"Then leave."
The words shook her to the core, but she had to say it. She had to be the monster. Anna was right. She couldn't live like this anymore. She didn't deserve this. She might miss her home, but in time, she would forget. She would be happy.
She was barely able to contain her powers as she rushed up the stairs. She ran the last few feet into her room, and slammed the door shut. Her powers burst out of her. The windowpanes shattered and cold air was pushed out. But Elsa didn't care. She had had enough. Anna would be gone. It won't matter whether she could control her powers or not.
She curled up against the door and wept. First her parents, and now her sister. Her curse had doomed her to be alone. She wished for someone, anyone to come rescue her. Exhaustion creeped in and she started feeling drowsy. Just as she was starting to drift off, there was a knock at the door.
It was so quiet that Elsa almost didn't hear it, but she knew exactly who it was. She had heard those knuckles on wood for thirteen years.
"Elsa?"
For the thousandth time she wished she could answer her. She wished she could kick open the door, hold her baby sister close, and promise her that she would never be alone again.
"You were right. I know nothing about true love. I said some terrible things to you. I am sorry."
'It's not your fault, it's mine!' she tried to scream, but no sound came out.
"I understand why you don't like me. I will leave tonight. You won't have to deal with me anymore."
Elsa's heart stopped. This was it. It was over. Anna had finally given up on her. She should be happy. This is what she wanted. But she felt nothing.
"Goodbye Elsa. I love you."
'I love you too.' Elsa thought, hoping that somehow, Anna would hear her thoughts.
'You don't even have the courage to talk to her', a voice in her head chided.
Hesitantly, she leaned forward, and said softly, "I am so sorry, Anna."
She wondered if Anna had heard her. Quietly, she cracked the door open and peeked out. The hallway was empty. She was gone.
Elsa sighed. If Hans truly loved her, then she would at least be safe.
'You were right. I know nothing about true love.' Elsa frowned. Something about that statement, and the defeated voice in which she said it was off. What changed her mind? She was adamant just a few minutes ago.
She rushed downstairs.
"Kai, where is Prince Hans?"
Kai, the old family butler, peered at her.
"He already left, your majesty."
'Your majesty,' it sounded so strange. Elsa didn't like it one bit. She shook her head.
"Was my sister with him?"
"No, your majesty. Your sister retired to her room after he left."
Elsa rushed upstairs again and knocked on her sister's door.
"Anna? It's me, Elsa. Please, open up." No answer.
"Anna? Are you alright?"
"I have a spare key, your majesty." Kai held up a keychain, patterned in snowflakes, attached to the keys of her and Anna's bedroom.
She grabbed the keychain, jammed it into the lock and twisted it. The door opened with a click.
She looked around. Nothing seemed out of place except that Anna wasn't there. She noticed a parchment sitting on the study table. She picked it up.
Dear Elsa,
Congratulations on your coronation! There's no one else who deserves to be queen more than you. I am sure you will perform your duties well. Mama and Papa would have been so proud. You have studied hard over the years. I have full faith that the kingdom is in good hands.
You were right about Hans. He didn't love me at all. He was only interested in me because I am the heir to the throne. I didn't have anything else to offer him. I am sorry for ruining your coronation party. You have every right to be angry at me. I acted like a child.
You won't have to see me anymore. I will go away. I am sorry for being a bother. You were always so kind to me. I had believed that our relationship could have been mended, but now I realise that it's too late. I will miss you Elsa. You were the best big sister I could have asked for. Thank you.
All my love,
Anna
"She left."
Elsa sat down on a nearby chair, dejected. She couldn't help but worry. Her sister was out there in a harsh and cruel world and she is doing nothing. Her parents would be rolling in their graves.
"In this weather?! She will freeze to death." Kai exclaimed.
"What?" Elsa was confused.
She looked outside the window and gasped. It was snowing! And she knew exactly why.
"Kai! I lost control of my powers again! What do I do?"
Elsa panicked. She started pacing around, muttering her old mantra, 'conceal, don't feel.'
It didn't work. As if to mock her, the temperature dropped even more.
"Your majesty, calm down. We can worry about the snowstorm later. First, we must find your sister before it's too late. She didn't go out the front gate, or else I would have seen her. She must have slipped out of the back. We can assemble some guards to go search for her."
Elsa took a deep breath.
"No one else is going out in this storm. I will look for her myself. It will be faster."
"But, your majesty-"
Elsa gave him a look, and strode out. She grabbed her cloak, pulled on the hood and walked downstairs towards the side door.
"Wait until tomorrow morning. If I am not back until then, send out a search party."
"Yes, your majesty."
