It was all the better that the palace gardens were deserted. The rows of fir trees provided seclusion. They had grown so tall and evergreen that the crows nestled in their branches were unperturbed by the messy assault below them. Hans didn't want anyone to see him in this state. He hacked and slashed at the tree's trunk till the sword snagged deep and he was unable to pull it out. Dropping to his knees he beat the ground and screamed. The rustle of footsteps made him whirl around.

Anna's normally braided bun had been left to flowing red tresses, and with each angry shake of her fists they swayed like silken fire.

"I've been looking for you everywhere!" said Anna

Hans got up to unhinge his sword, then sheathed it into his scabbard.

"May I be of service princess?"
"Hans don't you dare give me that service spiel!"
"What do you expect me to do Anna?" The words came out harsher than he meant them to, but his eyes felt so raw, and it was getting hard to breathe.

Anna glared and crossed her arms over her chest.

"You fool! If you could only see what was right in front of you-"
"Please, stop. I know she loves him-"

Thwack! The force of her slap struck him dumb. Hans could only watch slack-jawed as Anna's cheeks bloomed crimson.

"Idiot! She loves you!"

He wished it was true. Elsa had stood by her window watching the guests arrive for some time and all he could do was watch. Draped in a gossamer veil her emotions were foreign to him. Naturally, he was stationed by her door gritting his teeth to resist speaking to her. Her wedding dress was like a river of diamonds. It was bad luck to see the bride on her wedding day, but of course he wasn't the groom. She was forever unattainable for the likes of him. He would have to live with the memory of one true love's kiss.

"Anna, I don't know what you're trying to achieve but hours ago your sister wed."
"Don't be smart with me alright? Elsa told me about your tryst!"

He chuckled, "It was hardly a tryst. We kissed. That was all. It didn't mean anything."

The lie felt like acid on his tongue. Anna sighed and cupped his sore cheek eliciting a hiss.

"Oops, sorry."
"It's fine. I deserved it. I was foolish to think anything would change. I knew it wouldn't."
"Hans…" They linked arms and began strolling back to the reception. "Believe me. It's not what you think."

"For old times sake I'll indulge you. Tell me why our fair queen isn't madly in love with the prince of Anhalt."
"Because she can't."

Anna scratched the tip of her nose.

"Continue?" said Hans
"He doesn't take pleasure in the company of ladies."
"Wait, what?"

Speak of the devil. A muffled sneeze announced the arrival of his highness Prince Egbert Meer. Hans couldn't help but appraise him from head to toe. The newest addition to the royal family wasn't as handsome as his portrait, but was smartly dressed in a green tuxedo so dark it was almost black. A pair of round spectacles glinted in the light each time he pushed it up his button nose. It was distracting.

Hans left Anna's side and bowed as was customary.

"Your highness." said Hans

Egbert clicked his teeth and slipped past to take Anna's hand.

"Dearest Anna!" said Egbert. He placed the lightest of pecks to her knuckles. "Forgive me, but the party is dying without you and Elsa has her hands full with the village children."
"Oh, I'm sure she can handle it. They love her and the people-"
"Need the reassuring presence of a princess. Please, I insist. I'm afraid they haven't warmed up to me yet."

He flashed her a sympathetic smile. Anna slipped her hand out of his grasp and coughed sharing a sidelong glance in Hans' direction.

"Well, if it's really so much trouble…." said Anna
"I apologize for my inexperience." said Egbert

Once Anna dashed off -sparing Hans a look of encouragement- the prince procured a handkerchief from his breast pocket and dabbed at watery eyes. He sniffled and faced Hans.

"So, you're Elsa's confidante?"
"I serve in her queen's guard. Nothing more your highness."

Hans wasn't expecting an invite into the prince's private chambers. A table was set for three to take tea and cakes. Egbert sat down promptly and motioned for him to take a seat. Outside the party was still in full swing. The sound of glass shattering didn't disturb the prince at all. He raised a flaxen brow and said, "Elsa was adamant I speak with you."

"That is surprising."

Egbert hummed and sipped his tea.

"Hans, I realize this must be difficult for you but it needn't be so…"

In the seat opposite, Hans gripped the arm rests.

"My only wish is to see her happy." said Hans
"The feeling is mutual." He leaned forward. "Which is why I'm here to propose a solution to our problem."

"I wasn't aware there was one."

Egbert laughed, "Forgive me for saying so, but we are not so different. I know the pain of loving someone from afar."

"Then you know the importance of duty."
"Oh Hans! That goes without saying! In fact, you could say our duty to the realm is in jeopardy."

A lump formed in his throat as he stared at the prince. Egbert seemed nice, though there was an air of melancholy around him and Hans wasn't a stranger to it. He knew what the prince would ask next, could feel it in his bones. Hans gulped and counted his breathes. Egbert's fingers lightly tapped on the table.

"You know there's really no way to say this except…." Hans' gaze remained fixed on the prince's eyes which couldn't seem to look at him. "Hans, will you give Elsa and I an heir?" said Egbert

A familiar cool hand squeezed his shoulder. She was behind him. It felt like the wind had been knocked out of him.

"I'll give the two of you some privacy love." said Egbert. Hans watched him leave, but couldn't seem to face her. For a long time it was so quiet they could hear the kindling crackle in the fireplace. When she broke the silence her voice was gentle.

"I'm fond of him, but he will never be able to love me. It's not in his nature." said Elsa

Hans exhaled and turned around. Elsa's tears dripped to her collar bone, but she didn't emit a single whimper. Her rouge was ruined. Nevertheless, a weight seemed to have slipped off their shoulders. She smiled at him though her lips quivered. Did she really think he would reject her now? He pressed his forehead to her own, "The child will never have my name."

She sighed, "Does that bother you?"

"No."

Elsa giggled and Hans couldn't hide his smirk when her hands snaked up his arms to pull him closer. She whispered into his ear.

"Welcome to the family."