Okay, so here's the full chapter. I'm so sorry about my inactivity as of late. Things have just been really busy. I hope you enjoy this chapter! Please tell me what you liked or didn't like in a review. I want to make the story as enjoyable for you as possible :)
Another dark room. Another pair of shackles constricting Hans's wrists. He was in a dungeon cell. Another dungeon cell. Hans was getting sick of them. Would a cell in Arendelle be next? Hans would have laughed if he didn't think it was a possibility. He ran a hand through his auburn hair that had gotten tangled and dirty yet again, and the pristine white and sangria suit Roland had let him keep quickly turned brown from the dirt and mold surrounding him.
The rage inside him only grew. Again. He was in a cell again. He could barely see the outline of his hands in the darkness. The hands that had caused so much destruction. They held so much power, and he couldn't control that power at all. He curled his hands into tight balls in frustration and hung his head to look at the stone ground. How long would he be in here for? How long would it take for Roland to decide what to do with him?
He sighed and lifted his head, squinting to try and see the iron door that confined him to the cell. He closed his eyes, replaying the events in his head. The thugs who'd gotten killed. Maximus who he most likely would never see again. He internally scolded himself.
Never again.
Never again would he let it go unchecked. Never again would he listen to that wretched voice inside his head.
"He's in here, your Highness."
Hans's ears perked up at the voice, and the echo of footsteps he should have been able to hear from miles away. The jingling of keys could be heard outside his cell, and the iron door creaked, letting light in for the first time in days The light pierced his sensitive eyes, and in the doorway stood a silhouette. Broad shouldered and large. It could be no one else but Roland.
"Thank you, Captain." The king said, only staring at Hans, not bothering to acknowledge the guard. "I'll take it from here."
The guard nodded and left with a quick bow of his head, and Hans was left to stare at his uncle, a black blob against a wall of light. Roland came closer, step by step. The sound of his footsteps was deafening, and his uncle soon peered down at him. Hans could only bring himself to look down in shame. He had nothing to say to his uncle. There was nothing he could say. He felt a warm finger underneath his chin, and Hans's eyes were brought upwards to meet his uncle's.
"Fool." Roland let Hans's chin fall from his finger. Hans could feel the fire inside him screaming to be let loose. Screaming to sear his uncle as he had seared Maximus. Roland knelt down on one knee, bringing himself to Hans's eye-level, but they were nowhere near equals. "Did you think I wouldn't find out?" The King gazed into Hans's eyes, looking for an answer Hans would never give. "Did you think you could go through my Kingdom and have me not know what you were?"
Hans bit his lip, his brows furrowing in anger. Roland shook his head as he looked at his nephew. "This was why." He hooked a finger under Hans's chin once more, forcing the former prince to meet his eyes. "This is why you protected her." Roland's finger was warm and seemed to burn hotter with every second. Hans reassured himself it was only his nerves. That it was only because he was sweating in fear. "Because you're just like her."
Hans ripped his face away from his uncle's grip. He remembered Anna doing the same thing. He'd never felt so much empathy for the redhead in his life. He was helpless. Weak. He was nothing compared to the man in front of him. Better in every way. Burning brighter in glory than Hans ever would. "I'm not like her." Hans snarled at his uncle. "I'm nothing like her."
Hans suddenly felt his head get shoved violently in another direction. A stinging sensation numbed his cheek as his eyes were now focused on the ground. He shifted his gaze back to his uncle who had a hand raised. Roland had just slapped him. "You're exactly like her." The king brought his hand to his side as he stared at his nephew. "You're a monster."
Hans's heart panged in his chest and a lump formed in his throat. He found it hard to speak. Hard to breathe. "I thought..." He stammered, "I thought you were different." He leered at his uncle, his lip trembling. He wanted to scream. He wanted to run. He wanted to do anything but look into his Uncle's eyes. "I thought you loved me."
Hans waited for something. A word. A sign.
Roland simply gave Hans a smirk. "Then you're a fool, Hans."
Hans felt his eyes begin to sting, and water began to slide down his cheeks as Roland stared at him, unfazed and sure of his words.
"Who could ever love a monster?" The King stood, bringing his hands behind his back as his body moved towards the iron door. "I'll be back for you in the morning, nephew." Rolan turned on his heels to face Hans from outside the cell. "Bright and early."
The iron door slammed shut, and Hans could have sworn the screaming of the metal was Roland laughing in triumph. The former prince hung his head again, wiping his eyes that had been wet with tears. His uncle had just seen him cry. His uncle had just seen him weak.
He let out a primal scream, his own ears hurting from the pitch echoing through the cell. He couldn't be here again. He couldn't be stuck, confined, weak.
"NO!" He slammed his fists into the ground repeatedly, ignoring the pain as he let out all his frustrations. The months he'd spent in the dungeons of his own castle, his failure in Arendelle. His arms soon grew tired, and his screaming subsided. His hands had gone numb, he could have sworn he saw blood through the darkness. "No..." His voice broke as he looked at the ground, staring into the black abyss.
His whole life at that moment seemed to be one large science experiment. Every way he tried to gain power failed. He'd tried Arendelle, and that had gotten him thrown in a cell. He'd tried that old woman's potion, and where had that gotten him? Put in another dungeon cell.
A humming noise sent Hans jerking, his head turning sharply to the door. When the humming continued, he simply shrugged it off. it was probably a guard who was horrid at his job. It was also a guard who had a less than average singing voice.
Hans went back to his thoughts, trying to think of a way to escape. There was nothing to save him this time. His powers could do nothing, and he would only see the light of day when Roland wanted him to. He sighed and looked at his hand again, and the voice spoke.
I can help you, Hans.
"I don't want your help." He hissed, shuddering at the voice, but he shook his head, displaying no outward signs of fear. "I want light." He said in a hushed tone, paranoid that someone would hear him. The voice hummed recognition inside Hans, and a small flame appeared in his hands.
That was when it struck him. The voice had done what he wanted. All he'd had to do was ask. He sat in thought for a moment before lifting his head, and he saw hair, silver hair and wrinkles, and eyes as black as the cell itself, and he heard only the gentle, haunting humming that was coming from the woman.
Hans opened his mouth, about to let a scream loose before a hand was placed over his lips. His skin as sensitive to every scratch and crease, and the Maker smiled at him. "Well, boy." She cackled quietly. "Look where you are again."
Hans's brow furrowed at her angrily. He was not in a position where he wanted to be mocked. The woman removed her hand from his mouth, on her knees in front of him. "Why are you here?" Hans held the flame towards the woman as if to threaten her.
"I'm here to save your sorry ass." She grinned, placing her hand on Hans's arm, urging him to put the fire away. Hans hadn't asked, and the fire was out in a second as if it was obeying its true master.
Hans felt cloth rub against his cheek. It was tattered and torn, and he knew it was the woman's robes. Blue light suddenly could be seen on the wall, and Hans looked behind him, and the bricks that kept him trapped in the cell were moving on their own. One by one until a large gap was made, leading to the dark night outside.
He gulped as he looked back at the woman who was leering at him. "I can't have one of my children trapped in this hellhole." Her black eyes, showing concern looked at Hans. "You will run away." She stated. "Far, far away. Across the ocean, if you have to."
Her finger touched the chains on Hans's wrist, and they broke instantly. The immediate release sent Hans into a high. He rubbed his wrists, smiling gratefully as he looked at his now free arms. He peered at the old woman who motioned to the entrance, and Hans smiled as he crawled out of the enclosed space, and into the vastness of the night.
He stood and stretched his arms, multiple joints cracking in response to his freedom. He stretched his arms, and then his leg, all while looking at the woman who had reached into the inside of her worn out robes. "This cannot happen again, boy." She scolded. "I will not come to save you next time. I only did so because Ravian called for me."
Hans stopped what he was doing and raised a brow. He knew she was insane, but he didn't know things had gotten this bad in that brain of hers. "Ravian?" He blinked a few times as he looked at her. "Who is Ravian?"
The woman shook her head, and Hans suddenly began to glow red. The aura seeped outward into a liquid and onto the ground where it began to rise and take shape. A human shape, and eventually, a man, about the same height as Hans was standing across from him.
His hair was jet black, and he wore an aristocratic-looking crimson suit with black whorls and golden epaulets. His undershirt was black, and his pants were the same crimson color. His eyes were red, and his jaw was chiseled as if Michelangelo had sculpted it himself. "That would be me."
The man answered with a soothing, yet intimidating voice. His whole appearance, regal and poised, reminded him of Jehan. Although the hair was obviously different. Hans acted unimpressed, but in reality, he couldn't have been more astounded. "I'm Ravian."
"Ravian is the spirit of fire." The Maker said, motioning to Ravian who now held a small flame on his finger. The flame flickered regally in his palm, dancing the waltz in the night.
"I'm also her eldest child." He gloated, lifting his chin in pride.
The Maker rolled her eyes and shook her head. "As of now, he is my eldest creation."
Hans took a small step back. "Eldest creation?" He questioned. "You mean, there's more... things like him?"
The woman scowled, then looking at Ravian with a look that said: 'I'm so sorry for you'. Ravian shrugged, and the old woman spoke again. "I have made many like him. Earth, ice, shadow, light. I have made more power than you can imagine, Hans. He is here to help you."
The feeling of Hans's heart pounding in his chest was all too familiar. It seemed every day there was something new this woman revealed to him. "And I'm here to help you." Ravian looked at the former prince, his red eyes gazing into Hans's green ones. "Who said I wanted your help?"
Ravian rolled his eyes. "If I can remember right, you did." The spirit rolled his eyes. "Idiot."
Hans clenched his jaw, placing his hands on his hips. This was going to be pleasant. He just knew it.
"Enough." The Maker looked to Hans. "You will go far away." She ordered. "Where you cannot get yourself, or my child in any danger." The woman proceeded to pull out a small vial, holding a luminous green liquid inside.
Hans, on instinct, recoiled. The last time he'd drank a potion it turned him into a walking inferno. "Drink it," Ravian said, taking the potion from the woman and handing it to Hans. "It will take you where you want to go. All you have to do is think." The woman crossed her arms as Hans peered at the vial in his hands.
He looked at the open hole at the top, and then looked up at the sky to the moon. It was a beautiful blue in the darkness. An ice blue, and Hans closed his eyes and drank the potion. His entire being felt lighter than a feather, and he could have sworn he felt himself collapse.
/
The feel of a foot in his side made Hans's eyes shoot open. He groggily looked upwards, the night was still dark beside Ravian's glowing red eyes that were staring into his own. "Up." The man said, prodding Hans's side with the point of his foot once more. His bare foot. For all his dressing up, the man couldn't even wear shoes. Hans sat up from his prostrate position, his face covered with dirt, and his clothes were just as dirty. At least Roland let him keep the suit when he was sent to the dungeon.
Around them were grass and trees. They were on a hill up high, and when he looked around, he saw nothing but more trees.
"My my." Ravian shook his head as he helped Hans to his feet. "You are filthy." He snickered.
Hans glared at him. "Don't talk to me."
Ravian placed a hand on his shoulder. "You know, Hans, we're going to be living together for quite some time. I think you should learn to enjoy my company."
Hans shrugged Ravian's hand off of his shoulder. "Any company is better than yours."
"I beg to differ." Ravian crossed his arms as he glanced at the former prince. "I don't assume you'd want to be with any of your brothers right now." Hans peered at him, his eyes narrowing. "Particularly Jehan. Your thoughts say quite a lot about him."
Hans had to interject. "What do you mean 'my thoughts'?" He questioned.
Ravian gave a shrug. "That's where I am." He said matter-of-factly. "I'm not just in your body, Hans. I would burn you to a crisp if I was. There has to be something to contain me. Your mind is that exact containment."
Hans turned his head away from the man, although he was a devil in disguise. "Where are we?" Hans asked, forcing himself to look at Ravian.
The man's lips curled into a smirk. "I don't know, Hans." He chuckled, his face turning forward as he stopped in his tracks. "Where are we?"
Hans opened his mouth to speak but stopped as he saw where Ravian was looking. He then turned his head, and his eyes went wide.
No.
In the distance, large tall pillars made of stone were visible. Poles that held banners flew high and surrounded the fortress-like structure also made of stone. One tall spire went up to the sky, and Hans couldn't move. There was one crest of green and purple, and in the middle, and gold crocus.
No.
"So? Ravian inquired, his tone already implying he knew. "Where are we?"
Hans couldn't believe it. he couldn't be standing there. he could be here again.
He couldn't be in Arendelle.
/
They began their trek through the woods, step after step, and exhaustion flooded Hans's feet with each passing second. He'd barely gotten time to sit down and relax. Even in his uncle's company, rest was minimal. Hans looked at the man beside him, impeccable and clean.
Ravian's eyes shined crimson in the moonlight, giving them a mysterious gleam. It was unsettling to think that man had just come out of his body, and that he was everpresent in his mind as well. The silence of the night rang out loudly, and Hans couldn't take it, so he opened his mouth to speak.
"So," The former prince began, looking forward to avoid Ravian's eyes. "There are more of you?" He still couldn't believe such a thing. In his mind, one was more than enough.
Ravian chuckled as he played with a small flame in his hands, forcing it each and every way he wished as it danced in the night. "Of course there are more of us." He replied, looking at Hans. "You saw the potions she had. Each one contains a spirit."
Hans looked at him, still trying to comprehend it all. "And are they all like you?" He inquired. "Do you all just come out of people's bodies and lurk within our minds?"
Ravian laughed softly and nodded. "Yes, but some are more subdued, others more present." Hans peered curiously, and Ravian, noticing his confusion, the spirit continued. "I speak to you." He explained. "Some of us don't like to talk to our hosts." The flame in his finger died out, leaving only the night in its place. "And I can leave your body and appear like this." He motioned to his body, as he looked at Hans.
"Some are tethered to the life force of the host, and if they do leave it drains the host of energy, leaving them weak and fragile. Sometimes even on the verge of death." His eyes glanced to Hans. "Some of us are put there by choice by the host, as was the case with you. You wanted me there, but some, however, have their spirits forced into them. There are many cases, Hans. You are just one of many."
"And am I your only host?" Hans asked the spirit. "Have you had anyone else besides me?"
Ravian shook his head. "We are created individually for one host. I have not personally had anyone else, but I did have a brother who had two."
Hans rolled his eyes. "You're not serious. If you're created individually how could you have a brother?"
"Metaphorically, dimwit." He looked at the former prince, his eyes angry and defensive. "I had a bond with him I never had with anyone else in my life."
Hans looked to the ground and eventually brought his eyes back to Ravian. "What was your brother like?" He asked curiously.
Ravian looked up at the sky, his eyes showing solemness and sorrow. "His name was Corin. He was a quiet one." He began. "He didn't like noise all that much, but he was strong. He had the hottest flame out of every fire spirit our mother created." He sighed, his lips curling into a nostalgic smile. "He had a host that had a brother. The one he'd been assigned to originally was power hungry, greedy, wanted power. He didn't mesh well. The brother seemed more kind-hearted, a man of the people, and so my brother left."
"He left his original host?" He asked. "I'm assuming he wasn't tethered."
Ravian nodded, a grin on his face. "Very good." He said. "The first host wasn't too happy about his leaving, but His second host proved a better fit, and the two became close. They depended on each other. My brother depended on him for conversation, and the host depended on him for power, and the two became tethered."
Hans raised a brow. "You can do that?" He asked. "Be tethered without already being able to?"
Ravian made a noise that signified yes. "You can. There are those who are born with the ability to tether, but the bond can be decided by the host and the spirit." Ravian looked at him. "I could be tethered to you right now if you like. If you want me poking through all your thoughts. I would never leave your side." He said. "I would grant you power. I would be at your every command. I would be all that you desired."
Hans bit his lip as Ravian spoke. Having the power he possessed was tempting, but it was too soon. A decision like this was big. Too big. If Ravian were tethered to him, the spirit would never be able to leave. His thoughts would continue to be invaded. "I'll think about it." Was his answer.
Ravian nodded and continued walking, his arms crossed over his chest. "So, what about you, Hans?"
The prince looked at the spirit, raising a brow. "I thought you knew all about me."
Ravian shook his head. "I only know what you put at the forefront of your mind." He corrected. "Since your brothers seem to be there so often I know all about them, but I don't know about you."
Hans looked down at the ground, stepping over a root that would have tripped him if he didn't look. "There isn't anything to know."
Ravian laughed and shook his head. "That is the biggest lie I've ever heard."
Hans rolled his eyes. "Just tell me what you want to know."
Ravian shrugged. "Alright," He mused, beginning to ponder. "Tell me about Arendelle." He said, glancing at the castle that grew closer and closer with each step. "Tell me about the queen."
Hans scoffed and looked up at the sky. "That witch." He muttered.
The next thing he knew, Ravian was in front of him, a flame in his hand and ready to burn Hans to a crisp like he said he could. Fear overtook Hans as he looked at the spirit, his fists clenched, not that he would be able to hurt the spirit anyway. "That is not an insult." He hissed. "My mother is a witch, and she is far more powerful than you will ever be." His red eyes added to the intimidation. "Never call someone a witch." He added. "Because it just makes you look like one instead."
Hans nodded vigorously as Ravian's flame was snuffed out. The man put on a sweet smile as he continued walking. Hans's heart beat louder in his chest. Ravian looked like a composed, normal noble, but he acted like something entirely different.
Hans quickly caught up to the spirit, unsure of what to say, so he simply said nothing. He now had time to think. He had time to try and comprehend everything. The magic. His uncle. Arendelle.
"I know it's a lot." Ravian snapped him out of his thoughts, and Hans glared at the spirit.
"So, you can hear my thoughts even when you aren't in my mind?" He asked.
Ravian nodded. "I'm attached to you, Hans." He said with a sigh. "Whether you like it or not."
Hans cringed as voices could be heard from far away. The sun was slowly beginning to rise, and even though it was still dark, Arendelle was right on the water. It was a trade kingdom, and people had to get up early to prepare their carts and shops for those who came early in the morning.
The former prince felt Ravian's eyes on him, and he heard the spirit speak. "So, " He began, "You were going to tell me about the queen."
Hans looked at the spirit, biting his lip. He could paint her from memory. The platinum blonde hair. The ice blue eyes. The turquoise dress that fitted her figure. He soon heard Ravian laughing, and he turned angrily towards the red-eyed man. "What?" He hissed.
Ravian quickly cleared his throat, standing up straighter. "Nothing." He shrugged. "Absolutely nothing."
Hans muttered curses under his breath. His memories brought him back to Arendelle. Back to the ball. Elsa standing on the dais next to Anna, both of them looking stunning. Her eyes shining like the golden crown in her hair. Her regal, composed posture. Almost too straight at the time for a reason he finally understood.
He couldn't help but smile softly as he replied. "She's everything you'd expect her to be." He said, repeating his answer he'd said to Roland a day ago.
Ravian raised a brow, "So, she's beautiful?"
Hans blinked and stopped in his tracks again, looking at Ravian with a raised brow and cheeks that were taking on a crimson hue. "What?"
Their environment was filled with Ravian's laughter as the spirit tapped his temple. "Did you already forget? I know what you're thinking." He reminded the prince who looked down at the ground, trying to hide his embarrassment. "The way you're describing her, she seems like the most beautiful woman in the land. Regal, composed, smart. Unlike you. She sounds perfect."
Hans stared at the spirit for a few seconds before continuing to walk towards the voices of the market. The castle had grown close, and the sun had begun to rise. "We should find an inn."
Ravian shook his head. "No, we should get you a cloak." He smirked. "Lucky for you, that is what I, your humble spirit, is here for." Ravian lifted his hand, waving it gracefully in the air as flames began to surround Hans. The flames condensed into a crimson fabric, and Hans was soon wearing an expensive-looking cloak lined with gold and silver, and his white suit that had once been brown from dirt and mold, was now pristine and white as snow.
"And your hair. Shameful. You have to take better care of yourself." Ravian waved his hand again, sending more flames towards Hans. This time, the dirt was wiped out, and his hair had somehow been combed. He truly looked like a prince. Hans looked at Ravian who bowed, and Hans could only stare in awe. "You're welcome." The spirit grinned. "Now, shall we?"
Ravian motioned to the market that was now visible, and the castle which seemed to tower over Hans in a way it hadn't before. Fear sank in, and even with his sharp appearance, he felt uncomfortable. "Don't worry," Ravian reassured him. Hans began to glow red once more, and Ravian dissipated into flames and disappeared, climbing back into Hans's mind.
I'll be here.
Hans nodded and flipped the hood of the cloak over his head, hiding his features from view. He walked into the market as shops and carts began to open up. Fruits and vegetables of all sorts were on display, as well as jewelry which would sell for more than a decent amount of money. It was so lively. So warm. Hans took a calming breath as the market began to crowd.
"Let's find an inn." He muttered to himself.
He felt Ravian nod in agreement inside his mind, and he began to scan the market with his eyes, careful not to draw too much attention to himself.
"Excuse me, young man!" Hans turned his head to see a merchant waving his hand. He was a short man and slightly large around the belly. He wore a cap that shielded his eyes from the sun, and a blue vest and pants. He seemed welcoming and warm. All of Arendelle seemed to feel this way. it was quite the difference from Southern and Northern Isles. Hans walked over to the cart as the man held out a fresh peach. "Care for a taste?"
Hans examined the peach, nodding as he accepted the fruit. He took a bite, it's flavor rich and fresh. He smiled at the man who beamed back. "It's delicious," Hans told him. "Thank you."
The man waved a hand dismissively. "Thank you." He smiled as Hans turned to walk away. "Take care, young man. Maybe come back and pay for some next time."
Hans couldn't help but laugh softly as he walked away from the man. He'd gone to take another bite of the peach, but when he looked down at the fruit, it was steaming. Hans growled softly, and Ravian laughed in his thoughts.
"I was hungry, you know."
Hans muttered.
Well, so was I.
The spirit's retort was enough to shut Hans's mouth as he continued to look around for anything resembling an inn, or a place to rest for the time being. His eyes lit up when he saw a sign: The Modest Tower Inn and Tavern. Hans sighed as he made his way towards the colonial style building built of dark wood and carved with crocus patterns. The pattern of Arendelle's crest. He cringed at the very sight of the crest, but his heart stopped when he heard a voice.
"Elsa! Here!"
Adrenaline coursed through him. He didn't dare turn towards the sound of the voice. He felt the heat rise in his cheeks and sweat began to form on his forehead. No. Not now. Any time but now. He took one glance over his shoulder, and there they were. There was Anna in a dress with a turquoise skirt with daisies and floral patterns in a variety of colors along the hem. A navy blue corset with more floral patterns fit snugly around her waist, making her skinnier. He thought he didn't need the corset. Her auburn hair was pulled up into the same updo she'd had on Elsa's coronation. Her undershirt was yellow. All in all, she looked like a ball of sunshine, and it made Hans sick.
He felt the bile rise in his throat the longer he glanced at her. His eyes shifted to the woman next to her, and his heart pounded faster as he took Elsa in with his eyes. Her dress was emerald green and floor length. On the bottom was a slit, and the dress seemed to glimmer in the sunshine. It was made of ice. He'd never seen green ice before. Etched into the dress were purple flowers. She was summer incarnate.
A beautiful combination of poise and fun. Regal yet jocular.
She and Anna were simply looking around the market. For what, he didn't know.
You were walking away?
Hans gulped and nodded at Ravian's thought and headed into the Modest Tower. Inside, it was dimly lit. There were barely any lights beside one chandelier on top and a candle by a desk he assumed was where he checked in. At the desk was a woman. Her eyes hazel and brimming with suspicion, which wasn't a good sign.
He strode over to the dark wood and opened his mouth to speak. "Just one room, please."
She stared at the prince for more than a moment. He diverted his emerald eyes away from the woman's hazel ones. She looked down, a pencil in he hand as she began to write. "For how many nights?"
Hans bit his lip.
One
"Two," Hans answered.
The woman nodded. "And what is your name?"
Hans bit his lip. He hadn't thought of anything yet. "My name is-"
A bell echoed through the place, interrupting Hans. All he saw was the woman's face light up. "Your Majesties." And she bowed.
Hans's heart began to pound rhythmically again to a death march. Steady, strong, and it wouldn't stop. He turned his head and saw the two women, rage and dread filling him. "Your Majesties.."
Bow, idiot!
Hans quickly dropped his head low, cursing silently. He hated bowing to a witch, but if that was how he would keep himself safe, he had to.
Elsa stepped up to the desk, two feet from Hans as she smiled at the woman. "Hannah," She said, reaching for the woman's hand who gratefully accepted the queen's. "I've heard about the staff shortage." She said, looking into the woman's eyes with a smile. "My advisers have gathered quite the group. You'll be back in business in no time at all."
The woman beamed at the queen, pure happiness in her eyes. "Thank you so much, your Majesty. I am forever in your debt." The woman bowed again as her eyes diverted back to Hans. "That will be thirty bronze coins, sir."
Both Elsa and Anna turned in Hans's direction, and the former prince could do nothing but stare. He didn't have any money.
"I..." He began, patting down his person for something, and Ravian had gone quiet. "I don't have any money."
His eyes shifted up to the woman who opened her mouth to speak.
"That's okay." Anna stepped forward, smiling. "I do." She placed a handful of coins in front of the woman. All in gold.
Hans's eyes went wide, but Hannah's went wider. "Your Majesty..." She began, "I can't accept this I-"
"Just take it." Anna interrupted, smiling at the woman, then at Hans who gulped.
He couldn't believe it. He imagined everything he could have done with that much money. There were so many things, and she'd thrown it all away...
To help him. "Thank you, your Highness." He bowed his head slightly, catching Anna wave her hand dismissively in his peripheral vision.
"It's no problem, really." The redhead managed. "I can spare more than a few coins."
Elsa smiled at her sister, and Anna beamed back at her. Hans looked back at Hannah who was smiling as well. She reached into a drawer behind the desk, pulling out a key that she put for Hans to take. "You'll be in room thirty-nine." She said, "And I still don't have a name."
"My name is Corin." He said, taking the key with the number thirty-nine etched into the key. Hans nodded and took the metal in his hand, the presence of the queen and princess too much for him to bear as he looked at the two of them once more. He nodded and bowed his head once more to the royals, and began to walk away before he felt a hand tap his shoulder.
He took a breath as he turned his head slowly, only enough to see Anna out of the corner of his eye. Her touch felt like sandpaper against his skin. "If I'm allowed to ask," The redhead began with a bubbly voice and a sweet smile. "Where did you get that cloak?" Hans heaved a breath of relief as a small smile crept onto his lips. She hadn't changed. "Isn't it beautiful, Elsa? I think I want one!"
The queen shook her head slightly and took a step towards Anna. "I'll admit it is lovely." She admitted, her voice smooth and tranquil. "However, it looks quite foreign." She gazed at the fabric with curiosity, eventually looking at Hans. "Where did you get it?"
Hans found himself unable to speak again. He felt Ravian's nudge inside of him which was enough to make him talk. "I made it." He lied. "I have a shop that is the staple for expensive fabric in my kingdom."
Elsa smiled and Anna was already giddy with excitement. "And what kingdom is that?" The queen asked.
Hans bit his lip and replied. "The Southern Isles."
The expressions of the two girls visibly changed. Memories already triggered by what he had done to the both of them. Elsa's eyes narrowed in anger, while Anna's simply became solemn. "Well, I'm not involved with that kingdom as of late," Elsa began, "But I'm interested." Her smile returned with teeth as white as snow. "We're holding a ball for the summer." She stated. "We would love it if you attended."
Hans's eyes went wide as fear sank into his chest once more, and he pointed to his chest. "Me?" He shook his head, heat flooding his cheeks. "Your Highness, I'm flattered but-"
"I insist." Elsa took a step towards Hans who diverted his eyes away from her own. "Please. We'd enjoy the company."
Both the girls smiled and Hans took a breath and nodded. "Very well, I'll attend."
Anna jumped up and down enthusiasm spewing out of her. "And it's a masquerade ball!"
Hans raised a brow, and he could feel Ravian's intrigue from the inside of him, the only sign of his existence throughout the whole interaction. "It sounds exciting." He said, letting his lips curl into a small smile. "If you're sending out invitations, you know where to find me" He joked, holding up the key to his room. "It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, your Majesties. I look forward to seeing you soon."
Both girls nodded as Hans gave one more slight bow and walked off, scanning the room numbers in the dimly lit chestnut hallway before finding his own. Room thirty-nine. He unlocked the door and stepped inside. There was one king sized bed and one window that looked out to the sea. Hans noticed the familiar red aura, and Ravian appeared to him out of flame, his arms crossed. "I knew you were idiotic." The spirit said flatly, "But I didn't know you were just stupid."
Hans sat down at the foot of the bed and rolled his eyes. "It's a masquerade ball." He looked up his eyes met Ravian's. "They won't see my face, and I can't just say no. She's the queen! And you didn't necessarily help, I might add."
The pirit rolled his eyes. "She is hunting you! I can't believe I got stuck with an idiot like you." He grumbled, sinking to the ground in a cross-legged stance.
Hans rested his cheek in the palm of his hand, not wanting to say anything, but he watched as the spirit backed away and opened the door to their room, causing Hans to raise a brow. "Where are you going?" He asked, sitting up to watch the spirit.
Ravian shrugged. "None of your business." He said with a mischievous look in his red eyes. "Don't get into trouble." The spirit smirked as he left through the open door, leaving Hans to sit alone in the room. The bed itself wasn't comfortable, but it was much better than the ground and dungeon cell he'd been slept on for months on end. The white ceiling was the color of Elsa's hair.
He couldn't believe he'd been two feet away from her. From Anna. From the people, he'd tried to kill. They'd been nice to him, although they hadn't known it was him. He imagined if they had, the entire interaction would have gone differently. Hans sighed and tucked himself under the covers, laying his head down on the pillow as sleep quickly overtook him.
/
Dressed in white and lined with gold and red from head to toe, Hans had his hair combed and trimmed to perfection as he stood on the dais in the ballroom. His father sat in the throne, and his brothers stood at the sides of the King. Charlemagne sat with his back straight, and a smile plastered on his face. The room was crowded with people from far and wide. Royalty from all over the empire had come. The summer ball in the Southern Isles was always a big event. It was a tropical island and had plenty of things to do. Hans also felt his father threw the best parties. it was simply a talent of Charles's. He knew how to keep people, mainly himself, entertained.
His father stood from his throne, his arms open wide as he went to the edge of the dais, Hans the only one in his family smiled. His brothers were all stiff and straight-backed. Jehan seemed like a statue, not one ounce of happiness in him. "Welcome!" Charles boomed, his voice filling the entire ballroom. "Welcome to the annual summer ball." He said, his smile turning somewhat genuine. "I hope you all enjoy yourself this year, and without further ado, let summer begin!"
His brothers immediately went off the dais, walking to wherever they pleased and beginning to converse with their guests. Alcoholic beverages made their way through the ballroom quickly, and tables of food lined the back of the ballroom for anyone who was hungry. Hans scanned the room with his eyes, seeing where in the world he could go. He caught the eyes of his Uncle, Roland dressed in the sangria of Northern Isles, wrapped in velvet fabric. Hans wondered how he wasn't dying of heat. His brothers were easy to pick out in the crowd. Most of their hair red and their suites white. They stuck out of the crowd, where Hans never would. He had to work to get to where he wanted to go, pushing through person after person just to get to the other side of the room where Roland stood, his arms open wide for Hans. "Hello, little one." Roland smiled wide, picking Hans up into his arms. Roland's skin as always warm. He was a stuffed animal Hans loved to snuggle with. "Are you enjoying yourself?"
Hans mindlessly shook his head. "It's too loud." The little boy admitted, covering his ears to emphasize his point.
Roland shook his head, smiling. "Well, I saw Melody sneak off." Hans's eyes lit up at the name. He nodded and Roland set the boy's feet down on the ground, and he scurried off furtively, careful so no one would see him.
With quick feet, Hans was out of the ballroom. The tall ceiling felt ominous and haunting, as all the servants were bustling in the ballroom, making sure the guests were all taken care of. Hans scoured the halls in search of the girl. In search of Melody. Their families had known each other for years. She was a few years older than him, but that didn't do a thing for his infatuation with her. She was beautiful. She was kind. She was perfect.
He stopped his wandering, listening for anything that might give him a sign, and then he heard it. The most beautiful music he'd ever heard. He followed the source of it, eventually leading him to an open room. A ballroom that wasn't being used for the ball tonight, but inside was a grand piano, and sitting on the bench was none other than Melody herself. Her brown hair went down to her ribs was curled to perfection, not one strand was out of place.
Her dress was lavender and it went down to her ankles. it was plain, yet beautiful. So simple like the song she was playing. It was a simple melody with not much backing on the lower end, but Hans was mesmerized by it anyway. It was nly because it was her. The light coming through from the windows made her skin look tan. He couldn't keep his eyes off of her. He stepped quietly through the ballroom, trying hard not to make a sound until Melody hit the final chord on the piano, and Hans smiled.
"That was beautiful." The boy complimented, placing his hands behind his back with a dorky grin on his face.
Melody looked back, surprise adorning her face, but then a smile replaced it. "I'm glad you think so, Hans." She giggled softly. Hans stared at her with dreamy eyes. It was only when he got a closer look at her did he see she was wearing a golden necklace. Engraved into it was a half sun half moon symbol, implying her kingdom of Sylvia.
"Are you enjoying the party?" Hans asked politely, and Melody nodded.
"I am. I just wanted to take a break from the noise." She said running a hand over the piano's wood. "And practice before my lesson tomorrow."
Hans took a step closer to her. "Well, I could help you if you want." He offered, placing his hand on the piano next to hers. "I actually learned the song you were playing a while ago." He casually sat down next to her. "Could you play it again for me?"
Melody smiled and nodded as she began playing the song again, only for Hans to immediately stop her. "Curl your hands in more." He said, gently touching her hands with his own. He ignored the tingling and chill that came along with the contact. "Like this, but relax."
Melody nodded and continued playing the song, Hans helping her when he could. He watched her face more than he watched her hands. He only stopped her when there was something blatantly wrong. Each second, she got better, and Hans's smile couldn't have been more wide by the end. "It sounds great!" He said enthusiastically, looking into Melody's eyes. Melody readjusted her hair, a smile on her face as well as she looked at Hans, placing her hands on her lap.
"You're an amazing teacher, Hans." She said, placing a hand on his shoulder. Hans felt the familiar tingle and chill again. "Maybe I'll come to the Southern Isles for lessons instead." Hans grinned and simply nodded as his cheeks went red from embarrassment.
"I-I'd love that." He ran a hand through his own hair as well, sighing dreamily as he looked at her. Melody shook her head and chuckled before another voice rang out in the room.
"Well, well, well." Hans bit his lip and looked over his shoulder. Jehan leaned against the wall, looking particularly better than usual. His red hair was combed and slicked back, and his suit fit his figure too well. His white suit, lined with gold, and red just like Hans's seemed to shine in the window's light as if he'd taken Hans's light away with his very presence. "Hi, Melody." Jehna's tone turned slightly seductive.
Melody giggled as she stood up form the piano bench, striding over to Jehan with a skip in her step. The two hugged, and Jehan went so far as to kiss Melody's cheek. Hans raised a brow, his heart sinking in his chest. "What's going on?" He asked, standing up and clenching his fist as he looked at his older brother.
Jehan simply shook his head and brought his arm around Melody's waist. "This is my betrothed, little brother." He said, looking dreamily at Melody who 's cheeks went red. "We're to be married when the time comes." He said, a smirk plastered on his face.
Hans's anger was about to erupt. He wanted to slap Jehan more than he'd ever wanted to do anything else. "You go on ahead, Mel," Jehan said, gently caressing her cheek with his thumb. Melody nodded, pecking Jehan's lips quickly before she left. Hans's older brother stood there. Frozen as he touched his lips. That was his first.
Hans stood and watched, fuming as warm tears began to fall down his cheeks. "You take everything from me.." The little boy hissed. "You take everything that's mine. You take everything I love!"
Jehan chuckled and strolled over to Hans who'd hung his head to look at the ground. Hans felt Jehan's cold fingers slip under his chin, forcing them to meet eyes. "Oh, Hans..." His brother chuckled as his amber eyes gazed into Hans's. "If only there was someone out there who loved you."
With that, Jehan left the ballroom, leaving Hans alone with the piano and a broken heart.
/
Elsa hadn't been able to fall asleep for the longest time. Ever since the great thaw she'd been having trouble, for reasons most understood. Almost every day she replayed the events in her head. Her coronation. The thirteen years in solitude. Thirteen years of nothing but cold.
Her room, although spacious, had always seemed to constrict. It always felt lonely after her separation from Anna. For some reason, the two had remained apart, although Elsa wanted nothing more than to move back with her sister. If anything for her own sake.
The night had come quickly, and she had stopped keeping track of the hour whiles ago. Preparations for the masquerade ball had been relentless. Every minute of Elsa's day was spent on something concerning the festival. She was glad to have the night.
It was the one time of day where she could relax. Where she could think, but her mind was too crowded to think of anything at the moment. She shifted in the velvet chair she sat in. It used to be her father's and the scratches on the arms of the chair always made her smile. She empathized with his frustration but sighed none the less.
She stood, her ice blue dress trailing behind her as she went out the window. It looked over all of Arendelle. Her kingdom.
Her home.
Just seeing it in full summer vibes brought her happiness, and she turned on her heels, exiting her office and closing the door behind her. The halls were too spacious. Too big. It needed someone else. Having only herself was unsettling. She closed her eyes, imagining Anna jumping and skipping through the halls. Her presence filled any room.
Even back then.
What had Anna felt like? What had wandered through these halls felt like when she was alone? Knowing her sister, Anna probably didn't think much of it at all. The queen turned and faced a tall white door adorned with floral patterns and the Arendelle crest. She took a breath and knocked softly a few times. "Anna?"
There was no reply from the other side. Elsa sighed. So that was what that felt like. She shook her head and opened the door just a crack, her sister's snoring sounding a cannon as soon as she peaked her head through. The queen placed a hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter, and she entered her sister's room.
The blue light from the window illuminated Anna's face. The redhead had always been adorable when she slept, and nothing had changed. Elsa walked over furtively to the foot of Anna's bed, knowing that if she walked a little louder, her sister most likely wouldn't have heard a thing.
She sat slowly on the bed, lifting a hand and placing it on Anna's forehead. Her sister was warm, or Elsa herself was just cold. She could never tell. She brushed strands of red hair out of her sister's eyes, a smiling forming instantly. Her breath hitched slightly as she moved her hand down to Anna's chest.
To her heart.
She closed her eyes and bit her lip as she waited.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
The beat was steady and strong, and Elsa sighed in relief, placing a soft kiss on her sister's forehead. "Good night." She whispered.
Anna snored in reply, and Elsa shook her head, chuckling to herself as she exited her sister's room, shutting the door as quietly as possible. She took another deep breath before taking steps towards her own room. She reached for the door handle but stopped short.
Brother.
Elsa turned her head sharply in all directions.
My brother.
The voice sounded again, but from where, Elsa couldn't place it. She took a breath and shook her head. It was nothing. It was absolutely nothing. She entered her room, smiling as she saw the bed. Sleep was calling her name louder than ever before. She waved her hand, her dress altering into a nightgown. The queen tucked herself under the covers, settling beneath the warmth as sleep came over her quickly, and the voice she heard didn't make another sound the rest of the night.
/
"Your Highness!"
Elsa's eyes fluttered open slowly as she heard voices. People were whispering, she couldn't tell who, but she then felt a hand on her shoulder, and that hand began to shake her. "Elsa!"
The queen's eyes shot open, and she saw Anna above her, still in her sleeping clothes as well. "Anna?" Elsa asked, groggily, sitting up in bed. "What's going on?"
Anna bit her lip and Elsa's eyes focused on the group of her staff inside her room, and they all had one thing in common.
They were all freezing.
Each one had their arms around themselves to keep them warm. Each had chattering teeth. They were all covered head to toe in snow. Elsa looked around her room, ice covering every inch in jagged patterns, a stark difference compared to the gracefulness that normally went along with her powers.
The queen's eyes widened and darted to her hands that were covered in frost, and her gaze finally shifted to Anna's turquoise eyes that were filled with concern, and another unmistakable emotion.
Fear.
"We were hoping you could tell us."