Disclaimer: I do not own Frozen or Disney

Hans tries to steady his breathing as he sits near the head of the dining table. He had opened the gates, allowing any of Arendelle's citizens to join them for meals of warm cocoa and hot soup – it's something Anna would have done. Their minds work in similar fashions. The workers hurry quickly down the halls, placing dishes on every table, clearly unused to this level of attendance.

A young woman places a napkin before Hans, with a very timid attitude. She jumps as he speaks, "I'm sorry for having you all work so hard."

She stifles her squeak and begins to reply, "Oh, not a problem at all dear Prince! We love the company. For so long it was just the sisters and now the castle is filled with life again!"

Hans chuckles as he picks up his chalice with gloved hand, "But with Anna running around, I find it hard to think the castle is ever at a loss for entertainment."

The young worker smiles at the Prince as he begins to daintily cut his food. As fate would have it, the Duke chooses the seat across from him. Hans bites his lip in anticipation, but sneaks a smile under his breath at the loose toupee atop the Duke's head – it seems it could bounce off with any sudden movement.

Hans takes a deep breath and decides to go the princely route, "Forgive me for my outburst earlier. I am only under the stress of trying to protect Arendelle and reunite it with its beloved sisters."

The Duke nods, "Of course. I apologize as well. We're all a bit heated..." his finger traces the top of his glass creating a soft hum, "if you're in charge of Arendelle for the time being, perhaps you'd like to update their trading partners for them? Wesleton would love to come and harvest whatever secret the ice holds, maybe -"

Hans stops the Duke, "I'm sorry, I am only in charge of keeping order. My second rule of business is getting the summer back; when the summer's back I'm sure Queen Elsa would speak with you." His eyes flash back down to his food, dismissing the conversation.

"Ah – but, um, how will the summer come back? Queen Elsa is a monster who has cursed this land!"

Hans scoffs, "she hasn't cursed the land, she's merely made a mistake. She needs to speak with her sister and they'll solve it together -"

"They already spoke and no good came of it. Anna is a lost cause -" He stops himself at Hans's growing emotions. The room almost seems quiet. Awaiting the Prince's response.

"Excuse me, I think I'm going to turn in for the night a little early."

A few nobles nod to him, wishing him a good rest as he moves regally out of the room. He grabs his head as soon as out of the public eye, his heart beating quicker, please come back Anna. The stairs escort him into the guest chambers.

*THUD*

He turns a brief moment and watches an armored statue tilt on its side. Wobble just a moment. His eyebrow raises, scanning the room carefully. The troll mother crouches wide eyed underneath the staircase awaiting the creaks from Hans.

It was nothing. Hans deduces his weary demeanor has caused him to start seeing things. It was time for bed. He continues into the chamber and starts to change out of his uniform for the day. He tousles his hair letting it hang naturally. His shirt shines in the fire lit candle as he lifts it over his head revealing his bare body.

A shadow is cast from behind the ornate changing screen. Bulda curiously watches Hans's body in its mortal form... not in the position he usually holds it in, but slouched and casual. She shakes her head, never forgetting why she's here. But there's something intriguing her, something behind the man's face that is not revealed.

Hans removes his gloves carefully, placing them on the table next to him. He changes into the pajama trousers provided as he unbuckles his military shoes. His body heaves a deep sigh as he rubs his head once more, done with all this thinking – how had his older brother done it?

Bulda scurries under the bed, not that Hans in his state is even paying attention anymore, and waits as the bed heaves under new weight. A loud yawn escapes the Prince's lips as his eyes drowsily shut from the stress that higher positions hold.

It's her time now! Bulda jumps out from under the bed, casting a light spell over Hans to keep him asleep. She begins to inspect his body, throwing over the covers. How can she get rid of Anna's true love?

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