Sorry for the break in updates, readers. Work had become a bit too stressful for me to concentrate on fanfiction, but hopefully I will be back on track now. I have also been thinking about writing some one shot AU's to use as character studies, so be on the look out for those. If you want to find me on tumblr, I'm rabbledrabble. Enjoy! Review! 3 marth
"For someone who acts like they have everything under control at all times, you certainly seem to be having difficulty controlling your magic," Elsa observed as Hans attempted to manipulate the flames in his hands. The queen had made her way to the dungeons after an early breakfast, but had been shocked to find her prisoner missing. He was quickly found in the kitchens, helping Grethe clean underneath all the crooks and crannies that the elderly woman had trouble with. Elsa had hid her surprise easily, but it still unnerved her a bit that the exiled prince was behaving so well. She had expected plotting, or at least some snobbery.
The kitchens offered a calm environment for them to work together. Today's goal was to maintain the ability to produce fire and hold it at will. So far things were going well, at least Elsa thought so. She leaned against a counter and toyed with her braid as Hans moved the fire between his hands.
"I've given up on keeping my emotions under control. Too much work, not enough reward," he murmured as he concentrated on his task, his eyebrows furrowed. His hands felt naked and exposed with gloves, but the flame felt more comfortable than usual. It danced around his fingers and over his knuckles, and he passed it from right to left to keep it going.
Elsa picked at a split end with manicured nails. "Reward? What reward do you need for not being a sociopath? Isn't a regular life with loved ones enough?" She studied him innocently enough as he glared at her and the flame dissipated. "I mean, I was born cursed. I never had the luxury of normality, of being able to touch my family members and spend time with them."
Hans sneered. "Oh yes, how luxurious, spending time with family. Family that hated me, spurned me, disdained me. Let's not waste time on childhood memories, I'd rather just figure this damned curse out and be on my way."
Elsa bristled at his harsh comments, but she bit her tongue. Silence hung like a shroud over the room as Hans attempted to rekindle the flame with his fingers, but all he managed were sparks. Finally, he sighed angrily and pushed his hair away from his eyes. "I apologize, your majesty. My childhood is a bit of a sore spot for me, and I've explained my actions before to you. Being the thirteenth son isn't exactly opportune." The queen said nothing, but waited for him to continue.
"I'm not sure if your sister told you, but I revealed my past to her as well. My brothers did as brothers do; if they weren't taunting me, they were completely ignoring my existence. My father rules a kingdom, he had no time for a son who had no chance of inheriting his throne. And mother," Hans gripped the counter, his knuckles white. "I saw less of her than anyone else. I was raised by a governess, my horse was my best friend. Controlling my emotions and manipulating others is how I managed to survive the loneliness."
"You're completely alone in the world, then," Elsa said quietly. She noticed the scorch marks that marred the counter top as Hans folded his arms.
"Completely," he echoed her words.
Elsa felt her neck warm; the subject of conversation was not a comfortable one. Her own childhood had been less than ideal; her exile had been self-imposed while Hans' had been neglected. The queen cleared her throat before answering. "What's done is done. The past is in the past, so we must move forward. Just like you must continue furthering your control over your curse." And with that, she flicked an icicle towards the prince's face. Out of reflex, his hand moved to stop the object, and it melted as soon as it came into contact with his skin. His hand once again was surrounded by flame; Elsa suppressed a small smile as he sunk back into concentration.
After an hour of practicing with the flame, Elsa could tell Hans was tired and needed a break. Learning to feel your emotions was never easy work, especially when concealing them was an ingrained habit. She dismissed her pupil and had nearly made it out of the kitchens when she heard yelling from the stables. Her eyes met Grethe's, and she instructed the woman to keep Hans busy as she went to investigate.
The queen was met with chaos. Anna was arguing with one of the stable men, and her loyal ice harvester was quietly settling his reindeer and sled. Olaf was practically bouncing, he was moving around so quickly. The princess had just raised her finger to scold the man when she noticed Elsa. Her face visibly brightened with relief as she rushed over to meet the queen.
"Elsa! What's going on? Olaf told us that Hans was back in the castle! Are you alright? We came as soon as we could!" The bubbly girl's eyes frantically made their way up and down Elsa's person, checking for signs of disruption or harm.
The young queen connected the dots quickly. Olaf must have seen Hans and been worried, and that's why the group were here now. She chose her words carefully before speaking. "Everything is fine, Anna. I have Hans under control. He is a prisoner here, and will be kept as such until I have communicated with his home country." Anna gave her a wary look, but Elsa gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's safer than him freely roaming the country, don't you agree?"
The princess worried her lip, but then gave Elsa a crushing hug. "I'm just glad you're okay. I don't like it, but as long as you have guards and all, I know you can handle him. I just wish you might have, maybe, talked to me about it first?" Her hands twisted in a nervous knot.
Elsa knew that Anna would never leave her side willingly unless she was completely certain things were safe at the castle. She watched Olaf waddle over to chat with Sven, then she smiled and turned, leading her sister away from the kitchens. "I have Albin and Grethe, who could get past them?" The giggling sisters made their way towards the main castle entrance, Kristoff trailing behind.
"You want us to go to Corona?I think they sent dignitaries to your coronation, but I don't know much else, I'm afraid," Anna admitted. Her mind was abuzz with the thought of the dastardly Hans skulking about somewhere in her home. She had no doubt that Elsa could handle him, but it didn't make her feel any better. And now Elsa was telling her to leave! Things were not going as expected. Kristoff sat beside her in Elsa's study, quiet as always.
Elsa passed Anna a letter before smoothing her skirts and sitting. "Yes. This is my acceptance letter to their proposed trade operations. They will supply us with grains, produce, and domesticated products, while we will supply aquatic trade goods and ships, as well as information. Our ports are some of the busiest; we have the most access to the other kingdoms. I need someone to bring them this letter, but also to possibly spend some time among their court, to see if there are any other goods we might be able to offer." She paused and inspected her fingernails. "I can not go myself, because I have to stay for Arendelle. And whoever goes will have to stay for at least a month, not to mention travel time. You are the perfect candidate, Anna, and Kristoff," she glanced at the blonde man, "you can observe things from another perspective, to give Anna insight as well as protection."
He nodded in agreement. "I would be honored, your majesty." A slight blush crept over his cheeks as Anna shot him a beady look.
Elsa continued. "Olaf can go with you, I'm sure he would love to do some traveling. And give Corona a bit of an insight as to what our kingdom is capable of."
The princess fidgeted while trying to find a way to stay. Everything Elsa had said made sense, unfortunately. "Just, can you try to send Hans packing before we get back? Or least keep me updated. I don't like him being here."
Elsa hesitated before answering. "Hans is deeply troubled, Anna. I feel like I can help him. He did a lot of wrong things, but this could be an opportunity to change him, so that he harms no one else. And if it doesn't work, then I can just send him home." She smiled and stood; her train glittered like a thousand snowflakes as she walked towards one of the tall windows open to the gardens.
"I guess so," Anna agreed begrudgingly, wishing she could change her sister's mind. But knowing Elsa, she had a plan. The thought didn't make her much happier, but then nothing besides Hans' prompt removal would. She almost made to go pack before remembering why she had left the castle in the first place. "Marshmallow!"
"Marshmallow? What about him?" Elsa turned and faced Anna swiftly.
"He's in the ice palace, and he seems pretty grumpy. We didn't see him, we just heard him." Anna tucked a lock of hair into place behind her ear. "The trolls told us that he was causing some scares up north."
"I'll just have to go visit him. I'm sure he wouldn't mind protecting me from Hans," Elsa and Anna both giggled at the idea. Soon the two began to discuss Corona, and what Anna should wear, and did they have anything regal that Kristoff could take? And all thoughts of the wayward prince were dismissed.