Little Things (Helsa)

Summer's Coldest Day

(ELSA)

Today was the day I would make my escape. I had been watching the guards' change posts for a while and found a pattern. Tonight was also a new moon, and the darkness would help me leave unseen. I had gotten lucky a few days ago when I found a trail that led to the forest outside the castle. I had been saving the smallest portions of food as well so I would have something to eat on my journey home. I had worked through the day until the sun had set, and the guard escorted me to me flimsy prison bed.

All I could think when I was in this cell was how Hans must have endured worse. I had glimpsed at the other cells, and trust me when I say mine was far nicer. Most cells only had a floor, and the prisoners were given a blanket. I was lucky enough to have a mattress. While no human should have to live in these conditions, I was grateful I was not made to sleep on the floor every night. I was shocked when I arrived to the cell; I had a visitor.

(HANS)

My brother's letter had really pissed me off. I couldn't sleep all night, and as soon as I saw the sun rise above the harbor I left in search of a horse and some provisions. I couldn't wait for Arendelle to launch an attach and risk Elsa dying from torture. I would sneak into the Southern Isles and steal her back. And if I had a chance to encounter my brother along the way, I'd make sure he felt sorry for kidnapping the queen of Arendelle.

I was so close to the stables when Kristoff found me. Well. He was in the stables when I pushed into the room. I wasn't very skilled in being nimble. Kristoff stopped me and asked what I was doing, but I wouldn't answer. I knew if I admitted I was going after Elsa he would stop me. And let's be honest, Kristoff is a lot bigger than I am. He would definitely win in a fight.

I saddled my horse and didn't speak. Kristoff asked again, and kept nagging me. He eventually said, "Hans, if you don't answer my questions I'll have to tackle you and slap the answer out of you." He knew what I was doing, and I needed to leave as quickly as possible so he wouldn't be able to stop me. I was faster on horse than he, all I needed to do was mount.

And of course Kristoff knew what I was doing. He's pretty clever, and VERY good at reading body language for someone that only spoke to trolls and Sven his entire life. Before I could react Kristoff had dragged me away from my horse and shoved me against the nearest wall. He knocked the breath right out of me, and said in a scary voice, "I suggest you talk, otherwise this won't end well for you."

(ELSA)

Surprise, surprise, my visitor was none other than Mr. Jerk-face, King Rovan. He was trying to be so scary and royal it made me want to bust up laughing. I had never seen this man, but he was definitely trying too hard. I could understand why Hans hated his brother, he had such an evil smile on his face, and too much teeth showing. He just sat there like he expected me to shake with fear. I figured this could be my chance to speak first and call him out on capturing me. I unfortunately received a hefty slap on the cheek before I could open my mouth.

"How dare you hit a queen!! You're lucky I haven't frozen this entire pala-" My words were cut short by another hit, this one harder. I fell to the ground, gasping for air. Rovan just sat there laughing. Just as my vision was beginning to clear, I tried standing up only to be kicked back down. I continued to receive blows until I could hardly move. My entire body was aching. And Rovan had yet to say a word. The prison was filled with my painful cries and sharp breathing.

After what felt like an eternity, Rovan called the guard off and spoke bluntly. "My guards have informed me of your plan to escape. You must think me foolish to escape so easily. This will stand as a lesson, to show you what will happen again should you try to leave again. Next time however, I will not be so lenient."

He sat there for a few moments and we shared eye contact. He then stood and left the cell without another word. For the first time in my life, I slept on the floor, just feeling lucky to still be alive. But now I was doubting, how long would that be?