(See the end of the work for notes.)
Elsa had snuck off to the balcony and shut the doors behind her, hoping to momentarily escape being swamped by her advisors and other political officials who had been hounding her since the Arendelle castle gates had been reopened.
She sighed with relief, leaning against the closed doors. "Thank goodness."
"You would think the new Queen of Arendelle would be busier."
"Prince Hans!" She nearly jumped with surprise. "I apologize, I didn't expect anyone to be out here."
"Oh, it's alright." He was sitting on the balcony ledge, smiling at her. However, he stood up to scrutinize her more closely. "Not hiding, are you?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"What? No, no don't be ridiculous," she said, attempting to sound casual. "I just... needed a break, that's all." But she heard loud footsteps coming from the other side of the door and squeaked, in her panic freezing a layer of ice over the door, particularly over the handle in an attempt to seal it shut.
"Uh-uh," he gave her a skeptical look. "Queen Elsa, not to be disrespectful to the ruler of Arendelle, the gracious host of what has been my home for the past few days, and the wielder of potentially deadly ice powers, but I'm afraid you're a terrible liar."
She gave a small sheepish laugh. "Guess I'll have to work on that. Look, can I just stay out here with you for a little while? I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed right now."
"Of course. I understand."
They sat together in silence. Hans turned to admire the city and the glittering lake as the moonlight shone upon the landscape. "Wow," he breathed. "Look at the view."
"It is beautiful," she agreed.
He sighed. "I sure am going to miss this place when I leave tomorrow."
"Leaving so soon?" she asked, the disappointment apparent in her voice.
"I'll be gone first thing in the morning. Besides..." He smiled half-heartedly. "I'm sure I've way outstayed my welcome by now."
"No! Not at all!" she insisted profusely. "You've been wonderful. You know..." She dropped her gaze down to her feet, avoiding his eyes. "We... I... never properly thanked you for how much you've done for us. For Arendelle."
"Your hospitality has been more than enough to show your thanks," said Hans graciously.
"Well, you're welcome to stay as long as you need before you decide go head back home," offered Elsa. "And you're welcome to come back and visit whenever you like."
"Thank you. One can only handle being with thirteen brothers for so long before they get sick of it."
She laughed, and he chimed in as well upon hearing her reaction.
His expression then grew solemn. "They probably didn't even notice I was gone." He sighed, turning once more to face the balcony view. "I was hoping I could build myself a future here, you know?" he confessed. "I'd finally have a place of my own where I'd actually belong.
"Sometimes, things don't work out the way we expect them too," said Elsa.
He didn't answer.
"Think about it this way. If it weren't for you and Anna, then I would never have decided to open the gates."
Hans ignored her. "Kristoff seems like a nice guy."
"He is. I mean, he's a little rough around the edges," she admitted. "But he's a good guy."
"I'm glad to hear that."
She shrugged, sighing. "And he makes her happy, so that's what matters."
"Well, Anna's not the only one who seems happier," he said, giving Elsa a pointed look.
She nodded. "I'm working on it. I feel much better than before."
"The new look says it all. I mean, look at you now. You're a vision!" he said with admiration.
She smiled bashfully, her eyes carefully averted toward the ground. "Thank you."
"Now isn't this much better then staying locked up in your room all day?"
"Yes," she mused. "I daresay it is... I... I feel free."
There was an abrupt knock on the door, startling them both. "Queen Elsa?" a muffled voice called from the other side.
"About as free as the ruler of a country gets anyway," muttered Hans.
The doorknob rattled, but the ice did not give way. "I don't remember there being a lock on this door."
"I guess I'd better go," said Elsa. "Honestly I expected them to find me a lot sooner than they did."
Hans stood up and bowed. "Sorry to cut into your leisure time, Queen Elsa. I'm sure you probably would have preferred to have the time to yourself during your 'break'."
"Oh no, you've been excellent company, she reassured him, standing up. However, the knocking ceased before she could open the door.
"They'll probably be back," said Hans. "You should probably go before they do, if you want to give 'em the slip."
Her eyes widened. "A-are you sure?"
"Sure, I'll cover for you."
"But wouldn't that be irresponsible of me?" she asked warily.
He shrugged. "Maybe. All I'm saying is that it's not wrong to need a break once in a while."
Elsa took a deep breath. "Alright." With a wave of her hand, she conjured up a set of steps made of snow heading down from the balcony. She climbed over the ledge, the snow freezing into solid ice as she set foot upon them.
Before leaving, she turned to face him. "Hans?" Their eyes met. She nodded, smiling gratefully. "Thanks."
"No problem."
"I was never here," she said pointedly.
"As you wish."
"Elsa!" The knocking was back, this time louder than before. "Elsa! I know you're in there!" The voice unmistakably belonged to Anna.
"Go," he mouthed.
She smiled at him, biting her lip."Bye." She gave him a small wave which he returned, and in one swift movement, she unfroze the ice upon the door then rushed down the steps, and was gone from sight.
Notes:
(I dont know, I just like Helsa. I'll probably continue this. Hope you enjoyed, please read and review.)
