A/N: Oh my gosh I love this chapter. Hans has been rather absent, hasn't he? He'll make an appearance soon, no worries. In case you didn't realize, I've also posted my short story collection (though it only has one at the moment)! Look for it under my profile if you want one-shots.

Chapter Twenty-Four

The Perfect Fit

Helena followed the directions she had been given to a tee, down to mimicking the hand gestures she'd seen as she repeated them to herself. She finally came to a stop before the referenced door, staring at it reflectively. During the day it was hard enough differentiating Elsa's room from the others, but in the darkness, it was even harder to tell them apart. She tried to picture what her own room door had looked like, sparsely decorated in Rosemaling. Could this intricate design really belong to her room? Or was it Elsa's? She gently knocked on the room door, creaking it open to inspect its contents. If worse came to worse, she could explain to the resident she was newly hired to the castle help staff, and no harm would be done. After all, technically, she was newly hired help, just not for this royal family.

Inside the room all was naturally quiet for the time of the night, and she could see some intricate dresses hanging up near a fanciful changing screen, and several other pieces of clothing draped over chairs or in small piles on the floor. She did not suspect Elsa to be so messy with her clothing, or have packed so much of it, but then again, the events unfolding tonight had left everyone exhausted. She was likely too stressed by Orion's actions to bother keeping everything neat.

She approached the bed, where she could see a figure asleep. Slowly, so as not to disturb the queen's rest, Helena sank down on the bedside, letting her boot drop gently to the floor. Poor Elsa… she thought, You must really be tired to be sleeping so soundly. Elsa had been through so much hardship in her life, from her childhood isolation, to a tactless princess slandering her ability to take care of her kingdom, and of course, the loss of her parents. They would surely have known better than anyone how to provide comfort if they were still alive. Helena certainly knew what it felt like to lose parents, but she never would have suspected she would find such a kindred spirit in Elsa. She began to reach for the figure's shoulder, her heart going out to the lonely queen as she whispered to herself, "I'm so sorry."

"Mm…"

Helena's blood froze in her veins as the murmur continued. It was groggy, confused and most decidedly male. Then the figure rolled over, and the eyelids flickered open just enough for her to note the familiar eyes.

Heins.

The next few moments happened very quickly. Helena covered her mouth to stifle her shocked squeal, vaulting off his bed, her skin flushing profusely, coloring her red as a tomato. Another shriek, just as high-pitched as hers, sounded from the figure in bed, who pulled the covers up over his chest and staggered to his feet, squinting to make out her shadow. "Who's there?"

Helena stumbled blindly back into the safety of the shrouding darkness, only to run into something behind her and fall back on the floor with a great crash. As she regained her bearings, she examined what she'd fallen over, her face draining of color. Lying on her lap was what looked like the top half of a body, and it was cold. Silly as it was to fear the worst, her hand flew to her mouth to muffle the sound, but this time the startled scream leaked between her fingers.

"Helena?" Heins was looking aware now, inching forward with his covers still pulled around him like a regal robe his father might wear on formal occasions. "Is that… really you?"

"Yes," she whispered, pushing against the body leaning on her, grunting as she tried to free herself. "Yes, I'm here."

"Oh, no! Are you hurt?" In a flash, he bent down next to her, pushing the lifeless body away with a short grunt. "Here, let me. The mannequins are heavy."

"No, I'm alright." She felt his hands take hers, helping her up, her cheeks still stinging with embarrassment. She dropped her gaze, and for a moment, all she could hear was the steady sounds of their breathing, exhaling in perfect synchronization.

"I see you so often when I'm asleep," Heins whispered, so softly she could hardly make out the words, "I still see you when I wake up."

"I'm here, Heins," she responded quietly, lifting her gaze to see his green eyes, so lost and sorrowful… so haunted. "I'm here."

Again, the world became silent between them, until Heins moved to the fireplace in his room, bending over and starting a contained flicker, adding a few logs. Turning back, he returned to her side, holding out his hand, fingers outstretched. "When I saw you at dinner, I… I thought I might have been going crazy. And now you're here with me…"

Helena slipped her hand among his, linking their fingers together. She did not have the heart to tell him she had discovered his room by accident. Letting him lead her over to the fire, she sank down on her knees with him in front of it, allowing the warmth to wash over her, soothing her frayed nerves enough to gather her scattered thoughts. "I've been wanting to talk to you."

"How did you find me?" Heins asked, innocently tilting his head at a slight incline.

"I had a little… help from one of your brothers," she said with a wry expression, her tone slightly vexed.

"One of my brothers?" he repeated, chewing his lower lip nervously. "Which… one, exactly?"

Helena huffed in indignation. "The one who eats like a bottomless pit, talks with his mouth full, and says you and I need to talk. The part-time pirate."

Heins forced an awkward chuckle, thankful she'd happened to have an encounter with one of the more pleasant of his siblings. "Oh… Heinrik. I should have warned you earlier, Helena. I'll warn you now. About my brothers… I don't want to scare you, but they can be a bit… inappropriate at times. They can also be overbearing, and intrusive, and… loud. But, well, you know, they're- they mean well, that is-"

"Heins," Helena cut him off, distractedly stroking his arm. "I'm sure they're fine." Suddenly aware of her actions, she jerked away from her contact with his shoulder and wrung her hands together. "That's not what we have to talk about right now." She fidgeted awkwardly, her fingers tangling among each other.

He stared at her hands sorrowfully as if he longed to hold her again. "I know."

She slowly sank down into a crumpled heap beside the fire, giving her time to think of what she wanted to say. He followed her lead, sitting cross-legged across from her, their shadows wavering in the flame's skittish dance. She wanted so much to tell him exactly how disappointed she was in him. She wanted to explain how angry she felt about him having too much to drink at the extravaganza, and after she'd painstakingly told him about her tragic past. She had only just opened her mouth to begin when her eye caught his left foot. It was wrapped in several thin layers of gauze strips, carefully prepared with a few tiny spots of dull brown staining the white. "What happened to your foot?"

Heins blinked once in bewilderment at the oddity of her question and then looked down at his foot, waving a hand as if to dismiss the injury. "It's nothing…"

"You were bleeding," she murmured softly, her gaze tender as she crawled over closer where she could see better in the firelight.

"Yes." Heins nodded, but looked reluctant to explain further. It took an inquisitive look from Helena to make him continue. A colorful blush lit up his cheeks as he bowed his head and murmured. "When I saw you there I dropped my wine glass, because I was shocked. Then I… well, I didn't look where I was going when I tried to follow you, and I ended up cutting myself."

"Oh, Heins…" Her brow crumpled into a saddened expression. "I'm sorry."

He smiled at her peacefully. "Don't be. I'm not. I didn't even notice I was bleeding until one of my brothers pointed it out to me."

Whatever Helena had hoped to hold against Heins seemed to disappear with the arrival of pity. She faced him, looking deeply into his innocent eyes, and put a hand on his knee so she could keep her attention on him. "Heins, why did you lie to me? Did you think I was stupid? That I wouldn't figure it all out eventually?"

"No! No, Helena, that's not it," Heins said, shaking his head wildly, despair filling his eyes. I hoped you wouldn't… "I had to keep who I was a secret from everyone! If people knew Hans was there, in Arendelle, after everything that happened during the summer freeze, he would have been in danger… I promised him, Helena. I had to keep it a secret…" his voice quieted as his face fell, "I promised him."

Helena was touched by the vulnerability in his face, but even more so by the loyalty to his family. He truly didn't have a choice in the matter, not if he wanted to protect his brother. "I think we both know the real truth, Heins… the truth about how we feel about each other. But the fact of the matter is… I need to know who you are, the truth about who you are."

"The truth is… I'm a prince, Helena." Heins said, reaching out for her and taking her palm in his own, running his thumb in repetitive, small circles over the top of her hand. "I'm a prince who's fallen completely in love with you. The rest doesn't matter. You've made me so happy, ever since I first met you and you asked me my shoe size." She giggled musically, which only made Heins chuckle. "And now… all I want is to try to make you as happy as you make me. I couldn't imagine living life without you here, because with you… everything is so much better." He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it gingerly. "You may have dealt with fakes most of your life, fake clothes, fake friends, but I can tell you one thing you'll never have to doubt: my love is real."

Helena placed her hand over his, and slowly, tenderly brought it to her chest, meeting his flushed, shy gaze with one of her own. No one had ever spoken to her so openly. "Heins… I… I love you, but I can't be with someone who's going to bring back memories of my past… memories I want to forget."

"Memories?" he questioned, the fire popping as the logs shifted.

"At the extravaganza, when you were drinking so much… it made me think of my father, and… and I know it's sounds selfish of me, especially after you said such beautiful things just now… but I can't…" She shook her head, dropping her gaze.

"Helena." She looked up at him as he scooted closer to her, until they were only inches apart. "If it's that important to you, I promise you I will never drink alcohol again."

"W…what?" she asked, looking at him with an expression of complete disbelief.

"I would never let anything touch my lips if it would keep them from yours." He slid his hand up to her cheek, stroking it with a thumb. "From this moment on, I swear as long as we love one another, I'll never drink again."

"You promise that?" Helena asked, leaning in towards him without realizing it.

"On my honor," said Heins, his green eyes shining with flashes from the fire. "Why would I ever miss it when I have you?"

Helena needed to hear nothing more. She wrapped her arms around Heins and pulled him into a deep, impassioned kiss. He nearly fell back with surprise, a muffled noise of shock coming from his lips. Then, as he felt her lips so sweetly pressing against his, he leaned into her kiss and slid his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. The heat of the fire fizzed out in the face of their shared embrace, and for the moment, it seemed all was perfect with the world. Helena lost track of time as she felt Heins' hands thread into her hair, massaging her scalp, tangling his fingers among her thick black locks until her tightly packed braid was coming apart at the seams.

I can't believe this is happening. Her heart pounded in her chest, yet in that moment she felt light enough to float away if not for Heins' arms holding her firmly. It really is! Without warning, Heins leaned back, making the floor creak. Then, like a sudden thunderclap, panic seized Helena. I'm kissing one of the princes of the Southern Isles! What if someone sees? What if someone hears? Stiffening, she parted from their kissing, her breath coming in soft pants. "Heins! Heins, I'm kissing you!" she gasped, her own hand tangled in his pajama shirt, a few of the buttons popped.

He blinked at her, his own pants slow and steady, tilting his head and suddenly grinning widely. "I know!" When she didn't share his enthusiasm, he looked puzzled. "Why? Is it… a bad thing? Didn't you want it?"

"Well, yes, I mean, yes, of course, it was wonderful-" she began, stammering and feeling her cheeks flush, "but we're, I mean, what if someone sees us? Or hears us? What if someone knows what we feel about one another? You're a prince, royalty… and I'm… just…"

"Just the most beautiful, perfect, wonderful woman in the world," Heins finished, leaning in to steal another quick kiss from her, wrapping his arm around her waist.

"Oh, Heins…" Helena murmured, cuddling against him for a moment and taking solace in the feeling of his arms around her. In his embrace, she felt safe and warm… secure. "What are we going to do? If only I were royalty… a princess… things would be different… but I'm not."

Heins held her for a moment in silence, stroking her hair, the faint smell of apricots lingering in his nose. Then, he bent down next to her ear and whispered. "I will make a way. Would you like to be?" Helena turned to meet his gaze, her breath catching in her throat, constricting her reply. Try as she might, she couldn't seem to answer him, his implications clear as he took her hand in his and stroked her ring finger. He planned aloud, "What would be an appropriate symbol of our love and commitment? A large diamond, I think. Encircled by a heart made of rubies." She choked on her reply, stumbling to stand up, feeling a little woozy. Her wobble prompted Heins to rise with her, his expression similarly wavering with uncertainty. "Helena?"

She walked over to his bed, staring down at the floor. Bending over, she picked up the boot she'd carefully guarded for these past few weeks, and sat down on the edge of his bedside. Slowly, silently, she lifted her skirt up to her knee, revealing her bare leg, looking paler in the moonlight streaming through his window. Then, holding it out, she met his gaze.

Without hesitation, Heins rose, his teeth gleaming as he smiled, coming to a stop in front of her and picking up his boot from the floor. Kneeling before her, he cupped her calf with a gentle touch, bent her knee, and guided her foot inside until it came to a stop. Lowering her foot until it touched the ground; he looked up into her eyes, laughing.

"It's a little big," he commented.

He watched her lips move as she nodded her head. "Au contraire, it's a perfect fit." She met his eyes and then answered his question even as she spoke the single word. "Yes."

"Yes? Yes!" Heins burst into a loud bout of laughing as he scooped Helena into his arms and twirled her around in the air. Helena squealed and said in a stage whisper, "Heins, put me down! Someone might hear and wake up!"

They shared several more impassioned kisses, then breathing hard, Heins pushed Helena away. "You must go now, my darling. Any longer, and you'd have to stay, and I refuse to treat you as less than the royalty you are to me and will be to everyone. A memory of one night of love is not enough… I need a lifetime."

Nodding, Helena stepped away and walked backward to the door. Opening it without breaking eye contact with Heins, she stepped out and once again found herself tripping over a body and lying tangled on the floor. With some irritation, she wondered what a mannequin was doing out the hallway, then realized the arms and legs beneath her were squirming. She pushed herself away just Heinrik cleared his throat in embarrassment. "Oh…. Hi! Uh, I just realized I gave you the wrong directions, and was listening in…er, um, just waiting for a chance to apologize." She pursed her lips, but it rebounded off his big grin. "Sorry!"

Heins sprang out through the door and eagerly pounded his brother on the back, hoisting him up. "You big klutz! You rogue! I'll forever be indebted to you…. She said yes! She said yes!"

The moonlight shone white off Heinrik's gleaming smile. "Then what can I say, but welcome to the family! I can't say how you won his heart, but you won me over with a bobby pin!"

#

Elsa sighed and ran her hand back through her hair as she paced the floor of her room restlessly. She longed for the oblivion of sleep after the tumultuous evening with Princess Orion, but her stomach kept growling unpleasantly, and she wasn't able to ignore the gnawing hunger pains. She had only been able to stomach a few bites of her evening meal with the distraction of the arrogant attitude and unbelievably rude comments from the self-absorbed woman. Lying awake in bed, she had heard the door of Helena's room creak open and quiet footsteps in the hall let her know her new companion was venturing out in the night. Elsa had wondered where Helena might be going, but soon decided she had also been distracted at dinner and probably also hungry and in search of food. She shuddered as she remembered the unpleasantness of the meal. She had actually found herself cheering inwardly in relief at the final confrontation between her new lady-in-waiting and the princess. She did not know Helena well, but Anna and Helena had told her about Hans' brother Heins, and she was very aware that Helena desperately needed to come on this trip to settle some inner conflicts. She could personally relate to this well, and after Helena had begged to be allowed to sail with her to the Southern Isles, she had impulsively hired her as her temporary servant and travel companion.

Elsa leaned her warm forehead against the cool window glass and studied the stars and the bright moon adorning the clear night sky. It was so amazing that although many miles now separated her from her sister, she knew Anna would be looking up and studying the same steadfast constellations. Yes, she inwardly admitted in a moment of awe, the sky is surely awake. She sorely missed her sister's company tonight. Closing her eyes, Elsa meditated on the series of decisions that had brought her here.

After Hans and Heins had escaped from Arendelle, Anna had come to her and confessed how she and Helena had assisted in the jailbreak, knowing the truth would be uncovered eventually. At first Elsa had been furious at this affront to her authority, and actually considered putting them in the prison instead, at least for a few days. At first, she had great difficulty coming to terms with this naïve and seemingly traitorous decision her sister had made. However, she had finally realized that Anna truly believed Hans was deeply repentant and broken over his earlier attempts to take over the kingdom and did what she did from pure motives.

At least Anna was beginning to trust him. Elsa simply felt confused, angry, betrayed, and overwhelmed with conflict. She just couldn't make sense of Hans anymore. She didn't know who he was or why he had done all the things he had done, but she realized she had to find out. She was finally convinced by Anna to come to the Southern Isles to open the trade negotiations, not only for her people, but also for herself. She couldn't go on with her tomorrows until she was able to properly put yesterday to bed, and part of that involved facing Hans again personally and hearing what he had to say.

Helena had the same confusion. It had become clear to Elsa, if not Helena herself, that she was in love with Heins, and until she had reached a peace about whether their relationship was real and the feelings she had for him were truly reciprocated, she wouldn't know which harbor to sail towards. So here we both are, Elsa thought with a grimace. Two emotionally wracked people trying to support and help each other find answers. Either way, Elsa was glad Helena was along for the journey. Elsa needed someone with her who was able to help her keep control.

Wait…what…Helena was not here with her! What on earth was taking her so long? She had left well over an hour ago, presumably to sneak into the kitchen and try to find a snack. Elsa frowned in frustration and concern. Wandering off just showed that Helena didn't have proper training as a lady-in-waiting, but this was ridiculous! What if she had gotten into trouble? A particularly loud growl from her mid-section made Elsa realize her hand was forced. She would never be able to sleep without something to eat, and she would have to venture out and get it herself, and hopefully find Helena as well.

Elsa silently slipped out of her room and headed back towards the banquet area, knowing the kitchen could not be far-off. It only took her about ten minutes to find the darkened room, empty of people but still full of a variety of baked goods and leftovers. She quickly grabbed a small plate and filled it with a pile of small tea cookies studded with the chocolate chunks, which served to make her mouth water. Slowly backing up the way she had come, she took a bite and chewed, the nutty bits adding a crunchy texture. She thought, for a fleeting moment, she had completed her mission, her eyes closing in relief. Suddenly, she backed into another figure and a hand was laid gently on her shoulder to help her keep her balance.

Startled, Elsa jerked away and twirled around to see who was there with her. She immediately recognized Queen Allowyn's hushed voice.

"I'm so sorry, my dear. I had no intentions of frightening you. I see we're both here on the same quest. I imagine you didn't get to enjoy any more of the dinner than I did. I'm so ashamed of that young woman. She completely ruined what was to be a dinner of bonding and celebration. Can you ever forgive us for not protecting you more carefully?"

Elsa hastily swallowed the remnants of cookie in her mouth in her hurry to reply. "Your majesty, there's no need to ask for forgiveness, really. It seems Princess Orion invited herself to the occasion, and her actions in no way reflect upon your hospitality." Inwardly, Elsa congratulated herself on the appropriate wording of her gentile response, but was startled as Queen Allowyn suddenly broke into a giggle.

"Besides, it does seem as if she received her just desserts. I commend you on the loyalty and ingenuity of your lady-in-waiting. She must have served with you for some time."

"Actually, no, I mean, I hired her just before leaving on this trip," Elsa stammered.

The queen's eyes seemed to search deep into Elsa's soul with compassion. "Then I must also commend you on the wisdom you displayed in choosing her… when I look at you, I see so many of the character traits that made your mother such a irreplaceable friend. She was compassionate, wise, so very loving, and yet, so strong."

Elsa felt tears begin to fill her eyes just as they had when she'd been alone in the gallery, but this time there was no running away.

"Oh, my dear…you must miss her so very much," Allowyn murmured, taking Elsa's hand in her own.

Elsa's words came out slightly choked with sobs. "Sometimes I am so totally lost without her and Papa, but ... I've never been able to share how I feel with anyone before… I always had to put on a strong front for Anna, and for our kingdom." She paused to wipe her eyes on the napkin Allowyn handed her. "I think the hardest thing is that I feel as if I spent so much of the time I had with her pushing her away instead of pulling her close. I was so afraid of hurting-" She let her lips close together. No, Elsa. They don't know. Embarrassed, she turned her back and looked away.

After a moment of silence, Allowyn's quiet voice again bridged the gap between them.

"Won't you sit down for a few moments with me so we can talk? I'm sorry, but I do become fatigued so easily from standing in these recent weeks. I have so much to discuss with you privately, and who knows when we will have opportunity in the next few days. We will just share a cup of warm chamomile tea with those cookies, and perhaps after a little conversation, we will both be able to sleep again. I believe I have a few stories and insights I can share about your mother."

Elsa seemed hesitant until her mother was brought up in conversation, nodding slowly as she wiped her eyes and sank into a nearby chair. Allowyn took a sip of tea and began calmly.

" Other than George, I have never loved anyone more dearly than Idun. In fact, Idun and I shared secrets no one else has ever known about. You see, she was an only child, and led a very isolated and lonely life. Her parents were very protective of her, as she was born late in their marriage, and would be the only heir to their kingdom. She was basically a captive in her own castle, and when we met as young children, we quickly forged a bond of friendship that few people have known. We would play together for hours each day, and create all kinds of secret imaginary worlds and adventures together. We both loved books, and together read so many stories of faraway places, reckless pirates, bold knights, battles, brave sword fights, and maidens rescued from dragons. As we grew older, we whispered many hopes and dreams for the future together. Of course, as everyone knows, a princess must someday be wed to a prince, and we knew her parents were already planning the betrothal. Yet we could only dream that the prince would be strong and adventuresome, brave and exciting, and most of all handsome and kind."

Allowyn's eyes grew dreamy and distant, and a soft smile made her pale face appear more youthful as her memories carried her back in time. "I remember the first day she was to meet her prince. She and I were both seventeen. Arrangements had been made for Prince Agdar to come to the castle with his parents to spend a week or two while they discussed the betrothal and the future joining of their kingdoms. Idun was so nervous she could barely eat, and we spent hours together giggling and trying on various dresses and hair styles. I had a natural eye for color and balance, and suggested various combinations of shoes, shawls, ribbons, and hats. I thought she was stunning and graceful in everything she tried on, and choosing was most difficult. She insisted that I join in the fun and try on some of her gowns as well, so she could better see how they looked when worn. Her maids were actually beginning to become fatigued with making changes to her coiffure over and over again. Then we heard the trumpets announcing the arrival of the visiting guests, and we knew she would be meeting her future lover in moments. She seemed to freeze in panic, but suddenly I knew the very thing she needed to complement her beauty. You see, we had also spent countless hours together as children wandering through the castle gardens, picking blooms and arranging bouquets for her bedroom. We learned the secrets of nurturing the plants and coaxing the most exotic displays, because the truth was," she paused and took a deep breath, "my father was the castle gardener."

Allowyn looked up, anticipating the look of shock that passed through Elsa's eyes and giving her a small smile. "Your mother was the purest soul I have ever met. She was not the least bit arrogant or presumptuous, despite her royal breeding. She never judged people on their status in life, but possessed the ability to look into someone's soul and see their character and their worth. Because of that, she had promoted me to the office of friend when culture dictated I could only be her subject. I always felt that she gave me her heart, and I treasured it." Allowyn's lips trembled, and she paused and pressed them together and took a deep breath before she continued.

"We both especially loved the lilac bushes that grew outside her bedroom. I rushed downstairs to pick an armload of the most fragrant blossoms, knowing they would be the best framework for the beauty of her soul. Somehow I knew she must meet her prince with a sprig behind her ear and her arms full of purple blooms. It took too long for me to gather them, however, and when I rushed back into the castle to bring them to her, she was already being introduced to the royal visitors. Breathless, I ran up behind her and looked into the most amazing green eyes of the most handsome man I had ever seen. I felt as though the entire world fell away in a rush, and couldn't tear my gaze away. I literally felt myself unable to draw a breath as my heart and lungs constricted. I do not believe that most people fall in love instantly, but in that moment, I knew I would never meet another person like him. My heart was stabbed with a dagger of jealousy for Idun's position and future I had never felt before. He was not meant to be her prince, but to be mine! And he did not seem to be paying the slightest courtesy to Idun as they were introduced, but kept his gaze locked tightly on me with my arms overflowing with lilacs. Imagine my relief when I realized that he was being introduced as 'His Majesty Prince George of the Southern Isles, the good friend and companion of Prince Agdar of Arendelle.' Suddenly my breath returned in a rush. This was not Idun's bethrothed after all. I must admit I could not even remember later that day what Agdar even looked like, as my eyes drank in George. Somehow I remembered to hand the flowers to Idun and stammer a quiet apology as I excused myself from their presence and fled back to my room. There reality hit with tears, as I reminded myself with a firm scolding that I was a pauper without standing and he was royalty. My dreams could never be. "

Elsa felt her forehead furrowing in confusion. "Then how…what happened…it's so unusual…"

Allowyn laughed lightly. "I failed to reckon with two powerful forces - the power of friendship, and the power of love. Idun was sensitive enough to realize the shockwaves that hit both myself and George, and despite her interest and attraction to Agdar, took the precious time to ensure that our romance would bloom as well. She never mentioned my standing in life to George, but insisted to her parents that I accompany her as chaperone everywhere that she and Agdar went throughout those two weeks together. And of course, George went along as well on all of our outings. She also insisted that I continue to wear some of her dresses so I would be an 'appropriate' companion, and within the two weeks of our time together, we had all become the dearest of friends. When the visit came to an end, George and I knew our hearts could never be separated. By that time, I had confessed to him who I really was, but he simply took my face in his hands and told me that was no longer my standing to him. When he left on the ship to return home, he took me along, never mentioning to his parents where we had met. They simply assumed, as did the rest of the kingdom (with a few little implications from George), that I was a princess from a far country he had met and courted during his travels. To this day, you are the only other person to actually know the truth. To the rest of the world, I was a queen, to George, a love, and to Idun, I was a friend. This was all I have ever needed to be."

Elsa swallowed her tea slowly, feeling confused yet strangely warmed at the revelations. "Your majesty, I don't know what to say," she murmured, at a loss for the appropriate words.

"Good. Then you should say nothing. I would like to consider you a friend, and friends often listen much more than they speak. To hear another's heart and quietly treasure and hide the truths shared is to bestow a great honor. Besides, I have more to say. I must speak to you of Hans."

Elsa stiffened in spite of herself at the mention of his name, but Allowyn continued without giving any sign that she noticed. "Your mother and I grew even closer through the years as we both shared the greatest of pains – having to watch a beloved child suffer. I do not believe you remember a visit we made with Hans when you were both very young. At the time we were desperate, and afraid we were about to lose him. He was not only suffering from a severe lung fever we could not heal, but his spirit was gravely injured. He had lost the will to live. His only sister, without a doubt his most beloved sibling, had recently been lost to us in a tragic drowning accident, breaking through some ice. Hans was found there as well, almost frozen to death himself. Since that time he has a severe aversion and fear of the ice and cold. We were never able to ascertain exactly what happened in the incident, but Hans has suffered from nightmares and unrestrained grief and self-recrimination his entire life. He has never been able to let Kris go. It's as if the pain of punishing himself was his only way to hold onto her. He was never able to remember the blessings of her life, and her memory became a curse to him. He seemed to close off his feelings, holding us all at arm's length as if our love was a gift he no longer deserved. "

Allowyn sighed deeply, staring into the depths of her teacup as if looking for answers. "I'm afraid it is very difficult to give love to someone who refuses to accept it and shuts themselves away. After a time, most of the family stopped trying. Some of the older brothers actually blamed him for Kris' death and shunned him, while others just gave up trying to break through the wall he erected. For the most part, they have considered him the "black sheep" of the family. They often ignored him, mocked him, and told him he would never be able to accomplish anything of value, and as youngest of thirteen would never rule a kingdom. I'm afraid he has heard these things so often he actually began to believe them."

Elsa froze, her heart trembling with unknown emotions. She couldn't believe it, but some of the things Allowyn was saying sounded so familiar… she found herself relating, and beginning to understand some of the pain Hans had dealt with, and even felt stirrings of, could it be, empathy? Was Allowyn describing Hans, or Elsa herself?

Allowyn gently took her hand, and Elsa realized later with amazement she had not drawn it away in panic. "I know much more about you than you realize. Your mother confided in me about the pain she felt as she watched you suffer in silence as well. Elsa, you also have a secret that you sacrificed to keep hidden from everyone else. You have also held loving hearts at arm's length, overcome with fears and feelings you felt you could not control. You have considered yourself cursed, been afraid to let others know you and punishing yourself to protect them, closing yourself away from love."

Elsa squeezed her eyes shut, feeling her heart pound with the panic and relief of discovery. Allowyn's hand closed more tightly around hers, and her soft voice came again. "May I suggest two things for you to meditate upon in your dreams tonight? First of all, I do not believe your special powers are a curse. Could it be that they are instead a special gift, something bestowed upon you alone to use for good and to bless others? We need spring flowers, but even the crocus blooms in winter. Winter's crystals also teach us of beauty, and sometimes people need to dance in the falling snow. Water cannot melt into rushing streams unless it is first frozen. I believe when you learn to accept and control your gift instead of being afraid of it, you will learn that you can thaw hearts as well as freezing them. Perhaps love and joy will be will able to melt them."

''Secondly, I must beg of you a very special favor, as a friend." Allowyn paused, seemingly at the first time at a loss for words. She twisted her napkin in her hands, and when she finally looked up Elsa was surprised to see tears in her eyes. "I ask you to try to forgive the unforgivable. I was crushed when Hans was returned from his visit to Arendelle in chains, more so when I heard why. I will never be able to forget that he tried to steal your kingdom, and allow you and your sister to die alone. What he did to you is completely inexcusable, but…. I hope you can begin to understand the struggles in his life that may have led him to that point. I know about second chances. I know that people can change when someone believes in them… I have seen a pauper become a queen. I have thirteen sons, and each one is a unique individual. I have poured my life into each of them, trying to make them men of character and strength. With some I have succeeded, with others I have been disappointed. Yet I have never given up hope that they can change, can learn, can grow."

Elsa opened her mouth to reply, but Allowyn continued unheeded. "I have seen something new in Hans lately that I have not seen before, and I believe that once again, as when you were but a toddler, you have been the catalyst for change. He has taken responsibility for his actions, and has determined to do everything in his power to make things right. He was willing to defy his father and risk everything to return to Arendelle and try to make things right. As his mother, I believe there has been a connection, and he cares for you more than either of you know. Perhaps because of his suffering he has found he can relate to yours. Will you give him the chance to prove himself, and to become more than he was? I believe he is determined to do so."

Elsa's mouth puckered into a line of concentration, eyes focusing on her teacup, but Allowyn's voice continued to invade her mind. "Please be open to establishing trade relations with our country, and letting our family bond with yours in a treaty of friendship. We tried to artificially create unity and force a perfect fit before. You were much too young to realize, but we were planning a betrothal between yourself and our son Heinrik. We sent him by ship to meet with your parents and be groomed in your country to become future king there fifteen years ago. That is when his ship was attacked by pirates and disappeared. We presumed him dead until he returned home only months ago. We tried again by considering Harry to go and negotiate for your hand when he was eighteen, and he ran away in protest. We thought we had lost him as well until he returned and told us of his exploits with Heinrik selling merchandise garnered from other ships. Finally, I begged my husband to send Hans as representative to your coronation. I had hopes that the challenge would give him an opportunity to prove himself, and meeting together might naturally bring healing for you both. However, it did not work that way. My dear, I am sorrier than I can express for trying to manipulate your life. Can you please forgive me as well? This time, instead of trying to force it…I beg it. Will you look past our mistakes, and the pain my son has brought, and graciously consent for our countries, and our families, to work together in friendship and commitment? I know I have no right to ask this of you, but still I do. I do not expect an answer tonight, but will you keep my request in mind at the negotiation table tomorrow? I promise you the Southern Isles will never again cause harm to Arendelle, but will treat your people with the same commitment we have to our own. "

Allowyn patted Elsa's hand gently, and rose to her feet while gazing into her eyes. "With these thoughts, I bid you good night, my dear. Whatever your answer, whatever the futures of our countries, please know this. I had to say good-bye to one daughter, but she remains within my heart forever. You have a place there beside her." She began to walk away, and then turned with a tender look that reminded Elsa achingly of her mother. "You see, when you were only three years old, you had me at hello."

A/N: For once, I have nothing to say. I have to go contain myself before I explode. Next chapter: Helsa ahoy and brother adventures.