Love Will Thaw

Where is Anna?

Hans looked away at the North Mountain. Anna was in danger, he could sense it. He patted the horse's head, which seemed to have calmed somehow beneath his touch. He turned to look at the people around him. He could read the horror in their eyes.

"Princess Anna is in danger! And it's all my fault!" His voice became distant.
"Entirely, my fault!"

The Duke of Weselton eyed him curiously. He could tell that the Prince was hiding something. Even the queen must have sensed the negative aura that was surrounding him. Or else, why would she not give her blessing to her sister? He couldn't think of any other reason.

" I shouldn't have let her go out there on her own. What was I thinking?"
The Arendelle' s citizens stood there in silence. What could they possibly say? They were so frightened, especially after the unfortunate events of the coronation, and we're desperately in need of a competent leader. Maybe that Prince was the answer to their questions.

"I have to go and find her." He said with a sudden determination. Everyone gasped at that declaration of his. The soldiers looked at each other in confusion. What the Prince was suggesting, it was way too risky.

"My lord," Duke of Weselton called out to him.
"with all due respect, what you're saying just makes no sense!" He went on.

"What would become of Arendelle if you're not here to protect her? " He uttered the word "protect" with such an emphasis, that started almost everyone.
Hans couldn't know what that man was implying, of course. The damage was already done. What else could possibly happen to this poor kingdom? Unless...
Could it be that the Duke had set his eyes on Arendelle too? No way!

Hans just stared back at him, no trace of suspicion evident on his face.

" That's true, but I won't just stand here and pretend that everything's alright."

"I promised her everything would be fine. And I intend to keep that promise!"
The Duke narrowed his eyes at Hans, who didn't seem bothered anyways.

Two of Arendelle' s soldiers walked to Prince Hans.

"In that case, let us come with you. The more we are, the more we can do!"

The Duke saw that as his opportunity.

"And I volunteer two men, your Highness!" He offered and looked at them knowingly.
Hans forced a smile.

"I'm afraid I have to do this on my own. I owe this to Anna!"

The Duke couldn't stand the stubbornness of that man. He reminded him so much of himself in that age. He could see himself in his eyes, and a sad smile formed his lips.
Before anyone else could say another word, the young Prince jumped on his horse.

"Prince Hans, wait!" Another soldier called out to him.
"It's too dangerous. You shouldn't risk it!"

He looked down at him.

"I  believe in the Princess. So, I suggest you did the same. Her Majesty means no harm!" And with that, he and Sitron were soon out of sight.

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The fog made it difficult for Hans to see anything. His horse made small, reluctant steps and was about to disobey his young rider and turn back, but thanks to Hans' encouraging words, it continued its way.

After a long ride, he finally made it to the North Mountain. Hans felt his heart beating fast as he approached Elsa's castle. He couldn't help but stare in amazement, for he had never realized how beautiful the winter was. He dismounted Sitron and was about to climb the stairs, but stopped the moment he heard his loyal horse neighing at him.

Sitron horse kept neighing, and Hans sighed deeply, for he had never seen him so upset before.  An eerie sound alerted the Prince, who understood now what his dear horse was trying to warn him off. Turning around, he gasped at the sight of an ice monster standing right before him.
The ice creature struck Hans with the back of his hand, sending him almost near the edge of the mountain. He tried to get up, but it was useless. His legs gave up beneath him. The monster screamed in triumph and walked to him, with the intention of finishing what it had just started. Sitron neighed in terror, as that scaring creature approached his master.
Hans heard it and forced himself to stand. He reached blindly for his sword, and as the monster was about to step on him, Hans managed to cut its right leg clean off. The ice monster began to wobble and finally fell into the chasm. Hans fell to his knees in exhaustion.

Sitron ran in his direction, clearly panicked and scared.

" I am fine, my boy. Don't worry! " He said breathlessly. As soon as he regained strength, he got to his feet.

" Stay!" He ordered. Sitron made no protest, and Hans made his way up the stairs. He stood before the heavy door and prepared himself to knock. He had seen how powerful queen Elsa was, but he also remembered Anna's trust at her sister.
"She's my sister. She would never hurt me!"
He knocked on the door, and much to his surprise, the door opened. Ignoring the consequences of such a decision, he walked inside. He gazed around in amazement, as the interior of the Castle was more beautiful than its exterior.

Elsa was standing at the top of the stairs and saw Hans looking around in total awe. Maybe she should feel flattered, but that wasn't what happened to her. She had already made it clear that she didn't want him any near her.

Hans raised his eyes, finally spotting her standing there, and an unexpected smile reached his lips.

" Elsa?! " She frowned, first at his audacity to come after her, despite what happened, and secondly at his friendliness. The Prince must have sensed her anger, and therefore, rushed to correct himself.

"My Queen,"Hans bowed deeply at her, showing her the utmost respect.

"I'm sorry for what happened at your coronation ball. You see, I didn't have any intention of hurting you or your sister. I-"

"So, you're here to apologize. Am I right, Westergaard?"