Day 8

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DING-DONG! DING-DONG!

“Oh! The bells!” Anna said, snapping back to reality. “The coronation! I better go! I have to ... I better ...”

Jumping out of the boat, Anna looked up at the castle and saw the bell ringing wildly in its tower. She could make out people entering through the gate. She really didn't have much time. Turning to look back at Hans, she waved. “Bye,” she said, wishing that she didn't have to leave.

Hans lifted a hand and once again flashed his beautiful smile. “See you at the coronation!”

Nodding, Anna turned and raced back toward the castle. She couldn't be late. But that wasn't what made her step so sprightly and fast. She knew that she was going to see Prince Hans of the Southern Isles again. And that made her feel like she could fly.

Ever since Anna had introduced herself and then dashed off, Hans had been reliving the encounter over and over. Now, as he rode Sitron up to the castle, Hans sighed. He had come to the conclusion that he should look at the situation this way: The two princesses were sisters. Sisters tended to think alike (or so he assumed, having no experience with them). So if they did think alike, and Anna thought he was handsome—which he was pretty sure she did—maybe Elsa would be just as easily swept off her feet. So, he figured as his horse trotted into the castle's courtyard, his staged run-in with the wrong princess might not have been entirely wasted.

Hans hopped off Sitron, smoothed out his jacket, and quickly ran a hand through his hair. Then he made his way inside the chapel.

Keeping his head high, Hans made his way toward the front of the room. Finding a spot close enough to be seen by Princess Elsa but not so close that he seemed overeager, Hans took a seat. Then he began to size up the competition.

Hans had done his homework. After his father had given him permission to attend the coronation, Hans had immediately gotten his hands on a list of potential attendees.

Across the room he saw a small, thin man with an unfortunate nose. This was the Duke of Weselton, and he was deep in conversation with a dignitary from Blavenia. The Duke is one to watch out for,Hans thought. As he continued to look around the room, he recognized several more people. There were a few other princes, several lords, and at least a dozen other lower dignitaries. But of them all, the only one who really worried Hans was the Duke.

Just as his thoughts began to run through a series of alternate plans, he realized a hush had fallen over the crowd. Surprised at the sudden silence, Hans looked up. His breath hitched in his throat. The future queen of Arendelle had taken her spot on the raised platform at the front of the chapel. She stood, staring blankly out at the crowd, her eyes focused on some point only she could see. Anna stood next to her, her gaze jumping from one person to the other as though she couldn't soak up the faces fast enough.

Anna was all energy and light. Hans couldn't help smiling as he watched Anna. Turning his attention to the future queen, Hans was struck anew by the contrast between the sisters. Whereas Anna was all barely restrained, excited energy, Elsa hardly moved. She stood there, no expression on her face, her body as still as a statue. Her fingers, which were twitching slightly, were the only things that gave away any hint of emotion.

Hans returned his gaze to Anna. What if he didn't have to marry Elsa to get the crown? Clearly, she wanted nothing to do with the crown or her subjects. She was practically throwing the scepter and orb away as everyone looked on. If Hans had learned anything from his manipulative brothers, it was that there was always more than one way to get what you wanted. If Elsa really didn't want the crown, perhaps she would be willing to give it to her younger sister—if said sister was to wed a prince from a good, strong kingdom. Hans's heart beat faster as the idea began to take shape. It was all so obvious now. He would marry Anna and overthrow Elsa. With Anna under his thumb, it would be only a matter of time before he would take control of the kingdom. And then? Then he would rule Arendelle, and he would never have to see his father or his brothers ever again.

He smiled. At that very moment, Anna's wandering gaze landed on him. Raising his hand, he gave her a small wave. Immediately, she ducked her head and her cheeks flushed. Oh, yes,he thought, watching her reaction. This is a much, much better plan ...