The next thing Daphne knew, she was in a strange castle. It wasn't like any place she'd ever been before. As she stared at the strange walls, she began to realize something. The place was made of ice. How could ice be formed into such intricate patterns? But before she could ponder the question any further, Daphne glanced out one of the windows. Snow covered everything. It didn't look like there could be anything left alive out there.

That thought was sad enough, but what hurt even worse was that Daphne somehow realized that she'd done this. Somehow, she'd managed to freeze an entire land. The guilt was overwhelming. She wasn't sure exactly how it had happened, but she was certain she was to blame for this sudden winter. Horrified by what she saw, Daphne gasped, putting a hand to her heart. Only then did she notice she was cold. Not from the temperature around her, but inside. Suddenly, a phrase ran through her mind: Only an act of true love can thaw a frozen heart. She knew if she didn't fix this situation soon, her heart would freeze, and she would be dead. "Only an act of true love can save me, but there can't be anyone out there." She sighed. Even though she was near tears, she was able to notice that this icy palace was equipped with a fireplace. Not stopping to wonder how that could be possible, she made her way over and noticed that there were already logs in there, seemingly just waiting for her. She made a fire, then sat down in front of it. Perhaps this might buy her a little time. If only she could recall how all of this had happened.

The fire made the room considerably warmer, yet it did nothing for her heart. It was only a matter of time now. All she could do was hope she'd one day be forgiven for hurting countless people and animals.

But just as she began to give in, she heard a sound which made her look up. The door to the castle had been thrust open, and a man burst in. "Daphne, thank God, there you are!"

Daphne tried to stand up, but she was now too weak. "Who...who are you?" Even speaking the words took more effort than she'd thought possible.

"My name is Niles. I've been wandering through this forest for months now. There's nothing but snow and ice out there. But I did manage to find one elderly man who was somehow still alive. He told me that a beautiful princess had frozen the land with a magical spell gone awry."

"That must have been me," Daphne whispered. "But I can't remember what happened now." She shivered. The cold inside her was much worse now.

Niles nodded. "Yes, I was told that I could find the princess inside this castle. True love's kiss can undo any spell. And when I heard about you living here, all alone, my heart nearly broke. No one deserves to be this lonely. I know it's strange for me to say this, but I think I love you."

Hearing those words made Daphne feel the slightest bit warmer. She didn't know what to say to him, a perfect stranger declaring his love for her. "I'm so cold," she finally said. His words had warmed her, but it would take more than that to save her.

In seconds, Niles crossed the room to where she sat. He helped her to her feet, and for the first time, Daphne noticed how handsome he was. And brave, too, surviving out there all alone, she thought. "Thank you, Niles," she said smiling at him for the first time.

"You're welcome. You're even more beautiful in person than I'd imagined. Now, let's see if we can fix that frozen heart of yours." He leaned forward. His lips took Daphne by surprise. But as soon as they met, Daphne felt a warmth go all through her. Her heart was no longer frozen.

"It worked," Daphne said. "You've saved me life!"

"Yes, it seems the spell is broken," Niles agreed, looking out the window. For the snow was melting, and green grass could be seen underneath.

"I don't know how to thank you," Daphne said, realizing that she'd been close to death just moments ago.

"Marry me," Niles said. "I know it's sudden, but this is true love."

"Oh, Niles, nothing could make me happier!"

Suddenly, Daphne opened her eyes. She was safe in the master bedroom she shared with Niles.

"What's wrong, my love?" Niles asked as he heard her stirring.

"I just had a dream, that I was trapped in a castle after I froze the entire land, just like Elsa. I needed a kiss of true love to save me. You came in and rescued me."

"While I'm certainly no Kristoff, I would do my very best to save you, no matter what the circumstances," Niles said kissing her. "But in our fairytale, I've always thought you were the one who rescued me."

"Well, I beg to differ, but it doesn't matter now. I'm just glad we got our happy ending," Daphne said.

The End