Anna and Kristoff were enjoying married life, and enjoying their life in the castle. Anna was Elsa's main advisor, and attended all Holdings of Court. Kristoff was spending more time in the castle as well, seeing that by marrying Princess Anna, he automatically became a Prince, a title he was a bit uncomfortable with. Still, Kristoff spent his time talking to the citizens of the kingdom, and helping bring issues to Elsa and Anna. James continued as security for the Holdings of Court, and as escort for Elsa and now also Anna. When the two sisters had to be in different places at the same time, the good Captain would accompany Elsa, and any of the three sergeants of the guard, Wilhelmson, Janssen or Andersson would accompany Anna. The same for Kristoff.
Anna and Kristoff noticed that Elsa and James would take a long walk in the Royal Garden every day after court. They would also take one or more strolls on Fridays and the weekends. It looked like Elsa was warming up to the idea of having a special someone in her life, and James appeared happy to fill that role.
On one of their strolls, James commented, "Elsa, these walks are the high point of my day. You make every day special to me."
Elsa confided, "So do you, James. I feel so at ease and comfortable with you."
James smiled as he took Elsa's hand and they walked together in the garden. As they watched the summer sun set in the distance, they sat on a bench in the garden, Elsa in James' arms. As the sun set, James and Elsa shared their first kiss. Both smiled happily.
But the next day, Anna noticed that Elsa was troubled about something.
"Elsa, what's wrong?" asked Anna anxiously.
"Oh, ,,,,nothing, Anna," stated Elsa, as she stared out the window.
"Did you and James have a disagreement yesterday in the garden?"
Elsa turned toward her sister, as a tear ran down her face. "No, Anna. It's just….well it's just I'm getting too close to James."
"In what way? He always acts like a gentleman, and is obviously concerned about you."
"Well, Anna, we kissed yesterday, and the thought actually entered my mind that someday he and I would marry."
"But what's wrong with that?"
"Don't you see Anna?" asked Elsa through her tears as she lowered her head, crying, "I can never marry! I can't string James along like that! It's cruel! What if I should pass my power on to one of our children? I just couldn't bear to have them live the life of isolation I did all those years!"
"Elsa," Anna answered reassuringly, "you wouldn't have to isolate your children! Dad and Mom did what they thought best, when they isolated you, but actually that hurt more than helped. They didn't know any better. But you do!"
Elsa looked up with tears running down her face.
Anna continued, "Remember, you DO know how to control your power, and you would teach your children how to control theirs through love!" Anna put a reassuring hand on Elsa's shoulder, and said soothingly, "They wouldn't ever have to be isolated. You would be the perfect mother for any child born with your power. Please, don't shut your heart to James. Don't deprive yourself of that happiness!"
Elsa cracked a smile, as she hugged her little sister. "You're right, Anna! I never thought of it that way before! Thank you!" Elsa felt that the last of the major burdens she shouldered due to her power had just been removed. She would be open to James' advances. She really did care a great deal about him, and could easily see herself spending her life with him.
But Elsa wasn't the only one having second thoughts.
"Everything is in order, Captain!" stated Sergeant Janssen. But James was miles away. "Ah, sir? Is something wrong?"
James snapped back to reality, "Oh, sorry Janssen! My mind was wondering again."
"No problem, sir. Everything is in Order !"
"Very good Sergeant. Carry on!"
There really must be something eating at Captain Smith, Janssen thought. He is always focused on duty! Maybe I'd better mention this to James' good friend, Kristoff.
And Sergeant Janssen did mention the situation to Kristoff. Kristoff was caught off guard. James always meant business on duty, so something has to be eating at him. He'd see if he could track down the good Captain, and see if he would open up about his problem.
It didn't take Kristoff long to find Captain James Smith. He was standing on top of one of the castle towers, looking out to sea.
"Hi, James! What's going on?" Kristoff asked. James didn't move. Kristoff walked over to him and gently tapped his shoulder. James snapped back to reality quickly.
"Sorry to have startled you, buddy, but something important is eating at you. Care to talk about it?" asked Kristoff consolingly.
James knew Kristoff wouldn't break trust with him, if he should discuss his dilemma, so he opened up to his friend.
"It's Elsa!" James stated forlornly.
"Did you two have a fight?"
"No, no! Nothing like that. I don't think we have ever even had a loud disagreement!"
Kristoff waited expectantly, as James continued.
"Yesterday we shared our first kiss and hug. Everything seemed so perfect!"
"So, what's wrong?" asked Kristoff quizzically.
"I actually entertained thoughts of asking her to marry me. Do you believe that? A Royal Queen marrying a common soldier? It's crazy! But I can't get her out of my head!"
"Why can't a 'common soldier' marry a Queen, James?"
"Well it simply isn't done! She deserves a king or a prince! Not the Captain of the Imperial Guard!"
"Don't you think that is her decision to make? Look at me! I married a Princess! A common Ice Harvester and Deliverer! But I cared far more for Anna than that Prince Hans, so Anna chose me!"
James was starting to look at his relationship with Elsa a bit differently.
"Don't sell yourself short, James! I know Elsa cares about you and so does everyone else in the castle. Don't throw away the biggest prize in your life – a loving and caring potential wife! Don't forfeit your happiness, and Elsa's too!"
"Maybe you're right, Kristoff!" said James hopefully. "Maybe, just maybe she does share the same feelings toward me as I do toward her."
Kristoff put a friendly arm around James' shoulder. "You'll never know unless you ask!"