The Path to Redemption: Exile Chapter 9, a frozen fanfic

"Isn't it a lovely night for a ball, Hans?" Ravian twirled around in the streets with his arms outstretched. The spirit took in a large breath of fresh Arendellian air. "Look at the stars, and the moon is full and bright..."

"And you're being as incessantly annoying as ever.."

The two turned to look at each other, and Ravian was the first to laugh as he trailed his fingers through his own black hair that had been combed through. "I'm just trying to lighten the mood. You're clearly tense."

Hans's gaze shifted to the ground. "Why shouldn't I be?"

How could he go in there? Really, was there any way to go about it without feeling nauseous? The consequences for coming into this kingdom once were enough to deter any sane person from ever coming back. What he wouldn't give for the days back then, when he was living as second, or rather thirteenth to his brothers, where he wasn't on the run and living in a land he was supposed to be steering clear from.

"But back then you didn't have me."

He was right. Back then, Hans hadn't had power. He hadn't had Ravian.

He glanced back at the spirit who looked a little too underdressed for Hans's liking. He wore only an open scarlet vest embroidered with gold, letting anyone and everyone lay eyes on his bare chest and midsection (which wasn't an awful sight, but Hans would never say it out loud), and a pair of baggy trousers that were cinched at the ankle in a matching hue.

"You can't possibly be going like that."

"Hans, it's only for one night! And I've been fairly modest up until now."

"Mhm, but this one night happens to be a very big one. I want you to change."

"Well, I don't want to. I happen to like Agrabah's fashion."

Hans rolled his eyes. There would be no fighting with the spirit now only because they didn't have the time. He clenched the three cloaks tightly as they came closer to the castle, all the while dodging and maneuvering their way through bunches of people, through children running freely from cart to cart in search of food or toys to pass the time, husbands and wives holding each other and gazing at one another with a fervor only lovers could.

"Maybe you'll meet someone tonight Hans," The fire spirit cooed, nudging the Prince's shoulder with his own. "I have a particular Snow Queen in mind."

The exiled Prince scoffed. "You didn't see that look she gave me in the forest.. she wants nothing to do with me." He bit his lip, looking around at the others making their way to meet Arendelle's royalty.

It was similar to what he'd witnessed on his last endeavor there. Long dresses, tailored suits, but one thing was different.

Masks.

"I forgot it was a masquerade..." Ravian grumbled, sighing, and grinning. "Looks like I'll be having more fun tonight."

Hans knew that look. The look of a schemer.

The spirit brought his hands behind his back. "No one will be able to ignore you now, my Prince."

Hans gulped as Ravian pulled from behind his back a newly created mask. It was red to match the undertones of the suit, but it shimmered. It sparkled even in the moon light and had traces of silver, gold, and black. It pulled it all together, like the suit was made for the mask and vice versa. "Thank you.." He reached carefully for it, afraid he'd break it if he held it too tightly. He adjusted it onto his face, glad that it only covered his eyes to give him room to breath.

"Now you're ready." The spirit smiled in a way Hans could only call endearing as the man put his own mask on. It was gold, and demanded attention in the same way Hans's did. The two of them must have been a sight to everyone around them, an ethereal and regal pair of gold, black, and red, a walking horizon with undertones of mischief.

"Invitation, please."

Hans almost jumped as he turned toward the doors of the castle, locking eyes with the soldier guarding the entrance. They were here? Already? His hands began to tremble as he handed the man the invitation. The guard eyed the signature at the bottom, and after confirming that it was, in fact, the Queen's, he motioned to the interior. "Welcome to the Summer Ball. Enjoy yourselves."

Hans and Ravian nodded in unison, and the two walked in together into the sea of luxury, color, and noise.

The air was warmer, and smelled of sharp perfume, the kind that would normally be associated with nights out, and even desperation. There was also the taunting, savory scent of food coming from the kitchen, as well as the sweet bitterness of champagne and wine being handed out as if everyone in the room were poor, dying of thirst, and needed it to survive.

Every which way he looked, there was color and glittering jewels. Pastel blues, pinks, and purples were everywhere in the form of extravagant gowns, deep emerald came up in a few men's suits. There was russet orange, yellow, pink. Such a disorganized display of hues and yet there was an underlying order to it, a reason for everyone's choice of clothing.

No one dared to shine brighter than the royal hosts.

He had a man who took a few steps to the side to thank for his view of Elsa, standing by the throne, and speaking to...

He couldn't see, and a part of him was thankful, it was just more of a reason to look at her. Her dress was white with tasteful undertones of peach, like the others he'd seen on her, it was flattering, and sequins of ice had it, had her shimmering. Her mask was something to behold, glittering white with swirls of the matching peach color.

"What are you waiting for?"

Hans's turned his head to look at the spirit whose eyes were expectant and urging, taunting even. "Go and talk to her."

Hans shook his head. He couldn't. There were too many risks. Just being here was a risk. Why were they even here? "I can't, Ravian." He sighed, turning around, "We should just leave."

The spirit grabbed the Prince's wrist. "You can't leave when the Queen gives you a personal invitation," He cooed and Hans's throat bobbed, "And where else will you go?"

The truth of the words again weighed down on him. He had nowhere else, and what was the harm in enjoying the night? He'd never have it again, so why not revel in it? "Fine." He huffed as the spirit let go. "Fine, I'll talk to them and have a drink, but then we're leaving."

Ravian put his hand over his heart. "That's fine with me. Now, go. I have a night to enjoy myself." He gave the Prince a pat on the shoulder and stalked off somewhere. Hans followed the man with his eyes, landing on a tall blonde man dressed in innocent, regal blue with an ornate mask. Ravian was headed right for him. Hans rolled his eyes.

So he got to have fun while Hans was stuck with dreading anxiety? Typical.

Just go talk to her.

Ravian's voice in his head had Hans looked toward the spirit who was smirking with a drink in his hand. 'Go'. He mouthed.

Hans shook his head at the boy, but he did as he was told. He maneuvered his way through the few openings in the packed room, each step bringing him closer to the throne. Closer to the Queen and the Princess no doubt. His heart pounded, his palms began to sweat, and the warm air, along with the mask had him feeling light headed, like he was suffocating. The world became only the polished wood floor as he kept his head down, the smell only his own fear, the cloaks in his hands felt heavy, a bad omen that he'd ignored one too many times.

When he finally had the courage to look up, he'd made it through the sea of people and masks, and had a clear view of the Queen. The princess was at her side, dressed in a flowing shamrock green gown laced with floral patterns. Her hair was up in the same style she'd had for the coronation, but she looked tense.

His eyes flicked to the people they were speaking to.

His breath became shallow. His eyes went wide.

No. No. No. No. NO. Out of all the times and the places, why them? Why now?

What? Ravian's voice was comforting, concerned. What happened?

Hans's throat bobbed. "My brother..." He murmured, taking slow, calculated steps toward the group of three. No... four. Beside Jehan, who looked dashing in his white suit, there was a girl. Familiar ebony hair, the same shining, unavoidable presence she'd had all those years ago.

Melody...

Who's that?

Hans almost jumped higher than the chandelier. "It's none of your business," The Prince grumbled, "Now can you please stop doing that? Just for a little while?"

The prince turned his head to the side, attempting to look busy, but instead he caught sight of a different man, one who was looking at him as if he were crazy. That was what he got for talking to a spirit only he could hear.

I'll stay out of it.

The confirmation was all Hans needed to relax, at lest as much as his mind would allow. He made his way toward the peach, the green, the white, and the lavender. "Your Majesties," The words left his mouth before he even had time to think. The four heads immediately turned to face his, and Hans locked eyes with every single one of them. He started with Jehan.

Violet meeting green. Wait..

Violet? He'd always remembered them as blue. The two stared at each other for a moment, enough for Hans to remember how tall his brother was compared to him. Each second had his brother's eyes growing more suspicious, so he flicked his own to Melody.

Peridot meeting green.

She was still as friendly as always, he could tell she hadn't changed. The one thing, however, that set her apart from years before, was the happiness in them. She looked content, like she wouldn't change a thing about her life. Hans eyes were solemn now, but he was happy for her. Happy for them as much as it pained him to see it with his own eyes.

Green met bright turquoise.

The redhead was still bright, still energetic he could tell. He wondered where that other boy had gone, the one dubbed 'Ice Master and Deliverer'. What a stupid title. Her eyes, like Jehan's, grew wary with passing second, so he flicked his gaze to the finale of the quartet.

Green met ice.

The look in her eyes wasn't as hard as it was in the forest, nor was it soft as it had been that time either. It was indifferent, he dared to even say annoyed. He had just interrupted a conversation, after all. Among royalty no less. One brow raised behind her mask. 'Get on with it' the look seemed to say, so he did. Well, Anna did for him.

"Elsa, it's that man from the inn!" She exclaimed brightly, laughing as she walked toward him.

Hans forced a smile onto his lips. Just act polite for five minutes.

He took the Princess's hand and bent at the waist, bowing as he simultaneously pressed a kiss to the top of her palm that smelled of daisies.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Princess. I didn't get a chance to properly thank you for taking care of my stay, but perhaps this will do?"

He presented her with two of the three cloaks. "One for you and the ice master," He looked toward Elsa, presenting her the one in blue. "And one for her Majesty."

Anna giggled with glee as she examined the fabric, running her hands over the smooth wool. "I should give Kristoff the pink one," She smiled at the man in front of her. "It was Corin, right?"

A muscle twitched in Hans's cheek. "Yes, Highness."

"They're lovely." Hans shifted his gaze to Elsa who was staring incredulously at the fabric. "How long did it take you?"

"A few months." Hans clasped his hands behind his back. "It was painstaking, let me tell you."

"Who is this?" Jehan's voice cut through the chatter, although it wasn't suspicious. It was genuine curiosity.

Perfect.

"I'm a humble seamstress from your Kingdom, Majesty." He bowed his head. "The outskirts."

Jehan said nothing for a moment, and only took a step toward Hans.

He couldn't have been caught that easily... could he?

"It's a pleasure." He held his hand out, a friendly smile coming onto the face of the future King.

Hans took his brother's hand, shaking it firmly. "The pleasure's all mine."

He'd have thought this moment would feel different, finally being able to face his brother on equal footing, being able to look him in the eyes without seeing disdain or anger, or sadness, but instead, it made him sick. He didn't understand why he longed for Jehan to just see him. He wanted to talk to his brother face to face, not mask to mask. He wanted to know why, why after all these years had he hid this side of himself, this bright, happy side.

"This is my wife, Melody." Jehan introduced the woman in lavender who now had her hand outstretched.

"Princess.." Hans greeted softly, repeating the same motion he had with Anna before standing up to his full height.

"Could you make me one?" She asked, peeking over at Anna who was still gawking at the cloak. "It gets cold in the Southern Isles sometimes, I'm sure you know that by now."

Hans's smile was wistful. "Yes, I can," He replied, his fingers briefly curled into fists, his heart ached in a way he didn't understand. "I'd be honored."

"Did you make this?" Elsa's eyes lingered on Hans's suit.

He met her gaze for a moment, a moment that felt too short, before replying. "Yes, I did." He grinned almost proudly, grateful for the lie Ravian had given him. "It took me a few years."

A brief smile came on to Elsa's face. "And the mask as well?"

Hans nodded. "The mask too."

The Queen took a step toward him. "Well, I look forward to seeing the face of the man who created such a masterpiece. At midnight, the masks come off." She stalked past Hans and toward a well dressed woman who, like Melody, also wore purple, but in a deeper hue. There were silver gems scattered across the flowing fabric and bodice, and her dark hair had been twisted into an intricate updo.

"Whoa, Cornelia... I need to find Arthur!" Anna smirked to herself as she made her way courageously into the sea of people.

And then there were three. It could be worse. There could be two.

"I'll get you a drink?"

Hans turned to see Melody, her hand lovingly on Jehan's chest, and the Prince smiling. "Please."

The two kissed briefly, and left Hans with a burning in his chest and a lump in his throat, as well as with his brother.

Alone.

Did Jehan feel the same tension he did? Was he aware of the world slowly caving in on them, like everyone had eyes on them, waiting to see what would happen, waiting to hear what would be said.

"So, Corin," Jehan started, stepping to stand beside Hans who bristled, straightened his back, and took a breath. His hands were shaking, his mind racing. "Where on the outskirts do you live?"

Hans cleared his throat. It could have been worse. Much worse. "The eastern border," He answered calmly, "Near the village of Acrine."

Jehan hummed to himself. "The trade village?"

"Yes, exactly."

The elder brother chuckled. "I've taken Melody and Abigail there on a few occasions. There's quite a lot to do as you know."

Hans froze. "Abigail?"

Jehan looked at the man beside him, a wide smile on his face. "My daughter."

Hans forced a smile to his face, but his hands behind his back were clenched into tight fists.

Of course.

Of course they'd had a child.

Something burned in his heart, something he knew all too well, it was what had driven him to come to Arendelle.

White hot envy.

This man always had something he didn't. He knew it wouldn't have stopped with the betrothal, but now that they'd consummated, sealed the deal on their marriage... God, was there anything this man didn't have?

"I bet she's beautiful."

"She is.." Jehan adjusted his mask over his face before sighing. "She has her mother's eyes and hair, but she has my nose."

A bitter chuckle escaped from Hans's lips. He closed his eyes and reached out to Ravian through his mind, feeling for that warmth, anything resembling the spirit's charisma or ego, but nothing was there. Of course he was never there when he needed him most. He thanked God for Melody coming with the drink for her and her husband.

And an extra?

"Here," She offered the tall glass of champagne to Hans, "You must be dying in that suit."

Hans smiled and took it gratefully. He looked between the two of them and almost had to look away. He didn't want to look at the beautiful nightmare that stared into his eyes. "Well, I'll leave you two alone. Enjoy the night, and thank you." He lifted the glass to the two before turning on his heels.

He made his way to the walls of the room, finding the shadows rather comforting. All his life, he'd wanted to escape them, but every time he did, there was always a brighter light, something or someone that would put him back in his place. Even when he tried, even when he did everything he could, he always ended up the same way. Alone, disregarded. His eyes lingered on Jehan and Melody a little longer, watching them hold each other, talk, laugh, dance together, even kiss.

He shook his head as he took a large gulp of the drink, thankful for the way it stuck in the back of his throat as he swallowed it down, the way it made him feel lighter, the way it kept the water welling in his eyes at bay for just a moment longer. His eyes caught Anna on the dance floor, dancing with Kristoff.

That was the name of the Ice Master. A commoners name. How had she ever been allowed to fall for him? In the Southern Isles, it was wealth over love, power over everything else. Things like happiness were second rate, even for those who had no immediate responsibilities like Hans.

It was competition.

It was war.

It was pain.

It was never love.

It was never the happiness he saw on the face of the red-head, her laughter that cut through the air, and infected everyone except for Hans who'd been immune to such things since he was a boy.

He scoffed as his eyes continued scanning the crowd of people. The Prince and Princess of Corona had been invited, they weren't all that hard to spot dressed in sun inspired clothing and masks, and the former thief's rugged goatee on his chin was hard to ignore. The woman he'd seen Elsa walking toward earlier was talking with a man. Tall and a mop of curly hair, a silver suit and trousers and a glamorous mask. Arthur, he recalled Anna saying. The two were picture perfect, and when it came time to dance, a little touchy.

That feeling of envy resurfaced, and his jaw worked as he scoured the room again, his eyes finally landing on Elsa in all her radiant splendor. The way she talked to a couple on the elderly side, warm and welcoming in a way he hadn't seen before, her smile like her sister's, although this was brighter. The crown that glittered in her hair. He hadn't seen it before, maybe he'd been too focused on her face.

He forced the heat in his face down.

So he had been a little too focused.

His eyes went back to the Queen where Anna was suddenly by her side, their hands intertwined, the two embracing.

There was no urge, this time, to want to tear the two apart for what they'd done to him. There was no wanting to burn them both on a pyre, instead, there was a longing to have what they did, to have that smile on his face..

He finished off the alcohol and set it down on a passing server's tray. His eyes searched for an exit, any place that he could escape to. He needed to find Ravian and they needed to leave. He couldn't stay here in a place that boasted everything he could ever want but never have. The smell of perfume was suddenly overbearing, enough to make him want to cough. He spotted a guard by a doorway, and Hans smiled.

The guard turned his head a few times, as if making sure no one could see him, rather no one would notice if he was gone, and turned to leave the crowded room.

Hans's brows furrowed, and he made his way toward the exit. "Excuse me... pardon, sorry. I just need to get through here, hehe."

After more than a few awkward brushes, he was free of the crowd, and stalking down the hall which felt a little too vacant. He approached the end of the hall, shaking his head. He must have been seeing things, but at least he had peace and quiet.

"...ready, and tell him it's all clear."

Hans's breath caught at the morsel of a conversation. He perched himself behind the corner, taking his mask off and peeking out behind the wall.

There were two guards, the one he saw leave, who was burly and strong. The other was meek, nervous looking. "I actually think she does a good job.." The meek one shrugged, "This party is nice."

"Yeah, she can throw a party, but she can't run a kingdom."

The meek one bit his lip. "But she can. There hasn't been any war, no conflict. We're prospering!"

"Yes, because people are too scared to attack us! Our Queen is a witch, and she's a freak, and she's dangerous. Did you see what she did to the council chambers? It's for the best. Once Damien rules the Kingdom, the people will be grateful. You'll see."

"But-"

"Soren, go!" The toned one shouted. "We don't have all day. The others are in position already. They're just waiting for the signal."

The meek one who Hans now knew as Soren, opened his mouth as if to protest again, but all that came out of his mouth was compliance. "Yes, sir."

He ran off down the hall, and Hans put his mask back on, walking urgently back toward the throne room.

He had to warn Elsa.

He suddenly stopped as he reentered the room. Why should he care? Shouldn't he want this? Shouldn't he be endorsing this, whatever was about to happen? Shouldn't he want her out of the way? He swallowed, biting his lip.

Their words, the way that one guard spoke about her, he understood now. He understood completely as he remembered his uncle's shouts, calling him a monster, his own nephew. It was that memory, the feeling of wanting to save her from that which had him rushing into the crowd, searching for the shimmering dress of peach and eyes of warm ice.

"Corin!"

Melody's bright voice cut through his concentration, forcing Hans to look at her. "The next dance is about to start.." His eyes flicked to her hand which was now outstretched. In any other circumstance, this would have been his dream. He would have been selfish and took her, held her until the night ended.

But the night was about to end.

"I-I'm sorry, Princess, but I'm actually about to leave." He gave a convincing frown as his eyes darted across the room, to the guards closing the doors.

Locking them.

"I was just about to say goodbye to the Queen before I went on my way."

Melody's face showed understanding. "Then I won't keep you. It was nice to meet you."

Hans smiled. "Yes.. it was nice to meet you as well."

He stepped away from her and turned his head. His eyes landed on a display of white and peach.

Elsa.

He moved to push through the crowd, but was cut off every time. Every angle he thought he saw was covered, like fate wanted him to fail. Frustration coiled in his stomach, fear in his heart.

His head became light, and this time it wasn't from the alcohol.

The perfume smell was too strong once again, the heat from everyone around him was overbearing.

The mask obstructed his vision enough to make him feel like he was an animal trying to escape from a cage.

For a moment, all he could hear was the shallowness of his own breath.

Then, a scream.

And a hundred others followed suit. Fear took control of the party, people were rushing toward the doors, trampling over others.

Ravian!

He yelled in his mind.

There was still no reply. He was on his own again, alone in a sea of fear and chaos. And revenge.

He could taste it in the air, a sharp tang of distaste and eagerness to hurt.

It was something he knew, and he could stay calm through it all. He turned every which way, searching for the catalyst. A woman lay on the ground, blood pooling around her from a small yet vicious hole in her stomach.

A knife, he deduced. Or maybe a sword.

There was another scream, and Hans's eyes went wide as he saw Anna stepping back from an Arendelle guard who had his sword raised above his head. "Kristoff!" She cried, but the Ice Master couldn't hear her. "Kristoff!"

Hans's legs moved without hesitation. He stepped in front of the Princess and reached for the guard's sword. For a brief second, there was only the cold of the metal on his skin, then warmth, then red, then pain. He hollered as he held the sword in place with his other arm, ignoring how it had embedded itself into the skin of his forearm. The guard growled as he struggled to take back the blade, and Hans took his chance. He slammed his head into the guard's forehead.

"Agh! Damn it! Jesus!" The man stumbled back, gripping his eye.

Hans struck again, taking the sword's pommel and slamming into the guards head.

The man fell to the ground.

"Go." He ordered, turning to look at the Princess.

"What? No. I'm not just leaving you to fight them on your own."

Hans had forgotten how stubborn the girl was. He turned and handed the girl the blade. "Fine, but be careful."

Anna grinned, but it faded as she looked at the man's arm. "Will you be alright?"

Hans smiled back. "I'll be fine."

The Princess ran off, helping to fend off her own guards. Hans turned to examine the room, the bodies strewn across the floor, the red that flowed from them.

Bile rose in his throat, as well as anger.

Ravian!

He called, but there was no answer. Again.

He growled, clenching his fists in frustration.

You stupid spirit! Why are you never here when I-

A sharp pain in Hans's stomach made his knees weak. His head felt light, and he fell to his knees.

His breath got caught in his throat. He pressed his hand to the source of the pain and his fingers came back red.

I'm coming.

"It's about time..." The former prince choked out only to himself.

He turned his head over his shoulder to look at his assailant, the same burly guard from the hallway, smirking over him. The guard raised his sword, red with Hans's blood, over his head.

It couldn't end like this. If he did, his brothers, and Ravian, would never let him live it down.

Pushing through the pain, he stood and roared as he tackled the man, carrying him into the wall.

The guard grunted, dropped his sword, and Hans sent his bloodied hand into the man's stomach.

The man's eyes went wide, and Hans brought his other hand up, catching the man in the jaw. His head banged against the wall and he fell, unconscious before he even hit the ground.

Hans let out a breath and turned. Some of the ground was covered in ice. Elsa looked unharmed, but angry, and she held her hand outstretched, throwing a guard against the wall with a huge gust of wind. He'd be incapacitated for a while.

click

Hans's eyes snapped to the stairs, where a guard held a crossbow.

Aimed right at Elsa.

All the pain left him for the moments he sprinted toward the woman, it was a race against the trigger.

His steps felt too small, time seemed to slow down. Everything resumed as normal as he held the Queen in his arms, using his body to shield her, bracing himself for the pain that inevitably came. His entire body tensed as the arrow pierced his back, just below his shoulder blades. His arms came tighter around her, holding on desperately.

He waited for the second arrow, waited for more pain.

"I got him!" Hans turned his head and sighed gratefully, happy to see the spirit waving at him from the stairs, the guard on the ground and unconscious by his feet.

Hans broke away from Elsa and he could feel his cheeks going scarlet. Thank god for the mask. "Are you alright?" He asked softly.

The Queen could only look at him for a moment. She'd taken her mask off to fight, displaying every emotion. There was fear, but there was also relief, and a lot of gratitude.

"I am.." She replied, offering him a soft smile. "Thank you."

Hans went to take a step back, but ended up sinking to his knees. Black spotted the outskirts of his vision, the perfume smell which was now combined with blood was beginning to fade away, the lightness in his head was beginning to worsen, and the pain became unbearable.

"Corin!"

Elsa's shouts were vague noise to him. He couldn't answer her even if he wanted to. His eyes fluttered closed, and it was then he heard the clock began to chime.

Elsa called for Anna. Jehan appeared as well with Melody who sunk to her knees and took Hans's hand.

"Thank you.." Anna's words were barely audible, "For saving me."

Midnight.

Elsa reached for his mask, and Hans weakly lifted his hand to protest, but she'd already taken it off.

Shock erupted around him. Jehan's face was white. Anna stumbled back into Kristoff's arms, her eyes incredulous. Melody's hand came to cover the gasp that escaped her mouth. He met Elsa's eyes for a brief moment. Her look was the only one he couldn't decipher. His lids became too heavy to keep open, and the last thing he heard as the world around him faded away was Elsa's voice.

"Get him a doctor."

A/N: So, this had been a long time coming lmao. Things with school had really picked up and I was in the middle of college apps so things had gotten really really busy. Anyway, I'm not dead, I promise. Things are just coming along very very slowly. Thanks so much for putting up with the delay and I hope you enjoyed this chapter! AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!