Snow Queen

Doubt was firmly planted in his mind. Everything that happened to Hans was deserved. He acted without remorse at the time, it only made sense that he would regret every single moment every single day afterward. Even so, he seemed surprised at Elsa’s question.

“Queen Elsa, I promise to you that regicide was not the reason I came to Arendelle. While it is true I am the youngest of thirteen and will never have a throne, that was never a problem in my mind. I was sent here on behalf of my father - the King of the Southern Isles.” His expression fell, changing to one of defeat. He looked at Elsa, but his eyes quickly dropped to the floor.

“My words mean nothing after everything I did but… I am so sorry.”

      Elsa listened in silence, studying his expressions, words, and tone. Due to her lack of socializing with the world for a number of years, she was not the best at reading individuals, but she had improved since she had become Queen. Despite her lack of expertise, she did feel he was being truthful.

      Of course, this did not mean she was now willing to trust him with anyone’s life, but she would not ask that question again.

The Duke looked at Queen Elsa after she made her unexpected offer for a tour. It would make sense that she thought she would stay a while longer after their meeting. Still though…that the Queen would be this open on making the Duke’s stay comfortable despite his earlier confession caught him off guard. The monarch before him was truly remarkable in her continued generosity.

Nonetheless, no matter how the Duke may or may not have wanted to stay in Arendelle, he knew that his duty to his King made the final decision for him. “Sooner, I’m afraid,” he told the Queen. “My King was starting to have doubts about out meeting ending peacefully.” The Duke then bowed his head respectfully. “So yes, the sooner I inform of what you told me, the better.”

      The snow queen listened quietly, giving a nod once he finished. “Very well, I understand and would prefer any hostile expectations are put to rest,” she agreed. “Perhaps you may have that tour next time.”

Hans paused, nearly unable to move as Elsa spoke. His first thought about this suggestion was how Anna nearly died. This, of course, was not the time to ask. Instead, he wondered about this figure on the mountain. He glanced aside, old thoughts creeping back in.

“Do you…. think he would help, though? I’m sure everyone knows about what happened because of me. Maybe he would think it a suitable punishment.” In a way, he felt bad bringing all this up to begin with. He knew she was willing to help him but… He nearly ruined everything.

      “Most know, but if you actions were because of whatever the magic I sensed is, I believe he would take it into consideration,” the Queen replied. This did lead to other thoughts, though she wished to be a kind ruler, she also would not risk her sister’s life from foolishness again. Not from herself, or anyone else.

      “Oh, my…” Such an expensive trinket was not quite was she expected to unwrap… although she was not entirely sure what she expected when the gift was brought to her and she read the letter attached. It was beautiful, but she would probably only wear it at highly formal events for fear of something happening to it otherwise.

By that point, the Duke’s sobbing had quieted down except for the occasional sniffle or unsteady breath. Heaven knew it was far from easy to regain composure enough to pretend being the dignitary he hopelessly forgot to be. If he could, the Duke would’ve rather magically wished he was somewhere else where remembering obligations weren’t necessary (where he could temporarily distract from any heartache in private). Nonetheless, over his muffled breathing, Queen Elsa’s words were heard well. At least Weselton’s own relationship with Arendelle could move forward now…

Just as the Duke was about to reconfigure himself from a wistful slouch to the stance of a man preparing to finalize an agreement, he was jolted by an invisible touch to his back. How cold it was, he faintly observed. The smaller man soon gasped into his palms not from being cold so much as realizing just how close she, Queen Elsa, was right now. Probably the closest the two of them had ever been together.

Hands falling away, the Duke stared into the Queen’s open blue eyes. When he found his attention becoming lost within those comforting depths, he blinked back to reality. “E-Edgar. My name is Edgar,” he shakily answered. “And I shall inform my King of your reconciliation as soon as I return home.”

     Save an occasional blink, and despite how uncomfortable she felt, Elsa was strong enough and determined not to look away. Eye contact was respectful, and she had already caused him enough pain. She had to continue to grow stronger to be a good ruler, and overcome her nerves.

      Her hand also returned to resting her other other when he appeared to be recovering.

    “Please inform your King that I beg his pardon. A great deal happened at once and I made a swift decision based on what I knew at the time, I was under much stress and I am still learning to be a wiser ruler.” How she wished her own parents were still alive, so perhaps it would not have been so difficult, she could have learned more slowly, and have guidance… but it was not to be, and she would continue to do the best she could.

The book he was reading was one about magic. While it was interesting, nothing matched what he had been going through… Which was to be expected. The queen’s words caught him by surprise.

“I…. Am not sure that might not be a good idea… My experience with magic is limited and… I would be worried something would happen to me.” The concern that harm could be caused with this magic couldn’t leave his mind. How strange. 

      He received a sympathetic expression to his words, as despite being a wielder of magic, she still fully understand being afraid of it. The Queen just could not avoid her own as most could, no matter how hard she tried in her youth.