Chapter 2: Investigation
Hans tossed the wet towel aside onto the counter in his washroom and yawned as he walked back out into his living quarters. His afternoon ride with Sitron really tired him out more than usual, and what he was really looking forward to now was a nice nap before dinner.
He made his way over to the large windows and opened them as wide as he could. His chamber was rather stuffy and the summer breeze airing out the room would definitely help him relax. In a swift motion, he unbuttoned his waistcoat and tossed it onto the nearest chair before ultimately collapsing onto his sofa and closing his eyes.
Unfortunately, the much desired rest didn't last long. Shortly after Hans finally dozed off, there was a swift rap at the chamber door.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
…If I ignore them, then maybe they'll go away… Hans sighed and refluffed the square toss pillow he was resting on. A few minutes of silence went by, and convinced that whoever it was left, he draped his arm over his eyes and went back to sleep.
KNOCK.
KNOCK.
KNOCK.
That round was much heavier. But before Hans could even manage to pull himself up off the sofa, the entrance door to his chambers swung open and he could hear two different footsteps come in.
"So. You are in here after all," said a sharp voice.
Hans' eyes immediately snapped open in horrified shock. The tone of voice alone was enough to launch him back to his feet to face the visitor. "F-Freddy!"
King Frederick of the Southern Isles stood stern and tall with his arms crossed over his chest and the sight of him alone was enough for Hans to grow uncomfortable. The two brothers never truly got along, and Hans had always gone out of his way to avoid Frederick whenever he left his private rooms. If something important was going on within the castle that required his attention, it was always Queen Charlotte who made the time to stop and see him. Frederick never came to his wing. Ever.
Naturally, the unexpected sight of the man put Hans on edge. Even before Frederick became king, he held all of the power between the siblings as their father's favorite. He was a force to be reckoned with in his own right. Hans wasn't necessarily afraid of the man, but his intimidating aura demanded respect. He was formal and strict with everyone in the castle–with the exception of Charlotte, of course– and no one held more of Frederick's scrutiny over the last few years than Hans. The Arendellian incident did him no favors, and other than their father, Frederick was the one to really express his horror and disappointment over what Hans had done that held more shameful weight than any of the physical violence he endured from the other brothers.
There was a bit of an awkward silence between them. It wasn't until the monarch raised his eyebrow expectantly that Hans snapped out of his shocked stare and cleared his throat. Frederick was not like the rest of his family. He wouldn't respond to just a mere nickname. Not anymore.
Back to his senses, Hans swallowed and bowed his head respectfully. "Your Majesty."
Satisfied with the deference, the king nodded slightly in return. "Hans." Frederick replied curtly and lowered his arms to clasp his hands behind his back. His eyes scanned every part of the open room as he slowly brushed past his younger brother. His gaze stopped briefly on the discarded and rumpled waistcoat laying on a chair. "Wasting away the afternoon in such a disheveled state? Is this really becoming of a prince of the land?"
"It's hard to really feel like a real prince when I'm spending most of my time in isolation."
Frederick shot him a look. "Charlotte and I arranged this to save your life—"
"-I know. And I'm grateful." Hans said quickly before Frederick could potentially misread him. "This was just a short nap. I-I was out with Sitron for most of the day and—"
"Yes, Charlotte and I saw you."
"...That wasn't a problem then, was it?"
"You may be the black sheep of this family, but you're not a prisoner. I generally don't care what you get up to, as long as you stay out of trouble." Frederick responded and in a swift motion, he picked up the garment and tossed it to his younger brother. "Now… make yourself look a bit more presentable, would you? You have a visitor." Hans' fingers fumbled to button up his waistcoat as fast as possible, in time for Frederick to turn to the side and wave towards the door.
Hans immediately turned to see a familiar man standing just a few feet away from the entranceway. He was an older gentleman, tall and lean, with short-graying black hair and goatee, and darker skin tone. Hans recognized him right away as a member of Queen Anna's entourage when she came to stay for the winter holidays. The two of them never spoke to one another, but he remembered the man always keeping a protective eye on Anna wherever she went.
"Hans, this is General Destin Mattias of the Arendellian Royal Guard." Frederick announced.
Mattias bowed his head briefly towards Hans. "Your Highness."
Hans nodded his head in return. "General Mattias." This did make for the first time that the soldier came to his private chambers. Considering that Anna didn't seem to be present at all, it made him wonder what the man was doing here in the first place. More importantly, why he specifically wanted to see him. Did Anna send him? There didn't seem to be any sort of proclamation in his hands. And if Anna sent him here for official kingdom business, wouldn't that pertain more to Freddy and even Astor, the Isles' ambassador? Hans had nothing to do with much of anything these days. He reduced himself to more of a shadow within his own home. If the man had to come all the way up here to his private wing of the castle… what could that mean?
"Is there something I could do for you, General?"
Mattias came forward more into the main room. "The Queen of Arendelle tells me you're quite the avid artist. She was very appreciative of the canvas you sent for her birthday and I'm here to relay her many thanks for the gift."
"Oh." Hans cleared his throat. "Well, I'm pleased she's getting enjoyment out of it." That wasn't really what he wanted to say, but with Frederick in the room, there wasn't much he could say without things getting too awkward. Frederick of course knew some of what went on between he and Anna during her stay, but they had made sure to keep things as formal as possible when around the rest of the family. Despite their inner feelings for eachother, they only outwardly displayed friendship. And that birthday canvas was as intimate as a long distance gift could get between two emotionally damaged lovers.
Still, there was no way that Anna sent a man across the seas just to tell him that. A letter would have sufficed. It probably would have meant more to both of them, too, considering she could really express her true feelings through her own words.
"I suppose this might sound a bit frivolous, but I'm actually here to see your works."
Hans blinked once. Twice. Three times. And he didn't even bother hiding the puzzled expression working its way onto his face. Of all the things Mattias could seek him out for, artwork was nowhere close to the top of the list. In fact, if there even was a list, art wouldn't even be on it. No, that couldn't be it. That's just preposterous. He must have understood the man. "My what?"
"Your paintings, Hans." Frederick sighed, his rather blunt tone pulling Hans from his daze. "He wants to see what else you've made."
Hans glanced between his brother and the Arendellian. "O-oh…." he scratched his cheek sheepishly with one hand and gestured around the room with the other. "Well, everything you see on these walls was made by me."
"And the ones in the corridor?" Mattias asked.
"Yes. Those as well."
Mattias looked towards the nearest sketch on the wall and pointed to it. "May I?"
Hans shrugged lightly and nodded his head. "Of course, I mean, since that's what you've come all this way for." He could feel his cheeks turning a bit pink with embarrassment, especially once Frederick joined the general to get closer looks at the wall-hangings. Aside from Anna, of course, the only member of this household who he really felt comfortable to look upon his works was Charlotte. She was no true Westergaard, therefore she didn't judge him, nor did she have a history of being cruel towards him and his hobbies.
As he stood back and watched the two move from one frame to the next, and eventually out into the corridor for his larger canvases, he could feel his heart thumping harder in his chest. What possible reason could Mattias have for wanting to really see a bunch of paintings? This didn't make sense. All of this was merely a hobby for him. And while the subjects of his works had personal value, they would mean little to anyone else.
And after being the sole viewer of his artwork for so long, having others lay eyes on them really put him on the spot. It was the most uncomfortable feeling in the world.
"These truly are magnificent," Mattias said as he and the King returned from the corridor a few minutes later. "When did you paint those in the hall? While you were in Arendelle?"
Hans shook his head. "No, actually. I didn't make any of those canvases until I took over this part of the castle. That was about two years or so ago."
"How did you pull such immense details from memory? And a distant memory at that?"
"It wasn't hard," Hans began, "those scenic pieces represented both my greatest joy and my biggest regret in life. I've relived that moment in time so much in my dreams, my nightmares, that I can see every little detail as if I were standing right in the middle of it all right now," he sighed. "When you have such a strong connection to something, you don't forget– no matter how many months or years have gone by."
"Do you only paint landscapes?" Mattias asked after eying a simple sketch of Sitron on the far wall, "...and horses?"
"Not necessarily," Hans replied. "Just.. whatever comes to mind. I spend a lot of time outside with Sitron– my horse. I usually have a sketchbook in my saddle bag in case the mood strikes when I'm out in the fields somewhere. That's what I mostly do now-a-days… just fill sketchbooks. I really have to be focused or in the mood to create larger works like the ones in the hall."
"What about that?" Frederick asked and pointed to the covered easel over by the window. "What have you started there?"
"Oh. That's a gift."
"For whom?"
"...I'd rather not say."
"Why not?"
"With all due respect, Frederick, it's none of your business." In truth, it would become a birthday gift for Charlotte, but that was beside the point. The constant stream of questions was starting to get on his nerves, even though the ones coming from Mattias were merely innocent inquiries. This whole encounter was just odd. Frederick and his other brothers had never given any sort of genuine interest about any of his hobbies, and usually put forth more energy into destroying anything he tried to create. This seemed more like Frederick being unnecessarily nosy. As for General Mattias, it was clear he learned of his talents from seeing the painting he sent to Anna. But why would that really send the man all the way here? There was more to this visitation than what was being let on.
"It's astounding to me that you've developed such remarkable talent for not being formally trained in this area." Mattias said and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "How long have you been an artist, Your Highness?"
"Since I was a child. I was often ignored by the family or seeking solitude away from them, so I had to come up with solo activities to entertain myself. Scribbling on discarded parchment evolved to doodling in a journal until Ludwig got me a proper sketchbook for my birthday one year. It just took off from there. Art was the one skill I didn't have to share with any of my other brothers. It was something unique to me, and I was able to develop and hone it at my own pace." He paused and turned on Frederick. "What's this all about, anyway?"
"You know what it is." Frederick replied and took it upon himself to take a seat in a nearby armchair. "General Mattias is interested in your artistic talents."
"Yes, but why? You know, don't you?"
"I do, yes."
"...are you going to tell me what it is?"
"No."
Hans sighed.
"In due time, Your Highness," Mattias said gently, "I suppose you can consider me a fan seeking some information, that's all."
"Well then, I'm flattered that you, too, enjoy my work."
"I'm wondering…" Mattias began with a bit of uncertainty in his voice, "if Your Highness wouldn't mind giving me a brief demonstration?"
Hans' eyes immediately shifted to the unfinished covered canvas. "I'm not working on that gift while you're here, if that's what you're implying."
"Oh no!" Mattias immediately waved his hands about. "I was thinking more of a fast sketch of something– the King, perhaps?"
"...You want me to draw Freddy of all people?" He ignored Frederick's frustrated sigh at the use of the nickname and gave Mattias a bewildered look. "I'd rather not—"
"-Consider it a gesture for Charlotte." Frederick interrupted him and gestured to the desk where loose pages of parchment lay. "Go on."
"Do I really have to?"
"Don't make me order you to."
Hans sighed and looked at Mattias, "Fine. I'll do it, but only if you promise to explain what this is all about afterwards."
Mattias nodded in agreement.
After collecting the necessary supplies off his desk, Hans returned and sat down on the sofa across from Frederick. In his peripherals, he noticed Mattias come around and take a seat beside him. Of course the man was going to watch him. He wasn't too pleased about it. He never drew before an audience before– well, aside from Anna. But she was different. The whole situation then just felt more natural. Maybe it was because here, it seemed like he had to put on a show for his brother and his visitor. And Frederick was always one of his biggest critics.
His pencil hovered over different parts of the page as Hans reluctantly got started and mentally mapped out how the paper would be filled in before finally getting started. Light strokes started filling in the empty space until Frederick's rough outline filled the page. Hans tried hard not to really look up towards his brother for reference. Every time he did, he noticed Mattias' gaze on him. He knew, of course, but actually seeing it made it that much more difficult to concentrate on the task at hand.
It was a real shame that this had to be a serious demonstration– and a token for Charlotte, at that. Hans would have loved to take liberties and draw some devilish horns on Frederick's head—if nothing but for his own amusement.
Darker lines soon replaced the lighter ones, and after several more split second glances up for the smaller details on Frederick's royal tunic, the finishing touches were shaded in and he cleared his throat to indicate he was done. Hans set the pencil down on the small table beside him and held the paper further back to get a better look. For a rush job, it didn't turn out too bad by his own standards. There was plenty more he could have added— shading here, more definition there, but this was supposed to be a simple show piece. And he really didn't want to do it in the first place. It felt good to hand it off to Mattias so he didn't have to look at it anymore.
"Most impressive." Mattias complimented and turned the page around to show the king. "I'm amazed you were able to do this in such short order."
Frederick eyed it carefully and finally nodded his head slightly. "Well done."
Hans shrugged. It didn't surprise him that his brother's reaction was rather lackluster. "Well, thank goodness that I made this with Charlotte in mind. She has much higher taste in art than you."
"I appreciate you taking the time for that little exercise, Your Highness." Mattias said before the two brothers could potentially start throwing more barbs at one another. "I just have one more question to ask. How often do you make people your art subjects– and do you enjoy sketching, or painting them?"
That's actually two questions… Hans mused but decided not to call the man out. He was a bit unsure how to answer. He often made people–or a person– his art subject. That was Anna. There was an entire sketchbook filled with nothing but her— some instances from his memory, others that he made up from his own imagination. But he definitely wouldn't admit that so boldly in front of his brother and Anna's personal guard.
"I don't usually focus my skills on people. That's usually because the occupants in this castle aren't worth my time and effort—" he quickly raised up a hand before Frederick could retort, "- well, with the exception of maybe Queen Charlotte, but she's usually busy. I guess Ludwig, too, if he didn't move himself all the way to Corona. Does that mean I don't enjoy drawing people? No. I just…don't on principle. That's why most of my work revolves around objects, nature, and, well… my horse. They aren't cruel and can't judge."
"So… if there was the right instance, you would consider trying your hand at portraits?"
Hans shrugged. "Maybe. I've never given the idea much thought."
Mattias nodded thoughtfully and then rose from his seat on the couch to pace slowly back and forth in the open space. "I see. Thank you, Prince Hans, for your honesty. I think I've seen all I've needed to."
Hans raised his brow. "Does this mean you'll let me in on the big secret now? I'd like to know what this strange interrogation was all about."
Mattias cleared his throat, clasped his hands behind his back and moved to stand beside Frederick's chair. "I'm here because I wanted to see if Queen Anna was exaggerating your talents from personal bias, or if you were really as skilled as she claimed."
"Did I pass your little test?"
"With flying colors." Mattias said proudly. "I'm also here because the kingdom of Arendelle will be commissioning a highly skilled artist for a most important project. It will be presented to Her Majesty upon completion at a reception held in her honor."
Hans blinked. This was a bit unexpected, but it kept his interest. That would explain all of the questions earlier. "So… you were scoping me out to see if I was worthy enough to be a candidate?"
"The Queen was given a list of names and samples of their work to choose from. She narrowed the selection down to three men and I was tasked with choosing one of those three to bring to Arendelle. That is, so long as they agreed to the offer."
"Was I one of those three?"
"No. You were not."
Hans' puzzled expression returned and he glanced briefly at Frederick for any sort of reaction. The elder brother was as stoic as ever. He clearly knew all of the details of this project.
Of course he knows. If he didn't consent to the prospect of the whole thing, General Mattias wouldn't even be up here at all.
"Then it begs the question of why you've come to see me at all?"
"Because quite frankly, the three contenders that Her Majesty chose may not be fully suited for the intimate nature of the project. They would do a fine job indeed, but I don't think the overall experience would be worth the outcome."
Hans leaned forward and draped his arms over his legs, "You're trying to commission a professional artist. I'd say that instantly makes them more suited than I." He paused for a moment as he thought over what Mattias told him so far. There was one key detail that was left unsaid. "What's the job, anyway?"
"The Queen's Coronation portrait." Frederick answered before Mattias could.
That announcement was like a shock to the system. Hans was thankful he was already sitting down. "Anna… Anna is the subject of the painting?" He asked with widened eyes.
"Queen Anna." Frederick corrected him.
Hans ignored him. Anna needed her portrait done and he was a contender for the job. That certainly explained some of Mattias' questions. Suddenly, he found himself reevaluating the entire situation. He always hoped that someday he and Anna would cross paths again, but he never would have anticipated it coming so soon. And having just one piece of his being showcased for an audience would be a small price to pay if it meant Anna would pose for him. Painting a lady-love must be any artist's dream come true. How could he possibly refuse?
He opened his mouth but hesitated before speaking. If he really took the offer, that would mean he would have to travel to Arendelle. Granted, four years have passed since the frozen summer, but there was still a bit of uncertainty to how his return would be treated. Anna would of course welcome him with open arms, but what about everyone else?
He turned briefly to Frederick. "I can only assume the two of you discussed this well before you brought him up here. Does that mean you're actually alright with me going back to Arendelle after what I'd done?"
Frederick didn't exactly look pleased, and that worried him. "I would prefer not to send you back." the King replied, "but I think by now there's the benefit of knowing that you won't do anything so foolish… so disgraceful, while representing the crown, this family, and this kingdom ever again."
The emphasis did not go unnoticed. Hans nodded fervently. "You have my word," he said and looked once more at Mattias. "Does Anna–"
"-Queen Anna."
"-does she know that I'm being asked?"
Mattias pressed his mouth into a thin line briefly before moving to occupy the other armchair. "She briefly entertained the notion of summoning you, however she decided not to pursue the idea in favor of doing what she thought was the next right thing– a neutral party would, in her mind, be better for the councilmen, and for the kingdom."
"Oh…"
"I, however, am here because the true next right thing would be to give her a moment to let loose and enjoy herself. This commission is for her. The choice of painter is up to her. And I could tell just by looking at her face that you are her true preferred choice. The adoration she gave towards your artwork showed so much more of an emotional response compared to any of the small samples she was given by her courtiers. Furthermore, she could use some companionship, even if the stay would be brief."
Hans mulled it over. Just being in Anna's presence would nullify almost any cons of traveling abroad. And it's not as if he wasn't already used to being around people who didn't like him. He would spend most of his time with her anyway, not her courtiers. If he had to, he could avoid them. Anna might even be able to help in that regard. Otherwise… he was still a prince. That had to pull some kind of rank over a bunch of grouchy, old men, right?
"Before you make any rash, emotional decisions…" Frederick said sharply as he rose to his feet and leveled his younger brother a rather stern glance from above, one that almost made the prince shrink back in his seat, "keep in mind that if you decide to take this offer, you will be required to act with the utmost professionalism. I don't give a damn what personal feelings you may have for Queen Anna. You're there for a job, not to further any selfish, romantic interests."
Hans sighed. Such a condition would not be easy. After the way he and Anna parted on New Year's, she might want to rekindle a little of what once was. In the heat of the moment, he might not be able to refuse her even if he wanted to. If she were truly ready, he wouldn't hesitate to try and court her again. But that might have to be something to deal with if and when such a situation would arise. There was always the chance that she, too, would only treat him in a professional, formal manner. For a visit like this, he would be alright with that. He would have to be. Frederick certainly wasn't giving him much choice in the matter.
"Do you understand?" Frederick pressed when there was no response.
With reluctance, Hans looked up to his brother and nodded slowly. "I understand."
"Well, Your Highness?" Mattias asked and outstretched a hand towards the prince.. "Do we have an arrangement? Or should I be on my way?"
As if there was really a choice to be made….
Hans stood up and grasped his own hand with Mattias' for a firm shake. "We do. I am honored to accept the commission for Her Majesty's portrait."
