author's note; I'm pretty sure this is going into 100 chapters. Sooo... buckle in for the long haul...
...
"...ow."
Hans' wrists were shackled behind his back. He was tossed about by the guards, who, he was sure, found him the most disgusting thing on earth. First, they had tried to lock him up on the ship. He had allowed that before making the claim that Queen Elsa herself had released him. The sailors had no reason to believe him, of course, until he pointed out that there was no one else on earth who could have released him.
So the dutiful captain had declared the premature return to Arrendelle to find out the truth. Which is where they were now.
"The prisoner will remain silent!"
Hans grit his teeth in frustration. He had been asked to fight pirates, and he had done that, technically. He should be free. The prince started counting reasons to hate Elsa- again.
"Her people harass me," 1, "Her people don't listen to my orders," 2.
Thud.
"Her people shove me into walls when I mutter to myself," 3, "Her palace ought to be filled with portraits of me," 4, "She judges me unfairly," 5.
He paused his counting as he found himself once more in front of the council, "...or doesn't bother to show up at all!"
"Have a seat, Mr. Westerguard."
"PRINCE! Westerguard..."
The remaining members of the council ignored him.
"Well?!" He demanded, "Where is my release?"
The councilors exchanged looks, "We don't find your reasoning... sufficient."
Hans, in a fit, ripped at his pant-leg, "Look at me!" He revealed the extent of the burns, "I have been beaten, burned, and drowned. Release me!"
The council exchanged glances, "We have found... an alternative solution."
Hans looked from one member to the next, "What... alternative solution?"
"We believe that the Black Spot pirates are simply doing this for money. If sufficiently enticed, they should leave us alone."
Hans stared, gaping, "You can't... negotiate with them! That's against international law!"
Councilor Victoria cleared her throat. Technically, Hans was correct. Also, they could not technically own up to what they had done, which lead them to an uncomfortable point, "Ahem, well, we see that you are actually a criminal in the eyes of this court, and since it has been put forward that the Southern Isles ruling class has long had influence with the pirates-!"
Hans slammed his fist down. Baragor! Of course! That was why the pirates knew when and where to attack! And now he was going to take the fall for it! And now he was pushing the blame onto his little brother!
Another councilor finished for him, "You, sir, stand accused of high-mutiny, and desertion of your post. For all we know, the attack on Arrendelle was an escape attempt."
There was pounding on the door. A large, blond stranger poked his head in.
Kristoff- of course.
"The queen desires," His eyes landed on Hans, and widened in fear, "...the queen demands the presence of the council."
The councilors muttered their assent.
"By the power vested in us by the state of Arrendelle, and to protect the sovereignty of this nation, and all others, we declare, in the name of her highness Queen Elsa, you," He pointed to Hans, "Guilty! To be sentenced to death, in one day's time."
The gavel banged. Hans cursed and squirmed in his bonds.
Yet another reason to hate Elsa. Number seven, right?
Six, he would not admit to.
She's the most beautiful woman on earth, but doesn't find me charming...