Inside the Frozen Heart (Hans x Reader)

There's More Underneath

Hello everyone! I'm sooooooo sooooooooooooooo sorry it's been so long since I posted a chapter. I've just been really busy and had a lot on my mind. I hope this is good enough for you all. I love you all so much! Now, enjoy the chapter!
😁💕💕

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Abbreviations
(Y/n) - Your Name
(S/N) - Sibling's Name
(H/C) - Hair Color
(F/N) - Father's Name
(E/C) - Eye Color
(L/N) - Last Name
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First Person POV

A Few Months Later

I was trying to stay strong here in The Southern Isles, but it was an extremely hard thing to do when Hans' mother and father would not let me see him. I was lucky enough to have Claudius, Lars, and the other brothers, for the most part, on my side. They helped me sneak around to see him. I loved Hans so much and we wanted to be together, but his parents were still adamant on me marrying Frans. Frans was like me though; he was in love with someone his family would not approve of, a servant. She was a beautiful and sweet young woman, maybe in her mid-twenties. I think the two compliment each other so well, but it cannot be. I do wish things could be different.

"(Y/N)!" I hear a voice call.

I turn to the door and see Claudius peeking his head through the cracked open door.

I smile and quickly make my way over to him. "Is the coast clear?"

Claudius nods, "Everything is ready. Father is in meetings the rest of the day with Lars and the advisors. Mother is off with Caleb and Katya."

I nod my head, Katya was Caleb's wife from Russia. She was proper and firm, but a kind woman who knew exactly what she wanted when she wanted it. I've talked with her on a few occasions, but I don't know her too well yet.

"Lets hurry then!" Claudius grabbed my wrist and quickly led me out of my room and down the hall, outside to the horse stables. It was Hans and I's safe haven.

Claudius and I reached the stables and there stood Hans. I smiled brightly and ran to him. He opens his arms to me and I jump into them, hugging him tightly.

As Hans and I hug, Claudius smiles at the sight of us before heading inside to keep watch for the king and queen.

Slowly, Hans and I pull apart, smiling at each other. We were completely happy.

"How are you today my love?" Hans asks me softly, taking my hands in his.

"Wonderful now that I'm with you." I give his hands a squeeze.

We didn't have to say a word to know how much we loved and missed each other, so we stayed together, just enjoying each other's company for hours. But, as the late afternoon came around, I had to head back inside. We were as lucky as always not to be caught.

I made my way to Lars' chambers once I knew that the king was gone. I gently knocked on the door, before it was opened by Lars himself. He let me inside, closing the door behind me.

"I assume the meeting went well?" Lars asks.

I nod, "Yes, it was good. I won't lie; I'm surprised we haven't been caught."

"As am I, but don't start thinking about that now. It will only make things more stressful as well as riskier for all of us," Lars turns to me.

I nod again, "Alright, I'll try not to think that way."

"Now, onto the task at hand, I need help with a few things if you're up for the task?" Lars states.

I smile and nod, "Lets get to work!"

For the next few hours, Lars and I work on the bandit problem in mørkets skog. We could not lose any more grain. The people needed it and it wasn't like this place was very plentiful in growing crops as it is. The Southern Isles was a rocky and mountainous region which prospered in minerals but retrogressed in crops, lumber, and livestock.

We finally came up with a solution that could be put into place immediately. If it works, the villages will no longer go hungry. That was something all of us were looking forward to.

In all this time we had to think, another thought crossed my mind. Before coming to the Southern Isles, Hans had told me how cruel his family had been to him all his life. When we arrived, they started out that way, but it quickly changed. I cannot figure out what happened to make most of them change so much. I wond-

Lars gently places his hand onto my shoulder, gently shaking it, "Miss (Y/N), are you alright?"

I shake my head, trying to focus as I look back at Lars, "Oh, umm.. I'm sorry Lars; I-I got a bit distracted. What were you saying?"

"Miss (Y/N).." Lars gently placed the back of his hand against my forehead.

I gently pushed his hand back, "Really Lars, I'm fine. But.. I think I'm going to head back to my room tonight."

I turn and make my way out of Lars' room and head towards my own. I was fine; everything was fine.

I sigh softly as I open my door and step inside, closing the rest of the world out.

I press my forehead against the door and just stand in silence for a few moments.

A rough clearing of the throat is heard behind me, so I quickly turn around, holding my fists up in self defense.

Claudius stands there, holding his hands up to protect himself and show he wouldn't attack me.

I sigh in relief as I lower my fists, "What are you doing in here Claudius?"

"I came to check on you; is that so bad?" Claudius asks.

"I guess not, but I'm fine, seriously," I say again, trying to get him to believe me, so he'd leave.

Claudius walks up to me, "You know.. You don't have to keep hiding your feelings.. Right?"

I turn away from Claudius, unable to make eye contact with him.

I feel his hand as it is placed on my shoulder, "(Y/N)... I'm here for you.. Please.. Talk to me..."

Tears start to slip down my cheeks as I turn to Claudius and hug him tightly. His arms wrapped around my body, holding me close. I felt safe to let my feelings out. He was one of the only people here I truly felt I could talk to without judgement.

"Claudius... I don't belong here..."