Frozen: Sacrifice and Forgiveness

The Favor

Waking in his cell was never pleasant, but this morning was particularly miserable. Hans lay still for a moment, assessing his surroundings. Satisfied everything was normal, he sat up. Wincing in discomfort, he rubbed his chest. It was oddly tight and heavy, as though he'd strained his muscles.

He pushed himself from the bed with a grunt. That makes sense. If he'd unwittingly injured himself during his labor yesterday, that would explain the flare of pain last night and the dull ache today.

His back to the bars, he swiftly unbuttoned his night shirt and applied ointment across his torso. The additional moisture and massaging administration did little to ease the constricting sensation. He groaned and quickly changed into a set of work clothes. At least today was a hired day, so he could wear something more comfortable than his ragged royal vestments.

As he left the dungeon, he considered the day's agenda. Despite his decision to taper his time aboard La Stella Luminosa, he had to visit today. It would appear incredibly rude for him to be absent after the family's overwhelming hospitality the previous evening.

They would understand, though.

He paused as the hidden door clicked closed behind him. They were truly gracious people.

What if I told them?

He shook the thought away.

Don't be ridiculous. You know exactly what would happen. Even the kindest people have their limit.

*****

He wiped his moist forehead on his damp sleeve. The Southern Isles weren't known for scorching summers, but high noon was proving brutal today. Part of him was regretting his customary undershirt, regardless of its necessity.

Hans sighed as he kneaded his chest with his knuckles. The morning ache had persisted despite stretching and cautious movements. He'd hoped his work would distract him, but it was too monotonous. The pain was constantly nudging the back of his mind.

Movement caught his attention. He looked up to see two figures entering the barn.

"To what do I owe this pleasure?" Hans asked dryly as Pierre and Ulrik approached.

"Business, of course," Pierre replied.

Hans returned to his raking. "And it couldn't wait because...?"

"I invited Natalia out again, and she was... extremely reluctant. She wanted to think about it first."

Hans suspected "extremely reluctant" wasn't Pierre's first choice of descriptor, but opted against commenting on that particular point. "If she's hesitant, you haven't made any progress. You need to try a new tactic."

"Like what?"

Hans wondered if the man was truly this idiotic or if he was simply lazy. "Have you given her any gifts yet?"

"No," the merchant's son admitted. "I sort of... used up my allowance for this month."

Hans raised his head while furrowing his brow. "Then how were you planning on taking Natalia out again?"

Pierre counted his points with his fingers. "Oh, I've got people who owe me favors, people who want me to put in a good word with my father, people who extend me a line of credit—"

"So why can't you use any of that to buy Natalia a present?" Hans interrupted.

"It's all in the service industry; no one directly owes me any money. Plus, my father doesn't allow me to patronize any shops serviced by competitors, and I have to pay upfront for anything from any of my father's stores."