A/N: Reviews and follows :) these things make me happy. Posting a day early because I will be leaving for a four day trip to Pennsylvania tomorrow morning. I do not look forward to this trip so reviews will be my happy escape (as well as continuing to write if I am able while I'm there).
More errors fixed in previous chapters.
Queen Clio of Corinthia, King Desmond, and Tangu are more Sofia the First references; the five year old has control of the TV and I have a crush on Cedric.
The area of the bailey Elsa had frozen for ice skating was still there and Hans was bored. Elsa and Anna were spending sister time together, Kristoff was off doing whatever it was he did and he knew Siegfried had more important things to do than keep him entertained. He had purchased a pair of ice skates a few weeks ago, but had yet to try them out. The bailey was empty, with exception of the two guards at the doors, which he was glad for; it had been a while since he had put blade to ice and wanted to keep the witnesses to his stumbling and falling to a minimum.
"Rapunzel is an amazing artist! Next time we visit she says she'll do a painting of Kristoff and me," Anna said as she popped another chocolate truffle in her mouth.
"I'm sure I can arrange a diplomatic visit to Corona later this spring."
"You and Hans should come too since he and Eugene are so close."
"Hans will be returning to Baltia soon," Elsa's smile fell away.
"Oh, yeah," Anna said solemnly, "I guess I got used to him being here."
"So have I."
"I didn't know he could skate," Elsa looked up to find her sister looking out the window. Anna laughed a little, "Or maybe he can't." Elsa joined her sister watching the admiral on the ice.
It took a few moments of wildly flailing to get his balance, but once he did his natural grace and agility took over and it was as though he was made for it. He moved backwards, his overcoat flaring in front of him, then, to the sisters' surprise, in a quick motion he momentarily left the ice and spun in the air before gracefully landing on one foot.
The blade cutting the ice was the only sound in the bailey and he forgotten the fun that came with it. He kicked the ice with one foot giving him the rotation he needed and tucked his arms into his body accelerating the spin. He laughed as he moved out of it remembering how he tried to teach Klaus to skate the previous winter with no luck. With forward momentum he decided to try a slightly more difficult jump pushing himself to two and half turns before landing. The unexpected applause caused him to falter and land firmly on his rear.
"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you," Anna laughed.
"Are you hurt?" Elsa asked with concern.
"Just my dignity," he said as he tried to stand only to have his skates slide out from under him. Elsa smiled and created a mound of snow beneath him to stand him upright, "thank you, your majesty."
"May we join you?" Elsa asked.
"As you wish," he smiled. With a wave of her hand she dismissed the snow pile, covered the remaining area of the bailey in a thin layer of ice, and affixed ice blades to Anna's shoes.
"Let's race," Anna suggested, "First one around the bailey wins!" The three of them lined up, "Ready, set, go!"
Hans took the initial lead, only to be quickly surpassed by Elsa as she gracefully glided on past him effortlessly floating on the ice. He slowed down in surprise and Anna met up with him, "Hey! You're cheating!" She yelled after her sister; Elsa laughed in response. Hans spun around and began to rapidly gain speed. He quickly caught up to her as she had lost momentum when Anna distracted her. As he passed her she grabbed his coat sleeve causing the two to spin together. Hans put up his hands to brace for impact as they headed towards the wall.
He had his eyes closed when his back hit the wall, but his hands found something firm as well. He opened his eyes to find he was face to face with Elsa; he looked down to find what his hands were pressed against and his face turned a deep crimson. He opened his mouth several times in an attempt to find some kind of apology. Elsa realized that it was not his chest that was pinned against hers and blushed all over. She pushed herself off of him, "I have to go," she quickly glided back to the castle. Hans covered his face with his hands and Anna was in tears with laughter.
He had planned on distancing himself from her in his last remaining weeks to make his leaving easier, but that was not how he had imagined it happening. He clicked his pocket watch closed and stared out the window. There was really no point in checking the time, but the force of habit kept compelling him to. He had planned on consistently reducing the time he spent with her so he would become nothing more than a shadow to be forgotten; as he felt it always should have been.
"Elsa, was it really that bad?" Anna asked as the two took a turn in the garden.
"It was humiliating!"
"It was an accident," she turned her head and mumbled, "and it was kinda your fault."
"Accident or not, how am I supposed to speak to him again after that?"
"You open your mouth and words come out."
"It's not that simple."
"Yes it is."
"I don't think he wants to see me."
"He's just as embarrassed about it as you are. He won't be here much longer; do you want to spend the rest of his time here avoiding him?"
They had seen very little of each other in the weeks following the unfortunate incident. He had started taking meals in his room citing some physical ailment or another (the staff eventually stopped asking); most of his time he now spent with Siegfried and the rest of the royal guard sparring, playing cards, and sharing stories.
"She is young and very unsure of herself when it comes to men. I doubt she harbors any animosity towards you, and the heat of embarrassment will cool with time," Siegfried said to Hans as they sat in his office.
"I wish I could share your confidence."
"You don't have much experience with women, do you?"
Hans flushed and looked down at his hands, "No, I spent most of my life unable to feel pleasure so I did not seek it."
The older man's eyebrows raised, "Oh, that aspect of the mirror's influence I had never considered. You are then in a rather enviable position."
"I fail to see how."
"You have not made the regrettable mistakes most young men make when the desires of the body outweigh the wisdom of the mind."
"I have an entirely different set of mistakes to contend with."
Siegfried put down his pen and raised his eyes to meet those of the young prince that sat before him, "Kai and Gerda took it upon themselves to inform all of Arendelle of your situation. I remembered the emotionless man that I threw in my dungeon and found it difficult to believe, but I would trust Kai with the life of my beloved, so I gave you the benefit of the doubt. I can say that I do not regret that decision. I have watched you very closely and found a man of kindness, strength, humor, and honor. You have a brilliant mind and the natural ability to lead. I have not forgotten what transpired when Queen Elsa first revealed her powers, but because of that I know that since then you have sought nothing from her and sincerely care for her, not her position. She has freely given you her forgiveness," Siegfried chuckled, "and it more seems that the queen has been courting you."
"My previous actions make that impossible, but I do greatly value her friendship."
"Impossible? She lit the solstice fire with you."
"Why is that significant?"
Siegfried laughed, "If she did not tell you then, she must have plans to explain it later, and I will not take that from her."
"If she speaks to me again."
"She will. Though, with the ice quickly receding and the winds calming, I don't know if she will come to her senses before your return to Baltia," Siegfried leaned back in his chair, "I have been meaning to discuss that with you. No one but I will know when you are to leave. There will be three ships that will set sail carrying a passenger cloaked and hidden. During the voyage they are not to be spoken to or be seen by anyone. You will be one of them; the other two will be my most trusted men. The guards from the Southern Isles will be returned on a ship the following day."
The rain was a sign he would be leaving for Baltia soon and he was in a constant state of low-level anxiety waiting for Siegfried. He was looking forward to it in a way. He had never expected she would let him get so close to her. He knew he should have stopped it long ago, but now he had let himself get into a very painful situation; she held his heart, but he could never hold hers. Their friendship was something he would cherish forever and only wanted what would make her happy. His presence in Arendelle seemed to deter many suitors, and he hoped his absence would allow her to find the man who could make her happy.
Siegfried woke Hans late in the night, "It's time, Prince Hans." Hans quickly dressed himself and stepped out of the room, "Please, adorn this," Siegfried handed him a black, oversized, hooded cloak. Two other figures wearing the same cloak appeared and walked with them.
Elsa sat on her bed holding the small chest she kept everything from him in; all his letters, the cravat and hair the pirates sent, and the necklace he had given her. She had been too late. She had let pride and fear keep her from him. The incident seemed so trivial now, and it truly always had been. She didn't know when she would be able to see him again, or if he would ever want to see her again.
HRH Admiral Prince Hans Westergaurd of the Southern Isles,
I am sure I will be the first apologize this time. I'm sorry I let something so trivial ruin the last weeks of your visit. Siegfried told me of your concern that I did not wish to continue our acquaintance. I realize this may be too little, too late, but I feel I must tell you that what accidentally transpired has not changed my regard for you. I spent so many years in isolation I believe I'm having to catch up on making stupid mistakes. I'm sorry that you have been the one suffering from most of them.
Kai informed me that when you returned from your capture you used my handkerchief to prove your identity. Please accept the one I have sent with this letter as a replacement. I enjoyed your company very much, and wouldn't mind if you happened to get stuck in Arendelle for an extended period of time again.
Sincerely,
Queen Elsa of Arendelle
The letter had been lying on the desk of his room when he arrived. His mood was instantly lifted as he read it. Sharing the envelope was a black handkerchief, embroidered on it in ice blue was simply "Elsa."
"So, you're time in Arendelle was rather eventful I've heard," Klaus said as he poured his brother a cup of tea.
"That's putting it mildly. Attacked at sea, taken hostage, poisoned; it seems I had been mistaken for someone of consequence."
"You think too little of yourself."
"It has nothing to do with my self-regard. I am the last in line for the throne, I hold no office, and I'm sure Uncle Ansgar will never put me in command of a fleet again. The only logical conclusion I have been able to come up with is that someone felt I was still a threat to Arendelle, but I don't see how pirates fit into the picture."
"What is that you're playing with?" Klaus asked pointing to the compass in his hands.
"A gift," Klaus lifted it from his brother's hands and examined it.
"From Queen Elsa I assume by the snowflake and crocus," he popped it open, "and the message inside," a smirk crawled up his face.
"Inside?" Hans snatched it back and in the daylight that flooded Klaus' office he could now make out an inscription:
So you will always find your way back
-Elsa
"Seems you left quite an impression."
"You know very well that friendship is the only relationship she and I will ever have."
He plucked the black pocket square from Hans waistcoat and opened it to reveal Elsa's name, "Are you sure she knows that?"
Hans snatched it back, quickly folded it and tucked it back over his heart, "I had enough to deal with in Arendelle with rumors among the staff that she had taken me as her paramour, I don't need you adding to that."
"Paramour?" Klaus repeated shocked, his glasses sliding down his nose, "What could have started that type of scandalous talk?"
"I don't know. Eugene tried to explain it, but it didn't make much sense to me," he sighed, "Even her captain of the royal guard thinks we're to be married, and he's the man that threw me in the dungeon nearly three years ago!"
"It seems the only one objecting to the union is you."
"Klaus, it's not an objection. It's something that could never be," Hans rose and stood looking out a window into the harbor, "Every night she dies in my dreams. Anna's death I don't see much anymore. I believe it is because I realize now that I could not have saved her, I didn't love her. Elsa," he bit his lip and tightly shut his eyes trying unsuccessfully to stop the tears that were welling up, "I tell her that she is responsible for Anna's death then I stand above her as she mourns. I have no control of my body, but I can feel everything. I scream and my stomach turns as I feel the resistance of her flesh against my sword, her hot blood hitting my face, and the sounds of breaking bones fill my ears. I don't want to look, but I have no control. The ice of the fjord is stained red and her lifeless eyes stare back at me."
Klaus stood momentarily at a loss for words, "None of that happened, Hans," he put his hand on his brother's shaking shoulder.
"Only because Anna stopped me," he stared into the distance, tears rolling down his face, "Everyone takes it so lightly, but they don't see what I see when I close my eyes. I am the monster of my nightmares."
HRH Queen Elsa of Arendelle,
Brava! Indeed you sent your apology first. I understand making up for lost time with stupid mistakes. I felt as though I was sparing you the embarrassment of having to see me again.
As I predicted my powers of persuasion fall short of the power of my parents' orders to Uncle Ansgar. I hope they will lift their ban and let me command a fleet again, but in the mean time I've been advising my uncle on how to handle the unwanted activities in the surrounding waters with some success, but he doesn't always listen to me and things go awry.
I have been forbidden to leave this island until my parents give permission; I am reminded that I am the baby of the family in some way or another by everyone in the palace (staff included). I have been scolded for interrupting Jens' and Gita's governess during their lessons, Klaus and Wolfgang are perpetually busy, Gemma and Asta (Wolfgang's wife) spend most of their time in town teaching local people to read and write (they say I would be a distraction) and just looking at Reinvald gives me a headache.
There are so many whispers about my unwed status. Now that I have been unwillingly removed for the sea it seems the lack of a wife is somehow indecent at my age. I told mother that I would rather haunt the corridors forever in white than enter into a marriage of convenience.
Thank you for the new pocket square, my waistcoats weren't the same without one. My clothes arrived recently, though I seem to be lacking the black tailcoat I was to have altered for Klaus and one dress uniform coat. Their absence is of little concern, but if they happen to turn up feel free to rid yourself of them by sending them to Baltia.
Your Eternal Servant,
ADM Prince Hans Westergaurd of the Southern Isles
"What are you wearing?" Anna laughed when she opened her sister's bedroom door. Elsa sat crossed legged on her bed going through papers, wearing her nightgown and Hans' dress uniform coat. She looked up at her sister and blushed, "you didn't," Anna said as she approached her. Elsa smiled shyly and looked away. "Does he know you have it?"
"No," Elsa refused to look her sister in the face.
"Did you keep anything else?"
Elsa's blush deepened as she tried to lie, "No."
"What else do you have?"
"The coat Eugene sent him."
"Why the other coat?" Elsa fiddled with the buttons on the cuffs and remained silent. Anna sat next to her, "Tell me, please?" she leaned her head on Elsa's shoulder, pouted and batted her eyelashes.
"Princes and princesses of the Southern Isles only wear black when they're married. It's such a nice coat; I didn't want him to have it altered for someone else. I'll give it back to him when he does get married."
"To you?" Anna asked slyly.
"I never…"
She laughed and fell back on the bed, "You lit the solstice fire with him! He's the only one that didn't know what that meant!"
"I know, but he doesn't seem to notice my fondness for him, or he just isn't interested," Elsa fell back and put her pillow over face, "this conversation shouldn't be happening! I'm a queen not a debutante!"
Anna lifted the pillow and peeked at her sister's face, "A queen wearing a stolen coat," Elsa stuck her tongue out and pulled the pillow back down. "Men are clueless, most of them anyway, and don't get subtlety. Kristoff didn't realize I was interested in him until he accidentally asked if he could kiss me and I said 'yes.' I'm sure everything you felt was so obvious he's written off for one reason or another." Elsa groaned into the pillow. "It doesn't help that he has a lot of guilt. From talking to Eugene, and some things I've overheard, Hans doesn't think you could ever see him as something other than a friend," she picked up the pillow again, "If you want something to happen you're going to have to make the first move."
HRH Queen Elsa of Arendelle,
I realize I haven't given you much chance to reply to my previous letter, but know this is not an act of impatience. I write this in a state of severe aggravation. My uncle Ansgar informed me today that the budget for naval operations has been reduced and that to compensate for the reduction he will be halting the active hunting of pirates. Reinvald claims that pirate activity is such a small threat that the patrols are unnecessary. I told him that the threat is minimal because the patrols are working. I was told that there just wasn't money for "my little pet project." I left his office after that due to a rather severe headache and to prevent my fist from impacting his smug face. I plan on writing to the monarchs of many of the surrounding kingdoms to inform them that we will not be able to offer the protection we had previously.
Ha! I pled my case to father and Wolfgang, with my uncle's help, and they have overturned Reinvald's decision. He is livid and I cannot stop grinning like an idiot. I would be lying if I said there wasn't a bit of drama involved, but I am not above making a fool of myself to save lives and livelihoods.
Since everything turned out just the same as before I wrote the letter it seems pointless to have written it, but since I have I will send it anyway. May it provide you some amusement.
Your Eternal Servant,
ADM Prince Hans Westergaurd of the Southern Isles
Elsa found herself thankful for her small court and the calm of her kingdom which she knew, in part, Hans was responsible for. She opened the next letter and grinned; Corinthia wanted to renegotiate the terms of trade.
Gerda had assisted her in putting her hair into an intricate lace braid crown. Elsa now stood in front of the mirror in the dress she had woven out of ice. It had a high neckline, long sleeves, and flared slightly at the waist; the cape she wore with it was made entirely of snow. She placed the glistening ice crown she had created on her head and examined herself once more. Her eye shadow was dark and her lips dusky; she hoped she looked more intimidating than she felt. The final touch to her outfit was the black pearl necklace. She ran her fingers over the engraving on the back of the square cross and smiled thinking of his face. The clasp clicked and she left to present the Snow Queen to the Corinthian visitors.
Prince Eudoro was obviously expecting to be reacquainted with the woman he had met at Anna's wedding, the look on his face when he stood before her now was one of awe dashed with fear, "Your majesty, Queen Clio and Prince Eudoro of Corinthia," Kai introduced the pair when they stood before the throne. Queen Clio, like her son, was swarthy, with a round face, soft brown eyes, and a petite nose; her long brown hair hug in large curls and she wore a billowy pink gown. Prince Eudoro heavily resembled his mother, but he wore his dark hair short and parted to the right side. He wore tan breeches, black half-boots, white stockings, a white shirt, pale blue waistcoat, dark blue tailcoat, and a yellow cravat.
Elsa gave a polite smile, "Welcome to Arendelle, I hope you enjoy your stay," she slowly descended the few steps from throne platform to floor leaving a trail of frost in her wake, "You must be tired after such a long journey. My steward will show you to your rooms, we can speak of business matters tomorrow."
The first day of negotiations had been anything but. Queen Clio spent most of the time just trying to build rapport with her. Elsa was very cautious, but far from rude, "King Desmond sends his regards. He wanted to join us, but is away in Tangu," Queen Clio said as she sipped her tea, "I don't believe we've had the pleasure of your company in Corinthia."
"No, I haven't had the opportunity to visit many kingdoms since my rise to power," Elsa chose her words carefully. Queen Clio was a beloved ruler, but Elsa wished to take no chances.
"I can understand why you would be reluctant to leave. Your kingdom is beautiful."
"Thank you, I've heard Corinithia is very lovely."
"It is, but during this time of year the heat can be rather oppressive."
Elsa smiled, "That may be true, but I'm sure many of my subjects would rather be enjoying the winter shores of Corinthia than the frozen harbor of Arendelle."
"I couldn't imagine being cut off from the rest of world for months every year. It must be difficult."
"We've managed for longer than anyone can remember. The winter following my coronation was worrisome; many of the crops were damaged when I inadvertently froze the entire kingdom."
Queen Clio seemed taken aback by the nonchalance with which Elsa spoke of the event, "Yes, I believe I remember hearing of your troubles."
"The worry did not last long," Elsa smiled, "We received more aid than we could use that season. It has not been a problem since."
Queen Clio fell silent, clearly this was not the way she had planned the conversation going.
Kai and Anna had insisted that a royal visit required a ball; Elsa reluctantly agreed. She wore another dress of shimmering dark blue ice with a high neckline, an ice tiara, and the black pearl necklace. Anna was stunning in a lavender ball gown and Kristoff looked uncomfortable in his trousers and blue frock coat, "Lovely ball," Prince Eudoro commented as he stood next to Elsa.
"It is. Princess Anna and my steward arranged it," from the corner of her eye Elsa watched Eudoro motion to touch her arm, only to immediately withdraw his hand as the cold radiating from her gown touched his skin. In the time she had gotten to know Hans she had tried to find another man she would be willing to let court her; one that a relationship with wouldn't be so complicated. Eudoro was an obvious choice: he was the right age, from a powerful kingdom, kind, handsome, and well bred, but he lacked the wit, spirit, command, and understanding she desired. When she stopped trying to play mind games with herself she had to face that the real problem with Eudoro was simple; he wasn't Hans.
"That's a rather interesting necklace," Eudoro examined it more closely and seemed surprised, "that is the highest military honor of the Southern Isles."
A small smile graced her lips as she touched it, "it was a gift," she didn't mention who it was from, and he knew it wasn't his place to ask.
"Princess Anna's wedding was an interesting affair," he smiled, changing the subject.
"Yes, it is unlikely anyone will attend another one quite like it."
"I had never met a troll before, nor a talking snowman, nor seen a reindeer in a wedding party."
Elsa laughed, "Convention doesn't seem to suit my family."
HRH Admiral Prince Hans Westergaurd of the Southern Isles,
Queen Clio and Prince Eudoro visited recently to renegotiate the tariffs. During their visit I presented myself as the Snow Queen; only adorning dresses I crafted from ice and snow to ensure they never forgot what I am capable of. I believe Queen Clio had plans to use the second winter against me, but I did not give her the opportunity. Tariffs have been significantly lowered and trade opened more.
During their visit Prince Eudoro was rather flirtatious; at least I believe he was. I don't know if it was an attempt to influence negotiations or he truly desired to court me. In either case he was kindly rebuffed. He is an amiable man and will make a woman who can give him her heart very happy.
It was difficult, but I have finally transferred my personal affects to the great chamber. I left the room that had been both my sanctuary and my prison. I have been queen for three years now, but part of me is still the scared little girl that hid behind those doors. I had everything in the room replaced and what was removed now resides in a guest room. Changing the room in which I sleep may seem like a silly thing to be so significant, but I knew as long as I resided in my old room I would feel as though I was just on the throne waiting for mama and papa to come home and take the responsibility back.
Sincerely,
Queen Elsa of Arendelle