Chapter Twenty-five

Kristoff pulled awkwardly at his collar. He hated being the center of attention, and being in front of this sizable crowd certainly made him feel out of his element. He sweated in his fancy suit, but it was suitable for a prince, and he was ready to take on any responsibility necessary for his new wife… Hans couldn't help but laugh at his awkward regal stance, but he patted his shoulder gently for reassurance. The blonde mountain man smiled back and took a deep sigh. Hans was used to this pomp and circumstance, he definitely wasn't. But he did wonder how was Hans capable of maintaining his confidence and composure, when he had to wear that ridiculous hat... Hans smiled proudly and stood firm in his heavy navy uniform. Despite the heat, the silly hat, and the exhaustion, he felt completely content. Although, a few more hours of sleep wouldn't hurt… But as the queen's arrival was announced, he felt even better. The bags under his eyes vanished as Elsa entered the hall, wearing a strapless powder blue flowing gown, her long pale blonde braid hanging loosely over her shoulder, and a long deep teal cape slowly floating behind her. She smiled widely as the prince waved eagerly too her, Kristoff shaking all over in fear, and the princess, in her most beautiful yellow flowing dress, bounced with excitement. Elsa's nose wrinkled as she giggled silently, and made her way forward and slowly climbed the steps up to the altar. She didn't remember the last time there was so much happiness in this hall.

The queen cleared her throat, and addressed everyone in attendance, taking special care to honor the several injured soldiers standing before them, thanking them and their families for their sacrifice.

"Today is the day for remembrance of the sacrifices made during the battle that changed all of Arendelle. But from what was lost, we gained so much. We gained the knowledge needed to move forward, we grew strength from rebuilding what was broken. And we cherish what we have already, even more. And today as we remember the past, we welcome in a new era for our kingdom and a new start for a better tomorrow…" her majesty beamed. She looked over to her most trusted advisors, and the two older gentlemen stood forward, one holding a pillow covered in shimmering gold medals. The other, a small gold crown. Elsa picked up several medals with her small bare fingers, and proceeded to step back down the altar to personally thank each man that fought in the name of her family. Tears formed in their eyes as she decorated every lapel with a symbol of courage. And finally, it was Kristoff's turn. All eyes locked onto him as the queen made her way back up the steps and asked for her father's sword. Slowly he bent to one knee, and turning bright red, he looked up at Anna. She waved happily, her grin warm and proud. As the queen gently tapped his shoulders with the royal blade, the new prince grinned nervously up at her majesty, Elsa winking back. And in an instant, with the placement of a crown on his head, Kristoff was a new man. The entire kingdom exploded with celebration as the bells rang. Anna wrapped her small arms around her prince with pride as he took a deep sigh of relief, once the crown started to settle. Hans clapped happily and threw his new friend a congratulatory salute. But as the happy gathering grew quieter, the queen cleared her throat, not ready to dismiss everyone. Not just yet.

"Please, if you may all give me one more moment, I would like to present the last honor, to Prince Hans…" she smiled. The air grew still, and the admiral held his breath, eyes widening. She reached back to the pillow one last time, grasping a silver star shaped medallion, and proceeded to make her way to the blushing red head. "With this, the kingdom of Arendelle thanks you for your actions in the face of danger and for your sacrifices in the name of our safety…" Elsa smiled and blushed back as she lost herself for a brief second as she stared into his eyes, her fingers shaking slightly as she pinned the medal to his thick jacket. Unlike the ones he won before in the war, this time, he felt truly touched and worthy. This was not a victory in a game, a win for a violent battle of hatred and survival; this was a symbol that he had finally achieved something his heart could be proud of. A true act of selflessness, something he had never been able to do before. A small tear managed to escape his eye as he looked out at all the smiling faces, people he thought would never trust him again. But, their minds and hearts were just as open as the day Elsa proved to them all that she was a loving, kind queen, and not to be feared. As her majesty stood beside him, and grasped her hands within his, the kingdom erupted once more into cheers and applause, the rings bellowing through the hall again. This was the start of a brand new and glorious era for their home, and most of all, their family.

Elsa eagerly wrapped her arm around Hans's as they proceeded forward, together, followed closely by Anna walking arm and arm with Kristoff, altogether waving to their people, together beaming with a newfound kind of happiness. They made their way through the crowd, and towards the much smaller, and intimate banquet than the last one that had passed through their castle. And the laid-back air to the occasion made time pass by like a blur. There were too many smiles to share and hands to shake to count, and the tower of chocolates wouldn't eat themselves. It had actually gotten to be exhausting, just standing there and shaking hands, thought Kristoff. So the invitation to dance from Anna was exactly what he needed to unwind. More than happy to forget being a prince for the moment, he grabbed Anna's hand and pulled her eagerly onto the dance floor. Elsa watched as the regal couple danced in bliss, as if they were the only two in the entire room. She sighed sweetly, and hugged her one arm around Hans's bicep, and rested her head softly on his shoulder. His cheeks burned as she snuggled closer, but, as he watched the room, he felt more and more at ease, still surprised at how welcoming everyone was to their union… As each second passed, he allowed his walls to completely fall on all sides, and a smile grew in place of anxiousness. He reached up and squeezed her hand, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. There was no more fear, only love.

"…Would you care to dance, your majesty?" The admiral removed his large hat, and tossed it onto an empty chair.

"Maybe a quick one…" Elsa sighed again, her tired eyes sparkling up into his burning emeralds, still exhausted from their fun morning. Hans winked at his snow queen and proceeded to escort her through the crowd. Everyone, including the boisterous princess, made way for the queen and her admiral to have a dance of their own. The band slowly began to play a slower song, one they knew Elsa loved, and the hall admired the strong new couple. They never had to play behind curtains or force themselves to love in the shadows ever again. Elsa's grand blue cape danced around them as Hans twirled her under his arm, like the ocean's tide pulling in. Their eyes never parting as they effortlessly flew across the floor, Elsa finally having that dance she wished for. It felt like a lifetime had passed since that fateful first week, but every tear and pain was worth it, just for this moment alone. Hans's pride swelled as he held her closer, her arms now wrapping around his tall neck, her cheek pressing against hers. They closed their eyes, and held each other, gently swaying with the music, a few couples now joining them on the floor. Elsa giggled quietly, and kissed his chin, causing more red to flood into his freckled cheeks.

"I still have one more thing to show you…" she whispered into his ear. They smirked at one another, and as the song ended, and a circle began to form for a group dance, they quietly moved through the crowd undisturbed, and snuck their way out of the party. Anna couldn't help but notice, and watched them leave, a wide smile growing from ear to ear.

"Aren't you going to stop them? Don't they need to be here…?" asked Kristoff, both puzzled and surprised by the princess's reaction to their sudden irresponsibility.

"…Nah." Anna sighed. "Elsa is right where she needs to be…"

Hans laughed as Elsa dashed forward through the dark empty corridors, avoiding his playful fingers.

"Where are you taking me..?" he asked, finally able to grasp her slender wrist, and pull her in for a deep hungry kiss. He didn't want to let her go, he was happy finding an empty room right then and there… She laughed as she hesitatingly broke their kiss, and pressed her forehead against his.

"You're just going to have to trust me." She bit her lower lip, and threw her hands into the air, a huge gust of ice and snow billowing around them. As the snow filtered into the night breeze, Hans lost sight of her, and tried to gather his sense of direction. Her footsteps echoed down a stairwell, and her laughter let him down towards the exit… Unable to outrun him, the queen used her knowledge of shortcuts to lead him out the castle doors and out towards the gates, her hair unwinding and whipping around her the faster she tried to run. Panting he quickly caught up, still wondering where she was going, and why on earth they were headed away from the castle grounds, and towards the harbor. There were any other souls in sight, everyone else was at the grand celebration, but the southern prince and the queen made their way down the steps to the dock, panting and trying to catch their breaths. "Cover your eyes." Elsa grabbed his hands once they approached the water, and held them up to his face. He smirked and hesitated.

"What is this all about huh?" Hans asked, slightly worried. The queen trembled with excitement, her smile hurting her face it was so strong.

"I said cover your eyes!" she laughed. He held one hand over both eyes, still smirking, and half-expecting the queen to throw him into the waves below. She grabbed his right hand, and began to pull him forward. "I… I have something I want you to see…" She whispered. "You said something to me, not too long ago, that I'll never forget… About how the ocean was your true home, for your freedom. I don't want you to have to lose that. And you've given up everything for us… For me…" Finally she pulled him to the edge of the dock, and took in a deep breath. "Hans… This is for you. Open your eyes."

Slowly he pulled his hand away, his eyes opened, his smile fading the more his eyesight came into focus. There before him bobbing on the water was one of the most beautiful small ships he had ever seen. It wasn't as grand and huge as the ships he's commanded for his father's navy, but it shone as brightly as the northern star. It was painted a shimmering white and blue, Arendelle's colors flying proudly on the flags, banners, and sails. And he could tell it was a fast little thing too… He fell in love at first sight.

"It's yours…" the snow queen sighed. Watching his shock made her smile even wider. His mouth hung open and his eyes bulged out of his head.

"…This… This… this is… This is mine!?" he stammered. He started to laugh, then gasped, then rubbed his eyes with his fingers. "…How!? How is this possible!?" he shouted. Elsa held her hands up to her mouth as she giggled with glee.

"Anna showed me we had extra left over from the budget and she suggested we rebuild one of the ships left from the battle… It was her idea really. It only needed a few repairs, and a new paint job… But it was the best we could do. Besides, how can we have an Admiral without his own ship?" she blushed. Hans kept turning back and forth from the most amazing gift he'd ever receive in his life; to the most amazing person he's ever met in his life. After giving himself a moment to overcome the shock, he closed his eyes to hold in the tears and threw his arms around his queen. He picked her up and held her in the air, laughing as he spun her in the moonlight.

"This is amazing… YOU are amazing…" he laughed… Setting her down in slow motion, their eyes locking and their lips quickly meeting. As he tasted the incredible goddess and traced his long fingers through her soft hair, a sudden realization washed over his mind and senses. And idea came in and shook him to the core. "I don't deserve this you know…" he sighed. "I don't know how to thank you…" he kissed her cool cheek over and over. Elsa closed her eyes, and sighed back, snuggling herself in his warm arms… Nothing could possibly make this moment any better.

"Of course you deserve this…" she kissed his lips again and stared deeply into his eyes. "And you can thank me by being the best you can be, for your new home…" They kissed deeper still. "…Just promise me one thing…"

"Anything Elsa… Anything…"

"…Promise me you won't stay out at sea for too long, ok? Come home to me…" she sighed. Hans blinked several times, the idea that had popped in now stewing and simmering harder in his mind, and he frowned. He knew EXACTLY what he had to do…

"Elsa. Queen Elsa. My queen. My goddess…" Hans held her hands tightly into his, focusing deeply on her shining sapphires. "From now on, whenever I get on that ship… You need to be by my side. I am never… EVER letting you go again… And, I would love nothing more than for you to come with me, and be more to me than just an escort…" he held his breath, and fell to one knee, still grasping her hands tightly. Elsa's eyes watered and she gasped, starting to feel slightly faint. Nothing prepared her for what was about to be said.

"Elsa…" he paused. "Will you marry me?" The silence surrounding the fjord was their soundtrack, their hearts pounding loudly. Elsa couldn't hold back her emotions, tears now sparkling down her cheeks. This time he really meant it, he wanted more than anything to belong to this woman.

"…Oh, yes…! Hans, yes! I will!" she laughed, throwing herself in his arms. They laughed loudly and cried softly together, spinning in circles.

"Come with me then, let's go together and get married at sea, no one will bother us, and we'll have each other until we need to come back home… We'll go only where our hearts take us, far east, far west, we can have a honeymoon in the Caribbean if we wanted…" he kissed her lips and neck over and over. It didn't take long for the idea to run through her imagination, and immediately come back with an answer.

"Oh Hans… That sounds so perfect…" She pictured them standing together, facing the vast ocean in the sun, having nothing but themselves and their home away from home… Nothing she ever dreamed of before came close to how happy that image made her. "Yes… Yes let's elope; let's do everything you've wanted to do, together… And we'll come back when the time is right…" her dreamy smile made him melt hard, his eyes welling up more and a long sigh existed his mouth. This was heaven on earth. With Elsa letting out a loud cry, they embraced even harder, kissing endlessly, forever etched through time as the moment their lives as one began. Hans released his hold on her only to grip her hand tightly and run forward to their new future. They laughed with excitement as they ran across the platform and onto the deck of the ship. He spun her around for another dance under the stars, the cool sea breeze dancing with Elsa's snow. Her happiness refused to remain contained, and as they danced, more bursts of ice flew into the air like fireworks.

The ringing of the castle bells took Princess Anna by surprise as she sipped her champagne with Kristoff on the upper balcony. A panicked guard ran through the party crowd, holding up an envelope.

"An urgent message for your highness!" the poor man panted, almost falling into a chair once the message was received. Kristoff eagerly looked over her shoulder as she tore into the paper and began reading the note. Anna's eyes began to water.

"What? What is it? Everything ok?" he held his hand on her shoulder.

"They did it. They really did it, just like I hoped… Just like I planned." Anna sighed, wiping away her tears with her fingers, and then turning to warmly hug her new husband.

"Did what?" he shouted. The bells rang louder as Elsa's snow filled fireworks exploded in the velvet summer night sky. Anna let go and ran over to the other side of the balcony facing the fjord. And sure enough, setting sail and heading to the horizon was Hans's new ship. She felt a little sad, watching her big sister go on a new adventure without her… But she knew deep down that this is what they really wanted. This is what Elsa truly deserved.

"They're eloping…" Anna cried happily, squeezing the letter tightly to her heart. Kristoff sighed held his arms around his wife, the new prince smiling with optimism, and a slight concern for their new responsibilities.

"That means we're in charge for a while eh?"

"Oh, I'm certain we can handle it…" Anna's eyes sparkled as she smiled up at him, their cheeks glowing brightly. "I just know everything is going to be absolutely wonderful…" Together they waved to the couple on the water, the kingdom watching the queen and her admiral slowly fading into the darkness. But Hans and Elsa stood together at the helm, looking back at Arendelle, waving their free arms high into the air as they departed, their hands still held tightly in one another's. This wasn't goodbye. They turned and kissed one last time before Elsa's home began to fade away into their past. This was only the beginning of a brand new adventure.