Author's Note: Hi, welcome to another chapter of Thawed. So this chapter will have a bit of a twist, but that's all I'm telling you for now. I don't have much to say except that I'm tired from work so if there's any typos in the chapter, forgive me. Also, to guest Frostbite who left a review: I can't believe I missed that I typed Allandale and not Arendelle. It's just proof that I was really tired last week...and this week. Anyway, I rectified the mistake. Thanks for pointing it out! As always, let me know what you guys think about the chapter and I'll see you all next week.

14. Soft Whispers

"Fear will be your enemy."

—Frozen, Grand Pabbie

Anna poked her food with her fork, leaning her head against her other hand. She didn't feel very hungry as she ignored the loud talking for all around the long table. Gabbri's boisterous laugh could be heard from all the way across the room.

She felt someone poke her arm and glanced up to see Elsa sitting beside her.

"Anna? Are you alright?" Elsa kept her voice barely above a whisper.

Anna shook her head. "No. Did you know Kristoff left? He was supposed to be back for dinner, but he isn't."

Elsa touched her arm and leaned closer. "Anna, don't worry about it. It's all a misunderstanding. I have uncovered the truth. Meet me in my room after dinner, and I'll clear up everything."

Anne's ears perked. Misunderstanding? What was Elsa talking about? She wasn't certain, but she wanted to know. Whispering, she asked, "Misunderstanding? Does it have to do with Kristoff?"

Elsa nodded. "Yes. I'll explain further upstairs, but I found out that Kristoff and Bao are just friends bonding over animals. Nothing more. So you don't need to worry."

Just then, a dignitary from Elsa's other side interrupted their conversation, and Anna was unable to get any more information from her sister over dinner. It seemed like an eternity until dinner was over and the many guests headed upstairs to bed.

Anna stayed behind for a moment to steal in the garden, as Elsa was captured talking to several princes. Anna's mind was full of confusion and she was certain a little fresh air would help her. Her heart fluttered. How could she not believe Elsa? This was a misunderstanding. Kristoff still loved her. Anna grinned, looking forward to learning how this misunderstanding happened. She had just rounded a bush when she ran headlong into a man.

"Oops, sorry," were the only words she could think to say.

"No, my apologies, your highness. I am afraid I was distracted."

Anna looked up and was surprised to be looking into a face that looked much like Hadyn's. She didn't recall seeing this man before, though. "Oh, it's fine. You know, you look a lot like a prince I know."

The man smiled. "I don't suppose you are thinking of Prince Hadyn?"

"How did you know?"

"Unfortunately, he's my cousin. My name is Jain."

Anna perked up. So he was related to Hadyn. For a moment, she forgot her worries. "Really? Did you come with him to Arendelle? He never even mentioned he had a cousin."

"Your sister was saying the same thing to me earlier. I suppose I am cursed to be merely his shadow."

"I'm sure it's not that bad. But are you close to him? Do you talk about things?"

Jain let out a quick laugh. "I see Hadyn was right. You aren't much like your sister. But I suppose we are pretty close. We grew up together, after all. Why do you ask?"

Anna leaned closer, lowering her voice. "I'm wondering if he has talked to you about anything on his mind lately. Say, something having to do with my sister."

Jain's eyebrow rose and he crossed his arms. "I beg your pardon, Princess Anna, but are you trying to match my cousin with your sister?"

Anna nodded excitedly. "It's not that I want to force anything, but you should see them together. They are so adorable. I'm just wondering if Hadyn might like Elsa."

"Maybe. He hasn't outwardly said anything, if that's what you mean. But I suppose I've known him for too long not to notice a difference. He has been acting a bit strange since coming here."

"Really?" Anna asked excitedly.

"Indeed, but I cannot say more yet. He's actually been a bit evasive lately, as if he's avoiding his feelings."

"Why would he do that?"

Jain shook his head. "He has received much pain in his life and little love. I suppose he doesn't know how to love. Perhaps he is afraid to care for your sister."

"I'm surprised to hear that. I never thought Hadyn would be like that. I know Elsa is like that, but Hadyn too? No wonder they are acting so strange. But what can we do about it?"

"We?" Jain smirked. "Do not tell me you want to play matchmaker? And are you recruiting me to help you?"

Anna shrugged, feeling excited. "Yes. You know your cousin and I know my sister, so we are probably the only ones able to." She jumped, clapping her hands together. "Oh, this is so exciting. Now that misunderstandings have been cleared up, I can get back to finding my sister love."

"Misunderstandings? Do you mean about Kristoff and Bao?"

Anna felt surprised. What? Did everyone know this? "How did you know?"

Jain gestured for her to follow him. "We should be getting inside. It's late." Together they headed for the palace. As they walked, Jain commented, "I heard it from Hadyn. He seems to have befriended your fiancé. But what do you mean that it has been cleared up?"

Anna shrugged. "Oh, Elsa told me at dinner that they were just friends and bonded over animals. She's going to tell me more details later. But if my sister says it, I'm certain it's true. She's not the sort of person who will just say something to make me feel better if she isn't sure it's reality."

"Indeed," Jain sounded cautious. "Well, if that is the case, I would not wish to intrude."

Anna glanced at him suspiciously. "What do you mean? What aren't you telling me?"

Hadyn's cousin shrugged. "Nothing. It isn't really my business. It's only that…well, I am not certain where your sister got her information, but it might not be accurate."

"What?" Anna's heart dropped.

Jain raised his hands. "Like a said, I don't want to interfere, but let me just say I have personally witnessed Kristoff and Bao…doing things that would not make sense for friends to do."

"Doing things? What sorts of things?"

"Holding hands, being very close to each other…even kissing."

"Kissing!" Anna stopped, her mind clouded with confusion. "But Elsa said…"

"I am certain your sister was sure she was being honest. I just am not sure if she knows the truth herself. She has not witnessed what I have. I am sorry to tell you this, your highness, but—"

"I…I need a moment." Anna didn't want to be around anyone. She turned and ran inside the palace.

Everything was a lie. What was happening to her perfect fairytale? First Hans had betrayed her, and now Kristoff? She didn't want to see anyone. She wanted everyone to go away. This wedding could not take place. With that thought, she hurried to go tell her sister she was breaking off the wedding.