Okay. I have a series of apologies to make here: this story went on a bit of a hiatus (like all my fan-fictions) because as usual, life impertinently got in the way. Sorry! Very pleased to return with the second last instalment of this labour of love :)

-Ava x

Hans

I pace through the silent castle, thinking furiously about what I had seen. Adrian proposing to Elsa, her escape, her very unsure response.

She didn't say no.

Well of course she didn't. Adrian is a perfect choice. A gentleman, an honourable, handsome and titled one at that. He really is Prince Charming. They are meant for each other…

Besides, I'm getting married in little less than a week, to his bloody sister.

But…But Elsa loves me. She said so!

Oh god. When did I get so disgustingly vulnerable?

I roll my eyes at myself before I realise I've gone past Elsa's door and backtrack a few paces, frowning at the slit of golden light which pools underneath her door. It's at least 2 in the morning, what is she still doing up? Then again, the Snow Queen seems to be a bit of an insomniac. What I find far more surprising than the light however, are the small noises issuing from behind the wood, noises that bring to mind an injured animal, tugging at what little heart strings I have. I frown again before I open the door and walk into her all too brightly lit room, glaringly illuminated, so different to her preferred state of semi gloom. I stare at the bed and my mouth drops open slightly, leaving me gaping like an idiot. Elsa is lying curled up in her ridiculously large bed, back to me, harrowing sobs issuing from her. I notice the small and weak flurry gently snowing above her onto her pale form, still in her now rumpled silver dress.

Is she-is she crying?

"Elsa…are you alright?" I ask, my words hopelessly inadequate. She sits bolt upright, back straight, but she doesn't turn around to face me.

"Get out Hans." Her voice is controlled, calm, but I notice the almost undetectable tremor at the end of her words. The Snow Cloud hasn't moved, and, if anything, is snowing slightly harder onto her dishevelled white hair. I cross my arms over my torso, glaring at her back.

"No. Not until you tell me what's wrong." I say forcefully, somehow compelled to make her feel better; to make her stop, to see her smile that blindingly bright smile again. She gives a strangled chuckle that claws at the heart before turning her head to the side, showing me her profile.

"What isn't wrong? You, me, Adrian, Octavia…" I see her eyes narrow. "Octavia." She repeats, her voice a furious hiss. She sighs sadly, her short burst of fight leaving her, shoulders slumping for the first time in…well, ever. For some reason, this is the final straw. When Elsa, Queen of Arendelle and the Isen's posture is shoddy, something is seriously wrong.

"Elsa, look at me." She huffs, and I glare at her unmoving form. "Look at me." I growl, and this time, she turns around on the bed, legs dangling off the edge, hands twisted in her lap, snow falling on her shoulders and eyelashes. Her face is streaked with tear marks, blue eyes sad and, for once, devoid of life. I walk over to her, sliding onto the bed in front of her.

"You, my dear Queen, are Elsa. Ruler of a great kingdom, possessed with power beyond anything ever seen before. You made a castle of ice; froze a country in an eternal winter, and then thawed it again with little more than a wave of your hand. You were locked in a room for 13 years, and had to hide yourself, and the beautiful things that you can do from everyone. You made me feel for Christ's sake! And yet, you are seriously going to let yourself be beaten by a mere blonde princess?" The small flicker of life in her azure eyes tells me I've stuck a cord. Her lips curve slightly, and she sniffles, the snow cloud slowing.

"But I don't have my full powers." She mutters defensively. I roll my eyes.

"So? Elsa, I think you have more than enough magic without you're powers to win against Octavia. Just look at me! I'm actually attempting to comfort you rather than just laugh like I would usually do. You cannot tell me that has anything to do with your Ice Magic." She gives a weak laugh, and with a slight pop, the cloud disappears. She shakes her head, freeing it of snow before wiping away the water on her face.

"Less to do with magic and more to do with the idiocy of the heart and body." She mutters playfully, some familiar sparkle in her eye. I chuckle dryly.

"Believe me Elsa; I'm as confused about it as you are. But I think that we shall have to put our…unfortunate attraction to the side for now." I say hesitantly. Elsa's head, which had been drooping slightly as she vaguely listened to me, snapped up, eyes narrowing.

"Why?" she asks petulantly. I raise an eyebrow.

"Because I'm getting married in a week." She glares, but her fury, for once, is not directed at me.

"Blonde Bitch." She snarls, determination coming back as she thought of Octavia. Unable to stop myself from stirring trouble, I reach out and tap her royal nose.

"Yes, you are." I quickly flip myself over, lying down on my back on the bed, resting my head in her silver clad lap. She rolls her eyes before punching my shoulder.

"I meant your fiancée you arrogant bastard." She chuckles.

"You can understand the mistake."

"For a prince, you have terrible manners."

"For a queen, you have a terrible sense of propriety. Being alone in a room with a man in the middle of the night…how scandalous!" I imitate the town of the gossipy matrons who undoubtedly serve Elsa; I refrain from laughing at the thought of what they'd say if they knew about…us. What anyone would say if they knew about us. Which is exactly why what we have, unlike her sisters, won't end in happily ever after. I'll marry Octavia and slink back to the shadows, Elsa will go back to Arendelle, back to her sister and to whatever suitor she chooses. Probably Adrian.

"Do shut up Charming." She says pleasantly, ruffling my hair for emphasis. I bat her cold pale hands away playfully. There is silence for a second.

"Thanks though. For, you know…not being a complete prat." She mutters grudgingly. I smile overly brightly.

"Welcome." Elsa, almost unconsciously, lifts her hand to my shoulder where she fiddles with my golden epaulets, thinking. A sly smile curves my lips as a thought occurs to me.

"So, what prompted this little…outburst?" I ask innocently, knowing full well. I merely want to see if she'll tell me; how much she really trusts me. Manipulative, maybe, but if this is ever going to work, then we need to count on each other. A long shot considering our history, perhaps, but after all; what's the saying Forgive and Forget for? She bites her bottom lip, hesitating.

"something…happened with Adrian." She say's vaguely. My mouth set's in a grim line at this half-truth, determined to goad her into saying the words.

"what happened." My flat words don't come out as a question; more of a command. She picks at my epaulets on my shoulders more, avoiding my eyes. I roll mine in exasperation before I quickly interlink my fingers with hers and bring my elbows back down on the bed, tugging her face down to my own, only a fraction apart. She huffs, glaring into my eyes with the fierceness I know and, reluctantly, love.

"Elsa." I murmur warningly. She glowers at me.

"If you must know, Adrian sort of…proposed." She says pointedly. I act surprised.

"Oh really? Knowing him, I imagine it was disgustingly romantic?" I ask teasingly, searching her gaze. In truth, I had been impressed with the snow. She smiles slightly.

"Well…yes. A little." She admits. I smirk.

"Knew it." She chuckles before sliding her fingers out of the linking embrace I held them in, and sitting back up.

"So what did you say?" I ask flippantly, curious as to whether or not she'll tell the truth. She waves dismissively.

"I don't know what to say. I mean, he is perfect…" she trails off, catching onto my glare at her words. "and at least I'd be able to see you, as I'm marrying your future brother in law." She recovers smoothly. I quirk an eyebrow.

"nice save."

"I rather thought so."

"So you'll marry him?" I ask dismissively, my eyes dropping down to my hands on my chest like they were the most fascinating thing in the world. She sighs.

"Yes…no…maybe. It's complicated. Apparently we were betrothed once but it was cancelled when I was eight." I lift my gaze back up to hers.

"I know." I say simply. She frowns delicately.

"What? How?!" she demands. I smile.

"me and Adrian are the same age Elsa. I can remember it." I say pointedly. It's the truth; their betrothal was announced across the kingdoms. After all; the Isen and Elmira are two powerful kingdoms; the alliance Elsa and Adrian's marriage would have made would have been a fierce one.

"That makes sense I suppose. Can't help but wonder why I didn't know about it though." I tilt my head in her lap, staring up at her.

"when do any of us know about our betrothals? I had multiple when I was younger." She shook her head irritably.

"No, not that. Why didn't I hear about it when I was older, after the Great Thaw. It's odd." I shrug.

"not really. It was a long time ago." I remind her. She murmurs noncommittally.

"mm." we fall into silence.

"So," she says thoughtfully, "how can we defeat them?" I raise an eyebrow, amused.

"What?" I ask, pleased to see the return of the wickedness I know to be inside of the Snow Queen. She smiles predatorily.

"Oh, between the Queen and the Assassin, I think we can probably figure out a way to outsmart the two golden royals of Elmira, Don't you?"

I smile, mirroring her vicious grin.

"Absolutely."

Later.

I only leave some hours later, much to my surprise I realise that dawn is just beginning to break; we had been up all night talking and planning. I didn't even get to bed her, although, for once, that was the furthest thing from my mind. I rub my eyes, suddenly exhausted. Fully intending to drag myself to bed and fucking sleep, I glance down the corridor before yawning, trudging off to Octavia's bedchambers. Not even the thought of the blonde princess is enough to put me off going to bed; my mind has truly been wrung out during mine and Elsa's consul of war meeting.

"A little early, isn't it?"

I tense at the calm male voice, recognising it easily. My dormant wits come flooding back to me before I turn around, plastering a smirk on my face and guarding my eyes. I raise an eyebrow at the golden haired man leaning against the wall, cloaked in shadows. I cross my hands over my torso.

"I could say the same to you Adrian." He raises an eyebrow at my lack of propriety in using his first name.

"There should be a Your Highness in there somewhere." I shrug, smiling easily.

"We're going to be brother-in-law's soon." I remind him pleasantly. He pushes himself off from the wall lazily, and I am unable to stop an eyebrow from rising at the sight of him. His sun kissed blonde hair is definitely a shade lighter, and as for his skin…

Either he is bathing in bleach, or he is spending significantly less time in the sun.

Not that it makes the bastard look any less attractive, damn him.

My my my. What has happened here?

"how true. And yet, it is interesting that despite your engagement to my sister, here you are, coming out of the Queen of Arendelle's room at the break of dawn…" he trailed off in his mocking contemplations, a small smile twisting his lips.

"and," he continues "I really don't think it's…appropriate to be in the Queen's room alone at night, do you?" he asks mock genteelly. I glare at him.

"what gives you the right to decide that?" I snap. He raises an eyebrow.

"I'm not sure how my little sister would feel about you sleeping in Elsa's room Hans. Maybe I should tell her, and we'll find out?" he asks sweetly. I force myself to relax, my scowl to ease.

"And then Octavia would stop curing the Queen. You wouldn't do that to Elsa." I say flatly. He cocks his head to the side.

"True. Alright, I'll keep this one secret for you. But don't expect it in the future." I chuckle.

"We aren't married yet Adrian. And if she wasn't going to kill Elsa if I didn't, then this entire wedding would never, ever, happen." I say coolly, watching him warily as he steps in front of me, an arm's length away.

"I don't doubt it. I would feel sorry for you, if I liked you." He says dryly. I laugh outright.

"You know, for a while there I genuinely thought you were without flaws, or faults, but oh my, was I wrong. You're jealous!" he has the grace to look abashed for a second before glaring at me.

"no. I just don't think the Queen should be…fraternising with someone who tried to kill her." He say's delicately. I snort.

"When did you start speaking for Elsa?"

"When did you get the right to call her Elsa?" he retorts. I smile at him patronizingly.

"oh, Since we've been…shall I say, intimate." Adrian's mocking smile drops to a scowl, red pouting mouth an even darker shade of crimson.

"it doesn't matter what you two have done in the past. I am Elsa's future, and my sister is yours." He says sweetly. This time, it's my turn to glare, goaded into showing my anger.

"I guess that really depends on your point of view." He tilts his head slightly, consideringly.

"you will be a married minor prince who attempted to assassinate her. I'm the king of a great land. Who do you think makes more sense?" I raise an eyebrow at a particular word choice.

"King? Rather presumptuous of you." He gives me a winning smile, brushing past me dismissively.

"Haven't you heard? My father has passed onto the Otherworld. My coronation is in a month. Stay away from the Queen Hans…for your own good." I watch, slack jawed as he saunters away, his previous practical long legged gait changed into a leisurely swagger.

My My.

What has happened to the golden Prince Charming?

Octavia.

Octavia sweeps down the corridors, scattering servants in her path. She doesn't remember much about last night; she rather, she considers as the raging headache pounds in her skull, drank too much last night. Well, it was my engagement party after all. So, where the hell is my groom? She narrows her eyes; probably with that…creature. She gives a sly smile. Soon; she knows she wouldn't have to worry about her. The odd green eyed man had asked for something from the dungeons, something she didn't even know the kingdom possessed. It would all be easy, now that daddy was finally dead. Not that she really cares. After all; he has been practically dead for four years. And it's not like she has any reason to mourn him.

Besides, black is such a dull colour.

Remarkably, things haven't changed in the palace with the kings official passing. No one is in mourning, none of the people care. They all know their king had been dead, really dead, for much longer. Suddenly, she collides with something solid, she reels back slightly, dizzy from her hangover before balling her fists and preparing to scream at whatever idiotic servant had collided with her when she realised who it was. She studies him, tilting her head.

"Adrian. Where have you been lurking? In the shadows by the looks of you." She giggles. Adrian runs a hand through his hair.

"So everyone keeps saying. Where are you off to Octave?" he asks. She smiles, pleased that she had the gift of easily lying.

"oh, just another meeting with a seamstress about my dress." She says flippantly, waving her hand. He blew his fringe out of his eyes.

"So. Father." He trails off. She studies him anew.

"You aren't wearing black." She says accusingly. He arches an eyebrow.

"Do you really think I'd mourn him? Besides, neither are you." He says pointedly. She flips her hair over her shoulder.

"Black makes me look pale. Oh, and if you think your stupid little coronation is going to upstage my wedding, then you have another think coming-" he cuts her off.

"I just saw you're future husband." He mutters. Her eyes narrow.

"Where?!" she demands petulantly. He gestures with mock surrender.

"Calm down Octave. I saw him in the gardens." Her defensive posture relaxes slightly. At least he isn't with that witch. She smiles at him girlishly.

"well, must be off! Go out in the sunshine will you?" she calls over her shoulder, fluttering away like a brazenly covered red butterfly. Adrian frowns after her, watching her round the corner.

But she just had a meeting with the dressmaker earlier this morning…

Elsa.

I stare at the now faint scar underneath my breast, staring at it critically in the late morning light. It is definitely getting lighter.

I bet it's the antidote. It does, after all, cure everything.

The thought makes me smile with relief; I would be glad to see the back of my little reminder of my Southern Isles detour.

"You see Elsa, pain is a marvellous thing…"

My heart sinks as I remember a chillingly empty voice; and, I know that even if my flesh heals, I will never be able to truly forget. I shake myself and slide a light blue dress over my head, the sun high in the sky after my sleep in. Considering I only had about 3 hours sleep, I feel remarkably refreshed. I refuse to even consider it might be Hans that had such an effect on me, even though, deep down, I know his gentle but still irritating teasing is the reason I feel so…alive. I distractedly lace up the back of my gown, my nimble fingers making short work of the laces even though I can't see what I'm doing.

13 years of practise without a servant does give one remarkable abilities with clothes.

I smile bitterly as I brush my fingers through my tangled mess of white hair, nodding at myself shortly in the mirror and turning away. I pause, pondering before I wave a hand at my simple blue dress, concentrating hard. Come on...Just a little sparkle! Only a small fizz of magic leaves my fingertips, spluttering out long before it reaches the sky blue silk of my dress. I sigh; that was something at least. I sit down at the makeshift desk in the corner of the room; piled high with decrees and paperwork from Arendelle and the Isen, things have been stacking up whilst I've been away. I slide a stack towards me, and start reading, amending and signing with relish. I've missed this.

I have no idea how long I've been sitting down; I blearily glance up and see the sun high in the sky; almost like it's mid-afternoon. I glance at my completed work with weary pride; I had gone through all of it. I stretch my arms above my head and stand, walking to my bed and blissfully contemplating an afternoon nap when a knock on the door makes me start in surprise. I frown in confusion; who on earth could that be? Surely not Hans; we had agreed last night that he needs to spend as much time with Octavia as possible. So that leaves…

"Elsa, it's me."

Adrian.

I hesitate, remembering last night's encounter.

"If we could restore our engagement…I guess what I'm asking is-god I'm bad with things like this…if you would…um. Marry me?"

I sigh; I really should give the poor boy an answer. Besides, he probably has the antidote.

"Come in Adrian." I call out. I turn back to my pile, unwilling to look at him after last night's fiasco. I'd behaved like a stupid little girl, something I am not prone to. He had just caught me totally by surprise.

"working again?" he asks dryly. I force a smile and stand up before turning to look at him, and am unable to prevent my eyebrows from rising slightly.

Huh.

Not only is he paler; but his hair is definitely a lighter blonde, his eyes darker and rimmed with black, shadows underneath them. He looks similar to me when I've been working too much.

"Um. Yes. You look…different." I say hopelessly, clasping my hands together in front of me. He runs a hand through his hair, straightening out the strands and staring up at them between his fingers, comically studying the colour. Despite myself, I smile slightly.

"I know. I think it's because I've been spending more time in the sun recently, and it's bleached it." I nod; it's reasonable enough explanation. I see in his hand he has the antidote, which he remembers about with a start as he notices me looking at it.

"I almost forgot...I have the cure for you." He shakes himself slightly, walking over to me. Closer; I can see the familiar gold in his eyes; and it's oddly comforting.

"Thanks." I say automatically and take it from his hands; ignoring when my fingers brush against his. I quickly drink it; the familiar cold sensation sweeping through me in a series of pleasant tingles. I place the empty glass on the table, and stare fixedly at Adrian's shirt front. He sighs.

"Look, Elsa…about last night…" he trails off. I take pity on him, and stare up into his eyes.

"It's fine Adrian. I really should be apologising, running off like that." I say firmly. He shrugs, a half smile curving his lush red mouth.

"And I should be apologising for asking you in the first place. It seems we are both at fault Elsa." He says teasingly. I laugh.

"So it seems." We slip into silence for a beat, and Adrian fidgets slightly.

"my question still stands though, now more than ever." He mutters. I sigh; I did think I had gotten off rather easily.

"just…promise me you'll think about it." He pleads slightly. I blow a white strand away from my face.

"believe me, I will." I assure him dryly. But something he said makes me frown.

"but…why now?" I ask curiously.

"I...uh…have some news." He mutters, picking at the hem on his red sleeve. I raise an eyebrow.

"stop mauling your shirt and tell me." He smiles distractedly, his arms falling by his sides.

"Well…my father, the king, he just—died." My eyes widen at the news.

"after all these years? He's finally…" I trail off. He nods, eyes suddenly hard.

"4 of them, actually. The doctors think it was just his time." I frown slightly at the cool way he delivers this, but I remember Adrian saying he didn't have the closest relationship to his father. Still, out of a knee jerk reflex, I throw propriety to the wind and wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him in for a hug. He freezes, much like I would have done before the great thaw, before hesitantly wrapping his arms around my waist.

"well. This was…unexpected." He mutters into my hair. The moment is totally devoid of lust; almost awkward, but still oddly comforting. Somehow, I sense that all is forgiven from last night.

"I'm so, so sorry Adrian." I murmur into his neck. He sighs, releasing my waist and I unwind my arms from his neck.

"It's not your fault. He had been there for four years; I'd call it mercy." His words make me frown slightly again; the phrase somehow odd. However, I banish it.

"I should probably curtsey, shouldn't I?" I ask teasingly. He laughs.

"That won't be necessary, thank you."

"So, when are you being crowned?" I ask after a beat of silence. He shrugs.

"A month, maybe two." I smile gently at his obvious nervousness, remembering my own coronation.

"I remember I felt more like I was going to my execution then my crowning." I say reassuringly. He shoots me an anxious smile.

"I just don't want to…" he trails off. I smile bitterly.

"Disappoint anyone." I finish. He looks at me with mild surprise before sighing.

"Exactly." I decide to alleviate the sombre mood, I link arms with him, making him glance down in surprise.

"come on Your Highness. You haven't even begun to show me you're kingdom yet!" I start to drag him towards the door. He laughs.

"So I haven't." he opens the door with his free hand, gesturing to it mock formally.

"Shall we?" I curtsey, amused.

"we shall."

He waits quietly, patiently. Shrouded in gloom, he stands out no more than a mere shadow against the brightly coloured people of Elmira. He slips through the crowds easily; he is in no rush. Suddenly, he hears her. A bright tinkling laugh, and a masculine chuckle. He scans the mob, watching. A glimpse of platinum, a sky blue dress. He stares at the man next to her with interest; not an auburn prince, but an unfamiliar ash blonde man. Whore. She drags him through the bustling square, hand catching up her skirts, her ruby lips part in laughter. A streak of blue and white, pale skin shining and blue eyes singing, glowing. She brushes past him; oblivious. He could have reached out and touched her; taken her then, but it was not time. He needs everything to be perfect for the white haired queen; and so, he watches her slip away for the second time, blonde man in tow. She disappears into the crowd, and he turns away. Soon Elsa. Soon.