She was speechless, utterly and completely speechless.
"I think I am falling for the Queen of Arendelle...."
Okay, so that meant he was what? Falling for, as in falling in love? That would mean he was falling in love with her?
"Is there any chance that she feels the same way?"
That, that would mean she would have to reply. Answer him, yes or no, maybe, possibly? All she could do was stare at his face. The face that was staring so questioningly at hers.
Silence
Silence would mean it was her turn to speak, but she couldn't, what would she say? Was she in love with him? Was she in love with John? Elsa thought back to all those moments they shared. Dancing in the ballroom, talking in the library, walking through the village together. She thought about the warm feeling she got whenever he smiled or laughed. Could that be what the fluttery feeling in her stomach was? Love? Was it that simple, that easy to fall for someone? It just isn't possible.
"I...I uh..." She was searching for her words. If she were Anna, she would probably start babbling nonsense. But it was obvious that John wanted an answer, and he wanted it now. Taking a deep breath, she summoned her strength and answered his question.
"John, you are a wonderful man. You're funny and kind and just a great person. I am grateful for everything you have done for me and will do for my family. And my people will be forever grateful as well, but there is just too much going on for me to think about myself right now. My people are in danger, my sister is in trouble, I need to worry about that. I'm sorry John."
His hopeful expression had faded far before she had finished speaking. With a shudder, he looked away and brushed his hand through his golden brown hair.
"So, the only reason why you even acknowledge me now is because I volunteered to find your sister and remove the potential threat to your kingdom? That's it?" He locked onto her stare with a expression filled with pain.
"No-" she shook her head in attempt to find where she went wrong.
"I get it. You're the Queen of Arendelle. You don't have time for relationships or opening your heart even for a few minutes. I was asking too much of you your Majesty. My apologies.." With that, he stood up and pushed in his chair.
"Wait John-" Elsa reached out for him when he only increased the distance between them.
"If you'll excuse me your Highness, I should get some rest now to prepare for tomorrow morning when I leave." Elsa stood up fully prepared to stop him and explain. Then she remembered what she had said. Her sister, her family, Hans, Arendelle; she wasn't doing this for herself, she was doing it for Arendelle. Her personal feelings don't matter, however she may feel, her duty to the kingdom came first, it always would.
Regaining her posture, her expression became one of seriousness.
"Of course. Someone will come by in the morning to wake you up and bring you to the barn where all of our supplies are located. Then you can be on your way."
"Thank you, goodnight." With that, he turned around and left, just like that.
Elsa stood there, engulfed in the silence that came with being alone. All she could do was stare at the spot where John stood heartbroken from her response. She did the right thing. She did what was necessary to protect her people. She should be proud, relieved even.
So why did her heart ache so much?