Of Frozen Bitterness

Seven; Acts of True Love

Week Three, Thursday

Elsa had a fascination for small, decadent sweets. It was just easy to say that she's gotten so used to palace sweets that she had never given regular sweets a chance of a taste bud. But now that she had come out of the castle to check on her people, Hans pulled her into the local bakery. Why was Hans with her, should you ask? Seemingly during his and Christian's stay in Arendelle, Hans had been the one helping her distribute and manage the goods that the Southern Isles have traded with the said kingdom. Elsa was obviously expectant of Christian to help her in that category instead of Hans. Apparently, all the Prince wanted to do was use her to tear Hans apart.

As if she hasn't thought of tearing him apart herself.

Although ever since the incident with Anna, she promised herself never to use her powers against someone unless it's self defense. The thought is remarkable and it lit her dark side - killing Hans just like he did with Anna? That would have been the greatest moment in her life. It would have been the sheer pleasure of beautiful revenge. But in the end, in the end of its bitterness overall - she can't hurt him. Scratch that... won'thurt him, because he's her last shot in thawing Anna.

That is, until Christian told her that he was engaged.

"I've been coming here since last week." Hans mentioned as he ordered two slices of chocolate mousse cake from the counter. "You won't believe how amazing their sweets are here, especially their chocolates! And we all know her highness fancies the sweet delicacy of a bonbon. Elsa?"

Elsa snapped out of her musings before nodding briefly, "That sounds wonderful. I'd love to have a taste of this bakery's sweets."

"You most definitely should." Hans lead her towards a table near the window where you can see a view of the town square. Just as they sat, Hans went on, "It's unbelievable how well it's crafted. Such succulent food should be treasured in a palace."

"Yes, of course." Elsa murmured absent-mindly as she stared down at the children playing in the snow. It reminded her so much of Anna back when they were little girls. For a moment, she felt a tear slip down her cheek. But she quickly wiped it away before Hans could see. Oh, how she missed her sister.

Just the thought of Anna made her feel desperate about the "act of true love" fiasco. How on earth was she going to find someone she loves... and loves her back in less than a week? She was given a month. A month - and she wasted it believing that she can alter Pabbie's assumption that she has to fall in love with Hans. Now that the month was coming to a close, she can feel the fear claw at her throat ferociously. She was hopeless... absolutely hopeless. Now the one person that Pabbie recommended was going to slip off her grasp and she can't do anything about it.

"Are you sure?" Hans asked, not buying her words. Without much hesitation, he took her hand in his across the table and squeezed it lightly. "You've been so off since last night, you barely finished signing contracts."

Elsa opened her mouth, hoping something would come out, but to no avail. Instead, Hans deadpanned, "Kai told me that you and Christian were arguing yesterday. Elsa, if he's bothering you; you know I can talk to him about it and help you two make amends."

"I don't wish to have a pity party with him." Elsa grunted and she felt herself grip Hans' hand. When she saw his face contort in slight pain, she pulled away. "Much less interact with him in any form or manner. Perhaps... you were right about your brothers."

"When was I ever wrong when it comes to sibling judgement?" Hans smirked before morphing his expression into seriousness. "But, being serious here, what were you two arguing about?"