Ice and Fire~Frozen, Helsa fanfic

Forgiven

Many years ago, nine to be exact, I was arrested for attempted regicide. Ironic how fate changes. In fact, after months of humiliating forced labour in the Southern Isles' stables, my twelve brothers decided to send me over to Arendelle to face my punishment there.
That day I arrived in the northern kingdom, I made up my mind. I was not going to stand and face whatever punishment Queen Elsa would give me, although I'll admit I deserved anything she would choose. In the months I'd spent cleaning the stables, I realized something: I was truly disgusted with what I'd done just to get a throne, and I wanted to prove it to the sisters I had so wrongly harmed.
So when I faced Elsa, I knelt in front of her like a supplicant and I told her what I should have told her and Anna months ago.
"Queen Elsa of Arendelle" I spoke humbly "I came here to apologize for my unacceptable behavior here in Arendelle. I obviously understand you will punish me, and I will accept whatever punishment you will give me."
I bent my head and looked down, expecting my sentence, but it never came. Instead, the Queen said "Hans, how you acted had horrible repercussions on all of us, and I believe from your apology you understood that too. But if there's something I know, is you can fix the wrongs you committed. You will not be harmed nor arrested, but I expect you to act with respect and humbleness while working with the stable animals. I believe that'll teach you a lesson."
I was surprised at her response. Most monarchs wouldn't have hesitated to have me arrested, or even sentenced to death, were they in Elsa's place. I couldn't help but feel gratitude towards this woman who was sparing me, believing I could change even, even after I almost killed her and hurt her beloved sister. Not even my own brothers had ever believed in me like that, and so I thanked her.
Still kneeling in front of the Queen, I dared look up at her to let her see my look of gratitude. "Thank you, your majesty, I will prove your expectations right." I said, and smiled briefly because I couldn't help it.
To my biggest surprise, her mouth twitched in a slight smile towards me. Stunned, I was led out of the castle and into the stables, where I was put at work.
Once alone, I started my chores. Despite being hard, the job was something I could find enjoyment into, and a thought came to my mind. I wondered if, perhaps, Elsa had assigned me this chores on purpose because she knew I could treat horses well.
I smiled at the thought of the beautiful Snow Queen. "She trusted me" I kept thinking "And that's more than my own family has ever done..."
My mind trailed to the despair, the sadness and sorrow of my childhood and teenage years, all that had shaped me into the cruel man I had been. Now, that simple smile from a woman I had wronged so much lit a spark in me. I wanted to be a better man, I wanted people to look at me and see a friend, not a monster.
And, if there were people as forgiving as Queen Elsa, then maybe there was a chance for me to become better too.