Frosted Scales - When Worlds Collide: A HTTYD X Frozen Tale

Witch's Stone

Elsa stood frozen in the throne room, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew she had to act, but what could she do? If she attacked Hans, he would roast Anna alive. If she did nothing, he might still kill her sister and then turn the flames on Elsa herself. The fear and indecision gripped her like a vise.

Hiccup's words echoed in her mind, from their hurried conversation on the way through the castle: "People with ambition tend to be vain. Especially men-they love having a beautiful woman stroke their ego. Play to that, and buy me some time." But how could she distract him? An idea began to blossom in her mind, fragile but growing.

"We don't have to fight, Hans," she said, letting the blue energy fade from her hands. Slowly, she turned toward the stairs that led down to the ground level. "I will do as you ask. Just don't hurt Anna."

Hans sneered; his eyes gleaming with sadistic pleasure. "I'll make sure her pain is short-lived, but only if you kneel before me." He twirled his staff and pointed it to the ground in front of him.

Elsa raised her hands in surrender as she descended the stairs, each step feeling like a lifetime. The throne room, with its high, arching ceilings and grandiose columns, seemed to close in around her. The walls reflected the flickering light from the chandeliers, casting long shadows that danced in rhythm with her growing fear. She needed to buy time-somehow, some way.

"Before we get into all that," she said, trying to keep her voice steady, "do tell me-how did you manage such a feat? Becoming such a powerful mage? I didn't know magic ran in your family."

Hans's eyes lit up with pride at her question, and for a moment, Elsa dared to hope he might take the bait and monologue as villains so often did in stories. But his satisfaction was fleeting, and his smile turned cold.

"It's a long tale, but I couldn't possibly let you walk around freely while I tell it. So, no." He pushed the staff closer to Anna, the movement causing Elsa's heart to lurch in her chest. "Now, come over here, bow before me, and relinquish your throne."

Elsa hesitated as long as she dared, scanning Hans's face for any sign of weakness. His eyes glinted with malice, and when she glanced at Anna-strung up and terrified-panic surged through her veins. There had to be something she could do.

Hans gave a slight gesture, and a sharp prick in Elsa's back made her yelp in surprise, pushing her forward. Two of Hans's guards stood behind her, their swords drawn, poking at her with barely suppressed mirth.

Panic and fear welled up inside Elsa, threatening to drown her in despair. She had always imagined that dire situations would slow time, allowing one's life to flash before their eyes. Instead, everything seemed to speed up, and before she knew it, she was at Hans's feet. Another sharp jab, and she fell to her knees.

It was time to gamble. She had no choice. Maybe, just maybe, she could save Anna with this risky plan. Calling on her magic, Elsa summoned the blue orb again, letting it grow in her hands. "I will comply if you let Anna go. If not, I will kill everyone in Arendelle," she threatened, locking eyes with Hans. "If you're going to kill us anyway, what do I have to lose?"

The tension between them thickened, stretching the moment into what felt like an eternity. Then, almost begrudgingly, Hans nodded and flashed another hand sign to his men. "Keep Anna tied up and leave a blade on her. If Blondie so much as twitches, cut her throat. It is my royal decree that Anna shall be released after I am officially King of Arendelle."

Elsa was taken aback by how genuine the order sounded. Despite his cruelty, Hans was still a noble, and she sensed that the likelihood of him killing Anna after giving such an order was slim. She let the magic wink out of sight, her heart pounding as she sat up on her knees and bowed her head.