Authors note: I am glad that your all loving the story and hopefully the next chapters will be just as pleasing as the last ones. :)
For now I hope you all enjoy this chapter and please leave a review when done, opinions are most welcomed. Again I must warn that this story will contain many sexual scenes and bloody deaths and such.
Two weeks, thats how long Hans has spent in the hospital so far. His arm was still in a cast but the doctors were adamant that he will make a full recovery soon.
Looking to the side he reached for his phone which he had left in a nightstand. He had turned it off as Danny kept calling him over and over, so much so he finally had enough of her and turned off his phone for a while.
Sighting he turned it on and saw that there was about 150 text messages. Pressing a button or two he deleted all the text messages of his cheating ex fiancee.
He did not need to read the text, he knew well what she wrote. It would be either "Please let me explain", "Its not what it seems", "call me!".
Growling Hans blocked her number and put the phone aside when he heard a knock. Looking he saw it was Lars.
"Chess?" his brother asked holding a box, chuckling Hans said "Did you bring a sandwich?", Lars just reached into his back and held out a bag.
"Take a seat" said Hans chuckling as he moved out of the bed and walked to a table when two seats. There the two brothers took a seat, opened the box, placing the game down and arranging the pieces Lars said "Danny keeps asking about you",
"Whore" growled Hans in anger as he placed a piece, pawn, on its place.
"Hans, its probably not what you though" began Lars,
"Oh so now your defending her?! I know what I saw!" said Hans angry, he could not believe that Lars did not believe him.
"I am not saying that, but I know how Caleb can be, but he would not be with Danny" said Lars,
"Now your defending Caleb too! I cannot believe you Lars! You know Caleb hates my gut and would go out of his way to watch me suffer!" growled Hans as he felt the sting of betrayal.
There was silence before Lars asked "Hans... have you been taking your medication?"
At that Hans just stared before getting up, knocking the table aside and yelling "Fuck you!" before pointing out the door and growling "Get out!".
Knowing he had messed up Lars got up and left quietly, once out the door Hans closed and locked it from behind. Pressing his back against it he beat hit good fist against the ground in anger.
He knew Lars meant well, but he did not have to bring that up. His... Episodes...
Hans took a breath and calmed himself, he was told that when he was a child he had an overactive imagination, he had gone through this episode where he apparently created this delusion, this life which was not his own. He would not allow anybody to call him Hans, rather claimed that he was Johannes, prince Johannes. Whenever he would see snow he would go running out of the house even in his pajamas sometimes yelling about how his snowflake and he would finally be reunited... whatever that meant...
Due to his antics bringing shame his parents sent him to a psychologist then a psychiatrist who were left baffled at what he said before giving him some medication that made him feel like a zombie... even now he hates those meds.
Then after the war... after... what happened... he was diagnosed with PTSD. Though the military bluntly told him he was too broken to be a hero. Thus his honor, medals, everything he had worked for were taken away.
He of coursed cared not for that, what infuriated him was that his friends, his comrades who were just as much heroes as he was were pushed to the side, forgotten, just because the world needed to see a poster boy for a hero.
Hans scoffed at that, people did not know what a real hero was, maybe once they did, but that image has long since been warped and tarnished.
Suddenly there was a knock on the door interrupting his thoughts. "Go away Lars!" shouted Hans thinking his brother had not left yet.
"Hans? Its me Elsa" he heard,
"Elsa" though Hans both happy and confused as he got up and opened the door. She stood there, a pleasant smile on her face, her hair always immaculate, dress impeccably, surely she had to be a model.
"I was passing by and though you would want some company" said Elsa as she walked in.
"Yes I mean... you sure you want to spend time with me? I am not exactly the best company ever" said Hans rubbing the back of his head,
"If I did not then I would not be here" said Elsa setting down a recyclable grocery bag then turned and looked at him with the cutest pout he had ever seen "Unless of course you want me to go",
"No no, you can stay" said Hans as he sat down on the bed and sighted "Its been a rough day",
"Is your arm okay?" asked Elsa worried, Hans waved the worry off and said "Its fine, the doctors said it will be as good as new soon",
"Thats good" said Elsa then asked "So whats really wrong?", with a sight Hans explained what happened.
"Oh I see" said Elsa then sighted "I know how that feels",
"Really?",
"Yes, I once had a sister, but it was a long time ago" she said before shaking then added in a cheerful tone "I know what will help", reaching into her bag and took out a plastic bowl. Opening it she took out two spoons, giving one to Hans and said "Its from my shop",
"You have a shop?" asked Hans surprised,
"Yes, you never asked, but I own the towns local dinner and ice cream shop" said Elsa proudly "The best in Norway".
Saying nothing Hans took a spoonful from the bowl and ate it, his eyes lit up and said "Thats some good cookies and cream", Elsa laughed at that.
After having some more ice cream Elsa said "What will you do now?",
"Get better, then get back to work" said Hans then sighted "If Caleb has not fired me yet",
"If he does your more than welcome to work for me" offered Elsa,
"Really?" asked Hans,
"Of course, your a hard worker and I can use the extra hand" said Elsa as she packed her stuff and added "Besides, I will treat you better".
Hans smiled a little and said "Will think about it",
"Please do" said Elsa then she paused and asked "Whats that?". Hans looked confused and asked "What?".
Saying nothing at first Elsa walked over, placed a hand on the upper part of his naked chest as he had not worn a shirt. With gentle strokes she pressed on his birth mark, a dark mark around the area of his heart.
"Thats just my birthmark" said Hans and added in a joke "My brother says it looked like I got stabbed or something"
He stopped when he saw Elsa, she looked on as she stroked his birthmark, a longing yet happy look in her face before she backed away and left.
Once gone Hans was left puzzled as he wondered what was that about.
"Fuck!" yelled Daniel as he threw away the key in frustration and proceeded to punch on the door.
He kept it up till his fist hurt and finally stopped.
Muttering he said "Hi, I am a stupid lazy door, I am so stupid and lazy I will not even open up" before once again trying the door handle then paused when he saw the door handle jiggle.
With his mouth wide open Jurgen watched as the door slowly opened and a woman stood before him.
She had beautiful icy blue hair which was hung loose and curly framing her beautiful and delicate face. Her blue eyes shone hypnotically against her pure snow white perfect skin, a small smile graced her lips as she said in a voice as smooth as honey "Lord Vestergaard, there you are, I have been waiting for you"
Daniel just smiled dumbly as he stared at the beauty before him. He did not know who Lord Vestergaard was, but he was extremely flattered by being called a lord.
"Please, follow me" said the woman as she opened the door wider allowing him to see more of her.
Her body was clad in a semi see through dress, the material was light, airy, shone with many colors like the aurora borealis.
She turned and walked away, all the while Daniel stared, trying to will the dress off of her with his mind as he wanted to see what was underneath. So he quickly went in after her, never once looking behind as the door closed and locked itself with an ominous click...
Finally Hans was allowed to leave the hospital, his arm healed nicely but he was warned against straining it too much for about 2 weeks so it meant that he would not be able to do any work that will strain his arm.
After filling out the paperwork Hans left the hospital. But as soon as he took a step outside he regretted it as outside, waiting for him was Danny.
She stood there besides her car, wearing a pale blue dress, her hair was loose as it blew in the wind. It took everything Hans had not to snap at her as she was one of many people he did not want to see now.
"Hans" began Danny, but he did not let her finish as he took off running.
"Hans! Get back here!" He heard Danny scream after him, that just made him run faster as he made turned on alleys and ducked behind cars and such, desperately trying to loose her.
As he ran he looked behind for just a second before he felt himself slam against something. So hard he was knocked to the ground.
"Oh, are you okay?!" he heard, groaning Hans looked up and saw it was Elsa.
"Elsa?", she looked and laughed "We are always running into each other aren't we? Must be fate",
"Yes, sure" said Hans blushing a bit then froze when he heard Danny calling. Noticing this too Elsa said "Come with me",
"No need to tell me twice" said Hans as he got up and ran into the store where Elsa closed the door behind them.
Once inside Hans looked around and admired the place, it looked like a very traditional scandanavian eating place, it had tables, chairs, it was clean and decorated with pictures, ribbons and flowers, the ribbons and flowers he guesses is due to the midsummer festival that was going to happen soon.
"Its nice" said Hans as he took another look before taking a seat.
"Thank you, I try my best" said Elsa as she went behind the counter and began to clean some glasses.
"Can I help?",
"Sure" said Elsa as she handed him some glasses, cleaning liquid and clean rags. Taking some Hans proceeded to clean and as he did he asked "How long have you been here?",
"All my life" said Elsa then added "My family has lived here for many generations",
"So, never though of living anywhere else?" Asked Hans as he set a clean glass aside,
"Why? This place is beautiful, this place is home, why would I want to be anywhere else?" answered Elsa passionately.
Hans just stared in awe before saying "Your different",
"I know, I hear it a lot" said Elsa rolling his eyes at that,
"No! I mean in a good way" said Hans and added "I have never met anybody like you... you... you inspire me",
"I am flattered" chirped Elsa then before Hans could say anything else he felt his phone ring, it was Caleb.
Looking he growled and said "Sorry, I have to go",
"Why do you put up with them?" asked Elsa softly,
"Its my job" said Hans sighting,
"Then quit!" said Elsa then took his hand and said "Hans, I don't know you as well, but don't you think that the reason why Caleb treats you the way he does its because he knows that if you leave you will do better?"
Hans said nothing, he knew she meant well, but it was hard to imagine anything else when all your life you hear how much of a failure you are.
"I don't know" said Hans as he pulled his hand away from her,
"Please think about it" said Elsa then added "My door is always open to you".
"Thank you" said Hans softly before getting up and leaving. Waiving good bye before heading out.
Its open? Though Hans over and over as he and his brothers looked at the door that was now unlocked and open.
Puzzled Caleb pushed the door wide open and walked in. Silently all the brothers walk into the palace.
Looking inside Hans was impressed, the place was immaculate, dusty, but everything was there, untouched.
"Well, this is progress" said Caleb as they gathered and began to plan about how to restore the palace. As they did Hans spotted something.
Hanging in a wall was a portrait of a man and woman. Both were dressed in royal regalia, standing side by side.
His eyes widen as he realized that these two, one was the statue in the green house, the other was the one in the coffin.
"So they are connected... married" though Hans as he admired the two in the painting "They look good together".
Then his eyes narrowed at the man, the familiarity he felt before came back with a vengeance. He knew him, he knew them, but from where? Why were they so familiar?
"Hans!" he heard, "Coming!" said Hans as he turned, giving a final look before leaving again. As he walked away he never noticed that he was being watched.
With notepads in hand the brothers separated to write down everything that was inside the palace and keep track of what needed fixing or cleaning or both.
Looking around the upper floor Hans admired all the craftsmanship that was used to make the walls, ceiling, it was truly the finest.
As he finished a room, office or parlor, he moved unto a pair of huge double doors.
"Okay" said Hans as he put the notes aside and pushed both doors open. Both opened with great difficulty and creaked loudly, "Need to oil the door" though Hans as he finished opening the door before looking around.
It was a ballroom, Hans was sure, it was large, open, plenty of space to mingle and dance. Taking a closer look Hans was enthralled, so much so he felt dizzy as he admired the floors, walls, chandelier, for a moment he wondered and imagined how life would have been back then.
Then he stopped when he saw the area where the throne was, on there was a little raised floor making a sort of stage. On the stage there was a hole.
Walking over Hans kneel down and touched it to inspect it. As soon as he touched it he yelped and jumped back, falling on his bottom he scrambled to back away while holding a hand on his chest.
It hurt so bad, like a sword was thrusted through his chest.
With fear Hans removed his hand and looked, expecting to see blood, yet he found non.
Seeing this he sighted in relief before he heard a horrible scream.
Getting up Hans ran to where he heard the scream, almost slamming into his brothers who got there first.
Moving Hans almost screamed himself, Daniel was hiding inside a closet. Pressed against a wall, the look on his face was of pure horror.
"Call the cops!" yelled Lars, Jurgen nodded as he made the call. Hans turned to follow but stopped dead on his tracks then turned to look at a hallway.
Strange, he swore he saw somebody there, but there was nobody. "Hans! Hurry up!" he heard Jurgen yell. Shaking his head Hans decided not to delve on it and continued to run after Jurgen to help in any way he could.
To be continued...