Numb: The Postscript

XIV. Same

Kristoff was right. This was a long night. Too long to bear.

I woke up to my gasping breath. A blanket was draped over me. I pulled it over myself, not questioning who could've possibly brought it. I just wanted to keep myself warm. Winter was here in Arendelle again.

My spine ached, my lips were parched, and I desperately wanted, no, needed something to satisfy my hunger and thirst.

I fiddled with my fingers as I waited. My skin started to peel from my palms and every dangling piece was torn off. I rubbed my face- scrapes and scratches among my rough skin. Never have I ever let stubble grow on my face; it just didn't seem fitting to be so haggard and scruffy. It made me look weak. And I was not.

I lied on my back and hid my eyes under my right hand as my left arm dangled off the bench. I heard distant voices.

"My Queen, this man is dangerous. We advise that one of the guards follow you to enter his cell. Your High-"

"I'm fine. I will deal with him myself. He's someone that I must speak to in private," this was followed by a quiet laugh, "And how dangerous could he be? He isn't armed, let alone my sister easily punched him."

"Whatever you wish, Your Majesty. But for precautions, we will have Anders here to wait outside the cell."

The door opened. I didn't even bother to check who it was. Light peeked through my fingertips, and it was certain that someone was there with me. The door was shut.

"Prince Hans of the Southern Isles."

I finally got up slowly and stayed on the bench. I was face to face with the queen of Arendelle, Queen Elsa. Her head was high and her eyes looked down her nose, which assumed her position of dominance. She seemed really hard on the surface, but soft.

I bowed my head, "Queen Elsa of Arendelle. What a pleasant sight."

She responded indifferently, shutting her eyes unhurriedly.

Taking a deep breath, she said, "For your crimes against the monarchy and kingdom of Arendelle, you have been charged with treason. You were first exiled and banished to your home kingdom as decided punishment. However, you have escaped in violation of your punishment. Knowing this, the extremity of your crimes have worsened. Do you understand the consequences of your actions?"

I nodded passively.

"Prince Hans, my sources tell me you have turned yourself in, correct?"

"Correct."

"You see, I'm trying to decrease what's been held against you. You turning yourself in can be used in trial. You don't have to hang in the gallows. You can be free."

"Since when do you care?"

"When do I care? How dare you question me in such a way. You turned yourself in. You want a lesser sentence. Isn't that it?"

"No."

"Then what?" I stayed quiet, "Then what, Prince Hans?! I don't understand you! I can't!"

I snickered, "Nobody can, Queen Elsa. Nobody."

I saw her chest moving up and down, her face scrunched, her eyebrows forming a V.

"Who are you?"

I stood up, "Who am I? Who am I? Why, Your Highness, you should know."

Queen Elsa was like metal. Strong. But when you added heat- anger- she melted, becoming soft. She was vulnerable and afraid.

"Stop that, Prince Hans! I know what you did! Everyone does!"

"I can't deny that."

Condensed breath was released from her mouth. She was shaken. I watched her saccade; her eyes moving rapidly. The cell became frigid, frozen.

I spoke again, intending to taunt her, "Oh, Queen Elsa. It's all happening again, isn't it? Arendelle can't have an insecure queen who takes all her citizens' love for granted. They need someone else. Someone who is in their right mind. But it isn't either of us, hm? We're the same."

Ice crystals jetted out her hand. It formed an icicle that protruded from the ground. Its tip, one centimeter away from slitting my throat.

She muttered under her breath, "No, we are not."