A Visit Home || Hans & Elsa

◤ betrothed  ◢

     As always, the prince looked absolutely impeccable. His finest day waistcoat was perfectly ironed, as were his trousers, and he’d ensured his boots were immaculately shined. He refused to look anything but utterly royal today of all days, considering the precarious situation he found himself in, much to his dismay. Admittedly, the visit wasn’t exactly his idea and Hans resented its necessity. Realistically he always knew that his betrothed would eventually see his family home, but ideally, he wanted to wait until the deal was complete and they wed before doing anything as drastic as introducing her to his family.

     He knew much better than to trust his brothers, of course. His engagement to the heir to a throne left most of them surprised – and, additionally, laughing over the idea of ickle Hans as a prince consort. Of course, Hans refused to accept that inevitability; he would be named king, no matter what it took, but they all doubted him, as they always had. At least a few of them would attempt some sort of sabotage. Whether or not they meant it as an innocent prank was yet to be seen, but either way, he refused to stand for it. He had to remain one step ahead.

     Naturally, ideas began to materialize the moment the invitation from his brother King Magnus II arrived during Hans’s time in Arendelle. To say the letter did not fill him with some incarnation of dread would be a blatant lie, but he refused to let it do anything but motivate him.

     If it was war they wanted, he would happily deliver.

     Of course, the chances his brothers cared enough to wage any sort of private war against their youngest brother was incredibly slim, but Hans felt he could not afford to think that way. Whatever their plans were or were not, he had to make sure that Elsa remained in his grasp.

     He wore his most charming smile as he stood at the end of the block and watched the Arendelle party disembark. It had been only a month or so since he’d last seen her, but still he felt he had lost time to make up for. The soles of his fresh boots fell heavily as he stepped toward her, his strides measured and determined like the military man he was. When he reached her, Hans did not hesitate to take her hand and press a kiss to her knuckles as he bowed to her. Every bit a queen. He truly could not have asked for more, both aesthetically and in terms of status.

     Through her, he would have everything he ever wanted – and, more than that, everything he ever deserved.

     ❝ Your Highness, ❞ said the prince, his voice quiet and reverent. ❝ I hope your journey was bearable. By appearances, it’s left you glowing — but I almost forget that you always do. ❞

✕ ✕ ┊she of ice & snow ;;

        To say she was STUNNED that her parents sanctioned this trip to the Southern Isles was putting it [ lightly ]. Even as the ship made its way towards the harbour, Elsa could not help but reach over and pinch her arm once more. One would think that after the journey that left her rather ill [ never again did she want to experience such sea sickness ], she would be able to believe that this was not a dream. However, after years of isolation, she could not help it. It’s been so long since she was able to step foot outside palace walls, let alone Arendellian shores.

        As the ship slowly moved towards the harbour, she tugged at her gloves and made sure she looked PERFECT. Once more she inspected her dress, making sure that there were no imperfections to be found. She inspected her hair which was down in a braid rather than in a bun. In truth, she rather felt uncomfortable with this, however, her mother decreed that she do this. Her mother constantly reminded her that she needed her future husband to remember her beauty, to desire her above all else. ( In truth, this only made Elsa want to throw up. Yes, she wanted Hans to desire her, but she also wanted him to LOVE her not just for her beauty. )

        After all, how long does beauty truly last?

        The moment the captain told her that they were ready to disembark, a mixture of excitement and anticipation flooded her veins. A smile graced her lips as the blush colored her cheeks. While they have only known each other for a short while, Elsa had grown so used to the prince’s company. She ENJOYED his company. ( God only knows how lonely she was during their month apart. ) In truth, in the month that they were together in Arendelle, she began to consider him as a FRIEND. A wonderful step towards a happy marriage right? What was a happy marriage without FRIENDSHIP between husband and wife?

         When her gaze landed on the auburn haired prince, Elsa’s heart began to race. It was as if he grew more [ handsome ] in their time apart. Her blush only deepened even more when he took her hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles. His words almost turned her into a tomato. Many have complimented on her beauty, however, when such sweet words escaped [ his ] lips, they seemed even sweeter. Almost too sweet. Even so, she did her best to accept them as a QUEEN should. With grace. 

         ❝T-thank you.❞ She cleared her throat. [ more confidence elsa. ] ❝The journey was an experience. Although, I think that this glow you speak of is more due to the fact that I am here with you.❞

           Of course, her blush only deepened. Was she a tomato yet?

           ❝I’ve missed your company.❞