A/N: Sorry about the longer wait with this one, readers! I had a little more to deal with in my life recently, so it took a little longer. I promised an animal presence, but I decided to postpone that till the next chapter so I could post sooner. Hope you enjoy it regardless! It felt so odd to write chapters without Hans in them. Let's get back to him.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Forgotten but not Forgiven

Helena finished weaving Elsa's braid, tucking the last wayward strands into place and freeing a crumple in her long purple cloak. She ran her hands over the material along the queen's shoulders supportively, admiring its softness and the subtle glimmer in the sheen. She could feel the tense muscle in the woman's shoulders, and squeezed gently. "You'll be fine, Elsa."

Those words hung in the air, and though they were meant for warm reassurance between two friends, to Elsa they caused an involuntary shudder to run down Elsa's spine. They brought back memories of the last time they were spoken to her, snaking their way past her fortified defenses, leaving her with a twisting dread in her stomach and draining her resolve.

Do you have to go?

She was still asking that question now as much as she had been when her parents left, even though she already knew the answer so well. She was conscious of Helena's hands slipping away, and when she looked at the woman's face in the bureau mirror, she could see silent apology. Instantly, Elsa felt guilty for pushing her away, even inadvertently. It wasn't Helena's fault, after all. She hadn't been there for Elsa's last visit with her parents. She had no way of knowing how much their last words of reassurance stung. Elsa's compassionate nature took control. "Helena." The woman glanced up at her name, and Elsa smiled. "You did a lovely job. Thank you."

It had been Helena who knew the Southern Isles country colors were purple and blue, which Elsa now wore out of respect. Helena had assisted in choosing the right train for her cloak, the right shades of rouge to wear to bring out her complexion. Elsa had swiftly accepted the choice of gown, for she'd always loved the color blue, but the gown did resemble her coronation gown rather closely, which also made her mildly uncomfortable by bringing up memories. Still, Elsa was determined to do her best to be both mindful of the past while striving to provide the best future for her country.

"Thank you, your majesty," Helena replied, smiling and backing away.

"I hope you're still planning on attending the meeting with me. That is, if you aren't going to disappear as you did last night," Elsa teased, trying to purge a little information from her lady-in-waiting, who had remained silent beyond her excuse of "being misdirected".

"I'll be there the whole time," Helena responded, her smile teaming with a secret. Elsa noted it and suspected its connection with whatever had transpired last night. Whatever it was, it had left Helena bright as the sun outside, beaming from ear to ear, the woman's eyes sparkling like rare, dark emeralds. "Are you ready?" Helena asked, letting Elsa's cape out behind her as the queen rose from the chair. Elsa steeled her will, focusing all of her might on her goal.

Negotiate the treaty.

The door opened, and she walked calmly down the hall, assuring herself with each step she was in control. She stopped before the double doors, several male voices partially audible beyond them.

Support the people of Arendelle.

She didn't even hear the servant ask her to wait as the doors opened and the man slipped inside the room. It took Helena's hand on her shoulder to snap her back into reality. She could not see inside the room, but she could hear well enough, and she found herself listening for the one voice she would recognize if she heard it. It was time. Soon she would face the most personal reason for the visit, her most difficult challenge yet as queen of her country.

Face Hans.

Voices, now clearer with the cracking of the door, caught her attention once more, and she cocked her head, subtly leaning forward to listen until she was announced and her presence expected. It may have been bad manners to eavesdrop, but being around Anna had done her no favors when it came to respecting privacy. She may as well use it to her advantage. Shutting out the noise of the servants in the hall, she focused on the voices until she could pick out words.

"I don't understand why we're all here, father. Care to elaborate?" Harken asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

"You'll see." George said, sifting through a pile of papers before him, pausing every few moments to place his insignia upon the bottom of the parchment.

"I'm afraid I quite agree, father." Helm ventured. "Trade business is in the hands of Henning and Hedvil, not us, least of all someone like Harvard."

"What's the matter, Helm?" George asked with a knowing smile. "Don't trust your father anymore?"

Helm blinked, his lips parted in awe as if the very notion were unthinkable.

"Be patient," Allowyn encouraged, looking over her brood of children with amusement. "You'll see in time."

Harken bowed his head and grumbled disagreeably out of the corner of his mouth, slumping in his chair. "I would still rather be testing torture devices."

"Your majesties?" The king looked up and nodded, motioning for the servant to continue. "The Queen Elsa is ready to commence with the trade discussion. Shall I see her in now?"

George smiled and nodded again. "Please."

Elsa tensed at the approaching footsteps and swiftly pulled back so she didn't appear to be eavesdropping. She folded her hands in front of her, steeling herself. She barely noticed her feet leading her forward when she was announced, but she must have imparted a polite greeting to all those present. Among the blurred chorus of male voices welcoming her or, at the very least, acknowledging her presence, one person stood out to her.

"Elsa."

Her blue eyes settled on his figure, seated at the end of the table directly beside the king. She swallowed, bending down to take her seat, her eyes never leaving his. "Hans." She would never have guessed how impossible it would prove to keep her mind on trade matters, not when he was here in the same room. Luckily, George took the reins immediately after she was seated.

"Queen Elsa. I cannot express how grateful the Southern Isles is for your willingness to cooperate." He slid a stack of parchment to his wife and placed his arms on the table in front of him, fingers linked together. "No doubt you're wondering why all of my children have joined us." Elsa nodded dumbly, her posture stiff and unemotional. "I've called them here because I acknowledge the need to address my son's behaviors as of late so that all will know my feelings on their decisions." Several people in the room shifted, some leaning forward attentively, and others shrinking down in their seats trying to look smaller. "Elsa." He faced her. "I invite you to listen as my son's reasons for his exploits directly correlate to you."

He cleared his throat, carefully looked over his sons, and began. "I'm well aware that my instructions to remain in the Isles as we decided further action were disobeyed. Both Prince Hans and Prince Heins stole one of my vessels, which was subsequently lost in a storm, and sent no further word home to insure knowledge of their safe travels."

"But Father, we didn't mean to steal anything. We just wanted to apologize to-" George served his son a stern look, and Heins bit his lip, stealing a glance at Hans before his father continued.

"They would have been thought dead or missing just as their brothers before them… but as luck would have it… God saw fit to return my missing sons to me." George watched as the two accused exchanged looks and turned his gaze to Elsa. "For fifteen years I believed I would never see Heinrik again. Of Harry I felt much the same. As both were returned to me so unexpectedly, I began to think of what might have happened had Hans not felt the need to seek you out, Elsa. One ship is hardly considered a loss when compared with the knowledge of my sons' safety. My family, for the first time in quite some time, is whole again. Though I believe our paths have been rocky, with losses for both of us…" He released a long, steady breath through his nose. "I think it best we move past what has transpired, therefore, after giving the matter much thought, I hereby pardon my sons of any and all consequence regarding their theft of the royal vessel Havenlant, and more after their decisions to leave the Isles against my orders. Their intent and their hardships these past months have taught them enough lessons, as far as I'm concerned."

"But I was so prepared!" Harken murmured, pouting to himself. "Now I have to cancel my plans."

"If any of you have any further comments on the matter, I would hear them now," George announced, waiting for a few moments thereafter. Naturally, no one dared to speak up, not even Elsa. It was apparent the subject had been closed. George waved towards the servant near the doors, who opened them. "I am happy to put the entire trouble behind us. You have my leave to go, with the exception of Hans, Hedvil, Henning, and Horatio. I ask the four of you remain to partake in the trade discussions with us."

"Why Hans?" asked Harald as the other brothers filed out with parting comments. "I would think his presence would be more of a distraction than helpful."

"His presence has been requested." George replied firmly, his eyes locked with his son's. "You have my leave to go, Harald." Although it seemed he had more to say, Harald caught his mother's gentile expression and a small nod encouraging him to obey. He dipped at the waist into a bow and turned on heel, striding from the room, but not before serving Hans a glare cold as the steel sword at his waist.

When the doors were once again closed to discourage interruptions, George removed a piece of parchment from the pile beside him and turned to Elsa. "My dear, forgive my intrusion into your personal affairs, but would I be correct in assuming you've never attended a negotiation with another country before?"

"Yes, you would be correct, your majesty," Elsa answered, keeping her posture tall and proud, though she felt exposed with all the eyes glued on her. "But I believe establishing a flow of trade with the Isles will profit for both of our countries, and after much deliberation on the matter I have decided I am willing to attempt to arrive at an agreement between us. I can tell you care for your people as I do, and seeing your devotion encourages me to believe we may have more in common than we think, that peace is possible. Although I can't say I'm ecstatic to confront the past, my first loyalty is not to myself, but to my people."

"Well said," George exclaimed with a fatherly smile. "I am always willing to establish new treaties which will benefit both parties. I have here in front of me a few suggestions of our needs I think you may be able to fulfill. I have met with my sons in charge of my trade and they've also suggested several different options for your kingdom, if you would but humor me in listening until I finish. Then we can discuss things of a more personal nature. Now, I understand your country has a firm hand on the trade of ice…"

The discussion went on for hours thereafter, and Elsa continually struggled to keep her mind on the details of the trade before she had the opportunity to launch into the ramifications of Hans' actions. Every so often one of the other brothers would get the chance to speak, and she had to force herself to take in every word. Horatio often spoke on the finances and mathematics of the different trade agreements, which Elsa only found confusing and practically impossible to follow (though his quiet, monotone voice did not help keep her attention). The twins talked about the details of the trade such as how often shipments would come and go, who would be entrusted with making sure the shipments were as agreed, and how often the agreement might be modified and the treaty renewed.

Elsa took it all in stride, determined to make sure her country was provided for during winter. The king, especially, seemed concerned with the news of Elsa's country, small as it was, struggling to make sure they were able to survive until spring. She made no mention of her powers or the great Thaw, though she knew it would not be long before all neighboring countries acknowledged her as the snow queen. She noticed as the discussion slowly turned from the Southern Isles to Arendelle, even Hans seemed concerned. He interjected a few times, but only to ask a sparse question of his brothers or father, rarely addressing her.

After a long, hard period of settling on a trade schedule for that winter, George was faced with a dilemma. He was more than willing to assist Elsa in providing for Arendelle that winter, but during that season the storms were prevalent en route between the countries. Elsa admitted freely her own journey had not been as smooth as she might have liked. The nights came earlier, and the darkness thicker than usual. "You have a lighthouse from what I understand, isn't that right?" the king questioned.

"Yes, your majesty, my father had it built to help ships find their way through the fjord." Elsa stated. "I'm afraid it's not as bright as your own country's." The memory of sailing into the Isles with the bright, constant, shine of the lighthouse guiding her way was imprinted on her mind.

"It is a Fresnel lens imported here from across the seas," Horatio said quietly, nodding. "It refracts the light in all directions, intensifying it."

"If even one of our ships happened to run aground…" Henning began, looking to his twin.

"It would make future efforts to trade strained, wouldn't it?" Hedvil replied.

"Why not outfit Arendelle's lighthouse with the same lens?" Hans asked, causing all eyes to turn on him. "It would keep our ships safe, and allow for ships to sail at night as well as during the day."

George raised his eyebrows."Outstandingly perceptive idea, Hans. I think it only right that if my ships are to make such consistent journeys to your country, it would be productive to outfit Arendelle with the same illumination power as our own lighthouse." He turned to the twins. "Be sure that on our first trip to Arendelle we bring with us a Fresnel lens to replace the older piece in the current lighthouse."

"Yes, father," echoed both the twins in unison. Elsa blinked, studying Hans across the way. Had he really just… helped her? Or did he have an ulterior motive?

"Your majesty?" Helena leaned down to Elsa's ear level, her voice low. "If I may?" Elsa nodded and Helena murmured a few soft words in the queen's ear.

After Helena finished speaking, Elsa spoke again, though this time she sounded a bit hesitant. "You've been more than fair thus far, your majesty, but my lady-in-waiting has dutifully informed me of one small addition I ask to bring up regarding the supplies to be provided to Arendelle in the first shipment."

"Oh?" George looked to Helena with amused approval, and then back to Elsa. "Please, indulge me."

"As I'm not sure you remember from your last visits, your majesty, Arendelle suffers from very cold winters. I would greatly appreciate some stock of wool so we can fashion some extra winter cloaks for my people."

George listened, but his brow knitted as she finished and he exhaled through his nose as he turned to face the twins. "Our stock of wool, do we have any surplus to help Arendelle?" From his tone, Elsa could already hear he knew the answer, and her heart sank even before the twins shook their heads.

"Father." Once again George looked to Hans, who dropped his gaze. "I know our wool may not have a surplus… but Harvard was talking earlier about sending Heins some wool to work with in his designs. Since he rarely has need of his entire supply due to the Northern Isles standard in warmer weather, could we consult with him about joining the prospective partnership?"

George almost laughed, glancing to his wife with a pleased expression. "I think that's a very fine idea. I will take the liberty of bringing up the matter with him myself. Elsa, you don't mind staying another few days while we talk about the possibility, do you?"

Elsa stared at Hans, remembering Anna's words to her before she left. He promised to help us, Elsa. He told me he could have his brother, the king of the Northern Isles, help us. I think he really wants to apologize. The least we can do is let him try. "N-no," she finally managed in a slight stammer. "No, I don't mind."

"That is very pleasing to hear," Allowyn interjected, her voice soothing and gentle. "I believe the matter of trade is, for the moment, adjourned, don't you think, George?"

The king nodded once, gesturing to Elsa. "As far as I'm concerned, until I speak with Harvard about this wool addendum, the matter of trade is concluded. However, I believe we still have a few things to discuss of a more personal nature, if you are still open to the meeting lasting a bit longer, Elsa."

Elsa nodded once, replying coolly. "I am."

"Good." George motioned to his other sons. "Hedvil, Henning, Horatio. You all have my leave to go."

The brothers exchanged brief goodbyes to Elsa, purely for customary purposes. Then, saying goodbye to Hans and the other members of their family, the three princes left the room. Seeing Elsa fidget, removing her hands from sight and slipping them under the table, George once again began the conversation. "Now it falls to me to bring up a most unfortunate discussion… the discussion of Hans' actions. And I'm afraid…" he paused for a moment, "having been absent from the occurrence myself, I'm going to have to pass the initiation to someone who was there. Now… who would like to begin?"

Elsa had been preparing herself so vigorously for her confrontation with Hans she found herself speechless.

"Elsa, are you alright?" There it was, Allowyn's voice, drawing near the closed doors of both her heart and mind.

"Elsa?" This time she faced the voice. Hans' green eyes met hers and she forced herself to speak, slowly, so that she had time to pick her words carefully.

"The main question in reference towards our kingdom relations stands as to what Arendelle feels towards Hans after his act of treason towards the crown." A steady chilling tingle ran through her hands and she drew them into her lap. "It will take time for Arendelle to accept the agreement between our countries, but I believe that with the work of time, they will learn to trust my decisions. May I ask, does the Southern isles know of Hans' decisions?"

How calculated she sounds, Hans thought, watching her avoid his gaze. How… cold.

"His brothers know," George responded. "So, in turn, I should think news will spread shortly to the rest of the people if it has not already."

"What will become of your relations with your own trade partners? What… what will become of mine?" Elsa voiced to herself. She had not given thought as to what Corona might think of her agreement, or how it may affect trade in her future.

"You need not worry yourself over our trade partners, Elsa," George reassured in a deep, calming voice, smooth like melted honey. "Like my people, I trust them to believe I can deal with my own family matters. If they've question for my methods or morals, they're welcome to do so with me personally whenever they like. I'm sure what Hans did will have ramifications for the Isles, and many headaches to follow. However, I've made my decisions and I stand by those decisions regardless of how others may try to persuade me otherwise. Nothing is solved by running away from troubles in life."

"I admire that," Elsa said after a moment of thought. "You're right… our problems can't be shut away…" She placed her hands on the table, straightening her posture to assert her authority. "Regarding Hans, after much deliberation with myself and my consorts back home, I've arrived at a decision." The room became eerily silent as everyone watched Elsa, breath baited. "Coming here, I swore I would never see Hans again, not as anything beyond an acquaintance, and then only if absolutely necessary for the good of my people. But then… he's intervened for my people's sake…twice during these trade negotiations… and in doing so, he's kept a promise he made to my sister, Anna. No one is dearer to me in the world than my sister. She's fought for me before, and the thought occurred to me that others… may not have sisters like mine to fight for them. That hearts frozen in fear need help to gain control of themselves again."

She saw the faces fixed on her turn puzzled and offered the slightest smile. "Painful memories can retain for years, but I plan never to go back to them. The past is in the past. If I am willing to negotiate with the Southern Isles, I will show everyone watching me that I am strong. I am not afraid of facing conflicts which may arise in my country, and I am going to provide for them, no matter what ghosts I may face." Her blue eyes shifted, locking with Hans and remaining there, silently whispering. He longed to know what she thought in that moment, but it was as if her eyes spoke another language, simply staring with a deep, penetrating gaze. The world around them faded away, and Hans felt terribly alone, confronted with those blue eyes, which seemed to harden every moment as if they were becoming ice itself. "If you ever try to hurt me, my sister, or anyone in my country again, you will know the true measure of my anger. And this time… I will not hold back."

Flashes of Elsa angry streamed before his eyes, his mind recalling how close she'd been to killing the Duke's bodyguards. One snap of her fingers, a flick of her wrist, and the ice would have done the job. But he'd called out to her, he'd acknowledged her in her fortress of solitude, and most miraculously of all, she'd listened. Hans' voice was meek as he replied; asking the question he'd longed to ask for so long, after so desperate a journey with so many hardships and so many memories resurfaced. "Does that mean it is forgiven?" Perhaps he was a fool, but he needed to hear it. He needed to know, by virtue of her words, that he was forgiven for his trespass and absolved of the guilt which had never quite left him even after all he'd done to try and erase it.

Elsa rose from her seat, walked to the door, and turned once there, her long cloak sweeping behind her. She shook her head once in mid-curtsy to the king and queen, her voice soft. "It is forgotten."

Though his father imparted Elsa with much aplomb for her first successful trade negotiation, and his mother seemed to burst with pride and joy as she swept him into her arms, Hans was numb to her hugs. His eyes were fixed on Elsa's, and though the trade negotiation may have been successful, he knew they would speak again before she left, and things would not be as diplomatic in a meeting of their own. Because, as Hans knew all-too-well, ghosts never really died, and forgotten was not the same as forgiven.

A/N: Sooo, yeah, sorry I split chapters again. I just feel too bad making you wait so long. This chapter dealing with trade was very difficult for me to write and part of the reason this chapter took longer to be released. I hope it turned out well and answered some questions we have lingering. A minor note here: our story is winding down. Not to say it's going to end right now, I'm just giving you a little pre-warning. It will be reaching its end in a few more chapters. Don't be sad, though. Where one thing ends, another begins…