Baragor was the first person Anna saw when she awoke. Her eyes flew open in shock and fear.
"NO!" She screamed, getting up. He pushed her back down.
"Good morning, your highness," He said, leering, "And welcome back to the castle."
Groaning, Anna sat up a bit. The arrow had struck her shoulder. It had hurt- a lot, but that was over now. Her wound had been dressed, and a mild anesthetic applied. She was resting in her room, which had been untouched by Baragor's reign.
"...Elsa?" She whispered. Baragor drew silent. He had to be careful with his language now. If he played his cards right, this young woman would soon be on his side.
"Dead... we believe. Thanks to my brother Hans."
Anna felt the pain of loos overtake her, "No... Elsa's stronger than that. Hans wouldn't... couldn't... he failed before, right?"
Baragor let out a pained laugh, "Ah! That's the thing about Hans," He leaned in conspiratorially, "He never seems to give up."
Anna swallowed hard. Her rage towards this man needed to be dealt with, but later. Now, she wanted to know why she was still alive, "Why am I here?"
Baragor smiled falsely, "Well... I need your help."
"Why would I ever help you?" She let out waspishly.
His smile disappeared, "Because you need mine. Let's review; I save your life, send you to a spa, and offer my support to your sister. In return, she works for the Black Spot Pirates. Who should we trust now?"
Anna thought it through for a moment. Yes, the incidents in the Southern Isles were suspicious, but technically, Baragor wasn't necessarily the mastermind. Especially when there was always, "Hans."
"Hmm...?"
"Where is he?"
Baragor tapped his fingers nervously, "We're... not sure."
Anna sighed wearily. Her sister's killer was free. She had to have revenge, she just had to. But first, she needed one thing.
"Who is Kristoff really?"
Baragor smiled broadly, enjoying watching the poor girl break again.
"I think you already know the answer to that. But why don't you ask him yourself."
With a couple of snaps, Kai let in Kristoff.
He came in, hat in hand, worried about what was going to happen next. and for good reason.
"Anna," he said quietly.
She said nothing, just glanced back and forth across his face, as if looking for something familiar. The look on his face was nothing if not repentant. He was terrified of what she might say or think. What if she found out who he was and where he was from. But no, that was impossible. How could she know.
"...Kristoff?" She questioned? Now she looked afraid of him. That was the last thing he wanted. He loved her with his whole heart. But maybe that wasn't enough. Love was powerful, but not powerful enough to overcome this problem.
"Anna," He said, hoping she would just hear his love, and love him back.
No such luck.
"What's actually happening?" She questioned. He said nothing. She pursued the matter, "...Kristoff?"
He sighed wearily, "I'm just... trying to protect you."
She huffed irritably, "I don't need protecting!" The insistence in her voice brought a smile to his face. Her whole life people had been trying to keep her from harm, and she always insisted on pushing her limits. Now was no exception. He sat on her bed.
"Baragor... is the king of Arrendelle now," He said quietly, "And there's almost nothing to be done about that."
The princess shot him a suspicious look, but he continued, "Southern Isles troops are here- are everywhere. And I'm not sure what to do next. However, if you promise him that you'll not protest his presence here in The Northern Province of the Southern Isles, I'm sure he'll just let you go."
He said this with as much conviction as he could. No doubt Anna wanted to bring back Arrendelle as it had been, but that was no longer an option. The only card his princess had left to play was to co-operate.
"Baragor has asked for us to stay in this castle. Once the International Committee arrives, we'll be able to convince them that Arrendelle is not under the control of pirates, and we'll go back to life as it was!"
Anna looked out of the window. The sun was shining, the snow and ice were gone. She remembered the sinking of the Winter's End. She and Kristoff had gotten off on a life-boat, and rowed to the harbor. They had to crawl for an hour over treacherous ice before making landfall. All to reach Elsa.
But she was gone now.
"Kristoff?"
His heart leapt with hope. Maybe she wasn't really angry. Maybe she still loved him! He had long feared the day would come when she discovered the truth about him.
"ANNA!" He sat down, gathering her hands into his. He searched her eyes for those great characteristics he loved to see in her; warmth, love, and forgiveness.
...her hands slid out of his.
"...who are you?"
Kristoff bit his lip, then turned. He stared Baragor down. Once his brother left, Kristoff sighed, clenched his eyes shut, and turned around.
"Before... I met you. I was someone else."
He could see her eyes searching his, "...And...?"
"And... there is a tradition of sending young Westerguards into foreign countries. To get to know them- personally."
Anna shut her eyes, praying this was just a nightmare. The story continued. Hot tears rolled down her cheeks as she realized who he was, what he was.
He held nothing back. The first day he'd seen her, watching her home from the marketplace. She took as much as she could before holding up a hand to stop him.
"Please... just go."
"Anna..."
She rolled on her side, away from him. Kristoff sniffed, holding back the emotions he felt. Slowly, the prince rose, and walked out of the room.
"I love you," He whispered. She heard it, but wondered; was it worse that he was lying to her? Or worse if he was telling the truth?