Argument and Rivalry

(A/N: Sorry about the delay in posting. Renovating, currently, plus I added the last two paragraphs last minute, so yeah.)

"What was the song you sung the night of the masquerade?" Elsa wondered of Calcas as they both sat on a tree branch in the garden. It was his day to spend with her, and thus far she had enjoyed every bit of it. Calcas was fun to be with, and humorous and witty.

Calcas paused in his carving of a piece of wood he'd found. He looked curiously up at her. "Which one?" he asked.

"The one… the one Hans and I danced to," Elsa answered in a murmur.

Calcas was quiet, summing her up. He laid the carving and the knife in his lap. "How long have you been waiting to ask that?" he wondered. She blushed faintly and didn't reply. She didn't need to. He knew by her silence. "He flustered you that much?" Calcas remarked.

"No! It wasn't… I don't know what it was, but it wasn't a flustering," Elsa answered.

Calcas watched her in silence for a moment. "You care for him," he noted.

"He's become a dear friend," she answered.

Calcas tilted his head. "I'm not sure a friend would have had this sort of effect on you," he remarked.

"It isn't… It isn't that… I don't know what it is anymore," Elsa said.

Calcas nodded. Neither did he. He wouldn't say love, he didn't think it was, but it was something. Something he didn't understand either. Perhaps no one really did. Or if they did, it couldn't be explained. "It was a song called Ja Nuns Hons Pris."

"What is its translation?" Elsa wondered.

"It isn't a love song, if you're wondering that… It's a lamentation… One my brothers and I can identify with all too painfully," Calcas said.

"What is its translation?" she repeated.

He sighed, looking towards the palace, then turned back to her. Soon he answered, "No prisoner can tell his honest thought unless he speaks as one who suffers wrong; but for his comfort as he may make a song. My friends are many, but their gifts are naught. Shame will be theirs, if, for my ransom, here I lie another year.

They know this well, my barons and my men, Normandy, England, Gascony, Poitou, that I had never follower so low whom I would leave in prison to my gain. I say it not for a reproach to them, but prisoner I am.

The ancient proverb now I know for sure; death and a prison know nor kind nor tie, since for mere lack of gold they let me lie. Much for myself I grieve; for them still more, after my death they will have grievous wrong if I am a prisoner long.

What marvel that my heart is sad and sore when my own lord torments my helpless lands. Well do I know that, if he held his hands, remembering the common oath we swore, I should not here imprisoned with my song, remain a prisoner long.

They know this well who now are rich and strong young gentlemen of Anjou and Tourains, that far from them, on hostile bonds I strain. They loved me much, but have not loved me long. Their plans will see no more fair lists arrayed while I lie here betrayed.

Companions whom I love, and still do love, Geoffroi du Perche and Ansel de Caieux, tell them, my song, that they were friends untrue. Never to them did I false-hearted prove; but they do villainy if they war on me, while I lie here, unfree.

Countess sister. Your sovereign fame may he preserve whose help I claim, victim for whom am I.

I say not this of Chartres' dame, mother of Louis."

Elsa was quiet. "It's sad," she remarked. "Who wrote it?"

"Richard the Lion Heart, while imprisoned by the Holy Roman Emperor, Heinrich VI. It was addressed to his half-sister, Marie de Champagne," Calcas answered.

Elsa looked up at him. "I can see why you identify with it, you and your brothers… I feel like I can identify with it too… Not all of it, but some parts," she said.

"I suppose most could identify with some part of it in some way," Calcas replied. Elsa was quiet. Calcas sighed. He reached over, gently brushing a finger against her cheek. She looked over. "You don't have to be scared, Elsa… Whatever it is you're feeling now, be it in regards to Hans or the suitors or Anna or anything, it will be resolved in the end. It can't hurt you. I wouldn't let it. None of us would." She smiled softly, nodding. He smiled back and returned to carving. Soon he finished and gave it to her. "A token, in a way," he said to her.

She grinned. "Thank you," she said. "It was wonderful, today." He chuckled and nodded.

Frozen

Elsa laughed as Edvard Collin spun her around and around to the fast-paced music being played in the town square. He grinned at her. He loved to hear her laugh like this and see the fun side of her. She wore the mask of a queen in court so often. It was rare she let her fun side slip out to anyone but the princes of the Southern Isles or her family. Whenever it did, though, he wished it could stay. She was at ease when she was having fun, it seemed. The song ended and Elsa grinned up at him. "These last few days have been such a huge relief," she said to him.

"Why?" Edvard asked.

"Because I've been able to be myself," Elsa answered.

"Even for the Duke, Carl Alexander?" Edvard asked.

"Surprisingly yes. I don't know what to make of him, though," Elsa replied as they began to walk again. "I don't know, he just… He feels like Hans felt when I first saw him at my coronation. We all know how that worked out."

"Carl is a good man, at the base of it. He just… has questionable ideas and methods. He charges into things without fully thinking them through. More often than not, the decisions he makes end in self-loathing and shame," Edvard said.

"Perhaps there were fourteen princes of the Southern Isles," Elsa joked.

Edvard laughed. "Yes, they do have a tendency to follow that same pattern, don't they? At least the younger ones," he said. "Who else has made these last days good for you?"

"The triplets," Elsa said. "They're sweet. Calcas gave me a carving he made. Connyn wrote me a song. It was beautiful. Coth painted me and presented the painting as a gift. He's very skilled."

"Well, I'd say you are making it very obvious who will make their way to the final round," Edvard said in a slightly bitter tone. "You really should just get it over with and announce the Southern Isles princes will make the end cut no matter what."

"You're jealous, Edvard," Elsa remarked with a smirk. "Don't be. You're in the finals too, as is Duke Carl Alexander and the dancer, Harald Scharff."

"Scharff is there for filler, I assume?" Edvard asked.

"He isn't royalty. Even if I did love him, it would take a lot of rulemaking and breaking before I could ensure a blind eye was turned to the fact my husband was a dancer and not royalty," Elsa replied.

"So yes, then," Edvard said.

"Yes," she confirmed. She paused, frowning. "How is Scharff faring with the other suitors?" she questioned.

"Poorly," Edvard answered. "A good deal shun him, others taunt him… It isn't easy for him. It's taking a toll on his mind. I wish you would move him to another part of the castle. For his own sake and protection. And this is coming from the first one who ever taunted him, and even pestered him once or twice more after that. The difference between me and the others is that when he begged me to stop, I stopped. They didn't."

Elsa, expression serious, replied, "I'll have to look into it. I won't have them bullying that boy." When you go back to the wing, be sure to let them know that. If it continues to go on, it'll cost them. When I tell them not to touch, they aren't to touch. Maybe they don't take me seriously now, but I promise you that if this keeps up they will face me. They keep terrorizing Harald, they can forget getting a chance to reach the final rounds. I will send them home long before then."

"You don't need to fear for him, Queen Elsa. The bad ones are kept in check well enough. The Southern Isles brood has made it clear that Harald Scharff is under their protection." He trailed off a moment, thinking. "Do you remember the suitor that was sent to the infirmary for an injury he sustained while hunting in the woods?" Edvard asked

"What of him?" Elsa asked.

"He didn't get impaled in the forest. He got impaled in his room," Edvard stated.

"Oh no. What did the Southern Isles do to him?" Elsa asked with a groan.

"Oh, it wasn't them. They grew up with a Spartan love policy. It would take more than some taunts and a slap to prompt any of them to retaliate for Harald's sake. Even more so because of their delicate political situation. They aren't fool enough to risk strife with Denmark right now. Well, Hans is, but he wasn't there at the time. The bully's attacker was me."

"You?" Elsa asked in amazement.

"I may let taunts and jabs at Scharff go, on occasion I even hassle him myself, though more in fun, but when someone strikes him, I draw the line," Edvard said.

"Bravo. I applaud you," Elsa said.

"Thank you. Prince Hans has taken to staying by his, err, 'friend's', side now," Edvard said. Elsa frowned, not liking his emphasis on 'friend'. She let it go for now, however. "No one dares taunt either of them. Admiral Westergaard's brothers watch over him like hawks. If so much as a murmur is said against the youngest prince, the triplets deal with the offender in very… unpleasant ways."

"I'm beginning to think I should have separated all of you more. It seems having a whole wing full of competing young men is just inviting war, murder, death, and destruction," Elsa dryly noted. Edvard laughed and nodded.

Suddenly they heard a scream and gasped, looking quickly over. A coach, the driver not paying attention, was barrelling down on a little child playing in the street with her puppy! Edvard cursed and shot forward before Elsa could blink, snatching the girl from the ground and getting her out of the way. "Puppy!" the girl cried out. Edvard dove again, grabbing the puppy's scruff and tossing it to safety.

"Edvard!" Elsa exclaimed, as the coach came within a hair's length of striking his head. Immediately Elsa ran over to the man. "Are you okay?" she asked worriedly, falling to her knees at his side.

"Sh-shaken but-but otherwise fine," he answered, examining himself as if hardly believing he was indeed fine. They heard the carriage stop and looked over quickly. Duke Carl Alexander had ridden in front of it, forcing it to stop. He was ordering the driver out furiously now. "Humph. Good on the Duke," Edvard bitterly said, standing up with Elsa's help. "Elsa, the next time I do something so foolhardy, freeze me," he added.

"You saved a life. Two lives," Elsa said with a smile, looking over at the child and her dog, both of which were looking at Edvard in awe.

"Well then, I suppose it was worth it," he answered, smiling softly at the girl and her puppy. Elsa grinned favorably up at him. He turned his gaze to her and grinned gently back.

Frozen

Elsa returned to the palace, smiling distractedly. "Queen Elsa, there you are," the Duke of Weselton said.

"Hmm? Oh, Dear Duke," she greeted. "Why were you searching for me?"

"A progress report, my dear," he answered.

"I still have five more suitors to spend a day with," she said.

"Yes, but by now you must have an idea of which ones will stay and go," the Duke replied.

"I do," she distractedly answered.

"Err, is something wrong, dearest?" the Duke asked.

"No, no, it's just… It was a good day," she replied.

"Ah. You were with Edvard today, weren't you?" the Duke curiously questioned.

"Yes. He will make it to the finals, I think… Know… I am coming to very much like him," she said.

"Really," the Duke said, vaguely surprised. "Well, I'm glad you seem to be hitting it off with him, so to speak. He is a good young lad. Any other certainties? Southern Isles princes notwithstanding."

"Is it really so obvious they'll be finalists?" Elsa asked with a sigh.

"Given they're the only ones you feel you truly know? Yes," the Duke of Weselton answered.

Elsa smiled. "Well, Harald Scharff, for sure. And the young Duke, Carl Alexander," she stated. "More for curiosity's sake with him, though. He's interesting, and not entirely easy to figure out."

"Ah. Another interesting choice. Well then, the sooner these last five days go by, the sooner I can set to sending those who stand no chance away," the Duke said. "Then maybe I won't feel like I'm tiptoeing through a war zone whenever Francis, Erik, and I tour the suitor ward."

"And I won't have to worry about the servants finding bodies," Elsa dryly agreed.

"Very well. I will take my leave then," the Duke said.

"Dear Duke, please join Anna and I for a dinner," Elsa pled.

"If you insist, dearest, I will be there," the Duke replied with a smile, lightly pressing her hand. "Which young man comes next on your agenda?"

"Prince Hans, I believe. I would think you would know as much, Dear Duke. You set it up," Elsa said with a giggle.

"I'm an old man, your Majesty. My memory tends to fail me at times," the Duke said.

"Whenever it's convenient to you for it to fail?" Elsa teased.

He smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Elderly folk can get away with a good deal if they play their cards right. Elsa laughed and curtseyed to the old man. The Duke of Weselton bowed to her and wandered off to tend to other duties.

Frozen

Watching after the Duke, Elsa smiled. "Edvard Collin? Really?" a voice asked.

Elsa frowned. She knew that voice. She turned towards the pillar from which it had come. "Prince Hans," she greeted. "Dare I ask how long you've been skulking in shadow and spying?"

"I wouldn't call it spying, exactly. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time," the prince replied, emerging from behind the pillar. "Happenstance put me in a position to eavesdrop on this conversation. Now, back to business. Edvard Collin? You're joking, right?"

"What is your problem with Edvard?" Elsa demanded.

"Oh, nothing. Except for the fact he's a romantic sap. A witty sap, but a sap nonetheless. A sentimental fool who just doesn't seem your type," Hans replied. "His reason and tact is greatly lacking."

"He certainly kept up to you well enough," Elsa bit.

Hans scoffed. "Oh please. I was careless with my words, more than I care to admit, and ended up setting myself up for every insult he gave me," he replied. "And you still haven't answered my question.

"I like him. That's all you need to worry about," Elsa said, frowning. "He's a good man. And totally unfazed by my powers, which is a bonus."

"Well so was I!" Hans replied. "And my brothers, for that matter."

"You sound jealous, Hans," Elsa said, smirking.

He started and flushed briefly before hiding it. "Don't get your hopes up, my queen," he replied. She scoffed. "And don't give me that!"

"Then stop giving me attitude," Elsa replied. "It isn't your business why I want Edvard to be a finalist. He's a good man, kind and brave and understanding. He threw himself in front of a horse and carriage to save a little girl. Then went back for her puppy and was nearly killed by said carriage in the process."

"Then he's more a fool than I thought," Hans said. Though if he were to be totally honest, he probably would have done the same. "People who play the righteous hero sicken me."

"Oh I have no doubt there," Elsa replied. "Why is it foolish for him to risk life and limb for the sake of a child's mental health? I can't even imagine how horrible that little one would have felt if she saw her puppy killed right in front of her eyes."

"Death is a part of life. She would have had to see it sometime," Hans replied.

"Now you're just being ignorant, Hans!" Elsa shot. "Not to mention jaded."

"The guy is living in a dream world, Elsa," Hans said.

"Oh you are jealous," she said, bitterly laughing.

"I am not jealous!" Hans shot. "I'm stating fact. Sue me. You want him as one of the final suitors, fine, but the man has a totally unrealistic view of love and marriage. And hates confrontation with everyone except for me, it seems."

"You challenge him," Elsa replied.

"He's not even in my league! Don't insult my intelligence," Hans said.

"I'm getting sick of you putting him down, Admiral! Stop it right now or you'll be one of the ones going home when the Duke is sending back men who have no chance."

"I never had a chance from the beginning. Don't ever start with me!" Hans shot.

"I don't believe this. Get out of the way. I have no time for you," Elsa said.

"Oh right, right. Go ahead and run from your problems like always, Elsa!" Hans snapped.

She stopped, spinning on him. "I am not running! And frankly, I wasn't aware we had a problem!" she shot.

"If we didn't have a problem, we wouldn't be arguing now!" Hans retorted.

"I am so through with you. I don't have to listen to you gripe about a man you don't even know, and act like a little child who doesn't want to share!" Elsa said.

"I'm the child?!" Hans demanded, outraged. "I'm not the one storming off in a little snit because I'm hearing something I don't like!"

"How dare you?!" Elsa shouted.

"Hey, I'm just pointing out the fact—not opinion, but fact—you're making a mistake," he said.

"So what if I am?! It's my mistake to make, Hans!" Elsa furiously replied.

"You know what? Fine! Fine. You want to live in one of those little fairy tale scenarios you preach to Anna about not falling for, go ahead!" Hans shot.

"I am not that naïve!" Elsa said.

"The man thinks he can live a life with you without having even one argument," Hans deadpanned.

"I've never heard Anna and Kristoff argue since they've been together," Elsa protested. She, of course, didn't agree with that belief of Edvard's, the 'never having an argument' business that was, but at this point she was livid and honestly just arguing for the sake of arguing, because dammit he was getting on her nerves.

"Right. And when they get into a bad argument and come through it all still in love at the end of the day, I'll know they're ready for marriage," Hans replied.

"Fortunately, whether they're ready or not isn't for you to decide!" Elsa said.

"Man alive, why are you so aggravating?!" Hans demanded.

"You brought this on yourself, Prince Hans!" Elsa snapped. Ugh, what was she doing? She needed to calm down.

Frozen

Elsa closed her eyes, drawing a deep and calming breath. He was silent, she noted after a moment. He was probably doing exactly the same thing she was. Trying to calm down. She let out the breath and looked at him again. He was massaging his forehead. She watched him a moment and he looked up at her meeting her eyes. Nope. She couldn't be here anymore. She turned on her heel and started walking away again.

"Elsa, wait!" Hans called. She shouldn't stop. She should just march right out of there… But in a sense wouldn't that be like running from her problems in the end? She paused, but didn't turn and didn't speak. "What were we even arguing about?" he asked with a sigh.

She sighed, closing her eyes, then looked back. "I don't even know, anymore… Something to do with Edvard and fairy tales and running from your problems… It was all over the place. But if you're willing to try and talk it out like the mature adults we are…"

"A mature adult is someone in their later thirties or early forties and up," Hans deadpanned.

"Forget it! If you're going to be like a child about the matter…" Elsa began.

"Oh for the love of… I'm sorry, okay? I don't want to get into another fight with you," Hans said. "It's just things have been really stressful for us, me and my brothers. Bad news from home, lingering war… We've all been snappy as of late."

Elsa sighed, looking down. "I'm sorry too," she soon replied, looking back up at him. "About the argument and everything… It didn't need to happen. What point was there to it, even?"

"Not a one," Hans replied, smirking tiredly.

Elsa smiled back. Her smile fell. "I'm sorry that you're going through so much stress, but I felt attacked. I hate that feeling," she said.

"I know… I do too," he answered. "I felt attacked as well."

Elsa nodded. "What… what news has come from Moren?" she asked.

"Suffice it to say, if things keep going as they are, I'm afraid we'll need to cut out of this suitor race for a time. War is looming and Moren is going to need us all back home soon. Frankly, we're just waiting for his summons now. It'll come any day. Of course, in accordance to my sentence for my treachery, I'm going to find myself on the front lines. Knowing as much isn't making this stress over news of war any easier on me… Moren deludes himself into believing he spared me a death sentence. In reality, all he really did was sentence me to belated execution by enemy soldier on the front. Yeah… When I said things are going rough, I meant they're going rough. Britain is no easy enemy to handle on land or sea," Hans replied.

For some reason her heart sank on hearing this, on visualizing images of him on the front lines fighting an enemy. Perhaps even dying at said enemy's hand. "Oh…" she quietly said, folding her arms around herself and looking down and to the side.

"Yeah… That's about all that can be said," Hans remarked.

There was silence for a time. "I'll continue to write you," she soon remarked.

"There's no point. I'll be moving around too much, between land and sea both. A common carrier pigeon won't do the job this time. Heck, it's a miracle they've been able to do it thus far. As to couriers, no courier is going to rush headlong into a war zone just to deliver a letter," Hans answered. "Nor would I want him to." Elsa inwardly cringed at the idea of not being able to keep in contact with him while he was out there. She wanted updates as to the status of the battle, after all.

But more than that, you want to know he is still alive…

There had to be some way to get letters to him. She would think on it. Perhaps a solution would present itself to her in time. "I… I don't want you to have to go…" she said. "You or any of your brothers."

"But we will," Hans said. "I wish there was a way around it too."

Elsa nodded. Perhaps it was time to change the subject. "Tomorrow is your day to spend with me," she said.

"I anticipate it," Hans replied with a small smile, glad for the subject change.

"You have a lot to compete with," she teasingly remarked. "The bar is pretty high."

"I'll manage. I always do," Hans replied confidently.

"Bold boast. Good luck… Goodnight, Hans," she said to him.

"Goodnight, my lady queen," Hans answered, bowing to her. She curtseyed in return then left. Hans watched after her quietly. Edvard Collin indeed. He scoffed at the thought then shifted uneasily. What if she was serious about this? About him? What if he became an actual threat? He didn't like the way his gut twisted at the thought she'd choose Edvard. He sighed deeply, drawing a hand through his hair. This would have to be monitored, he decided. Closely. It was time to pull out all the stops and treat this as if he were a serious contender for her hand, keen on being chosen as her consort. It wouldn't be too difficult, he decided. Not in the least.

Because part of you does want that…

He ignored that thought, of course, and grimaced, heading back towards the suitor wing.

Frozen

As Hans walked, suddenly he felt a blade press against his neck from the shadows. He froze. He hardly dared breathe. Into the light stepped Duke Carl Alexander. Hans eyed him guardedly. "It seems Kelin-Sel is not the only serious threat amongst the brothers of the Southern Isles," the Duke remarked.

"Iscawin is the third," Hans replied unapologetically, coldly smirking at the man. "Something the matter, my dear Duke? Does that interfere with your little plots and game plans?"

"What do you know of my plots and game plans?" the Duke scoffed, pressing the blade tighter against Hans's neck.

"Only that there is one," Hans replied, scowling warningly at him. "You're ambition, Duke Alexander. Enough that you were probably plotting out ways to be rid of the competition even before you docked. You think like me. At least enough like me that I know you've been busy, and not in an entirely honest or noble way."

"Guard yourself, Admiral Westergaard. I'm warning you," the Duke threatened, pressing the blade closer. Suddenly he felt metal against his throat and tensed, eyes widening. He and Hans glanced over.

"Take your sword away from him. Now," the newcomer dangerously warned.

Hans smirked and chuckled. "Harald," he greeted. He turned back to Carl. "Well now, you're outnumbered. What's your plan at this point, Duke?"

"He's coming down the hallway," the Duke replied. "Edvard never did like unfair odds."

Hans frowned and turned. Sure enough, Edvard stood behind them looking surprised at the scene, then frowning darkly. He drew his blade and approached, though not threateningly. "Now, now gentlemen, is there really need for such hostility? Because if so, I can hardly stand by and let you three kill each other."

"He moved first," Hans said, tossing his head in Carl's direction.

"Prince Hans, here I thought you were the sort who was always ready for a sneak attack. Impressive that he got the drop on you. Preoccupied with something? Perhaps thinking about the queen?" Edvard replied.

Hans started, realizing he was right, and inwardly cursed. Attraction made you weak, he bitterly thought to himself. "Hans was doing no harm to anyone," Harald defended. "If he was thinking of the queen, so what? We all are."

"Yes, well, other suitors might not be quite as gentle as I," Carl said, looking at Hans and withdrawing his sword. In turn, Harald withdrew his own from Carl's neck. None of them wanted a four-way battle in a corridor.

"Gentle? Right," Hans said, scoffing.

"You're one to talk, Admiral. Were you not the suitor who only a little over a year ago tried to cut the woman's head off?" Edvard bit.

"Get out of my way," Hans warned, eyes narrowing. He turned to Carl. "And whatever you're planning, forget it. I'm watching you, Duke. Recall that the numbers I have at my back are greater than the ones you have at yours." Carl scowled but said nothing. Hans shoved passed him. "Come on, Harald." He wasn't about to leave the boy with these two men. Harald nodded and followed closely.

Edvard and Carl glared after the two in silence. "Thank you for the timely intervention," Carl said.

"I never intervened for your sake, Carl. Not for any of you. I intervened so that Elsa would not be stricken with guilt, should the halls of this palace have ended up stained with blood," Edvard answered. "That was my purpose in stepping in, little more. Beside, you know how I hate unfair odds." Carl harrumphed but said nothing.

Frozen

Elsa sighed, entering her room. "Elsa?" a voice asked. She started, looking over. Anna was waiting there, sitting on her bed and looking uneasy.

"Anna, what's wrong?" Elsa asked.

Anna looked up. "Elsa! I... nothing. Really. I just... wanted to talk to you? About, um, the masquerade and, uh Hans?"

"That was long ago now," Elsa said, frowning. "What kept you from coming to me sooner?"

Anna was quiet. "I'm not sure. Memories, maybe, of being shut out... I mean, I know it's not like that anymore, but just sometimes... You know..." she answered.

Elsa cringed. "I know," she replied, looking slightly guilty.

"I also didn't want to make you mad or insult you," Anna said.

"Why would you do either?" she asked.

"Because it's about Hans," Anna said. "And, um... you and him dancing, uh... I mean... I don't know how to say this." Frustratedly she shook her head then took a breath. "Elsa, you looked like you were really enjoying dancing with him and being in his arms and just... What was going on?"

Elsa blinked. "He's a suitor, Anna! I'll treat him like any of the others," Elsa immediately defended, cursing the flush on her cheeks.

"You aren't seriously thinking about picking him, are you?" Anna asked worriedly.

"No, Anna, I'm not," Elsa promised. "He's there for show, that's all."

"Really? Because you didn't enjoy a dance with any other suitor as much as you seemed to enjoy your dance with him," Anna said.

"He's a good dancer," Elsa defended.

"And the way you two have been getting closer?" Anna asked.

"I've forgiven him for his crimes against me and Arendelle, but not for his crimes against you," Elsa said. "Nothing will happen between us. Especially given how averse you are to the idea."

Anna was quiet. "I'm not as averse to it as I should be," she muttered. Elsa started, eyes widening. Anna shook her head. "I don't want you to marry him. Ever. But... but that isn't my choice, and he seems... he just... You seem so open with him. Open and honest and genuine. Like you are with me, just... in a way that isn't the same. A way that's more... I don't know how to describe it."

"No one does, it seems," Elsa murmured.

Anna was quiet. "You care for him..." she soon said.

Elsa was quiet, looking out the window. "I do... Very much," she answered. "But it isn't love." Yet, she inwardly added before shaking that idea away.

Anna looked at her doubtfully. "Maybe it should be. It would make it all so much easier to understand and accept; because right now I don't know what to think or say or do anymore," she soon said. Elsa's eyes widened in shock as she stopped breathing. Anna sighed and walked passed her sister. "Goodnight, Elsa. I love you."

"I-I love you too," Elsa numbly answered. Anna walked out, shutting the door behind her.