I'm Afraid of What I'm Risking if I Follow You

Part 4

"You can wait. You don't exactly get along with the reindeer," she pointed out.

Hans chuckled, leaning back. "Very lucky Ryder was there to calm them down," he said. "I suppose she just wants me to get to know the forest a bit better."

Elsa shrugged. "Not much you can do when you can't interact with the spirits." She could continue to let her curiosity eat at her, but was it crucial to figure out why Hans couldn't feel their elements? She could still be stubborn about this; they didn't have to figure this out now, if ever, right?

He shifted, hugging his knees to his chest. "You didn't tell Anna, did you," he said, matter-of-factly. "Otherwise she'd be here, trying to kick my ass four ways to Harmon."

"She does throw a mean punch," Elsa chuckled. But he called it. She tried to write her sister, started letters that didn't just get to the point, but they had been so flowery in her introductions, and then? Then they'd be ripped up because she wasn't sure how to seamlessly integrate Hans or his return into her life. "But I shouldn't concern her about something I can handle myself. You try ruling Arendelle sometime."

"I did," he piped up. "While she was out looking for you. I kept the castle open so the citizens could keep warm, handed out blankets in the cold and served hot glogg and soup. I even helped prepare everything in the kitchen. Kept that damn Duke of Weasel-town away from spreading nasty rumors about your powers. I hadn't slept a wink in three days, but—damn, if I wasn't at my happiest, knowing I was useful. Not just someone to be overlooked."

Elsa hadn't realized she'd been staring, enamored with the story. She always assumed it was the other dignitaries who had helped out, but then again, Anna admitted she left Hans in charge. She just didn't think he'd actually do anything to help out.

She wanted to see it.

"I want to try something," she decided. "Sit closer to the fire."

Hans furrowed a confused brow, but did as he was told. "All right—but where are you going with this?"

Elsa shrugged. "How else am I supposed to get you to produce sweat?"

That only confused Hans further. "I can think of two other ways."

"Well, sure, there's exercise but in your condition, I wouldn't suggest it," said Elsa. "What's the second?"

Hans just looked at her knowingly. It took a few moments, but Elsa flushed, then smacked his shoulder. "How dare you!" she gasped.

He couldn't help but laugh. "That was almost a bit too easy."

She could still feel the flush all over her face, creeping down her neck, even. The nerve! She'd been a queen, and he had the audacity to suggest that! Elsa had never kissed anyone in her life, let alone think of anyone in such a way!

"He's not wrong!" Honeymaren called out from her hut, listening in.

And how dare she! Her agape face probably looked as dumb as she felt. "You're no help!" she called back.

But Hans had done what she'd suggested, scooting closer toward the fire. Given this one was started with a flint, and not by Bruni, Hans should be fine, give Elsa what she wanted. She couldn't just drench him and try to conjure up memories of his.

"You don't trust me, do you?" she asked, wrapping the scarf tighter around herself.

"I do, actually," Hans replied, holding his hands out. Luckily it was a warmer night out; this shouldn't take too long.

She sighed. "Let me guess: Yelena told you."

"She... might have mentioned something," he admitted. "You've been able to conjure up still memories using the water around you?"