.
"Trust me, my old man isn't stupid enough to not go through with this. He might hate the fact that Queen Anna is going to specifically write to me and request me. But there is too much valuable trading deals in the table for both kingdoms. There's no way he would actually deflect this bargain." Explained Hanna as she returned to washing her hair.
Cassandra said nothing for a moment as she watched Hanna continue to wash her hair and her body. Finally, she sighed as she leaned forward again, this time crossing her legs together before she suddenly moved her chair closer to Hanna as she started to help her wash the back of her hair.
Hanna eaned back, providing better room for Cassandra as she started digging her fingers through her auburn locks, carefully washing it as gentle and smoothly as possible as bubble soap started to fill the tub, even reaching to Hanna's neck.
"Okay. I'll go on one condition." Said Cassandra suddenly.
"Name it." Replied Hanna as she reached for Cassandra's unfinished apple to which she put in her mouth, biting the deliciousness.
"I'm not wearing a stupid dress, or any dresses for that matter I'll go as your lady in waiting, but I'll also go as your bodyguard."
"Hah! You can't be serious!" Erupted Hanna into prideful laughter. "You think I need a bodyguard??"
Cassandra rolled her eyes as she continued to wash Hanna's hair. "Okay, fair enough. Obviously you don't need a bodyguard but--"
"Casandra. It's fine, you don't have to wear a dress. You'd really think I'd make you wear one?" Laughed Hanna.
Casandras eyes widened. "You mean it?"
Hanna didn't reply for several seconds until she leaned her head to the right before raising the apple to her lips. "Mmm then again--"
"Nope! Too late. Can't take that back, your highness." Retaliated Cassandra as she poured a small bucket of water on top of Hanna's head as the princess erupted into laughter as the apple fell into the bath water.
Northuldra
Despite the unusual circumstances the people of Northuldra had been in for the past weeks. Mysterious reappearances, dark secrets and even a close invasion. The people of the sun were still at peace with one another, even rebuilding all the destroyed homes they suffered a few days prior from the attack Tadashi and his men had caused.
Hans was surprised when he awoke the next morning as he stepped outside of Elsa's hut, slowly putting his tunic over his naked torso with carefulness as to not rub against the damaged rib cage that was still healing from.
He had to admit that it as bizarre not seeing Elsa next to him, sleeping soundly as she usually did. He even found himself looking to his left wondering if she would flinch or even turn to her side like she usually did when in deep sleep.
It was a busy morning, he could tell by the number of native people walking around as if he was in the streets of the Southern Isles again.
Many of them were retrieving grain and fruits for the morning. Reindeers were carrying loads of hay and wood on their backs and even the children were helping their parents with the rebuilding process. Some even fabricating new clothes, beds, and blankets for those who lost them in the invasion.
A small smirk formed in the corner of his lips, somewhat pleasing his ego as he watched all of the people work in union. He's never seen any royal kingdom put in such a team effort like he was seeing before his eyes, he thought.
His eyes widened and his brows furrowed when he turned his direction to the middle of the people where he saw none other than Tadashi and the rest of the group assisting in the huts. Even climbing on top and receiving several branches and hay to lay flat for a rooftop before tying it in a strong knot.
Why were they helping?
"Morning sleepy head." Came the voice from the familiar young but independent woman. He turned around and saw Honeymaren approaching him with a big stack of tree branches in her arms before she put them down to the ground beside him.
"Did you put them to work?" Asked Hans as he slowly approached Honeymaren.
"Yup." Replied Honeymaren as she began to slap her hands together to shake off all the dirt in her hands. "Figured I might as well put them to work somehow, being our fugitives and all."
"That's... smart." Said Hans finally with a slow but reassuring nod as he held unto his bandaid ribcage. He turned to look out to the people again. "I've never seen anything like this." He said finally after a long moment.
"Never seen what?" Asked Honeymaren walking closer to him. Her arms crossed in front of her chest.
"This." Said Hans gesturing to all the people around him. "Every single person lending a hand to help or fix the damaged homes and camp."
"You're kingdom doesn't do that?" Asked Honeymaren with furrowed and curious eyebrows.
He scoffed. "No kingdom does that. We have different family class and ranks for different responsibilities and jobs. One mans job is not another mans responsibility."
"Doesn't seem fair to me." Retaliated Honeymaren, still keeping her distance. "Our people believe in living our lives the way nature does. Accepting life and people. Humbling ourselves to its different course and seasons. Doing as much good as possible."
Hans snickered rudely. "Sounds like a fairytale." But his eyes widened somewhat when he saw how serious Honeymaren was staring at him now.
"It's not." Deadpanned Honeymaren.
Just then they heard more footsteps approaching, this time the young Northuldran girl with her medicine bag hanging from his side. "Morning, Hans! You slept a good amount of time if I say so myself.
"Yeah, I didn't think I was that tired honestly. What time is it anyways?" He asked
"Noon." Deadpanned Honeymaren again as she kneeled down and started to arrange the long branches to the short ones.
"Noon?? H-how is it noon already!?" He asked with surprised eyes. "I never sleep that late."
"Must be your wound, your body is still healing itself. Come on, we should head back inside the hut and check on your wounds again just in case we need to put a new bandage in or not." Before Hans could protest against Rhanda's request, she was already pulling inside Elsa's hut.
As time went on Honeymaren found herself slowly walking to Tadashi and his men where Ryder just so happened to be yelling out directions. "All right, now put the tree branches along the side of the hay and make sure not one of them sticks out."
"How's it going." Asked Honeymaren as she made her way next to Ryder, her arms crossed just like him.
"It's going." Shrugged Ryder. "I mean they've been bickering to themselves and even at each other but they aren't stopping. At least not now anyways."
"Excuse me, lady." Came the suddenly voice from Alexi, the large Russian from Tadashi's group. "How long do you expect us to stay up here and do this?"
"As long as it takes." Replied Honeymaren, still standing tall and authoritative. "All day and night if necessary."
Each of the men all started to cry out and murmur in union as if they couldn't believe they had heard such cruel words from Honeymaren. All except Tadashi who continued to keep his head low and work fast but with rage in his heart.
"We don't have all day! We're assassins, not hut builders!" Exclaimed another one, this time Kareem.
"It's either this or cleaning after the reindeer manure." Said Honeymaren pointing towards the reindeer behind her where one just so happened to finish burying his waste happily. "And I don't think you'd want to take that chance considering many of them are newborns."
"Ugh..." They moaned and grunted in union with disgusted and curled noses as they returned to the hard labor. All while Honeymaren smirked along with her brother.
But her smirk didn't last long because her curiosity rose again when she turned her attention back to Tadashi who seemed to refuse to look up at her or her brother.
Something was definitely abnormal and she didn't know it yet. But she knew she'd have to keep an eye on him.
"There." Said Rhanda wrapping the final ends of the new bandage on Han's ribcage. "Now with the new medicine I applied to your wound, that should deflect the final cuts to prevent the area from getting infected any further."
"Thanks, Rhanda." Sighed Hans as he grunted and held unto his ribcage.
He had to admit that he hadn't realized how much he bled through from the old bandage until Rhanda forced him to take off his Tunic. He was grateful for it.
"Now how are the rest of the wounds?" She asked setting the rest of bandage back in her medical bag. "
"Still in pain I suppose." He replied with a shrug.
"Let's take a look." She said as she reached for cream inside her bag. She made her way behind him where she saw the bruised areas hadn't gone away still.
"Beautiful am I right?" He said sarcastically as she ran her fingers through his toned and muscular back.
"Yeah those were some nasty hits you took. I'm going to put some cream on for now, but when Elsa comes back make sure she cools the bruises at least fifteen minutes a day before going to sleep at least for two weeks." She said as she continued to run the cream on his injured body.
He sighed frustratedly, inwardly cursing the heavens above. The was the last thing he or even Elsa would want. "Is it really necessary?"
"Yes, very." Retaliated Rhanda as she rubbed more cream on his body. He sighed heavily.
Anna sighed heavily as she rubbed the bridge of her nose. She had been staring at the first paragraph of the letter she had been preparing for Hanna for the past hour and a half. Elsa on the other hand had been pacing back in forth in front of her.
"Therefore we think it is in our best duty--."
"Wait, that doesn't make sense." Said Elsa cutting her off as she stopped pacing back and forth.
"It doesn't?" Asked Anna as she looked up to her older sister.
"No. Our duty is always to do what's right for our people. Not to do what's best in our own perspective." She replied.
Anna groaned very exaggerated and sunk into her chair in surrender as her hands del to her side. "Why is this so haaarrrddddd..."
"You just have to write to her in a way that'll convince her to come help, but also in a way that'll gain her trust. A way that she and King Soren can be taken back by how the Queen of Arendelle herself requests strictly her and no one else." Explained Elsa as she took a seat in front of Anna.
"Ughhhhh... Why can't you write it? I mean you're way better at grammar than I am, and you always have the perfect things to say." Said Anna sticking her stomach out.
"No, no. This letter has to come from you, the acting Queen of Arendelle. It'll mean a lot coming from you considering the fact Hans was the one that manipulated you into thinking he was going to marry you. Besides she'd totally recognize my handwriting." Said Elsa as she instinctively began to nibble on her thumbnail.
"Wait. She knows your handwriting?" Said Anna suddenly as she sat up with furrowed brows.
Elsa's eyes widened as her heart began to skip faster. She hadn't meant to blurt that out and she thought herself stupid for even saying it.
But of course, she had to open her big mouth. She wanted to kick herself.
"Uh, no! I mean she'll probably recognize my handwriting because I did write to the king to inform him we were returning Hans... you know... ahem." Elsa cleared her throat nervously before meeting Anna's eyes again.
The strawberry blonde queen stared deep into her sisters piercing blue eyes. Her eyebrow raised in suspicion as if she was trying to find a secret inside her orbs. "Okay..." she said after a long while, not able to find anything.
"Come on, Anna. I know you can do it. Just say whatever is in your heart. And talk to her like the powerful queen I know you are. The one who overcame all odds and proved everyone wrong. Including Hans." Said Elsa with a kind smile flashed at her sister.
"All right all right, calm down. Don't start getting all cheesy with me." Said Anna sitting froward as Elsa erupted into giggles.
She stared at the letter, rereading her unsure words she wrote. Then with a determined glare she crumpled the paper and threw it into the trash bin next to her, filled already with several papers she had given up on.
"Get me another piece of paper, Elsa. I know what I'm going to say." Said Anna as she started cracking her knuckles and moving her neck in circles.
Elsa jumped to her feet, grinning as if she was a little child again whenever she saw was proud of her little sister. "As you so please, your majesty."
When Hans had finally finished adjusting the bandages and healing his bruised wounds he walked out of the hut and started making his way through the camp, passing the northuldrans as they finished gathering the final provisions of their hut.
The late afternoon was approaching and even the sun was starting to set just above them so that only red rays of sunshine would provide light instead of the usual brightness.
He was surprised that he wasn't getting the usual cautious stares he would usually get. In fact, they were so busy that they had no issue with him passing by.
It was almost time for supper too so they probably had food on their minds instead of an excommunicated and redheaded prince.
He had been looking for Ryder. Usually around the morning and afternoon he would be forced to go milk the reindeer. Or even accompany him to something ridiculous of his choosing to which he had no choice but to comply. And he hated to admin it but he actually looked forward to it.
But his brows furrowed when he didn't find the strange Northuldran man talking with the reindeer like he usually did. He even opened his ears to see if he could hear him, but instead, he heard another familiar voice.
"Hello, Hans." Came the dark but sarcastic voice. A voice Hans knew so well as he rolled his eyes and turned around, ready to meet with the one who sustained his injured and cut ribs in the first place.
"Shouldn't you be making huts." Deadpanned Hans with his serious gaze shot at his.
"Oh I'm sure you'd like that more than anything wouldn't you? But unluckily for you I actually came to talk to you." Said Tadashi stepping forward.
"Then goodbye." Said Hans turning around to walk away.
"Wait!" Snapped Tadashi a little too loudly, getting some attention from a few Northuldran people, including Honeymaren who just so happened to be passing by. "Just wait..." continued Tadashi a little more softly.
It was clear that he was being completely truthful of wanting to talk to him. But that didn't matter to him. He didn't want to see him at all, unless it was under a grave, ten feet below the ground.
"Why should I." Retaliated Hans in a hush but stern voice that only Tadashi could hear. His fists clenched in fury. "Why should I even please you with any more of my time."
Tadashi breathed in heavily. "Believe me, Hans. If you care about any of these people then you will hear me out."
If there was one thing that could get Hans's attention it was that. And suddenly he didn't feel like walking away anymore.
Hans didn't respond for a moment. Instead he stared at Tadashi with furrowed and skeptical brows. "What makes you think I care about these people."
"I know you, Hans." Retaliated Tadashi.
"You don't--"
"You might be many things, Hans. Horrible, ruthless and even traitorous. But heartless isn't one of them. You have one deep down inside that noncaring persona of yours even if you try to convince others you don't." Said Tadashi pointing towards Hans's chest. "Now, do yourself a favor and swallow your pride. You are going to want to hear me out."
He didn't want to. He really didn't want to. But his curiosity rose when he had the audacity to mention the northuldran people around him. Let alone his heart. is he insane?
And so instead he did as he was told. Except he didn't swallow his pride. He slowly nodded with his serious gaze still locked at Tadashi's.
"Follow me then." Said Hans as he started walking towards the river just right outside the camp where no one was around where Elsa and Hans usually had their conversations and where she would leave to Arendelle from. "What do you want. You better make this fast." He demanded when they were finally alone.
"Then I'll get right to the point. You need to come with me to Rha's, now." Retaliated Tadashi with no thrill in his voice.
"No. Bye." Said Hans turning around to leave.
"You don't understand, Hans." Said Tadashi, stopping Hans dead on his tracks as he grabbed his arm tightly. "Rha's has become more ruthless than you can ever imagine. He hasn't just recruited more league members, he's created a new empire and with his new empire, his hatred and his anger for you has overshadowed that."
"What does this have to do anything with the people of the forest." Snapped Hans as he drew away his arm backwards.
"Rha's will show no mercy once he realizes you escaped again. I didn't want to say it in front of them, but..."
"What." Demanded Hans stepping forward. Tadashu said nothing for a moment and only made Hans angrier. "Spit it out!"
"...He is going to put them all to death. Every single one of them." He said after a long moment, his eyes as serious as his tone.
And that's when it felt like his heart had dropped to his stomach. Despite his continuous and difficult relationship with the former Queen of Arendelle, Hans had no bad mindset towards the people of the forest. They have been nothing but good to him, even if he didn't deserve it.
"You're lying." He replied after a long moment himself.
"I'm not." Said Tadashi stepping forward slowly. "And you know this too."
Hans stepped forward with determination and anger in his eyes. "I'm the one he wants, these people have nothing to do with any of this--"
"This isn't about you, Hans. It's about power. It's about control. He wants to reassure everyone that no one ever crosses him and gets away with it. It's about making a point and putting everyone and anyone to death even if they did so much as let you pass by." Explained Tadashi darkly.
Hans growled in frustration as he turned around and began to rub his forehead as if he was trying to prevent a headache from expanding. And he never got headaches.
"There's no way around this, Hans. You have to let me take you in. For the sake of these people." He continued.
"You don't understand..." He said after a while as he straightened his back. "I can't turn myself in. My sister will be coming down to sign alliance with Arendelle."
"So?"
"So I can't just abandon Queen Elsa. I gave her my word that I would be there to help the deal go as smoothly as possible. If I leave with you it won't go forward." He explained turning around.
"So that's it then. Let the people die then." Scoffed Tadahsi as he followed it up with a bitter laugh. "Guess people don't change after all. So be it. So much for caring for these people--"
"I'm not done." He said cutting him off with determined eyes and fiery green eyes. "I always did say that I wouldn't leave without a fight. And I plan on fulfilling that promise."
Tadashi raised his eyebrows up with a confused expression as he pondered his words. But soon enough it changed as his eyes widened, fully realizing what Hans was referring to. "Oh no... No no no!"
"It's the only way." Said Hans as he paced forward, shoving Tadashi out of the way.
And suddenly the feeling in the air of uncertainty and fear drifted as Hans knew exactly what he needed to do. And instead, determination filled the air.
"Hans! No!" Exclaimed Tadashi as he jumped to his feet and started running after a fast paced Hans who was making his way through the camp and through the people. "That is a bad, bad idea."
"Why? It's simple, I challenge Rha's to a duel to the death, if I win he's gone. Easy as that." Stated Hans as he walked further into the camp, even ducking his hear from a large piece of reindeer meat that two Northuldran were carrying on a stick.
"Simple!? How is that simple, Hans!" Exclaimed Tadashi as he told ducked his head while trying to keep up with his fast pace, finally, he grabbed his arm and forced him to face him. "Hans!"
Hans immediately drew his arm back and shoved Tadashi, warning him to never touch him again. They stared each other down, each of them waiting for the other to throw the first blow until help came to the rescue, or rather stop them from fighting.
"Whoa, whoa, gentlemen. What's going on here!" Exclaimed Isla as he and the rest of the brotherhood ran towards Hans and Tadashi, surrounding the intense men and fired up men.
They had been watching the two for the past five minutes and knew that something was going to happen. Tadashi had been telling them that he wished nothing more but for Hans to be put to death.
"Go ahead, tell them." Said Tadashi backing away and throwing his hands up in the air in frustration. "Tell them your stupid plan."
They each turned to face Hans who has been staring at Tadashi, but finally, after a moment he sighed and spoke. "I'm going to challenge Rha's to a fight to the death."
"What!? You're joking. Tell me he's joking.." said Apollo, the Greek league member.
"Hans, that is a really stupid idea." Said Alexei the large Russian league member stepping forward. "That's worse than committing suicide. At least when you kill yourself you'll get to choose your own pain."
"What he said." added Isla.
"Look, I had told all of you that I wasn't going to give myself up without a fight. I told you all that. It's not whether it's a stupid idea, it's about protecting these people and their homes and their livelihoods." Explained Hans with a determine gaze. "I will not let Rha's bring harm to these people, even if it means killing him."
"You don't understand." Said Alexei stepping forward as everyone stepped back and gave the large Russian man room. "Rha's has become so powerful. More powerful than you could ever imagine. Not even I could defeat him.
"It's simply suicide." Added Kareem, one of the Saudi Arabians with his usual heavy accent. "You might as well give yourself up now, that way you can't stop Rha's from causing harm to this... weird forest."
Hans inhaled deeply before looking at all six of them. They were right. He knew he'd probably die going against Rha's, but he needed to try or else innocent blood would be spilled on behalf of his name. So there was only one thing he could do.
"Then train me." He said suddenly.
Everyone of the league members brows furrowed as Tadashi looked up with a exasperated expression. Questioning the auburn haired man. "What?"
"Train me, prepare me so that I can be able to face him." Declared Hans. "If I start now I can be ready by the time he shows up here."
"There's no use!" Exclaimed Apollo. "It won't matter how hard or for how long you train, he can put you out in a matter of seconds. Believe me I've seen him do it."
"I will not be taking part of this." Said Tadashi stepping forward again as the league stepped aside and made room for him. His fists were clenched in anger. "I was assigned one mission. And that mission is to bring you back to Rha's in one piece, not to prepare you for your ultimate death. As much as I would love to see it."
Hans rolled his eyes.
"Do I care where you've been hiding? No. In fact you could have been dead for all I care. But what Rha's says goes, and he says you are guilty and you need to stand trail before him. That's not my decision, it's his. And you will lose if you're really that stupid enough to go against him."
"Even if I lose, Rha's will get what he wants. He'll kill me with his own hands, just as long as doesn't hurt the people." Retaliated Hans with a heavy sigh.
Tadashi growled as he turned around, grabbing his head in a stressful matter and muttering all kinds of Japanese slurs. Even punching the side of his head as if he was trying to destroy a thought inside his brain.
The rest of the league members had no say. Tadashi was senior in years of being a league member, not in age, but of when he joined. He and Hans to be more exact, even before he had escaped. And as the oldest league member in the group he carried leadership responsibilities and had the last say.
Aniki, they called him at times. Which in translation meant big brother in Japanese.
"Train me, Tadashi. With your help I can prepare myself, I know it exclaimed Hans stepping forward. "Tadashi if you do this I promise you will never see me again. I'll be gone from your life for good." Said Hans more firmly.
Tadashi's eyes rose to meet the sky above him, taming in all of Hans's words and even promises, relaying it in his head over and over again.
"What do you say, Tadashi. It's your call, Aniki." Said Ahmed turning to the their leader, their big brother.
He turned around slowly to them, quiet as his mind continued to ponder his words. And after a long moment he finally sighed. "Fine. I'll help you train."
"Good. It's settled then." Said Hans as he massaged his face.
"But understand this." Continued Tadashi as he stepped forward with his stare serious and his expression dark. "I will not be responsible for the blood spilled on this soil when he beats the living hell out of you and then sends you there."
"I've already been to hell." Replied Hans just as darkly.
"We start tomorrow morning." Said Tadashi one final time before storming away with the rest of the league members follwing him, leaving a recovering Hans.
He grabbed unto his ribcage, massaging the sharp feeling from all the quick movement he was doing. Tomorrow was going to be a long day and he could feel it.
As he walked back to his hut, Honeymaren had been in-between the crowd, gazing at the door where they Hans and Tadashi had just engaged in a intense conversation. At least that's what it seemed like to her.
"Hey, everything okay?" Said Ryder as he approached his suspicions sister who's eyes never left the spot. It was clear that she was not amused.
"No." She deadpanned, her eyes not once leaving the spot. "Something's up, I know it."
"What do you mean?" Asked Ryder with furrowed brows.
"I don't know. But keep an eye on the Southern Isles prince. Something is going on." She relied before turning and walking back to the camp where her brother soon enough caught up to her.
"This is so boring." Thought Hanna to herself as she walked through the crowds of the royal delegates, completely unimpressed at the people around her, even if they were bowing to her as if she was a goddess.
Each for them greeted her with the utmost respect and had this been another day she would have stripped naked out of her clothes and ran into the wilderness, but she, unfortunately, promised her father she'd stay and be the good Southern Isles princess she's supposed to be.
The grand ballroom was decorated with the finest pearls hanging from the walls, giving it a least a little more color to the brown bricks she was used to seeing every day.
The food and beverages were being passed around as if the cure to world hunger had come to an end. There was too much food, insomuch that she calculated it could feed her entire kingdom.
But that wasn't the worst part. The worst part were the amount of princes that would come up to her, requesting a moment of her time, or even a dance.
If they were cute enough or even entertaining she would accept, but in no way did she linger. She quickly moved on, trying to get away from the crowd to avoid further contact with anyone. She didn't even see anyone fit she would like sharing her quarters with for a night of wildness.
She only longed to be with her Lioness, training with them in combat, and teaching them the ways her mother taught her.
But instead Hanna was here, exactly where a princess should be. She absolutely despised it, but she had been glancing at the old grandfather clock repeatedly, waiting for the hour mark so she could take off like her father promised she could.
She reached for what could've been her fourth glass of wine from one of the trays the servant had been carrying. It was a curse of the Westergaards to have difficulty getting drunk, especially with wine. She at least needed two bottles to hit a hangover the next morning. Which she desperately wanted to do so badly to forget this ridiculous night.
And unfortunately, there was no rum, which was her and her brother's preferred drink above anything else. Even wine. It never failed to get the two of them hammered.
"Ah, Princess Hanna." Came the sudden voice from a fragile but mysterious old man. Hanna turned, looking around and wondering who it was exactly that called for her by name. "Ahem. Down here, your highness."
Hanna followed the voice and looked down and widened her eyes when she saw the small but slender old man standing in front of her with her arm behind him. "Oh! Your gracious Duke of Weselton."
And at last it was him. The same infamous Duke who was at Queen Elsa's coronation with her brother. She had forgotten how short and fragile he was.
"It is a delight to see you again, princess Hanna." Said the Duke of Weselton with a exaggerated and clumsy bow that caused the grey toupee on his head to hang down in mid air.
Hanna immediately snickered so loud that she had to grab her mouth from busting of laughter. "It's uh, cough... I can say the exact same thing..."
Keep it together. She thought to herself.
"I must say, it is quite a surprise seeing you here, Princess Hanna. If I recall correctly, the rumors are that you aren't fond of royal protocols." Said the Duke as he straightened himself again.
"I'm sorry, is that supposed to be a mystery?" She asked with her head tilted in curiosity
"A Princess should always be looking forward to royal protocols and balls, your grace. After all, it's the best place to find your husband." He declared boldly.
She wanted to erupt into laughter in the middle of the dance floor. So instead she raised her eyebrows up at him. "Really? And what makes you think I am looking for a husband."
"Why because it's your duty of course!" He retaliated as if he knew better than her.
"It's my duty to be locked into a arranged and deranged marriage?" She replied sarcastically with her gracious smirk still on her beautiful face.
"Royals like us aren't given freedom like commoners, your highness. We have a duty to fulfill at all times and we are always encouraged to what's best for our kingdoms." He replied gesturing to a couple of her brothers who were gossiping as always. "Take a look at your brothers for instance.
Her brows furrowed. Did he just compare her to her older brothers??
This was too easy.
"And what if not marrying into a royal household is best for my kingdom?" She challenged him with a teasing eyebrow.
He scoffed. "Why that's nonsense--"
"Is it?" She cut him off. "You see I'm not like the rest of my family, dear Duke. Unlike them, I don't believe that the people should depend on the kingdoms governing for every life decision they make. In fact I'm a firm believer that mankind should never depend on any form of government, but God alone only."
The Duke stood speechless with his mouth parted as no words ran through his mind.
"Taxation?? Repercussions?? It's an ideology. Nothing but a form of socialist living that'll pretend to be equal to all men and women. Only to make the rich richer and the poor poorer." She continued with her hands folded in front of her gracefully while still clinging unto her glass of wine.
"Careful with such language, your highness." Said Duke darkly. "Cease such talk and never repeat what you said to me out loud. No kingdom would ever want to make alliance through marriage with a princess whose principles consist of less government!"
Hanna erupted into sarcastic laughter. She couldn't help herself as several royals turned to look at her, somewhat flabbergasted by her careless and loud presence. "By no kingdom are you referring to yours? As in marrying Prince Ansgar of Weselton??"
His mouth went dry. "I-- I wasn't--"
She laughed again. "Oh don't worry about it, your grace. I've read all the thousands of courting offers I get everyday. Your kingdoms especially. I know that you are trying to strengthen alliance with my fathers kingdom by taking his only daughter to bride your kingdoms crown prince. Call me crazy but... that just doesn't intrigue me. I'm not on the market for anyone, if I choose to marry it'll be on my own terms and with my heart deciding; not royals like you."
He was speechless and several of her brothers could head her and even they couldn't hide the smirk on their faces, despite how they felt towards Hanna. Probably because seeing the duke flabbergasted made their sick personality hype up.
"Oh dear Duke." She took a sip of her wine. "Do you really think I care for what people think of me? Let alone an entire kingdom?? No. No absolutely not. My mother, Queen Nora, and my brother, Hans have always lived with this principle. To let the people decide their fates for themselves without us royals getting in the way. And you'd be surprised that even my own father once lived with this principle too."
Duke snorted. "Prince Hans? That man was nothing but trouble. He should have killed the ice queen of Arendelle when he had the chance. Cowardly of him to not go through with his instincts. If it were me I would have--"
"Would have done what, dear Duke. Blame her for almost killing you because you slipped on her ice?" Chuckled Hanna as the dukes eyes widened again. "Don't worry he told me everything. And believe me, what he did to the royal Majesties of Arendelle was cowardly indeed. But don't think for one second that he went to Arendelle and had the same vision as you and many other kingdoms had.
To cease control and overpower the citizens. If I recall correctly, my brother was helping each and every one of the citizens of Arendelle. Even giving them provisions free of cost while you complained like a pampered child. Despite not getting any closer to courting any of the sisters of Arendelle."
The Duke was stunned with no words to retaliate with. He had never in his life heard such boldness and confidence from an individual, let alone a woman.
She slowly took one step forward, still keeping a respectable distance as he trembled inwardly. "Tell me, dear Duke. What's more cowardly? Sitting back, complaining about your own safety and gold?? Or going out in the bloody and freezing snow, attending each citizen's needs, one by one."
"Enough!" He exclaimed with a loud stutter in his voice. "I will not be lectured by--by some girl!"
"Princess." She corrected with sass as she took a sip of her wine. Several ladies passing by held their mouths and held back their loud snickers.
"Whatever! I worked long and hard to get to where I am today!" He retaliated. Even his long mustache was up in anger.
"Ah yes. Marrying into a royal family was very hard." She replied sarcastically with a nod and giggles. "Now if you'll excuse me, I must go find my father to inform him that I spent at least an hour at this god forsaken ball like I had agreed to, and five minutes extra talking with you.
She curtsied respectfully and turned her back to him as she walked away. The Duke huffed in anger as he turned around to his guards who approached him from behind. "Let's go. I've had enough of the Southern Isles for one day." He said, turning to take his leave.
Hanna walked trough the crowds of people again and it didn't take long for a line of princes asking for a dance with the princess of the Southern Isles. This time she turned all of them down politely and instead walked towards her father who was surrounded by a large group of royal delegates.
Each of them praising him as always and giving him the latest rumors and drama regarding other royals. Her father stuck out like a sore thumb, even if his back was turned to her. He was large in stature. Perhaps not as large compared to her older twin brothers, Rudi and Runo, but still noticeable from far away nonetheless.
That's something many kingdoms always talked about, how tall the Westergaard's were. Even she was tall herself, just slightly taller than the average Scandinavian woman, standing at five feet and nine and a half inches.
She smiled softly as she walked closer to the large group. She always thought that Hans looked like their father from the back of the head, even more so now as she drew closer to him.
"Good evening, your majesty." Said Hanna approaching the large group and her father with a deep and respectful curtsy.
It was clear that Hanna knew there was always a time and place to act like a princess and this was one of those moments as she put on a show in front of the other royal subjects.
Her fathers blue eyes lit up when he turned around and found his daughter standing proudly before him. "Hanna, you look lovely, darling." He said approaching her as the other royal subjects beside him bowed and curtsied to the princess of the Southern Isles.
"I appreciate your kind words father." She replied smiling at him. "May Ihave a moment, with his royal majesty?"
"Please, if you'll excuse me." Said Soren as he walked from the large royal group that had been surrounding him. Hanna on the other hand was looking attentively, making sure there was no one around to hear him or her. "Hanna--"
"Ah! Not another word until I get my say first." She Said sticking her hand up at the king. It was clear she was back to being Hanna, not princess Hanna.
Soren sighed. "Hanna--"
"You did say you at least wanted one hour of my time, correct?" She retaliated.
"Hanna--"
"And it seems it's-- oh! Will you look at that! One hour exactly." Said Hanna gesturing to the old and large grandfather clock behind Soren where Rudi and Runo were in front of, laughing and sharing dark secrets as always. "Guess it's time for me to take my leave."
Her father frowned, disappointment showing in the wrinkles beside his eyes.
"Hanna leaving a party early? Haven't heard that one before." Came the annoying and sarcastic voice she had heard all her life. She rolled her eyes and turned around, expecting none other than her oldest brother to be there, the crown prince himself walking as if he owned the place with his cape dragging on the floor. "Then again, what kind of of person would Hanna be if she didn't."
"I'm sorry, but I believe I was talking to father alone, Caleb. Go back to trying to gain favor of the rest of these clowns in here." She retaliated.
"Hanna!" Hissed Soren, this time just a little louder with embarrassment as Caleb chuckled darkly and took another sip of his fine wine. "I won't allow such behavior come from--"
"What!? I'm only telling the truth. You know I despise being at these events. Everyone talking so highly of themselves, especially this one!" Said Hanna pointing at Caleb who furrowed his eyebrows with his cup halfway to his mouth.
"Perhaps it's because unlike you, I actually do have accomplishments and things to talk highly of myself." He retaliated as he returned to taking a dramatic sip of his wine.
"Caleb." Said Soren firmly.
Hanna scoffed and laughed exaggerated. "Caleb. Sweet little Caleb." his brows furrowed again. "The only thing you've accomplished was being born first out of everyone else."
His smirk slowly turned into a dark frown as his body tensed up in anger.
"And even then that accomplishment wasn't your doing. It was your mother's." She said darkly as she tapped his the frown on top of his head before she turned to walk away.
Ding Ding
All of the rest of her brothers gasped and had to hold in their snickers. Except Jurgen. Which was understandably so since he and Caleb shared the same mother. As did Lars but he had no input since he wasn't able to make it to the ball.
Caleb's eyes widened. "How dare you--"
"Okay, enough! Both of you." Hissed King Soren getting in the middle of his two children. "Can't you two be civil for just one bloody--"
"Your majesty?"
"What!?" Snapped Soren as he turned around to face one of the guards who had been patiently waiting for him to finish bickering with his family. His face was hot red in frustration that even made the guard jump backwards in fear.
"S--sir, a letter was retrieved by one of our guards in front of the castle--"
Hanna's eyes widened. It seemed that whitin seconds the fighting energy floating around the air and the confrontation with her brother didn't matter at all. Because she knew exactly what the letter was and who it was who delivered it. Oh God...this is it... she thought to herself.
"Tell them to put it with the others, it's probably another farmer demanding his land back." He cut him off bluntly as he returned to his bickering children
"Sir, this letter is of great importance--"
"Lieutenant Victor, I have no time to read a letter. Can't you see I'm with my family? At a grand royal ball nonetheless! What could a letter be so important to stop all this!??" He retaliated.
"I--it's from her royal majesty in Arendelle." Replied the Lieutenant slowly.
Sorens eyes widened as he turned around slowly with pale color filling his face. "What did you just say?" He questioned slowly.
The guard swallowed nervously. His sweat very noticeable as if he was afraid for his life with what he was going t reply to the king with. "F--from Queen Anna of Arendelle sir..."
To say that all of her brothers jaws were dropped to the floor like a bunch of fools was an underestimate. She didn't expect however that even her own father would be sharing the same expression as his own sons.
They looked like complete oafs. How she wished that she had a photographer snap this glorious moment to hang up on the wall of her room.
"Queen Anna... The Queen Anna..." muttered Franz to his brothers.
Caleb was the first to close his mouth and clear his throat as if he wasn't looking as ridiculous like he did just seconds ago. "Here, give it to me. I shall read it on behalf of my father--"
"The letter is not for you, your highnes. Nor is it for King Soren..." Said the guard.
"What?" Said all of the Westergaard men all at once. Even her father. Hanna chugged the rest of her wine in one gulp. She needed to be drunk for what was about to come.
"The letter is for Princess Hanna..."
All of her brothers gasped in one breath, each of them muttering to themselves as Caleb stood speechless, unsure what to say as if the Lieutenant had made a mistake. But her father's face was already in a grimace.
Caleb stepped forward and snatched the letter from the lieutenants hands. Even shoving him out of the way. He expected it to be some cruel joke but his eyes widened even more when he saw his sisters name in the front of the letter with the Arendellian crest.
"Oh my god..." muttered Caleb as he looked up to his father. "He's right."
Hanna stepped forward and shoved her shocked older brother out of the way, retrieving the letter into her hands at the same time while doing so.
She didn't even have to turn around. She could feel her dad's infuriating anger steaming off his body and hitting the back hairs of her neck.
This was it. This was the letter Queen Elsa was talking about. This was the letter she promised would be delivered to her by Queen Anna herself.
Now it was time to do what Hans and her were always good at. What the Westergaards were always known to be good at. It was time to put on a mask and act as if she knew nothing about it.
"Well... I guess I'll go read it then. If you'll excuse me gentlemen." Said Hanna as turned to the exit and started to pace as fast as she could through the great crowds of people.
"Hanna!" Exclaimed Soren in anger as he started to run after her with even her eleven brothers following close behind.
She wasted no time as she immediately picked up speed when she kicked the doors open. She picked up her dress with her hands and booked it as fast as she could. She sprinted across the great hallway and she could hear her family's footsteps close behind.
"Hanna! Give me the letter!" Exclaimed Caleb.
"Hanna stop this instance!" Shouted King Soren
"Wait, why are we running again??" Added Emil, the eleventh oldest.
She ran through the kitchen, even knocking several food platters out of the way as her family did the same. She even sprinted across the library and upstairs towards the great meeting room where they usually had an afternoon snack.
She could hear them drawing closer and closer. But luckily for her, she was a fast runner, and even faster when she wasn't wearing heels.
And indeed she was faster than all of them because she kicked off her heels gracefully as one hit the wall and the other hit an old painting of her great grandfather. And she immediately picked up even more speed now barefoot and all.
Her older twin brothers had taken a short cut and bursted through the front doors to which Caleb had commanded. They were ready to tackle her down as they glared at her with their hands extended in attack.
But instead she growled and glared just as darkly as she picked up even more speed. Charging straight at them with no fear reflecting in her emerald eyes. Instead she glared at them as if they were prey.
They dived to tackle her down but Hanna maneuvered out of the way so quickly, knocking down Rudi to the floor before dodging Runo's grasp as she jumped high on the air and stepped on top of his head.
"Ow!" He exclaimed as he came crashing down, only to fall on top of Rudi with a giant thud.
Her father and her other brothers who had been following behind didn't catch how catlike fast Hanna had dodged Rudi and Runo that they all tripped over the large twin brothers, even her father colliding with the large pile of Westergaard men.
She landed gracefully on her feet and immediately ran beside the fireplace for light as she quickly tore the Queen Anna's envelope open before she plopped he letter into her hands.
"Hanna... wait..." Said Soren rising to his feet slowly, gasping for air as he walked over his fallen sons as he fixed the crown on his head.
But it was too late. Hanna ignored her father and opened the letter in front of them as she began to scan over Queen Anna's letter.
Caleb quickly rose to his feet, massaging his sore neck while doing so as he made his way next to his father. Pretty soon the rest of Hanna's brothers all rose to their feet, even limping towards their father as they waited anxiously for Hanna to read out loud.
"Hanna. What did the letter say." Demanded her father as the silence lingered.
Hanna's emerald eyes sparkled over the crackling fireplace. Her stare was so attentive and her expression mysterious. As good as the Westergaards were at reading people's facial expressions, they couldn't for the life of them read Hanna's at the moment.
"What did the letter say, Hanna. Answer our father." Demanded Caleb this time, still holding his sore neck.
Hanna felt as if she was floating in mid air. She wrote to her. Queen Anna actually wrote to her and she couldn't believe this wasn't a dream.
She quickly licked her lips and cleared her throat as she straightened herself. Ready to reread her letter out loud to address to her brothers and to her father.
Princess Hanna of The Southern Isles
Allow me to properly introduce myself as it may seem that this letter has probably found you with all manner of questions and concerns.
I am Queen Anna of Arendelle. I am that same queen that has taken up my duties as crown princess and filled the seat as ruler of Arendelle after my sister, Queen Elsa of Arendelle had abdicated the throne to fulfill other important duties of her own.
And yes, the same queen whom at the time as a young princess, was led away by your brother, Hans, and his sweet and convincing acts and words. I don't need to repeat the whole history between him and me as it will bring back unpleasant memories and I'd like to keep no resentment between us or his name at the moment. Considering the news I've heard of his passing.
I write to you humbly from our great country of Norway, representing my kingdom and my people to ask for help from you, princess Hanna.
I'm sure that you are well aware of the conditions this winter will bring. All of Scandinavia can feel the winter fast approaching. Not to mention the fact that we are barely proceeding to end of October and yet the cold has been lingering over our humble kingdom. And I'm sure it may seem that even the Southern Isles can feel the temperatures decreasing drastically.
There was once a time where our two kingdoms were in alliance with each other. A time where both our kingdoms helped each other during the winter, as well as during the summer. We were prosperous.
Our ways in the ice harvesting business provided lots of aid and even security for your kingdom during the summer. As well as our kingdom was provided with lots of supply and provisions for the tough winters.
We have not had a alliance with a kingdom during the winter for years. Ever since the catastrophe involving Arendelle, my sister Queen Elsa and your brother Prince Hans.
I'm a woman who likes to get straight to the point, princess Hanna. And the point of the matter is that your kingdom needs our help just as much as we will need yours. Regardless of our past history.
That means establishing alliance with our kingdoms once again. That means opening the gates of welcoming to both our people. For it is for them and only them that I am making this decision for. My people come first before anything, regardless of my feelings or past history with the Southern Isles.
Now you may ask yourself why it is that I have reached out to you of all people, and not even your father or any of your other brothers whom I have heard are twelve in total.
To be quite frank with you, I do not trust speaking to another man from the Westergaard royal family. Not after my experience with Hans. And I have hope as a woman you would understand this decision of mine. That is why I am reaching out to you directly.
It does not matter to me about how the king or the other princess may feel about me reaching out to only you. What matters to me is that I choose the right person to negotiate dealings with.
My beloved sister was the one who was able to find out information regarding your existence. I'm sure you can imagine the frustration and shock I was in to not only find out that Hans had a twin sister, but to also know he kept it all from us, not mentioning your name once.
But it was in that moment that I realized that Hans only trusted you out of all his family members. Because he never spoke of you badly, or downgraded your name in any way. It was clear to me in that moment that Hans trusted you with his life. And that says a lot coming from someone like him.
Therefore I received my answer and I knew that if there was anyone in the Westergaard household who would listen to our pleads and the pleads of our people, it was you.
That's why as acting Queen of Arendelle, I, Queen Anna, am opening up the borders and allowing the Southern Isles to enter into the borders of Arendelle once again, on the condition that they send one royal representative beforehand, to discuss and negotiate an alliance for our two kingdoms.
And I choose you, princess Hanna, to be the first ever Southern Isles citizen and princess to enter into Arendelle again in nearly four years since your brother, Hans Christian Westergaard.
As women we should always support each other, no matter the cause, as long as it always good. And princess Hanna I make a promise to you that if you accept my humble invitation, your name shall be remembered and praised in Arendelle heroically for years to come.
Please inform me about this decision as soon as you can that way I can inform our military to allow safe passage to you. Please consider my words and ponder them in your heart.
I, Queen Anna of Arendelle request you and only you, Princess Hanna of the Southern Isles to come join me in Arendelle where we shall welcome you as a honored guest and proceed to make an important decision regarding our kingdoms.
I'll be waiting for your reply, princess Hanna. You are my only hope.
Sincerely,
Queen Anna of Arendelle
Rereading those empowering words again made her realize just how important this trip would be. And even she had to fight back the urge to tear up, especially in front of her brothers.
But now it was her turn to do her part. She slowly set the letter down as she looked up to her brothers, each of them staring at her in complete awe from what's she had just read to them.
All except her father who was clenching his fists in anger and his expression dark and gruesome.
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