A/N: Yeah! Reviews! I wish I could draw. I have in the unpublished version over 43,000 words, and I'm not yet done. This story has ran away with me!
Primroses - in the language of flowers the primrose means "I can't live without you."
The song in the pub is an Irish traditional "The Old Black Rum." The version I used is by Great Big Sea.
"Elsa, can I come in?" Anna asked from outside her sister's bedroom.
"Of course," Elsa responded.
Anna, in her nightgown, hopped onto the bed and watched her sister brush her hair at her vanity, "I haven't forgotten about that little talk we need to have," she said with a mischievous smile.
Elsa stopped mid-stroke, but recovered, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Come on, Elsa, you know exactly what I mean."
Elsa sighed, set down the brush and turned to face her sister, "Prince Hans and I are just friends."
"Yeah right, and Kristoff and I 'just friends.'"
"Really, Anna, there's nothing going on between us."
"Look, if it's because of the whole few hours I was engaged to him…well, to him that wasn't him so I'm not even sure if it counts. Anyway, don't worry about it; you have my full support," she smiled widely. Elsa just stared at the floor. Anna got up on her knees, grabbed Elsa's hand and pulled her to sit beside her. "There were ice flowers exploding in the air when you hugged him today, and I saw the way you were looking at him on the ship before the whole pirate thing, and you don't look at a friend that way."
"I don't know what you mean."
Anna laughed, "You looked like you were going to devour the man." Elsa's shocked face flushed instantly, "You spend every moment you can with him," she grinned widely, "Oh, and the flowers that exploded were primroses; you also left a trail of them behind you as you ran to him."
"Primroses?" Elsa let out a defeated sigh, "There is nothing going on between us, but that doesn't mean I don't wish it was different."
"I knew it!" Anna said jumping up and down on the bed. "It started with the letters, didn't it?" Elsa nodded. Anna crossed her legs mid-jump and landed next to Elsa, "So, why don't you make it different?"
"I'm afraid."
"Afraid of what?"
"That he doesn't feel the same way, that he could be only being nice to me for the sake of diplomacy, and there's the council."
"I'm pretty sure he's not just being nice," Anna chuckled, "And what about the council?"
"At least one of the advisers still doesn't trust him."
"Do you?"
Elsa smiled, "Yes."
Anna positioned herself on her stomach with her chin in her hands, "Why do you trust him?"
"There are things he's told me, in the letters and in person, which no man his age would lie about."
"Like what? Tell me about him."
"He lets his niece dress him as a princess while she pretends to be the prince that comes to his rescue," Elsa couldn't help but laugh remembering him in the ridiculous garden hat.
"That's adorable!"
"He's told me about the troubles he's had adjusting to feeling emotions that were cut off for sixteen years. He hates his freckles and his hair. He's clever, kind, understanding, and brings out aspects of me I didn't know were there," Elsa thought for a moment, "Did you ever kiss?"
"No, Hans and I never kissed," Anna watched as Elsa tried to fight a smile, "Have you two kissed?"
"What, no!"
"Had to ask. Kristoff was a bit awkward at first, but practice makes perfect," Anna grinned, "I'm sure Hans has had enough practice by now to not go through that phase," Elsa bit her lip and looked away. Anna's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open, "No way! He's never been…? He's still a…?" Elsa put her hand over her sister's mouth.
"Don't you dare breathe a word to anyone," Elsa said through clenched teeth. Anna nodded and Elsa removed her hand.
"Wow, I wouldn't have guessed that," she laughed, "I mean he's a prince, a sailor, and, what, six and twenty? I bet girls throw themselves at him when he's in port. Not to mention all the women on staff at the castle…"
"Anna!"
"Sorry, it's just a surprise. I, mean, know you are…aren't you?"
"Yes!"
Anna laughed again, "You are so red right now!"
"This isn't the most comfortable conversation."
"I know, but who else are you going to talk to about this?" Elsa glared at her.
"No!" was the only word that came out of his mouth when a knock came at the bedroom door. He buried his face in the pillow and pretended he didn't hear them knock again.
"Prince Hans, breakfast is nearly over," said the voice from beyond the door.
"I'll sleep until lunch!" Never before had he been so reluctant to leave the comfort of a bed, but after days of sleeping either on the ground or in a hammock it was heaven. There was only one thing that would have made it perfect, but he quickly chased the thoughts of sharing a bed with Arendelle's queen from his mind. He grumbled and rolled over onto his back, whether he liked it or not he was awake and if he was awake he might as well get up.
"I'm up, I'm up, I'll be ready in a few minutes!" Hans said impatiently to the third knock as he pulled on his boots. Elsa smiled from the other side of the door. She had woken up only a few minutes before, readied herself as quickly as possible, and came to make sure it hadn't been just a cruel dream.
"Hans, your father and I have been talking, and we would like you to remain in Arendelle for a while longer," Hans raised an inquisitive eyebrow as he pulled the fork out of his mouth.
"It seems it would be safer if you travelled separately until we can discover who is hunting you," King Anders said obviously pained at the idea of his youngest son being sought out as prey.
Hans swallowed, "How long would you wish me to stay? Winter is fast approaching and these waters will soon become impassable."
His father closed his eyes and sighed, "We know. We have spoken to Queen Elsa and she is willing to extend her hospitality to you for as long as it needed."
"Is this a legitimate fear, or just another attempt to keep me on land?"
"Hans!" Queen Adelaide yelled on the verge of tears, "We love you and there are people out there who want you dead!"
He felt guilty as soon as the snide comment left his lips, "I'm sorry, mother," he rose and embraced her.
Hans stood in front of the tavern door with Siegfried and straightened his dress uniform coat; the medals pinned to it clinked as he ran his gloved hands over them (the hat he left back in the castle). He took a deep breath and flung open doors. All eyes turned to him and the crowd erupted in cheers. Hans smiled as he made his way through the crowd, shaking various hands and carefully avoiding the advances of some of the more forward waitresses. He found Captain Van Dyke and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Heinrich!" he shouted at the barman, "All the drinks for this man and his crew are on me!"
"And who might you be?" he asked turning to find the highly decorated naval officer.
Hans bowed, "Admiral Prince Hans Westerguard, at your service. Though you would know me better as Bastian Stray," Van Dyke sat in stunned silence, "May I?" Hans asked as he pulled out a chair and sat down.
Van Dyke took a long drink, "You were right, I wouldn't have believed you."
Hans laughed and took a mug from a passing waitress, "I'm not surprised in the least," he pulled a sealed envelope from his jacket and handed it to him, "when next you're in Baltia have this given to either Prince Klaus or Crown Prince Wolfgang, they will see that you are well compensated for your services."
"You are almost legendary. What were you doing aboard my ship?"
"I had escaped capture by pirates and wanted to make it back alive. It seemed I was most likely to succeed if I did so under an assumed identity. I had not counted on so observant a captain; you have my utmost respect."
"I had expected you to be older; you don't look to be even thirty."
"Six and twenty."
"You're a young prince, why are you out hunting pirates? Shouldn't you be chasing skirts?" Van Dyke laughed.
"One would think, but I wanted to actually make myself of some use. As thirteenth in line I have no delusion of every holding a throne, I was not prepared for a cabinet position, so I decided to actually make use of the naval training I was given."
"I've met princes with naval ranks before and most didn't know the bow from the stern."
"I was like that, just a figurehead used to ferry visiting dignitaries around. It was only close to three years ago now that I realized Admiral Westerguard had opportunities Prince Hans didn't."
"You must have a sharp mind to learn so much so quickly."
Hans laughed, "I think it had more to do with stubbornness and a need to prove myself," Hans took a drink and heard the musicians start up and smiled, "They know me too well here already," He was quickly lifted from his chair by several patrons and placed on a table, the crowd clapped in time and waited for Hans to begin.
I drank sixteen doubles for the price of one,
Trying to find the courage to talk to the one;
I asked her for a dance, not a second glance,
My night had just begun…
He stood next to Elsa on the dock and watched as the Absalon headed homeward with all that had visited from the Southern Isles with exception of himself and a pair of guards his parents and brother had insisted remain behind to assist in protecting him. As the ship disappeared over the horizon he let out a puff of air that blew the front of his hair upward for a moment, "I'm sorry my parents saw it fit to impose upon your hospitality like this."
"I can think of no one else I would rather have imposed upon me," Elsa said with a smile.
"You are too kind, your majesty. I would imagine you would enjoy having your castle back in its proper order when all your guests have left."
"I doubt you'll give me much trouble, and I'm glad to know you'll be safe here instead of waiting for a letter telling me your fate."
"They asked you to protect me, didn't they?"
"No, I wasn't asked. I gladly volunteered," Her eyes shone brightly as she smiled at him.
He smiled and could feel the heat rising in his cheeks, "Again, I am deeply in your debt."
Elsa secretly watched from a window as Hans and Siegfried used sparring swords in an open space near the castle. Siegfried matched Hans in height and breadth, but was about ten years his senior, had black hair streaked with grey, hard dark eyes, thin lips, and a chiseled jaw. Siegfried could keep up with Hans, but it was obvious Hans was the better swordsman.
"Wait," Hans said trying to catch his breath. He stood removed his tailcoat, cravat and waist coat and rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, "that's better." Siegfried gave a deep chuckle and followed suit. She watched as Hans moved, sweat causing his white shirt to stick to his skin and drip from his now soaked deep red hair. She had never seen him in such a state of undress, and despite its impropriety she enjoyed it.
"Waiting for more to come off?" Anna asked with a mischievous grin.
Elsa startled, "Will you please stop sneaking up on me?"
"I'm not sneaking, you're just distracted," Anna stood next to her, "He definitely keeps fit. What's that on his arm?"
"A tattoo, it goes all the way to his shoulder."
"So you have seen him wearing less."
"No! He told me about it," Elsa gave a frustrated sigh and walked away from the window, "Honestly, Anna, I think you enjoy this."
Anna laughed, "It is kinda fun."
"You are quite skilled with a sword, young prince," Siegfried said as he sat down and wiped the sweat from his brow.
Hans fell back on the grass, "You're quite talented yourself. It's comforting to know Queen Elsa has such a skilled man as captain of her guard."
"It will be good to have a warrior king," Hans propped himself on his elbows and gave him a shocked and confused look, "She has let no other man court her as she has you, and she makes little attempt to hide her fondness for you." he stood and gathered his things, "I must be going; my wife will be upset if I delay any longer."
Hans flopped back on the grass and stared up at the browning leaves of the tree he was beneath. Courting her? He didn't want to make her uncomfortable, or think he would have the audacity to think she could love him after what he had done. He brought his right hand up to wipe the sweat from his forehead with his glove and smiled as he caught sight of the three inch crocus he had embedded in the tattoo on the underside of his forearm. The three lions on his bicep were no mystery, but he never explained to anyone why he had the royal symbol of Arendelle on his body. He laughed realizing he had marked himself as hers long before.
"Uhh, are you alright?" Hans opened his eyes to find the confused face of Anna's husband looking down at him.
"Yes, I'm fine," Hans sat up, "just finished sparring with Siegfried." Hans noticed Kristoff looking at his right arm.
"So all of you guys really do have tattoos."
"Not all sailors, but the vast majority. I am in the minority regarding the size and intricacy of mine, but I have my stubborn pride to blame for that."
Kristoff sat down next to him, "Is that a crocus?" he asked pointing to Hans' right forearm.
"Yes, it is a crocus," Hans colored slightly and looked at the fallen leaves.
"And why do you have a crocus tattooed on your arm?" Kristoff asked with some suspicion.
"As a reminder of a debt I can never pay."
Kristoff took in a deep breath. He felt compelled to talk to him for Elsa's sake. He was pretty sure they weren't aware of the fact they were both head over heels for each other. He didn't plan on telling either of them, but he was pretty certain one of them would figure it out sooner or later, and if he could help by easing Hans' obvious guilt he felt he had to do it. "I hated you," he said looking straight ahead.
"I don't believe you realize you used past tense," Hans said flicking the leaves next to him.
"No, I meant it that way. The trolls that raised me didn't make the mirror, but some of their ancestors did. It's one of the few things trolls are ashamed of. It was never just a legend for me, but I never thought I would meet anyone who had it in them."
"After what I did to Anna and Elsa I really can't understand how you don't hate me now, mirror or not."
"I know what that mirror can do," Kristoff really didn't want to keep talking, but it was better than uncomfortable silence. He chuckled a little, "And I kinda have you to thank for meeting Anna, and that I wouldn't change that for anything," Kristoff stood and dusted the leaves from his clothes, "I gotta go feed Sven, and you might want to go take a bath. I mean, I spend a lot of time around reindeer so I've smelled way worse, but you're soaked."
Hans laughed, "I plan to."