Let it Go

Chapter Four

Elza's younger sister, Princess Anna, was practically bouncing with excitement as she introduced the man beside her to her brother. "Elza, this is Hans! He's from the Southern Isles, and he's been keeping me company and dancing with me tonight!! Isn't he great?"

Elza nodded politely, though he couldn't help but feel a pang of annoyance at being interrupted during his conversation with Kagome. He had wanted to learn more about her perspective on her powers, which was a subject that had troubled him for most of his life.

Hans, a charming and handsome man with an easy smile, extended a hand toward Elza. "Your Majesty, it's an honor to meet you."

Elza shook Hans's hand, trying to maintain his composure. "Likewise," he replied, though his eyes flickered briefly to Kagome, who had taken a step back to give them space. He sighed at this, knowing his conversation was over with her now that they had been interrupted.

As the night wore on, Anna's excitement was palpable. She danced with Hans, her eyes never leaving him. During a break in the festivities, Anna approached Elza with a determined expression.

"Elza," she began, "I have something important to tell you."

Elza raised an eyebrow, his earlier conversation with Kagome still fresh in his mind. "What is it, Anna?"

Anna took a deep breath. "I want to marry Hans."

Elza's expression darkened, and he shook his head firmly. "Anna, you've only just met him. You can't rush into something as serious as marriage."

Anna's face fell, and she clasped her hands together, pleading with her brother. "But Elza, we have a connection! I've never felt this way about anyone before. Please, just give him a chance."

Elza's patience wore thin, and his voice took on a more authoritative tone. "No, Anna. I won't allow it."

Anna's frustration bubbled over, and she raised her voice in response. "You're always shutting me out! You never let me do anything. You're just like a closed door!"

Their argument escalated, the tension in the room palpable. Anna's emotions were raw, and she couldn't understand why her brother was so adamant about denying her happiness.

Hans, who had been standing nearby, tried to mediate. "Your Majesty, I assure you, my intentions are sincere. I deeply care for Anna."

Elza's icy demeanor remained unyielding. "That may be, but I won't allow my sister to make such a life-altering decision so hastily."

Anna, tears welling in her eyes, pleaded once more. "Elza, please, I just want to be happy."

Their voices echoed through the ballroom, drawing the attention of the gathered guests. Murmurs of concern filled the air as they watched the royal siblings and Hans embroiled in a heated disagreement.

Unable to contain his growing frustration, Elza gave a hard and loud, "I said no Anna." He threw his hand out to silence the conversation once and for all but in his frustration and anger he unintentionally released a burst of his icy powers in front of the startled guests. Gasps of shock and fear filled the room as ice spread rapidly, freezing everything in its path.

Whispers filled the room, Kagome who was standing off to the side saw this happen and gave a sigh before trying to make her way towards the King. She could see the horror and panic on his face as the whispers increased and guests backed away from the new King.

Terrified and ashamed, Elza turned and fled the ballroom, his powers spiraling out of control.

Outside, in the cold and dark night, Elza continued to struggle with his emotions, his powers manifesting as ice and snow swirling around him. Kagome approached him cautiously, her heart filled with empathy. They hadn't gone far from the party, but could see the snow storm raging now making it hard to stand in the cold as the temperature kept dropping.

"King Elza, please you need to calm down. Your powers are linked to your emotions right now. ," she said softly, her miko powers resonating with a gentle warmth. "I understand what it's like to have powers that you don't fully comprehend. But you can learn to control them, and you don't have to run away from those who care about you."

Elza's eyes were filled with turmoil as he gazed at Kagome. He had never met anyone who could relate to his struggles in this way. Slowly, he began to calm his powers, the icy tempest subsiding.

Kagome stepped closer, offering a reassuring hand. "Let me help you. I know our powers are different but I can at least try to help you."

Kagome could see the turmoil start up again as their was yelling coming from where they came before Elza looked at Kagome one more time, "I can't...." He then ran away from her, leaving Kagome frowning as she saw him run out of sight.

Today definitely ended differently than she expected. She kept her eyes trained on the storm as it started up again, this time even worse than before. Kagome shivered and made her way back inside, hoping there was a way to resolve this and help the King.