It was a damp, cold morning in Arendelle. Droplets of water clung to the castle walls and windows as the ground soaked up the rain. Anna could not help but think of next year's crops benefiting from as much rain in the ground as possible as she stood staring out the window. She gripped a role of parchment in her hands and exhaled deeply as the sound of someone shifting met her ears. Unfortunately, Anna did not have the time nor courtesy to be thinking about something such as next year's harvest.

She turned around to face her company. In the castle library, Julia, Dominic, Daniel, and General Mattias joined Anna. She motioned for them to sit, but no one did. Anna squared her tense shoulders. The day before, she and Kristoff overheard Dominic's sister, Julia, telling Dominic that she had arrived in Arendelle to fetch her brother and Daniel to return to Westleton with her. Only Mattias had spotted Anna and Kristoff as they eavesdropped in the dungeons the day before. He had quickly told Anna what had happened despite her overhearing it all, and Julia had approached her with a contract regarding Dominic's return, demanding that Anna look at it as soon as she could. Anna, however, scheduled a meeting with the aforementioned group for the next morning so she could look through the document herself and take her time in doing so.

Anna cleared her throat, resisting the urge to yawn. She did not sleep well the night before. "Thank you all for meeting with me at this time," the young queen said in an orderly tone. She opened the prisoner exchange and scanned a few of the paragraphs. "Dominic, I assume you've been told why we are all meeting here, correct?"

Dominic raised his cuffed hands idly. "Word travels fast, Your Highness." He looked at her. "But I'd like to hear it from you."

Anna felt her jaw tense. He's fawning, she thought to herself. She looked down at the document. Dominic's words from the night before rang in her head. "Lady Julia has delivered me documentation regarding a prisoner exchange between Arendelle and Westleton," Anna explained to him. "Westleton has requested your return, granted that you remain a prisoner for life." She rolled up the document and paced a couple steps. "Since you are a ward of the kingdom, you need my permission to return if that is what you wish."

"It's not," Dominic answered swiftly.

"Let her finish," Mattias said in a low tone.

Anna turned and gazed at the fire that burned in the fireplace, and for a moment, it brought her a sense of peace. She turned back around and looked at Julia. "I have some questions for you." She opened the clause once more to scan it. "It says here that he will remain imprisoned for life with no chance of parole. Is that correct?"

Julia scowled. "Yes, although I've heard it's the same here. Why do you ask?"

"Ever since Westleton gave up Dominic's rights to Arendelle, he had become a ward of the kingdom," said Anna. She looked at Julia with steady eyes. "He has become my responsibility. It's my duty as queen to represent every person under my rule fairly and justly." Before Julia could respond, Anna continued, "Tell me what his daily routine would look like."

"What?" Julia scoffed as Daniel and Mattias exchanged glances. "Why does that matter?"

Anna's chest prickled with irritation, but she held her composure. "I want to hear every detail before making a decision," she replied.

Dominic grunted and almost took a step forward but was prevented from doing so by Mattias. "But I've already said that I don't want to return. Don't I get a say in this?"

"You don't," Anna said firmly. "Whether you refuse or not, ultimately the decision rests with me." She turned her attention back to Julia. "Please tell me what his daily routine would look like," Anna repeated.

"He'll be locked up. That's it," Julia said tartly.

Anna scanned the parchment. "Yes, I see that either those details were left out or don't exist," she muttered more to herself than anyone else. "What about visitations, exercise, or labor?"

"Why do you care about those things?" Julia snapped.

Daniel shifted uncomfortably. "Because he's a person…" he muttered.

"No one asked you!" Julia fired back.

"Enough," Anna commanded. She closed her eyes for a second and took a deep breath. I wish they had sent someone more qualified to negotiate his rights, she thought to herself. "While it is true that he will remain a prisoner for life with no chance at parole, it is our kingdom's belief that every person be treated rightly and fairly, regardless of their legal status or imprisonment."

Julia crossed her arms. "Meaning?"

"Meaning, those imprisoned in Arendelle will still be treated humanely. That means visitations, daily exercise outside of the cell, mental stimulation such as games or access to books, and labor, all monitored, of course." Anna looked over the prisoner exchange in her hands. "I see none of those things listed and am hearing of no plans to implement any of those rights to said prisoner. Therefore, I must take into consideration the quality of life he would have in your kingdom compared to Arendelle's."

"Are you serious?" Julia asked, bristling like a cat. "He tried to kill you and your sister! He betrayed our kingdom AND yours! Why would you even consider his quality of life when you have him locked up in the first place?"

Anna met Julia's gaze with steady eyes as her own thoughts ran wild. Julia was right; it made little sense to treat Dominic fairly after everything he had done. She gripped the parchment in her hands. In that moment, she desperately wished that Elsa was there. Anna wanted to know what her sister would have to say about the current situation and how she would handle it. Elsa would probably send Dominic back with no hesitation, especially after his unwanted cordialness. Anna nearly cracked a smile at the thought of her sister watching the ship that carried Dominic sail away until it disappeared from the fjord altogether. She turned to look at the fire as the group squabbled behind her. This was her decision, and hers alone. This was someone's life in her hands, and she had to treat that person with the same level of justice and equality as every other person in her kingdom. She closed her eyes. She knew there would be pushback to her decision; there always was, but that almost cemented her morality. "I've come to a decision," she stated, turning to her company. They all fell silent. Anna stood up straight. "I decline your prisoner exchange request."

Daniel's mouth fell open. "D-does that mean I can stay, too?" he asked nervously.

Anna smiled. "Of course. That decision was always up to you."

Laughter filled the library, and Anna turned her calm gaze to Julia. "You fool," Julia laughed incredulously. "Siding with him? Has Arendelle really stooped this low under your leadership?"

"Watch it," Mattias growled, but Anna held up her hand to alleviate her general.

Julia headed for the door, but not before shooting Anna a menacing glance. "You're not the leader your sister was." Anna sighed heavily as Julia slammed the door shut.

"Hey, you okay?" Anna heard Daniel ask. The young queen nearly doubled back when she saw that Dominic was wiping a tear from his eye. Anna blinked her bewilderment away as he looked at her.

"Thank you," he said softly.

Anna tensed as her stomach twisted within her. "Please return our prisoner to his cell," she commanded Mattias, who nodded.

As Daniel and Dominic shuffled out of the library, Mattias lingered in the doorway. "I hope you've made the right decision, Your Highness," he said. His tone was not argumentative, rather gentle and concerned. Anna simply looked at him. He dipped his head. "I will follow your lead," he finished as he disappeared from the door.

Anna crumpled the document in her hands and threw it into the fire. "Father, Mother, Elsa…guide me," she said quietly as she watched the parchment burn.

Over the next few days, Anna handled several incidents regarding the prisoner exchange from numerous people. Some were from her counsel; others were from staff and citizens. Julia wasted no time in spreading the news around, and it had gotten to such a dramatic state that Anna told Julia to head home early, cutting her visit short by several days. Anna sighed heavily and leaned back against an outdoor bench while Olaf played with the autumn leaves on the ground. They were tucked away near the fjord in town where only a few people passed by them. Anna took a walk through the town every day, and Olaf had joined her that afternoon. The young queen stared up at the clear, blue sky. "What a mess," she muttered to herself.

Olaf turned to look at her, several leaves shoved within his little snow body. "Oh, I know," he commented, poking the crispy orange leaves in his chest. "I thought I'd add a little flair to myself today." He frowned and scratched himself. "Although, it's much itchier than I thought…" Anna chuckled and helped him pick out the leaves.

"Your Highness."

Anna and Olaf flinched in surprise at the sudden voice. She felt her chest tighten upon recognizing who it was. She stood. "What are you doing here?" she asked Dominic.

Daniel ran down the hill behind the bench. "You're not supposed to go farther than ten feet from me, Dom!" the knight said through heavy breaths. He bowed to Anna. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I don't know what got into him."

Dominic held up a lavender shawl. "This got away from you," he explained to Anna.

She took it from him, unable to hide her scowl. "This won't happen again," she said to them both.

Daniel nodded while Dominic clasped his hands behind his back. "You're welcome," Dominic muttered.

Anna stood tall as Olaf clutched her hand nervously. "You two best be on your way." She checked her pocket watch. "Your time is almost up anyway."

"My queen," Dominic started before a strong wind blew past them, interrupting him. Anna sheltered Olaf from the breeze. Dominic straightened his jacket. "Will you play chess with me later?"

Anna patted Olaf's head and gave him a small smile before turning her attention to Dominic. "Your sister is leaving tomorrow. Shouldn't you be spending more time with her?"

"I don't want to," Dominic said flatly. "So, will you?"

Anna's stomach twisted. "Daniel, will you take Olaf over there for a moment?" she asked the knight.

A confused look came over Daniel's face. "But I can't be more than ten feet away."

"You won't be," she assured.

Daniel nodded as Olaf silently joined him. The snowman suddenly turned towards Dominic and blew raspberries at him. "Hmph!" Olaf uttered before joining Daniel underneath an oak tree.

If her body was not so tense, Anna would have laughed. She faced Dominic while gazing up at some passersby. "I'm cutting contact with you."

Dominic grunted in surprise. "But, why?"

"You know why," Anna spat, glaring at him.

His shoulders fell slightly. "So, you've noticed," he commented rather quietly. Another strong wind blew past them, tossing hair and clothing around like mere toys. "I'm not going to hide my feelings, Anna!" He took a step towards her. "You have to understand-!"

He was interrupted by Anna withdrawing her dark blade. Its tip came within inches of his throat. Daniel started to run over, but Anna shook her head at him. She glared at Dominic. "Do not speak to me so formally," she seethed. Dominic raised his hands and stepped back. Anna lowered her blade but kept it pointed at him. "I suggest you find someone else to throw your feelings onto. They are wasted on me."

Dominic gritted his teeth. "I know that," he said. "But they remain the same."

Anna sheathed her blade. "We're done here," she said as she walked away. "Return him to his cell," she ordered Daniel as she walked past, grabbing Olaf's hand.

That evening, no sound but the tinkling of silverware filled the mess hall as everyone ate. Anna sipped on a glass of wine as Kristoff and Olaf ate in uncomfortable silence. Neither Julia nor Daniel joined them that night, but Anna did not mind. In fact, she enjoyed the silence as it did not add to her rising frustration. As she downed her cup of wine, Kristoff frowned and cut into his steak rather tensely. "Uh…do you want to talk about it?" he ventured.

Anna wiped her face. "No."

Olaf leaned in towards Kristoff. "It's probably because she just saved the man she hates most from the clutches of injustice when he doesn't deserve it," he whispered loudly. "Oh, and probably because he also has feelings for her, too."

"Olaf!" Anna scorned.

"What?!" Kristoff dropped his silverware. "Why didn't you tell me?" he asked his wife.

Anna scowled and crossed her arms like a child. "Because I handled it!"

"Yeah, by almost stabbing him," Olaf muttered.

"What?!" Kristoff repeated, shooting up from his chair. "Did he try something? Did he hurt you?"

"No," Anna reassured him, her tone still bitter. "I cut contact, Kristoff! I don't want anything to do with him."

Kristoff sat down gingerly. "Then why did you choose to keep him here?"

This time, Anna stood. "Because it's my duty as queen to treat-" She gripped the table. "You know what? I don't have to keep explaining myself! I've already told you why a thousand times, along with everyone else! I'm Queen!" She began pacing. "That should be enough, but NO! Everyone must question my every move! Nothing is good enough, or fair enough, or justified enough for ANYONE these days! I'm sick of explaining myself! I am Queen!" She stopped. "Why can't that be enough?"

She heard Kristoff rise from his chair. "You're right," he said calmly, squeezing her shoulder. "You are Queen, but you're also my wife. I care about what happens to you, and the struggles you're going through." She scoffed but kept listening. "And as your husband, I care when some creep tries to force his feelings onto you, especially if he's dangerous."

Olaf waddled over to them. "Me, too. We just want you to be happy," the snowman said.

Anna felt a rush of tears swell behind her eyes. "I haven't been happy for a long-"

Suddenly the doors of the mess hall burst open. "Your Highness!" a young guard shouted. "Lady Julia is trying to free the prisoner!"

Without a word, the three of them shot out of the room and towards the dungeons. Anna unsheathed her dark blade and kicked open the doors to the dungeons. Several guards stood near the top of the stone steps. They moved aside to let her through, and she wasted no time in descending. "That fool!" she cursed under her breath as the temperature fell the farther she went. Shouting met her ears, and she descended faster, Kristoff hot on her heels.

"Why?!" she heard Julia shout. Anna reached the bottom of the stairs to see Daniel holding a furious Julia back while Mattias stood in front of Dominic's open cell. Several other guards were scattered around the dungeon. Anna gasped. Dominic had pressed himself against the cell wall as though he was trying to get as far away from the open door as possible. Julia tried to jerk free from Daniel's grasp, but he had both of her arms pinned tightly behind her. "Why are you doing this, brother? Why won't you come with me?!"

"Because!" Dominic shouted back. "I don't want to return home!" His breath was heavy from the surge of conviction he held. Anna found herself dumbfounded until Kristoff's presence behind her snapped her out of it. The guards noticed her presence and moved aside as she strolled regally farther into the dungeon. Dominic perked up upon seeing Anna. "Please!" he called out. "Please tell her that I don't want to go back!"

"You idiot! You've made that clear!" Julia spat, still attempting to jerk free from Daniel. "Even when you had the chance to run, you refused!" She turned her fiery gaze to Anna. "What have you done?!" Julia screamed. "What have you done to my brother? The only thing that could be holding him back is-…" Anna looked away as Julia chuckled with realization. "So, that's it, huh? The reason he doesn't want to go is because he's in love-"

Julia was interrupted by Anna shoving her handkerchief in her mouth. Anna clapped her hands together. "Well, now that everyone's attention has been caught, Mattias, shut the prisoner's cell door. I want Lady Julia on the nearest ship and out of my kingdom." When everyone stood dumbfounded, Anna felt her eyebrow twitch. "Now," she ordered. The guards scurried around like flies and left, Daniel joining them with Julia still pinned. Before Mattias could shut the door, Kristoff rushed into the cell and punched Dominic square in the jaw. "Kristoff!" Anna shouted. She pulled her husband out as Mattias shut the door.

Kristoff gritted his teeth. "I've wanted to do that for a while," he growled. "Leave my wife along, scumbag."

Dominic stood and rubbed his jaw as his mouth curved into a smile. "Why? Afraid she might want a little more?" Kristoff charged for him and reached through the cell bars before Mattias and Anna pulled him away.

"That's enough!" Anna commanded. "Kristoff, walk away! Mattias, clean this mess up! And you," she said, turning her attention to Dominic. "Keep your mouth shut."

Dominic smiled coyly. "I thought you weren't speaking to me anymore." He cupped his chin. "Can't stay away, huh?"

Anna scoffed and flung her dress behind her, no longer caring that her husband and general were left alone with the prisoner.

A few nights passed. Anna stared out of the castle's council room window as night fell upon the kingdom. That familiar sense of heaviness filled her, and she had not smiled in a few days. Kristoff and Olaf were worried, and even Sven nudged her more often than he usually did. Behind her, Mattias held a single candle in his hands that lit up the dim, empty room. "Are you sure about this?" he asked his queen.

Anna continued to stare out of the window. "Yes," she answered. She turned her head to eye him. "You are not to speak a word about this to anyone, understand? Not a word."

She could tell Mattias was holding back his words, but the conviction that covered her face silenced him. He bowed slightly. "Have the preparations been made?" he asked.

"Yes," Anna said, turning herself to face him. "Kristoff believes that I am doing important, confidential paperwork that will take me all night. No one else is aware of the situation." She clasped her hands in front of her, echoing her distant sister. "I am ready."

Mattias nodded and held the door open for her. Anna was already dressed for the chilly autumn night, and she fidgeted with her orange scarf as she and Mattias made their way through the castle. The old, grimy dungeon doors came into view, and Mattias went ahead of Anna to tell the guard posted there that they should take a small break while he took over for them. Anna hid behind a corner as she watched the guard go down the hall. Mattias waved her over once the coast was clear. Anna took a deep breath and touched the hilt of her dark blade as they descended the stairs.

She had thought about this for a while. As their steps echoed against the stone walls, all the resistance that she dealt with over the past couple weeks consumed her, but that was not what was bothering her the most. Even after cutting contact, Daniel had come to Anna on Dominic's behalf, asking for him if they could spend time together. He made no effort to hide his feelings, and just the thought of that made Anna sick. Her stomach was constantly twisted, her sleep was poor, and her focus was nearly nonexistent. The farther she went down the stairs, the greater her determination grew.

They reached the bottom of the stairs. Dominic was lying in bed reading a book. He shut it and sat up. "What a surprise," he said, looking at Anna. "I'd say this is romantic, but your general's presence hinders that." He stood and gripped the bars of his cell. "To what do I owe the honor?"

Mattias went to the other side of the dungeon and grabbed some rope. "Hands on the wall," he commanded. Dominic hesitated but listened. Mattias unlocked the cell and tied Dominic's hands behind his back.

"Oh? What game is this?" Dominic asked with a smile.

Anna remained emotionless. "Gag him," she ordered Mattias. As Mattias shoved a cloth in Dominic's mouth, Anna approached the cell and spoke to Dominic, "Not a sound, understand?" He raised an eyebrow, nervousness flashing across his eyes. Mattias held him by his restraints as Anna packed a small bag of outdoor clothing that hung near the cell.

Dominic mumbled something but got elbowed by Mattias. "Quiet," he hissed. Anna finished up and nodded to the men, and they started to climb the stairs. Anna hid behind a corner to double check that the guard was not back, and they proceeded after she confirmed it. She knew the exact schedule and routes that each guard had in her castle, and the three of them were able to weave seamlessly through the castle's closed hallways and hidden doors. Mattias made sure to cover Dominic's eyes as they did, and only uncovered them once they were outside.

The air was chilly, causing Anna to shiver, and she rummaged through the pack she brought. "Put this on," she told Dominic, tossing him a coat after Mattias undid his restraints.

Dominic caught it and held up his hands as Mattias unsheathed his sword and pointed it at him. "Touchy, touchy," he muttered. He slipped his brown jacket on and frowned as Mattias immediately restrained his hands. "You know, Anna, if you wanted to take a stroll together, all you had to do was ask."

There it was: that dark urge to take out her anger on another person. Lately, it had filled Anna with such a heaviness that she was not used to. She turned away, resisting the urge, and pushing down the feeling. It only got worse the more she touched her dark blade. Never in her life did she want to hit another person, but Dominic was the first. As though he could sense her feelings, Mattias gagged Dominic once more. She took a deep breath and led them around the town walls, knowing when and where to avoid any guard or citizen.

Once they were out of the city limits, Anna searched the edge of the forest for a sack that she had hidden earlier that day. It was underneath a fallen oak tree, and she made sure no one was around when she hid it. She had built up her stealth skills over the years chasing after Elsa, hiding from her sight as her sister roamed the halls. She clenched her jaw as she found the sack. That was the only time Anna saw her sister most days, and now she desperately wished that Elsa was with her now. I don't think she would approve of what I'm going to do, she thought to herself, but having her sister's scorn was better than having nothing at all. Anna reached inside of the sack and pulled out a torch. She lit it and rejoined Mattias and Dominic. "Let's go," she told them.

They walked for miles through forest and field, guided by the light of the torch she carried. Dominic mumbled through the gag the whole way, and Anna was grateful she did not have to hear what he was saying: the sound of his voice irritated her enough. They spotted a few wolves and scared them away with the torch and their swords. Cold sweat built up on Anna's forehead as they hiked up cliffs and hills. She tucked her scarf closer to her face as they continued.

After a couple of hours, they finally reached their destination. Anna nodded to Mattias, and he took the gag out of Dominic's mouth. He gasped and spit at the ground. "You could have picked something less grainy to put in my mouth," he complained. He looked around in the darkness. "Where are we?"

Anna glanced around them, holding the torch high. "We're at the edge of the kingdom," she said.

Dominic's face fell. "I see…" He stood silently for a few seconds. "Your laws only count while I'm in the kingdom, right?" He looked at her as she pulled out her sword and he chuckled and kicked the ground. "Alright. Just get it over with."

Anna approached him, readying her sword. Dominic watched her every move. She raised her weapon as Mattias turned him around. Dominic closed his eyes as Anna brought the sword down. A slice sounded through the cold air, and Anna withdrew a few steps back. Dominic opened his eyes slowly and blinked rapidly at the restraints that were now on the ground in pieces. Anna flicked her blade to the side. "I'm not going to kill you," she stated, readjusting her grip on the torch. "I'm setting you free."

"What?" Dominic asked. He looked between her and Mattias, completely bewildered. "Why would you do that?"

"Because I no longer want you in my kingdom," Anna answered, sheathing her sword. "I'm keeping my word. I'm not killing you, so, go."

Dominic scoffed. "Leave me in the darkness in a forest with magical creatures? No, thanks."

"I'd use this opportunity if I were you," Anna said. She walked up to him, her face unable to hide her disdain. "But if you wreak havoc of any kind, if you hurt a single one of my people, I will run this through you," she seethed, touching her sword. She took a step back. "Now, leave."

Dominic stared at her. "No."

Anna grunted in pure exasperation. "Yes!" she retorted, raising her voice. "Go on!"

Dominic frowned. "I won't."

Mattias sighed and rubbed his eyes. "I figured something like this would happen," he muttered.

Anna whipped out her sword. "Don't you get it?! I don't want you! Not in my kingdom, not in my life, not at all! I never want to see your face ever again!" She gripped her sword so tightly that her entire arm shook. "You have hurt people I love, you've defied me at every turn…I've never hated someone so much before." She gritted her teeth. "It's killing me." Anna looked at her sword. "I finally understand the darkness that makes this sword what it is, the heaviness of carrying it, and it's all because of you!"

Dominic's expression softened. "Then you're stronger than I am," he said. "You've shown me kindness when I didn't deserve it, shown me grace where others wouldn't. I want to become a better man because of you. That's why I love you."

"Dear God," Mattias uttered.

"Enough!" Anna shouted at Dominic, lashing out with her sword. "Get out of my kingdom! Now!"

Dominic flinched when she lashed out again. "I don't want to."

She lashed out again, and he dodged it. "Go!" she yelled.

He dodged another strike. "I'm not leaving you."

Rage blinded her as she kept striking at him. It fueled her, consumed her, and wrecked any rational thought. It was a feeling that she had never experienced in her life, not to this extent. Anna raised her sword, but gasped when her strike was stopped. "Your Highness, please," Mattias said evenly, slowly lowering her arm. "Don't let him get to you like this. Don't let him take away your kindness and strength. He doesn't deserve it."

Anna sheathed her blade, her breath heavy as reason slowly began to seep back into her mind. Mattias nodded and stepped back as she took deep breaths, calming herself down. After a few seconds, she turned her back to Dominic and spoke over her shoulder, "You've upset me for the last time," she said quietly. "Mattias, let's go."

Dominic started for her. "But-!"

"Don't," Mattias said, grabbing his shoulder and pulling him back. The general followed Anna as they began their journey back. After a few minutes, Mattias said, "Your Highness, he's following us." Anna could hear more than their sets of footsteps, but the apathy that filled her kept her from caring, and she trudged on.

The journey home was silent, but Anna did not notice. Her chest was numb, her limbs cold, and her mind achingly dim. As Arendelle came into view, she doused the torch in a pile of dirt and turned to Mattias. "Put him back," she ordered. He nodded and returned to the forest on the edge of town. She did not stay to make sure Mattias found him. She made her way back to the castle as dawn started to come over the horizon with a brilliant shade of red the same color as her hair. Anna tossed her jacket on one of the library chairs in the castle and made herself some hot tea.

After a few minutes, the door opened. "Thought I'd find you here," Kristoff said warmly as he came up to her and hugged her. He pulled away after she gave him a forced smile. "You're cold," he commented. "Did you go outside?"

Anna set down her teacup. "Y-yeah, I just needed some fresh air…" His expression was so soft and gentle, like an idle breeze in the summer. Her lip quivered as tears begged to fall behind her eyelids. She nestled her face in his chest. Should she tell him? Would he understand? Anna trembled slightly.

Kristoff rubbed her back. "Is everything alright?"

Anna pulled away and wiped her eyes. "I, um…" She paused. After a few moments, she shook her head. "I just need some sleep, that's all."

He hesitated, then nodded. "Okay." He led her to their bedroom and helped her into bed, giving her a kiss before making his way towards the door.

"Um, Kristoff?" Anna called out. He turned to her. "Will you hold me?" she asked.

He nodded again and got into bed with her, taking her in his arms. "Are you sure you're okay?" he asked quietly.

Anna closed her eyes. "I will be," is all she said.