Coronation Night in Arendelle (Anna x Hans)

Temptation

Hans walked silently to Elsa's door, with his eyes fixed on the royal blue rug. What had he gotten himself into, and more importantly, how? Every possible force was working against him, stacking up like shields in an armory, and he had no idea how to wriggle out from under them.

Elsa's door swung open before Hans reached his station. A towel hung loosely from her svelte frame, but her body was still covered in water droplets. She ushered him in. "Hans, you've arrived. I figured you would." Hans ducked inside, and was surprised by the opulence of the place. A bucket of steaming water, likely for Elsa's feet, sat before a large triangular window. There was a queen bed with curtains, a few rugs, and a dormant fireplace.

"With all due respect, Queen Elsa--"

"The only words that ever follow that phrase are disrespectful. You think I can't protect myself, Prince Hans? I can. The guards are just a formality."

"But--"

This time, it took only a glance to quiet him. Elsa strode across the room and sat down by the bucket. She dipped her feet into the vat of warmth with a prolonged sigh. "Haven't you considered it, Hans?" She looked away, as if nervous that he hadn't.

"Considered what, Queen? Us? I--"

"I know you have." She withdrew her feet, and kicked the bucket to the side. Its sizzling contents pooled around her, but her expression remained unwavering. She stood, and wandered back to him as if they were magnets, sometimes separated but forever destined to be one. Her fingers found his chest, and paused there.

Once again, Hans felt he couldn't control his fate. He was kissing her, but he didn't know why. His arms were wrapped around her, and her towel was slipping slowly downward. He picked her up in one swift move and placed her on the edge of the bed, as he had done with Anna on coronation night. 

And then he slapped her. Just like that, the music of their bodies ended in a sharp, unsteady note. She cowered back, her eyes wide. Had he been killed and turned into a ghost? Her expression hinted that. Hans made his way to the door in a panic, and, once through, pulled it shut. Hours passed before her melody returned.

"Hans." Her voice was more persistent this time, but Hans was frozen still. He would stand here despite her pleas, with his back straight against the wall and with one hand bound to his sheath.

Eventually, the bell for midnight rang. Hans walked, straight-faced, back to his new chambers. 

                                                             ☀☀☀

When Hans left for breakfast, he was caught up in a swarm of servants and guards. They were pointing every which way, shouting orders to their inferiors. Hans latched on to the closest maid he could find. 

"What's going on? What's all the fuss about?"

The maid couldn't focus. Her hazel eyes found his face, the ground, and the ceiling in a matter of seconds. "It's Queen Elsa. Her window was shattered last night. She's missing."

Soon, the blur of people claimed his distracted maid. Hans started running, to the room where he'd been stationed. Sure enough, the only remnants of Elsa were the bucket, the fluttering curtains, and a towel. There was no one to blame but himself.