Even with Gerda's blessing, Elsa knew she wasn't looking forward to her meeting with Anna as much as she could have been. In fact, as the hours slipped by, with Elsa filing paperwork, falling into meetings with her council regarding the possible marriage between herself and Daryun or Arthur, and rectifying the backlog of everyday issues her people brought before her, Elsa found herself becoming more and more nervous by the second. It was as if she was going on a first date. She knew this to be ridiculous, considering the state of her affairs currently, but she also needed to know precisely where Anna's head was at before Elsa decided upon a husband. Elsa assumed they would reconcile as sisters and progressively return to some form of normality from there. Fine. So long as Anna was lost from Elsa's life.

With Daryun, there was at least the possibility of love. Marrying him meant Elsa could still find happiness so long as she put her mind to it, correct? If she pushed herself, surely there was true joy on that route. However, with Arthur, Elsa's options became much more limiting without Anna. Would she seek frivolous outlets through Gerda? Would she be willing to, perhaps, even take advantage of her position as queen and insert herself into Arthur and Rynn's relationship at times?

Elsa shivered as she stared at her strange reflection within her mirror. Both paths made her body light and uncomfortable. She would never be honestly happy either way. She knew this. She knew this and that's why she became so nervous. This outing with Anna literally shaped her future…and it was terrifying, because authentic happiness also meant a life full of lies; even if that joy had less than a thousandth of a chance of taking place.

The queen decided to dress similarly as the day before for her date with Anna save for the tone of the thin material being more of a soft blue. Universally, her suitors seemed to approve of her presentation quite readily. She put on a thin, white shawl out of self-consciousness, her bare arms and shoulders suddenly a problem.

'Foolish. I'm being so foolish.' Elsa laughed at herself, rubbing her temples and closing her eyes.

She thought of Gerda anew, another night having passed and the girl's place within the dungeon ever poking at Elsa's insides. Gerda wanted Elsa to be happy, but what if part of her happiness was derived from having the head maid around as a dear friend? Had Gerda thought of that? It was frustrating, for reports suggested that both Grimoire and Lord Leon had departed with their queen and her entourage shortly after breaking their fast. No more abnormalities. Elsa would have liked to speak with Queen Marisol one last time, but she supposed she was busy with her new king. When Elsa asked about Anna's group, she was presented with more frustrating news. They hadn't been notified in time. Bulda didn't have a chance to profile Grimoire. The mirror was the only option now, and Elsa worried Nils' group ran into more golems or worse…

'Foolish. Foolish and selfish. My friend is locked up and the real potential culprit has gotten away…'

At least Leonard had sent the two guards trailing Grimoire after him in secret. The queen was slightly annoyed that Percival was among the two chosen, but apparently the infamous knight had willingly volunteered, seeking to redeem himself for his unacceptable behaviour. Grimoire had left without doing much else, which was concerning. Was he truly gone with Leon? Elsa would have to remain on guard.

Otherwise, there was nothing more for Elsa to do. Her job was to put her heart to rest once and for all and then make her selection regarding her suitors. According to Leonard, Lord Daryun had sent word to the queen, asking if she would like to take an evening stroll with him. It broke Elsa's heart to reject the offer through Laura, but she needed to. She made it clear that she would absolutely see Daryun the following day, and prayed she wouldn't insult the lovely yet awkward soul.

'Okay…' Elsa slapped her cheeks lightly, a gesture she had seen Anna do on numerous occasions. She stood up and waved to her snowgies, the small creatures making their ever-adorable sounds in response as if attempting to speak. Elsa almost envied the simplicity of their existence, but then became woefully sad at the thought of considering that any further.

The sun was just barely beginning to set, casting a harsh light through many of the windows in the palace. Elsa's heart was racing, and she tried not to let it show as she stepped past guards and maids alike, all greeting her politely. Had the halls gotten smaller? Was Elsa walking faster? Why couldn't she control her body's temperature properly? As the queen neared the entrance to her palace, the two guards stationed there separated from one another with a start, their eyes wandering in a bizarre fashion as one spoke up.

'Meeting with Princess Anna again, my queen?'

'Yes…' Elsa's face scrunched a little, the question/statement somewhat bewildering once more.

'Very good. Please enjoy yourself.'

'I will.'

Was Elsa being paranoid? What was dripping from her guard's words? What was the glance that passed between the two men as Elsa stepped between them? Why did it seem as though an inside joke was being traded without solidified words? Elsa chose to ignore the anxiety that built in her stomach. There was nothing to fear. She had been so careful up until now. The words of a stranger, let alone a stranger that looked as deceptive as Grimoire, couldn't damage Elsa beyond a whisper here and a chuckle there. Nothing to be concerned with.

Elsa heard the doors clamp shut behind her, and the first thing she saw as she made her way to the entrance to the palace's courtyard was Kristoff and Sven toward the mouth of the path leading to Arendelle's main square and shopping plaza, the larger man feeding his pet and friend an extra large carrot and soothingly encouraging him for a job well done. The fact Elsa was hoping/expecting to see Anna, if anyone, made the sudden spectacle all the more repelling to the queen. Despite this, she managed a kind enough smile and wave.

'Good evening, Kristoff.'

'Oh! How are you, Elsa?'

'I'm fine.' Did she sound as cold as she felt? Was this Anna's idea of making amends? Was she going to hide behind this man while she dealt the final blow? Elsa couldn't. She almost turned around and marched right back into the castle.

No…She is reconsidering.

If only Elsa could let go of Gerda's words. Where was the proof? How could the maid be so sure? Elsa would remain, but only so that she could have no doubts regarding the future left for her. Pass her emotions off as insanity; they were as good as such lunacy, after all.

'Anna will be back in a second. Olaf wanted to get a treat or something from a sidewalk vendor. She told me to meet up with you since apparently she's friends with the seller and might be able to swing a deal. If you ask me, I'm pretty sure Anna's friends with everyone in Arendelle. It's actually impressive.'

'She is that. She can become close with just about anyone. It's one of her gifts.'

A moment of uncomfortable silence. Elsa couldn't enjoy the way the sky was beginning to turn a faint shade of red, or the way her people seemed to move about the streets well enough even with a curse threatening to twist their emotions into oblivion. She couldn't enjoy anything in that moment. All Elsa wanted was for Anna to finish whatever it was the queen had idiotically started. How had she let it get to this point again? The night before was hard enough. Why the need for an encore? Elsa knew the answer, and it frustrated her.

'You look nice this evening, by the way. I'm sure I'll hear about it later.' Kristoff finally said, rubbing the back of his thick neck nervously.

'How so?' Elsa stepped forward, crossing the road to where Kristoff and Sven remained. The lovable but somewhat smelly reindeer moved to nuzzle the queen, and she surprisingly found herself cradling the nose of the character quite affectionately.

'Well, not sure if I'm allowed to say, but you probably already know. Anna loves going on about you and how pretty you are. I always tell her that you're her sister, and the looks basically run in the family except for maybe the hair colour and obvious freckles, but I say you two are kinda similar, don't you think?'

'It's hard to confirm or deny from my perspective.' Elsa admitted. She saw a bit of herself in Anna at times, but to her, they were two very, very distinct beings both physically and mentally.

'Hm. That makes sense. Even I'm starting to really see a difference the more I'm around both of you.'

Thank goodness for Sven, because Elsa was able to pet the reindeer during the second bout of silence between the two adults. It was torture speaking with Kristoff mostly because he constantly made it clear that he was a good and decent man. He was more than worthy of Anna. He didn't see her as the princess of Arendelle, sister to Queen Elsa. No. He cared about Anna for the same reasons Elsa did, if not with the depth Elsa was capable of considering she grew up with the girl.

'If you don't mind me asking,' Kristoff got a little quieter, earning a lick from his friend as if the beast could tell his master was suddenly apprehensive. 'How is Gerda? I got to know her during the ball, and she seems like a really great person. I can't believe she's Devil, and even Bulda is starting to have her doubts now that she's cooled off.'

Elsa didn't want to think about Gerda in her cell. Gerda had given her blessing for this evening's outing, but it was still so very difficult. Elsa owed Gerda more than she could ever repay her. Once the maid was out, Elsa would offer her the world. The queen promised herself that.

'Gerda is a strong, young woman.' Elsa answered with pride. 'She is an incredible addition to my staff, and I will do everything in my power to see her free soon. I have spoken with her twice since she was placed in holding, and she is holding herself well, if stubbornly. Whatever has affected her is somehow influencing her ability to speak about anything related to Devil.'

'What do you think happened?'

'It is hard to say. I would like Bulda to do another evaluation of her, I suppose.'

'I can definitely get her to do that for you, if you want. She'll listen to me.'

'Oh.' Elsa was taken aback, knowing the man was quite right. Bulda would refuse anyone else, surely, but Kristoff was family. Elsa knew how it was when family needed help. Reason and pride took a step back more often than not. 'That would be lovely. Thank-you.'

'No problem. Gerda's a good gal. It's my pleasure.'

Elsa sighed sadly, the realization that she had attempted to break her sister from this perfectly healthy relationship weighing her down very suddenly. She had managed to convince herself that Kristoff wasn't earnest up until now, but being forced to converse with him one on one – something the queen avoided actively – was changing her perspective frustratingly fast. How could she see herself as a good older sister if she was so willing to throw not only her own life into turmoil, but Anna's as well? The answer was simple: she couldn't.

'Kristoff,' Elsa sighed sadly, her future taking shape once more within her mind. One for many. One for the masses. What did her happiness mean when compared to hundreds upon thousands even? Her chance for selfishness took place when she ran from her duties and her identity as the ice queen. No more. Enough was enough. 'What are your intentions with my sister?'

'Huh? Where did this come from?' Kristoff laughed nervously. Sven grunted as well. Did the reindeer actually understand human speech? His reaction was too perfect.

'Do you wish to marry her at some point?'

'Whoa. Um…a little early…'

'It is important as the queen and her sister that I know. You require my blessing, after all.'

'I guess that's true.' Kristoff chuckled again. 'I mean, Anna basically means the world to me now, so…maybe? You know, eventually? Probably? Not yet. I think we still have some time to get to know each other, of course, but I can see us…you know…having a family and stuff. Yeah. Bad answer; I know.'

'No. Good answer.' Elsa's eyes burned, but that's all she allowed. 'Such things should be approached carefully. You understand the weight of marrying my sister. This is acceptable.'

'Yeah?'

'Yes.' Elsa breathed out. Anna could have a family with Kristoff. Anna would be happiest with a normal life. She had earned it. Elsa had put them both through enough trials as it was. Why create an insurmountable one now? It wasn't fair to anyone. Elsa still didn't favour Kristoff as much as she would prefer to, but now that she felt the urge to release her ignorant desires at last, perhaps she could try to like the man and everything he stood for. Anna's happiness was Elsa's. So long as she could see Anna smile sincerely, that would have to be enough…

'You are a kind soul, Kristoff. I must…apologize.'

'Apologize? For what?'

For what, indeed? He was so simple and innocent. He could never suspect that his girlfriend's older sister resented him more than he would ever know. Elsa felt worse and worse. Why did she have to have this conversation? This despair was even worse than when Anna had refused her. At least she could continue to long after the girl, but now, even that seemed wrong.

'Nothing, Kristoff. Nothing at all…'

'Oh.' The man fed Sven another carrot, and then crossed his arms, pushing at some dirt below his feet. 'Hey, can I ask you a question?'

'You may.'

'Is everything okay with Anna?'

'What do you mean?' Elsa's pitch increased.

'She was…uh…acting a little strange last night.'

'In what way?'

Kristoff grew bashful, continuing to fidget adamantly before speaking again.

'Just…strange. Thought you might have an idea.'

Elsa hoped her inner thoughts didn't belie her as she answered as cordially as possible. Anxious thoughts were torturing her anew, wondering if her worst fears had come to pass.

'She is stressed about my suitor selection process. Could it be that?'

'Maybe…'

Elsa wanted but rejected further detail. She couldn't handle the worst-case scenario, and thus, she waited for Kristoff to go on.

Sven bumped his nose into Elsa's cheek, his animalistic instincts coming into play. The queen couldn't not smile, but it quickly faded as she nuzzled into the soft, still somewhat smelly reindeer's hair once again.

'Oho! That's a rare one! Since when did you and Sven get so close?' Anna's voice shocked Elsa to the core, her whole body stiffening and recoiling away from Kristoff and Sven, her hands burning and her cheeks flaring.

Before Elsa had the chance to answer Kristoff, the greatest challenge of her day yet approached, and that in itself was certainly saying something.