Little Things (Helsa)

Mealtime With A Murderer

(HANS)

I knew she still didn't love me, and that broke my heart. But she would not give up on me and insisted I ate before she left. I thought she was joking at first; I'm sure she had all sorts of queenly duties to attend to, and here she was making sure I ate breakfast. Once I had finished, she quietly said, "Thank you Hans. I'll be back for lunch." Was she really going to make sure I was eating at every meal? The doctor had ordered a special menu so I could regain my strength quickly, and Elsa had spoken to her council and postponed the trial due to my "illness". She was taking care of me even though she didn't want to. Her kindness was truly that of a queen's. I still longed to speak with her about what actually happened before the trial started, but I don't think I could ever get a chance now.

(ELSA)

Hans probably thought I was helping him in return for him saving my life. I hoped he didn't think too badly of me if that's what he really assumed. I just didn't want him to die while in my custody. I would hate to be the reason of someone's death. Everyone deserves forgiveness and another chance; my people had willingly given me a second chance, even after I almost killed them all with my storm. Of course, I hadn't purposely tried to kill them, whereas Hans had swung a sword at me with his full knowledge and desire. I needed to speak with him before the trial started, so I planned to eat with him at meals in his cell. Maybe he would open up once he saw I cared for his health. I could make sure he stayed healthy and know more about him at the same time. I truly believed Hans deserved a second chance. Maybe not as a prince, but at least as a person who had a right to live life. I would never trust him again, nor give him many opportunities to influence my life, but I would allow him to stay here and live for the rest of his life if he wanted to. He might be able to work off his crimes, and, if my people ever started to trust him enough, maybe allow him citizenship in Arendelle.

Once I had left Hans' cell I walked to my office to start my work for the day. I would have to work later than usual since I would now be eating meals with Hans. The sacrifice of time was worth it to me. Now that I knew he was willing to die for my benefit I was determined to keep him safe. I couldn't live knowing I owed him a debt. Making sure he wasn't executed would be my way of paying him back. Most of my work for the day seemed easy, so I surprisingly finished almost an hour before lunch. I took this rare opportunity to go outside and enjoy the fresh air. I walked to my fountain again, and looked out at the sea. The water was much brighter than normal, and had such a vivid, clear, blue color. I gazed out for a while, taking in the saltiness and sunshine of my country. I decided to walk for the little time I had left and went down to a little strip of beach next to the castle. I looked around to see if anyone was around before taking my shoes off and dipping my toes into the water. The sea wasn't warm, but far from being cold; refreshing would describe it perfectly. I stood enjoying nature and breathed deeply. My life had been going pretty well since I thawed the kingdom. I wished I could enjoy this moment with Anna. She would appreciate the sun and set my nerves at ease.

I decided to walk back into the castle and head to Hans' cell for lunch. I said a short "hello" and sat at the desk. A guard brought in two trays and we began eating. I had a nicely sized salad and strawberries, with the best chocolate truffle in the kingdom for dessert. Hans was on his special diet and had to have mostly liquids for two days. He had some sort of broth and a juice of some kind. It looked rather dull, but he had to deal with it. That's what he gets for not eating anything for three days. I still considered him an idiot for trying to starve himself, but respected his reasons for doing so. I tried making small talk but he didn't seem interested. I looked around his cell and out the window at the blue sky. I looked down at my food and noticed something on the desk. It was a pile of papers. I turned my head to look more and saw they were drawings. Had Hans made them? Did that mean the portrait of me I found in my room was from him? Did he mean for me to find it?

(HANS)

Elsa kept true to her word about joining me for meals. She arrived just as the guards were serving lunch. She tried talking to me a little, but I was so nervous and guilty I felt like I couldn't talk to her. She hadn't said anything for a while, so I looked up and saw she was looking through my drawings. I almost flinched, but was able to relax. I asked her, "Do you like art..?" She chuckled a little, and explained, "Oh, no. I'm just interested in yours. They're very well-drawn. I love the detail you put into them." I whispered a thank you and she turned to face me. She said, "Maybe you can be an artist when your trial ends. It'd be a good job for you if you really enjoy it. My people are always interested in a good painting or portrait." She kept surprising me everyday. She believed I would get out of this trial alive, and live to become an artist. She had enough confidence to tell me I would be alright. I almost asked her what she did to seem so in control, but she stood before I got the chance. She walked towards the cell door and stopped before walking out, saying, "I did like those drawings, but I like the one you left me in my room the most." She smiled a little playfully and walked out of the prison into the castle.