A/N: And here we are: the epilogue. The last piece to my Frozen Hearts fic. I apologize for the severely long wait on this chapter, but for reasons of life, I could not release it sooner. I dedicate this story to my mother, who has been my first and most cherished reviewer from the beginning. Love you.

Epilogue

Happily Ever After

"So what's first on the checklist?" Heinrik asked, his boots squeaking on the dewy grass with an accompanying crunch of frost. "If we want to make sure this thing goes smoothly, we better start now."

"First item: the church, the reception hall, and entailing decorations," read off Johan, jovially following beside Heinrik, the sun beaming down on his dark wild curls. "It says here we have to be sure they're color-coordinated."

"Only Heins would put that in directions," grunted Heinrik, turning around the corner of the courtyard towards the open gates, nodding his hello to some citizens who were carrying a long tray of assorted sweets past him. His eyebrows perked up at the sight of a batch of chocolate éclairs and he pitched forward as if he were tripping. He grabbed the edge of the tray to steady himself and glanced down underneath it, drawing the attention of the people carrying each end. He pointed at the ground with one hand, the other working overtime on the tray above them. "Whoah, watch your step there, sir. I almost tripped myself, uneven cobblestone can be the death of us all. We wouldn't want those delectable desserts to fall." He gave the man closest to him a pat on the back, who thanked him, and continued on his way, the prince shoving half of the concealed pastry in his mouth as he did.

"You're impossible." Johan sighed, accepting his offering of the other half of the pastry and taking a bite.

"Maybe, but at least I'll never go hungry," Heinrik replied, flashing a smile at two young girls who were giggling at him. He raised his eyebrows and graced them with a charming wink."Ladies…"

The two girls laughed and tittered amongst themselves as they disappeared into a nearby house.

"You're enjoying yourself, aren't you?" Johan asked with a chuckle of amusement. "Wipe your face. You've got chocolate all over your mouth."

Heinrik gave a precursory swipe over his lip with his tongue and licked his fingers to finish the icing off. "Immensely." He jogged over behind a cart a man was directing, hopping on the back and holding out a hand to help Johan up afterward. "Why walk when you can hitch a free ride?"

Johan leaned back against the bales of hay in the man's cart, plucking a straw and twirling it between his fingers. "So what are you going to do now? I mean, after your brother is married?"

Heinrik stuck a piece of hay between his teeth and chewed for a moment, swinging his legs over the edge of the cart as he stretched back and watched the clouds go by overhead. "Not sure. I guess my mother will want me to return to my place in the lineage. No more sailing, certainly no more pirating. I'm one of the next in line for the throne, after Helm. If anything, it's a mountain of lessons and preparations."

"My mother will want me to join her medical practice as her assistant," Johan mumbled, flopping back beside Heinrik. "No more plunder."

"No more girls," grunted Heinrik, sighing deeply.

"You've always got me," Johan replied, turning and propping his head up with one elbow.

"That's true," Heinrik replied, casting him a precursory look. "But, and I say this with all due respect, Johan, you make a very ugly girl."

Johan rolled over and served Heinrik a hard punch to the shoulder. The back of the cart erupted into a tousle, hay fistfuls thrown each and every way until their transporation pulled to a sudden stop.

"Hey! What's going on back there?" shouted the driver.

"Come on, we made it," Heinrik urged, pulling Johan out and flashing a quick wave to the driver, who stood like a statue at the sight of the prince and his comrade covered in hay. Heinrik sank into an elaborate bow, waving a hand with flourish as he did. "My deepest thanks goes out to you, sir! Thank you for your continued loyalty to the Southern Isles royal family!" He shoved Johan with an elbow to encourage a quick follow-up bow. The driver nodded, too perplexed to react otherwise, and flicked the reins of the horse lightly to move along ahead of them. "Brush yourself off," Heinrik exclaimed, stifling laughter as he flicked pieces of hay away. "Take some pride in your appearance, Johan; you look a fright!"

"I wonder why," Johan retorted, vigorously rubbing at his clothes and then his hair, doing his best to smooth the ruffles away. "We're wasting time; let's get in and get out."

Heinrik helped Johan push open one of the massive wooden doors of the church and was mildly surprised at how simple the decorations looked. This part of the ceremony must have been under Helena's supervision, because if Heins had seen the single strands creamy ribbons wrapping around the podiums and across the awnings, he would have insisted the layers be tripled… with matching trims. Heinrik remembered the city church as a place he only attended for religious gatherings and the occasional pompous or traditional ceremony. He could vaguely picture flashes of the christenings of his brothers as he walked towards the altar. Still, the church was certainly large enough to hold the throng of people he was sure would want to see his brother's wedding, which was to be a rare public event involving the hierarchy. And it looked clean, the sun shining through the tips of the massive stained glass picture of the cross near the altar.

"Check," Johan murmured, following his best friend inside and nodding, clearly impressed.

"Hey! What do you think you're doing in here? You can't be in here yet, the service hasn't- oh, it's you." Heinrik turned to look down the aisle where Harald strode up to him, his good hand holding a bunch of lilac.

"Good afternoon, brother, my, but don't you look good!" Heinrik hadn't seen his brother dressed in uniform, much less his medals, since the freezing incident with Hans, which had been more than a month ago now. Still, he looked as sharp as the sword hanging at his side in its scabbard. Not a hair on his head was out of place and a new medal hanging prestigiously among the others. Heinrik recognized the medal as a reward given for leadership shortly after Hans had fully recovered. It was also still odd to see his brother's right arm hanging limp, as it often did these days, but among all the things that had changed, his brother's look of nonplussed seriousness had not. Heinrik gave his brother space to pass as the man placed the bunch of lilac at the altar. "Don't sound so enthusiastic to see me now."

Harald snorted and glanced over his shoulder. "Dispense with your flattery. What do you want? I'm busy, in case you can't see."

Heinrik held up his hands in faux surrender. "Alright, alright, drop the sword from my neck; we only came to check on how things look… orders from the groom. The church is the only thing on the list outside the castle perimeters. And I have to say…" he trailed off as he took another long look around the walls, "I'm impressed."

"I'm so relieved," Harald replied, lip curled just enough to border a sneer. "I've been simply dying to hear whether or not you approve. What else is on your list?" His gaze seemed to slice the air as he looked to Johan, who dropped his eyes to the list before him.

"Cake and reception ballroom," he read off.

"Don't mess it up," Harald grunted, turning his back on his brother. "And be quick about it, the wedding is only a few hours away."

"Yes, Moder," Heinrik muttered.

Harald spun sharply on heel and glared daggers in his direction. "What did you say?"

"I said yes, brother," Heinrik rattled off, trying his best not to laugh as he grabbed an already-snorting Johan after him towards the front door. "See you at the wedding!"

"Children," scoffed Harald as he turned back to the altar and the doors swung shut.

Fortunately, once back home, it was easy to find the cake, which was in the castle kitchen as one might expect. The twins were in charge of seeing the decorating went as planned, and they had done well to keep it safe from any excessive taste-testing. The cook claimed the seven layers were adequate for feeding the amount of people who would be attending the event, though she doubted she could make enough frosting for more than that. Tiny flowers resembling lilac springs surrounded the edges of each layer, connected by gold frosting which looked like ribbon streams. A final decoration of fondant much like a bow was poised on the very top accompanied by a detailed set of male and female figurines resembling the bride and groom.

"Fancy," whistled Heinrik, grinning. "You think they'd mind it missing a layer?"

"I'm pretty sure they might notice," Johan replied, shaking his head. "You eat that much cake you'll get sick."

"Don't even…" began Henning, coming in and pointing a finger at Heinrik.

"…think about it," finished Hedvil, following close behind his twin.

"Okay, okay," Heinrik surrendered with a shrug. "I'll wait until the reception. Though you really should have a taste tester…" he offered, leaning a hand towards the cake hopefully.

Hedvil reached over and smacked his hand away with an audible thwap. "Already taken care of, thank you very much."

"Ow!" Heinrik stuck two fingers in his mouth and sucked, waving them in the air. "Easy! I'm backing away, see?"

"What exactly is transpiring in here?" Horatio remarked as he entered the kitchen, making his way to one of the side tables where a basket of letters and envelopes were piled together.

Hedvil jerked his head in the direction of Heinrik and slipped an arm amiably about his twin's shoulder. "He's trying to sample the wedding cake. Which is part of our job, specifically at my request."

"Is that so?" questioned Horatio, the faintest trail of a smile tugging at his thin lips. "Perhaps I should just remove your appointed place as one of the many groomsmen to a more appropriate position, Heinrik, something to hold your attention," he drawled, removing a small journal and flipping through the pages a few at a time, his hand going to his coat as he removed a quill from within it. "I think we could still use an extra stablehand on call, in case any guests bring in horses and we need clean-up duties."

Heinrik wrinkled his nose and curled a lip slightly to show his displeasure with the joke. "Thanks, but no. I'm quite happy to be one of the groomsmen. But speaking of appointed places, how's your job coming along?"

"The invitations were sent out months ago, and the reservations since have been pouring in. I'm only just now finishing the count, and apart from some distant relatives who could not delegate their royal duties elsewhere, it seems most everyone has been accounted for in the festivities," Horatio finished, gesturing to the journal before him neatly covered with many pages of alphabetized columns. "And your work? How is the church coming along? It's nearly time."

"The church looks good enough to be married in!" Heinrik exclaimed. "Though I think Harald is taking his job a bit too seriously."

"Go easy on him," remarked Horatio as he snapped his journal shut. "He needs things to keep him busy these days, keep his mind off his injury."

"Yes, to keep him grouchy as ever," mumbled Heinrik with a fond smile.

"Actually, the one I feel sorry for is Hans," remarked one of the twins, flashing his similar brother a smile.

Heinrik's eyebrow quirked and he tilted his head in confusion. "What do you mean? What's Hans doing?"

"He has the most fearful job of all…" murmured Horatio, his eyes trailing upwards towards the ceiling. "Best man."

#

"No! No, no, no! It's all wrong! All wrong, I tell you! I look for simple, regal, stunning colors in a cape, a forest green tint with a spackle of olive, maybe a sprig of lime in the foreground of the fabric and I can't find anything remotely close in my entire wardrobe! They may as well ask me to make due with something as outlandish as puce! Puce, for God's sake!"

Hans ducked as multiple outfits flew over his head, his brother buried in the massive closet amidst a mountain of clothing. "Maybe no one will notice," he tried to comfort Heins, wading through the swamp of accessories to his side. "It's only a ca-" He stopped himself before he could finish. Clothing was never just clothing with Heins.

"Maybe no one will notice?" Heins gasped, sifting through the pile in front of him again. "I'm the fashion coordinator, Hans! Of course people will notice! I just spent so much time on Helena's wedding dress I… I can't possibly put something together in time, and even if I could it wouldn't be perfect, and today is the only day of my entire life that I'm going to do this, and everyone is going to be staring at us, and if I don't make it perfect then Helena's special day will be ruined, and- ow!" Heins held a hand up to his cheek, staring at Hans in shock and rubbing where he'd just been lightly slapped with a glove.

"Listen to me." Hans shook the empty glove at his brother once and sighed at the worry in his brother's wavering gaze, accompanying it with a little chuckle. "Today is your wedding day, Heins…" He slipped an arm around his brother's shoulder and helped guide him toward his bed, pushing on his shoulders to set him down on the sheets. "And at the end of the day, it's not going to be the clothes that matter… the cake won't matter, the people, the portraits, none of that is important. It's about her. It's about both of you, pledging that you'll be together for the rest of your lives."

Heins let his gaze drop, his cheeks going ruddy. "I know. I just… want it to be perfect for her. I want to make her so happy."

"She's already happy." Hans said with an encouraging smile. "And if you're happy, that's all you both need." His facial features tensed for a moment, as if his own advice had struck some hidden chord within him, but he quickly recovered.

Before he could continue, a series of knocks resounded on his door and Allowyn's voice came muffled through the wood. "Hello? Is everyone decent in there?"

"Mother!" Heins exclaimed in relief, getting to his feet and rushing to the door. He swept her into a hug and pulled her inside, although she was clearly struggling to keep hold of two parcels, one nearly too big for her arms and the other precariously balanced on top of it. "Thank goodness you're here! I'm in the midst of the most horrible fashion disaster! You must give me your advice! Tell me what to do!"

"My goodness," Allowyn admitted with a breathy laugh as she took in the whirlwind of clothing lying around the room. "You certainly do need some help. At this rate, you'll be lucky if you put together an entire outfit at all."

"I know! I know, and I don't know what to do, or who to turn to, or what color ribbon to use for my hair!"

"Heins," Allowyn soothed, setting her parcels down on her son's bed. "Remember your first rule of what you call fashion emergencies…"

"Don't panic," Heins recited solemnly. "Yes, yes, you're right, mother. Don't panic. That is essential in moments like this." For the first time, he seemed to notice the packages his mother was carrying. "What are those?" he asked innocently, smiling with curiosity.

"This is a gift… for you." His mother began to gingerly unwrap the parcel, his anticipation building with each crinkle. Carefully lifting the contents out, she held up a long, flowing cape of a rich deep purple color, the fabric rippling with each movement as if it were momentarily alive. The edges were lined in white fur, bright and pure as the snow.

"Oh… oh, mother…" Heins watched as she draped it over his shoulders, fastening a jeweled ruby clip just below his adam's apple and smoothing the wrinkles along his neckline before backing away. Heins' fingers reverently rubbed the material, and he gave a small turn to see the edges of the cape flare out. "It's gorgeous, oh, mother, it's simply divine! Wherever did you get it?"

"This cape belonged to your great, great grandfather. It's been passed down the royal family for years. When you decided at a young age, in front of all those dignitaries and country representatives, that you wanted to be a fashion coordinator, I knew then that this cape was meant for you. No one would appreciate it like you would. The white fur lining the edges is from the first fox hunt held here in the Isles. It has been worn in weddings for generations. Your father even wore it during ours."

"Really?" whispered Heins, looking up at her and letting the fabric between his thumb and index fingers fall away. Moving forward in one great sweep, he scooped his mother into a hug, holding her tightly. "Thank you, mother."

"Mm…" Allowyn stroked his long hair, running her fingers through it. "My son… my beloved child. You are more than welcome." Parting from his side and swiping at her cheek to brush away some stray tears, she bent over and retrieved a few loose articles of clothing, setting them on the bed. "And come the wedding, no matter how you dress, you and your bride will shine."

"That's exactly what I was gonna say…" Hans echoed her softly, helping his mother pick up the scattered clothes from the floor.

"And now… I think I shall take my leave," Allowyn announced, gathering the much smaller package in her hand. "I still have to see to my soon to be daughter-in-law. I will see you both at the wedding."

Sometime after they'd finished picking out the correct suit, a green tailcoat with golden buttons and decorative stitching along the sides, Heins approached the closest mirror to smooth down his hair. Hans followed behind him and gave his brother's shoulders a little rub as the prince examined himself wearing his new outfit in front of one of many full-length mirrors in his room. "Mothers can't be wrong when it comes to weddings, you know. It's not in their genetic makeup. I'm telling you, everything will be fine."

"Yes," echoed Heins, turning and offering Hans a small, tentative smile, "I know that now. I love Helena more than I've ever loved anyone. She makes me feel complete no matter what I do. And even if I'm weak in times like this, I'm sure in the future, her love will continue to give me strength." He straightened the jeweled pin keeping the cape together and took a deep breath. "Alright. I'm ready."

#

The bride, on the other hand, was most certainly not ready. She wandered back and forth in Queen Elsa's room, using a small lace fan to flap at her neckline. "I'm so nervous, Elsa, I'm sweating like a sinner on Sunday."

"There's no reason to be nervous," Elsa soothed, doing her best to rely on her knowledge of meditation and inner peace techniques she'd learned growing up through adulthood. She ran a brush through Helena's dark hair repeatedly, drawing the strokes out so they would help put the woman at ease. "Marriage is a wonderful thing, Helena. You will be very happy with Heins, I'm sure. Your life will be full of color, life, and excitement."

"And clothing," Helena said with a serene smile. "Lots of clothing."

"That's true," Elsa smiled and adjusted Helena's veil so it draped gingerly over her long, tight braid, each twist delicately lined in small lilac flowers. "You look so beautiful, Helena."

"You mean it?" Helena drew her eyes up to look at Elsa in the mirror.

"Yes, of course I do." Elsa set the brush down on the bureau and took another long look at the bride. "I've… never been to a wedding before. But I can't imagine anyone looking more elegant than you do now."

"You can't understand what that means to me coming from you, Elsa," said Helena, smoothing her hands over her waist. "And so much of it is thanks to Heins and his designs."

"The dress is a work of art," Elsa remarked, smiling to herself. And I know something about making dresses.

"He labored so hard on it." Helena lifted a hand and gingerly caressed the delicate fibers of her veil. "I was almost afraid to wear it because he was so tireless to make everything perfect for me. I love him so much, Elsa."

"It must be wonderful," Elsa said softly, captivated by the look of assuredness in Helena's eyes.

"Oh, it is." Helena assured her. "And it wasn't that way at first. At first I just thought he was a crazy person raving about his boots. But… his kindness…the way he treats other people… the way he looks at me when we're together… it makes me feel like I'm the only person in the world he sees. He knows how to make me laugh, make me smile. He's revealed his fears… his hopes… everything to me. He is my greatest confidant, and we have no secrets from each other. We're so much closer than I could have ever imagined we would be. Have you ever felt that way about anyone?"

Elsa stared at her reflection for a moment in the bureau mirror, her brows knit into a troubled knot, her forehead wrinkling. "I… I'm not sure." Her hands strode to her braid to stroke it restlessly, her heart beating the word her lips would not form. Hans.

Before Helena could say anything more, a knock sounded upon the door. "Come in!" she called.

Allowyn opened the door and shut it behind her, putting a hand to her chest with a slow exhale of breath, her eyes growing weak seeing Helena. "Oh… oh, Helena. You look radiant, my child."

"Thank you, your majesty," Helena whispered, her cheeks blushing furiously. She bowed her head to hide the flushing, pulling the veil a little closer to her face.

"Not your majesty, Helena, dear. Just Allowyn, please. After all, we're soon to be family." The queen knelt by her, pulling back the veil. "I have something for you."

"For me?" Helena questioned, sitting up straighter.

"Yes, dear." Allowyn set a small package on Helena's lap. "I had hoped to give this to my daughter, on her wedding day. But I think you are as deserving of it as she would have been."

Helena's hands carefully opened the package, unraveling the ribbon and lifting the lid. Inside was a brooch, the glass and stone colored in shades of sparkling purple amethyst, formed by a master craftsman into the shape of a lilac bloom. "Oh, no… no, I couldn't," Helena gasped, looking at Allowyn and shaking her head.

Allowyn nodded. "Please, accept it. I want you to have it. After Kris died, I could not bear the pain I felt looking at it, but if I pass it to you on this day, then I know whenever I see it, that sadness will be replaced with joy."

Helena cradled the delicate piece of craftsmanship close to her chest. "Thank you," she rasped, wiping at her eyes.

"No tears, my dear. At least, not yet. You will need to save them for the ceremony." The queen brushed a lock of her daughter-in-law's ebony hair back and tucked it among the weaving. "Today is a day for celebration and joy. I couldn't be happier with my son's choice." She leaned in to bestow a soft kiss to Helena's forehead. "Welcome to the family."

She rose and flashed Elsa a serene smile as the ice queen hung away from the couple, near the door. "I know that transpiring events have dictated you have a harder time in leaving us. My husband tells me you are to be escorted home on the Rosemaling by my son Heinrik to ensure a safe journey. Of course your own ship will be accompanying you, too. I understand that sailing makes you feel a little anxious?"

"A little." Elsa admitted with an affirmative nod.

"After what happened so early in your life, I… I completely understand it." Allowyn murmured. "But have no fear, I suspect my son knows the sea better than the fish in it."

"Thank you," Elsa assured, her heart heavy with the thought of leaving. Of course, she did miss Anna terribly, and her people needed her. Leaving should have felt natural, should have come so easily. But somehow, even with that persistent reality constantly looming in her mind, she thought of Hans, and the need to see him again hammered recklessly against the weakening wall around her heart.

"You will see him at the wedding, I'm sure."

Elsa looked up, stunned blue eyes wide as she tried to process what she'd just heard. "I'm sorry?" she squeaked.

"My son." Allowyn repeated, looking nearly as stunned as Elsa. "Heinrik? I was saying you would see him at the wedding."

"Oh, yes, yes, of course," Elsa spurted, laughing breathlessly, turning away. "I'm sorry, your majesty, it must be the excitement of the wedding. My mind is on other matters, matters of business."

Allowyn studied Elsa for a moment, her expression so quiet yet so intense Elsa felt she was entirely transparent. "Yes," she finally stated, her lips forming a knowing smile. "I suppose it has all our minds scattered. Perhaps you will find time to sort out your other business before you depart the Isles. I hope you will."

Elsa waited until after the queen left the room, returning to Helena to finish primping the soon to be princess. She was completely deaf to the resounding church bells in the distance calling the guests to order.

#

Horatio, as usual, had calculated correctly, and all the guests who had reserved their place were among attendance. As the bridal party came into view, what was once a dull roar of conversations amongst the people of the Southern Isles quickly buzzed into a rippling of excitement and glee. Little girls whispered and pointed at the most flowery dresses the royalty wore; boys stared in awe at the rifles held in the hands of the soldiers lining the walls. It was a surreal moment to see the entire heritage of the Southern Isle princes lined up behind the altar, all twelve of them dressed in finery. Elsa stood on Helena's side, holding a small bouquet of white roses, stealing small glances at the opposite side to see Hans. He was wearing a suit similar to the suit she'd first met him in, all white with red and gold outlines. He looked handsome; she admitted, though she'd have to tell him so later.

The bells began to chime, vibrating the building with a steady hum, signaling the ceremony was about to begin. Harald, dressed in his soldier's uniform, every medal sparkling, stepped forward, his right arm limp at his side, but the fist clenched tightly. His voice reverberated through the church, the bells going silent almost as if intimidated by his grandeur. "Queen Allowyn of the Southern Isles!"

The people's murmuring exploded into a wave of loyal applause for their rulers, and they stood to their feet as their queen gracefully strode down the aisle, waving graciously as she passed the pews. The boys seemed to stand a little straighter as their mother reached the altar, the queen nodding, giving a signal to the priest to approach. She addressed the company with a softer tone, but no less strong than her son, the applause dying out in favor of respect. "On this joyous day, I'd like to extend my deepest thanks to you all for attending this, my son's wedding. At this time, he has chosen to remain amongst us in the Isles, where he will always be welcomed." Amongst a few choice squealing noises from some of the younger women, the clapping resumed for a moment. "The groom and his bride welcome you all to join us for a celebration in the castle afterward, no matter what your stand in life." Allowyn bowed her head quickly, backing away and slipping into one of the front seats of the church, turning to face the back of the church in anticipation and brushing at her eyes to stem the flow of oncoming tears.

Quickly, with a sweep of heads, all other attendees turned to follow her suit, and the flower girl began to come down the aisle, accompanied not far behind by the ring bearer. Peter and Annika, though during the rehearsals were rambunctious and argumentative siblings, behaved like angels now. Annika could not help but give her father a little wave as she finished her walk and took her seat beside Allowyn. Peter stood just in front of his row of uncles, doing his best to suck in his stomach and puff out his chest to look impressive.

The organ that had been placed in the church ever since Hans remembered began to play a low, humble tune. A figure started down the aisle and Harald straightened even taller. "Prince Heins Westergard of the Southern isles!" Some faint squeals were concealed through the ripple of murmurs and gasps. Heins beamed brighter than the sun streaming through the stained glass windows, his ancestor's cape flowed over the floor as if it weighed nothing, a golden crown on his head giving off faint glimmers with each step. He chose his steps leading up to the altar carefully, the light catching his shiny black boots as he did. He was smiling during the whole affair, but suddenly, his smile exploded into a grin, matching the sun's light itself.

Harald even smiled as he strode forward to finish his announcement. "King George of the Southern Isles and Helena Halman of Arendelle!" Gasps ensued as those attending caught their first glimpse of the glorious bride, her hand linked in the crook of the king's arm.

George felt Helena's hand tremble, and he placed his own over it, leaning over to her to whisper in a soothing voice. "It is as if I'm walking my own daughter down the aisle. I could not be prouder. Do not worry, you will make a perfect bride and, I'm convinced, a nigh-perfect princess."

Helena felt her shudders subside a little and she whispered in reply. "Thank you, your majesty."

George barely concealed a chuckle and gave her hand a pat. "Father."

The word warmed her with a refreshing ripple from her head to her feet, and when they began to walk, she hardly felt her feet touching the ground. She breathed out and remembered to keep her posture straight as she approached the altar, the king releasing her to allow her to stop across from Heins. Then, letting her hand go, he took his place next to his wife to watch.

The priest began to flip open his Bible to the appropriate passage, and Heins tried to make out Helena's face below her veil. "Are you as nervous as I am?" he mouthed with the slightest whisper.

Helena could not stifle a little giggle. "Yes. But you look so handsome."

"And you're so beautiful, Helena. I've never been happier."

The priest, hearing the hushed conversation, politely cleared his throat. "I'd like to thank you all for joining here in the sanctity of the church today. We are gathered here to witness the union of Prince Heins Westergard of the Southern isles and Helena Halman of Arendelle." The ceremony was, to many of the visiting guests, similar to most weddings they had attended before now. But for Heins and Helena, the words of the priest faded away in lieu of thoughts for the future. "As they join in this bond of holy matrimony, we take a moment to reflect on the commitment they are making. Would the two take one another's hands as we exchange vows?" The two did as they were told, Heins gently circling his thumb over Helena's hand. "Now, if the groom would be so kind as to repeat after me?"

Heins had rehearsed his vows so many times he did not even hear the priest say them. "I, Heins Westergard, in the presence of family and of God, do take you, Helena Halman, to be my wife, to love and cherish you, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do we part."

Helena was much the same, her voice wavering. "I, Helena Halman, in the presence of family and of God, do take you, Heins Westergard, to be my husband, to love and cherish you, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do we part."

"May we have the rings?" Requested the priest. Peter's chest swelled even larger, and he stepped forward, extending the pillow.

Heins smiled as he took the ring and slid it on Helena's finger. She did the same, and they faced each other as they echoed. "With this ring, I thee wed."

The priest paused for a moment, closed his Bible, and took their hands, bringing them together as they faced the audience. "What God has joined together, let no man break apart. I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Heins lifted back Helena's veil, and slipped his arms around her back, bringing her in close and meeting her lips in a kiss. Applause roared from the audience royal and commoner alike, and Helena's radiant smile brightened as she gave an encore kiss. Waiting until they'd finished their kiss, Harald stepped forward, gave a quick, stern look to the soldiers lining the walls, and shouted. "Soldiers! Present arms!" Guns were cocked to shoulders as a salute. "People of the Southern Isles! I give you Prince Heins Westergard and Princess Helena Westergard! Long live Princess Helena!"

"Long live Princess Helena!" the people echoed.

Helena's eyes darted downwards to rest on her bouquet. Suddenly, the white roses began to shimmer, and their edges swirled with trails of ice, frost dotting the petals and leaves. Helena blinked and turned to face Elsa, who had one hand extended towards her, which she bobbed lightly up and down in a friendly wave of her fingers. The new couple ran down the aisle laughing and doing their best to avoid the rice thrown at them outside, Heins' cape and Helena's train mixing together, the bells chiming goodbyes after them.

#

By the time they had all arrived at the reception, Elsa had lost track of Heins and Helena. She suspected they were wading their way through both the inquisitive commoners and the intrusive distant trade partners. She busied herself with creating a few choice ice sculptures for the couple as a last-minute wedding gift amidst the banquet tables. "Stiff…" she murmured as she waved her hand and changed the figurines of the bride and groom from strict portrayals with hands at side to Heins on one knee and Helena taking his hands. "There… much better."

"Elsa!" she heard her name called and turned to see Heinrik. "I've been looking all over for you!"

"Me?" she questioned. "Why?"

"Because Hans is looking for you and in this madhouse, no one can find anyone. Come on!" Heinrik took her hand without the least bit hesitation, pulling and weaving through the sea of strangers.

"Hans! I found her!" Heinrik exclaimed, waving as he approached a thin spot in the crowd.

"I knew if I asked each of my brothers to look for you, someone would," Hans exclaimed breathlessly, approaching Elsa and leading her a little ways away from the crowd.

"I tried to find you afterward," Elsa began, the pit of her stomach empty. "But I lost you."

"Not anymore." Heinrik muttered, making eye contact with Hans and deliberately giving little jerks of his head towards Elsa.

"Thanks for helping out, Heinrik," Hans managed through gritted teeth. "You can go now."

"Alright, alright. I have to go talk with dad about the trip back to Arendelle, anyway. You two mingle and I'll just make myself scarce. Besides, there's a dance floor full of ladies just begging for a dance partner. I can't disappoint them all, it would be downright boorish of me."

Hans shook his head as his brother slinked away into the crowd and turned back to Elsa. "Sometimes I don't know how we're all related."

"You're all different, that's for certain," replied Elsa with a smile. "But I'm glad you are." Awkward silence took hold and her hands took to stroking her braid. She searched Hans' face for a moment, but he seemed lost, distant, his eyes avoiding hers.

"You're leaving, then."

Elsa felt burned as the words bit into her skin, accusing her. "I have to."

No, you don't. Hans couldn't tell if the words were spoken or thought alone, so he spoke them regardless. "No, you don't."

"Yes, I do." Elsa hugged her arms close to herself. "I belong in Arendelle, with my sister, my people, and you belong with yours."

Hans reached out and took her hands in his own, linking his fingers in them. His warmth made her hands tingle pleasantly. He brought her hands to his chest and folded his own over them, wondering if she could feel his heart beating. "I belong with you."

Elsa's pulse hammered in her ears, her eyes watering. "Don't do this. Don't do this to me, Hans. Not now. I can't control myself around you, and it frightens me."

"Don't be afraid," Hans whispered, stepping closer to her. "Love will always thaw a frozen heart, Elsa. And this, this is the greatest kind of love... the love I feel for you will never run out. It will never fade, will never grow old and tired. I will love you until the day I die."

Elsa swallowed, unaware that the crowd was thickening a little ways away. She drew her eyes up to face Hans. "Hans… I… I want to love you… but how can we be sure…" Suddenly, there was a flash of white before her eyes, and she gasped as she looked down at her hands clasping a bouquet of roses.

Disappointment oozed from the crowd of girls who made their way back to their mothers and Elsa's grip tightened on the bride's bouquet.

"Congratulations, Elsa!" called Helena with a laugh, hanging onto Heins with her now-freed arms.

Elsa looked up at Hans, blinked back tears, and met his gaze. He could come with you. All you have to do is tell him.

"Elsa… I know it might sound crazy, but… I love you," Hans admitted, his forehead wrinkling as he leaned in towards her. He slipped his hand along her cheek and stroked it gently with his thumb. "Tell me you feel the same?"

"I… I…" Her heart hovered in her throat, keeping any words from escaping, and she heard a telltale crackling sound, a sound like ice chipping. She took a step back, breaking contact with Hans and spotting faint ice crystals dotting his hand. "Hans…" she breathed, shaking her head. "I'm sorry!" Backing away, she shook her head, dropping the wedding bouquet and disappearing through the crowd.

Hans bent over and took the bouquet in his hand, gazing after Elsa and wondering longingly if there was something else he could have said.

#

Elsa looked around the guest room, shadowed in the early light before sunrise and took another breath through her nose, savoring the smell. It smelled like Hans, like the sons of the Southern Isles, an outdoorsy musk of manhood and spice. She would miss that smell so distinctly absent in her own kingdom. She would miss it very much. She slipped out of the room, letting the latch click shut behind her, gazing down the dark hallway both ways. She took up her skirt in one hand and started down the stairs leaving everything behind her. Things would be better this way.

Hans awoke in just enough time to see the first rays of day's light beaming into his eyes. It was unusual for him to be awake so early after so much excitement the day before with his brother's wedding ceremony. He got dressed and yawned, stretching to help wake his body up completely. He started to make his way downstairs to scrounge some food from the kitchens when Helm met him on the stairs, looking very tired.

"Have too much of the party?" Hans joked with a drowsy smile.

"No," answered Helm with a smile in return as he climbed the stairway. "Just overseeing the packing of Queen Elsa's vessel and making sure Heinrik has made the necessary arrangements to see her back to Arendelle safely."

"Ah," Hans replied with a nod before continuing as he passed, "did she say when she was planning on leaving yet? I still need to tell her something."

Helm stopped and turned, looking puzzled. "Hans, she… she's just leaving port."

"She's what?" Hans exclaimed, turning wildly and stumbling, nearly tripping, as he charged for the front doors of the castle.

Helm scrambled after his brother, shouting after him. "I'm sorry, Hans! I thought you already knew! She said to let you sleep!"

Hans had never run so hard in his life. His fists flew, pumping back and forth, his feet hardly touching the ground as he sprinted to the stables. He didn't bother to saddle or bridle his horse, but vaulted onto Sitron bareback and wrapped the mane into his twisting fingers, urging his steed forward out of the stable and towards the port. "Come on, come on," he seethed, his heart beating in time with the rapid hoofbeats of his horse. His heart wrenched as he saw his brother's ship drifting outwards, away from the pier.

"Elsa!" he screamed, pushing Sitron as hard as the horse could manage. "Elsa, wait!" Some of his brothers were still present, including Heins, who noticed Hans approaching at a wildly reckless rate and shouted a warning to everyone. His father, who must have been present to wish Elsa a safe journey, pulled Allowyn aside just in time for her to avoid the charging Sitron. "Elsa!" shouted Hans, pulling himself higher on Sitron to see if he could make her out on the ship. "El-saaaaahhh!" he screamed in surprise as Sitron careened to a stop before going off the edge of the pier, throwing Hans into the ocean headfirst.

He came up coughing and sputtering, waving and croaking, ignoring his family's shouts of bewilderment, instead trying to paddle for the ship. "Elsa!"

Heinrik, who had noticed immediately that some commotion was happening on the pier, was already bellowing orders to keep his crew calm. Taking an offered spyglass from Johan, he peered through it. "Hans?" He lowered it and leaned over the side of the ship, using a rope as leverage. "Hans! What are you doing? Are you crazy?"

Elsa turned from her chair on the deck, her face tense in worry. "Hans?" She dashed to Heinrik's side and leaned out nearly as far as he, until she could make out his figure in the sea. "Hans!"

"Turn the ship around!" Heinrik cried, scattering the crew in all directions. "Be careful! Don't hit him!"

Elsa's eyes flashed with magic, her hand slicing through the air, sending a wisp of ice towards the sea. The moment it touched, the water thickened, stopping the ship in its tracks and causing the crew and captain to topple forwards off their feet.

Heinrik stumbled back up, leaning over the side of the ship to see the ocean's top layer frozen in place. A shelf of ice-like series of steps catered to Elsa, and she stepped over the side of the ship and made her way to the ground, where the ice continued to spread from her as she ran towards Hans. Heinrik looked back at his shaken crew and shrugged good-naturedly. "Nevermind!"

Elsa just had to make one flick of her hand to send Hans up out of the water on a small podium, which gently slid down to meet her. He got to his feet, wet from head to toe, and took Elsa in his arms, hugging her close as they stood on the ocean.

"Elsa…" he whispered, "I couldn't let you… why did you?"

"I wanted to keep you safe," she murmured, her arms tight around him, her ear on his chest. "I had to keep you safe... I love you, Hans." Hans tilted her head up, bending his own to meet her lips in a kiss, and Elsa's cheeks glowed.

Harald, who was watching from the pier next to Harken, shoved his brother lightly with an elbow. "Pay up."

Grunting once in a grumpy tone, Harken slipped his brother a few coins.

Heinrik sighed, putting one leg over the side of the ship to Elsa's stairs. "Well, come on, Johan. We're going to be here a while."

"Right." The two disembarked and made their way, albeit carefully, back to the pier.

"Seeing as we may not be disembarking today, I think it may be prudent to let Heinrik know of our plans now," George announced, watching Hans with pride.

"I agree." Allowyn said, folding her hands in front of her and joining George in a quiet conversation with Heinrik as he climbed up the ladder on the side of the pier.

"Are you serious?" he exclaimed, putting his hands to his head and grasping his hair in shock. "You're not serious, are you? You're joking!"

"It's true, son," George confirmed. "We've decided to give you the Rosemaling as your own ship to captain freely as an explorer under the commission of the king of the Southern Isles. We were going to wait to inform you of the decision until after you'd returned from Arendelle but, under the circumstances, we decided to tell you now."

Heinrik held his hand to his head, reeling in a circle and gasping. "My own! My own ship! I have my own ship! You mean I can go wherever I want?"

George chuckled. "Yes, wherever you want. But no pirating is to be done, am I understood? You are an explorer vessel only."

Heinrik blinked, turning back to look at his best friend. "But… what about Johan?"

"We have spoken with Helen. She is willing to let him decide what he would like to do."

Heinrik broke into a wide grin and turned to Johan. "Johan! Can you believe it? Our own ship! We get to go wherever we want, whenever we want!"

"But I have so much to pack!" Johan exclaimed, putting a hand to his head.

"Nevermind that! Let's go spread the word! If we finish our business today, we can be ready to leave tomorrow!" Heinrik snagged his friend's arm and pulled him along behind him.

A pillar of ice erupted from the already-frozen ocean, pushing Hans and Elsa up to the level of the pier, where they stepped off together.

"Mother… father…" Hans let go of Elsa's hands and approached them. "So much has happened… so much I'd forgotten for so long has been remembered… all because of Elsa. I can never repay her… and I can't imagine my life without her."

"And you want to go to Arendelle with her," finished George with a smile.

"No, I mean, yes, yes, I do." Hans stammered, motioning for her to take his hand once more. "I love her."

"Then you are free to go with her, son. You have my blessings, and have since you were but children," George said. "I do not think Idun or Agdar would have any argument against it."

"Promise me this, Hans…" Allowyn murmured as she stepped forward to her son's side. "Promise me you'll be a good ruler alongside Elsa for the people of Arendelle. Protect them. Be a just king. It will not always be easy. There will be trials ahead, things no one anticipates. Your value in the eyes of the people will be judged by how you handle these trials. In times of sorrow and pain, don't lose sight of what's truly important. Don't forget your family, those you love… and don't let others forget."

"I won't let you down," Hans assured her, bending to give her a kiss on the cheek. "I promise."

Allowyn smiled and returned his affection with a kiss of her own. "I know you won't."

"And don't forget to come back and visit, often!" Heins exclaimed, Helena nodding in support beside him.

"I will," Hans assured his brother. He turned and looked at Elsa, then out to the sea.

"Are you worried?" Elsa asked.

"A little," Hans admitted. "But… at the same time, no. Because I know… whatever waits for us… we'll always be there for each other…"

"Always," Elsa agreed, leaning against his shoulder and waving her hand as the ice began to melt.

Harald sighed and crossed his arms, watching the two embrace one another.

"At least he's leaving," remarked Harken, standing beside his brother and unconsciously mimicking his crossed arms posture. "That's something."

"Indeed," replied Harald, with a lilting undertone. "But… I will miss him."

"You? Miss Hans?" Harken replied, considerably taken aback by the idea. "I didn't know you were capable."

Harald scoffed and turned to face his brother. "Consider this: With Hans here I can focus my attention on someone I can sufficiently keep under my thumb. What are we left with once he's gone?"

"I…" Harken hesitated, wracking his mind for an answer.

"Think. What has just occurred which will significantly impact our lives?"

Harken blinked, offering the only answer he knew of at the moment. "The wedding?"

"And what do people do after weddings? What comes after wedded bliss?"

Harken thought again, and with a widening of his eyes it dawned upon him. "You don't mean?"

Harald's smile turned into a smirk. "Precisely." He brushed Harken aside, straightened his uniform, and began to walk away. "Prepare yourself, brother, for the addition of new nieces and nephews, all but begging us all to play. I'll be sure to send them in your direction. I do know how much you so adore tea parties."

Harken grimaced and broke into a short jog to catch up to his brother, already sputtering useless threats, but the reality was unavoidable. He, among with his other brothers, would have to start planning of excuses now.

#

A/N: I'm not crying. Really. *SNIIIIIIIFF* I'd like to take this moment to thank all of you who have followed my story, favorited it, and especially those of you who took the time to leave me a review, which fueled me all the way through this adventure. All it takes is one kind review to thaw this frozen heart. I truly hope you enjoyed it and I would love to hear from you in my future endeavors.

… So that's it.

Really.

Why are you still reading?

Are you hoping I'll say something else about the series?

...Did I say that out loud?

… Oops.

…

There's going to be a sequel.

Look for updates on the soon-to-be sequel, Shattered Hearts, and keep tuned/direct questions to my blog at frozenheartsfansdottumblrdotcom or shoot me a pm! I'm looking to post the first chapter sometime in the next two weeks (and no, I don't mean a few months, I mean two weeks this time)! Or less if I can manage it!