Elsa stood before Hans' cell, feeling like a patron visiting a traveling House of Horrors. She'd attended one as a child, before she struck Anna and began a life of isolation, and she was reminded of it now.

She'd been so excited when she spied that strange ship through the windows of the castle, its unusual decorations catching her eye long before it arrived at port. Although ships of all shapes and sizes were a regular sight in Arendelle, the fjord being the only way in or out of the kingdom, this was unlike any she'd ever seen. Its multi-colored sails looked like candy floating on the water and it had long, flowing banners with letters she was just learning to recognize rippling across them. Her father would later inform her the letters spelled "Johan's House of Horrors," though she couldn't understand the reference since she'd seen neither 'house' nor 'horse' on the boat.

Nevertheless, she could hardly wait to see what a 'house of horse' would be like. She loved horses. Learning to ride was her favorite time of day, especially since it came right after etiquette lessons, which were such a bore. A horse didn't care how you held your teacup, it didn't expect you to curtsy, or remember the correct title with which to address it. When she was on the back of her horse all she cared about was the sun in her face and the wind in her hair as it carried her wherever she delighted.

And so it'd come as quite a shock to learn a 'house of horse' had nothing to do with horses. The covered booths were set up within the town square, connected end to end to form one long corridor with thin walls and thick drapes that concealed the spectacles waiting inside. She'd accompanied her father to a private showing, strolling hand in hand through the courtyard and trotting with excitement across the long bridge to the square. The bright lamps which lit up the summer evening were covered with glass shades to dampen their glow, producing fuzzy shadows that sprouted from the cobblestone like moss. She could remember with perfect clarity the smiling man who ushered them in, lifting the veil that covered the entrance with one hand while beckoning them forward with the other.

Once inside, it'd taken her eyes a moment to adjust to the light. There was no sign of any animal, and she remembered being disappointed by this. There was only a long, narrow hallway with high windows cut into its face at regular intervals. She couldn't see through these windows, even if she stood on her tiptoes, so her father had picked her up, placing his hands under her arms and lifting her until her face was right next to his. She'd never forget what she saw.

Her father said he was called the human rhinoceros. He was a giant man who would tower over them were he to approach the window, and he had a large, black horn protruding from his forehead which curled upwards and ended at a sharp point. She'd never seen anything like it, never knew such creatures existed. At first, she was frightened by the sight of such a strange and revolting vision, but as she continued to look, her mind feasting on what her eyes were feeding it, her fear gave way to curiosity. She had so many questions: where did it come from, what was it doing here, where was it going? Then the human rhinoceros let out a fearsome roar and charged at the window. She'd screamed, an ear splitting cry of terror filling the entire square with its shrill echo. Her father yanked her back from the window and the smiling man rushed inside, his smile replaced by an expression of shock and dismay that only deepened when he received a tongue lashing from her father. The king ordered them to tear down the entire contraption and leave Arendelle at once, which they did, never to return.

As she watched Hans pacing inside his cell like a caged animal, she had that same feeling again, that odd sensation of witnessing something strange and unusual, something that could lash out at any time. The fear wasn't of the man, necessarily, nor of the harm he could do if he were set free. These were only mild concerns which had little basis for consideration. No, this fear was of the twisted mind that drove the man. When she looked in his eyes it was like looking in a dark hole where no light shone and no sound penetrated. She couldn't see the bottom of this hole but knew it was filled with terrible things, frightening things that waited with vile anticipation to crawl out and strike with the suddenness and terror of a monster unleashed from its house of horrors.

"You promised food and water," Hans said, without looking up.

"And I told you, it's coming." She crossed her arms, her eyes following him as he continued his endless journey around his cell. "How long have you been living on the North Mountain?"

He approached the door, gripping the bars.

"Food first."

"I need to know you can be trusted. Before I give you anything, tell me how long you've been living on the North Mountain."

He stepped away from the door and ran a hand down his face, as if wiping fog from a window.

"A couple of days."

Elsa glanced at Alek, but his expression was blank, offering no help.

"How is that possible? You said you stowed away on a ship, but no ship has been to Arendelle in many days."

Hans smiled, showing his teeth, and Elsa had the impression of a lion licking its chops.

"You asked me how long I've been on the North Mountain. You didn't ask how long I've been in Arendelle."

"So, you want to play games? You think this is all a joke?" She turned, motioning for Alek to follow. "Well, I can play games, too. Good night, Hans. If I'm feeling generous perhaps I'll have some food delivered tomorrow."

She went to the exit, pulling the iron gate open. Alek stood undecided, looking back and forth between the prisoner and his queen.

"No, wait! Don't go. I'll answer the question."

Elsa smiled to herself, holding the door half open. The creak of metal hinges near the top of the winding staircase and the slap of feet upon steps signaled the arrival of someone, probably one of her servants. She left the door open and joined Alek again.

"That's better. I knew we could reach an understanding."

Hans rested his forehead on the bars, his arms hanging limp at his sides.

"Now tell me, how long have you been in Arendelle?"

"Four months."

She was confused by his response and thought perhaps she'd misheard him.

"For a month?"

"No. Four months."

She couldn't understand his answer. How could he possibly have survived in the mountains of Arendelle for four months?

The gate swung open behind her and Kai entered, carrying a tray which contained a plate of food scraps and a cup of water. Alek met him halfway, taking the tray and turning back to Elsa.

"The food, Your Majesty."

Elsa nodded. "You may deliver it."

Kai left the dungeon and Alek approached Hans' cell, his wary eyes never leaving the caged prince. After passing the cup between the bars he set the tray on the floor, using his foot to push it through a small opening at the bottom. Hans gulped down the water, then dropped to his knees, devouring the food on the tray. He stopped, as if remembering he was being watched, and picked up the plate, sitting on the bench to finish the dried and blackened bits of overcooked leftovers.

Elsa observed this with a strange mix of disdain and pity. She had no desire to feel anything for this man who'd brought so much pain and suffering upon herself and her sister; but to see the once elegant prince reduced to such squalor stirred her emotions. The drought devoured the lives of anyone unfortunate enough to find themselves trapped in its jaws and she derived no pleasure from seeing the humanity ripped from someone in such a nefarious way, regardless of what little humanity that person possessed in the first place.

Hans finished the meal and set the plate on the floor, wiping his mouth with a dirty sleeve.

"Thank you."

He sat with head bowed, hands clasped, elbows resting on knees. The anxiety which percolated inside Elsa slowed and she realized how much he reminded her of John. How had two brothers so close in age turned out so different? She thought about herself and Anna. Though their personalities were different their goals and desires had always been the same. But what had driven this broken man to give up his rightful due as a prince, exchanging it for a pitiful existence of scavenging and survival in the wilderness of Arendelle?

"I've upheld my end of the bargain."

"Indeed, you have."

"Now, tell me, where are my guards?"

Hans took a deep breath and sat up until his back was against the wall. He studied Elsa the way a man might examine a gambling partner before making a large bet, debating whether it was wise to continue.

"I was telling the truth when I told you I haven't seen your guards. However, it's a simple exercise in deduction to figure out what happened to them."

"Speak plainly. I'm in no mood for riddles."

Hans approached the door, peering out from behind the bars with an interest and intensity she'd not yet seen from him, as if he were looking forward with anticipation to tell his story.

"I'm aware Arendelle was recently attacked by strange creatures," he said. "It may surprise you to know those creatures are called frost trolls."

Two lines which ran through her mind without crossing suddenly converged, and a terrible idea was formed. If Hans knew about the frost trolls, was he collaborating with them? Had they conspired together to destroy Arendelle?

"How do you know that?"

"Because I know where they live, in the mountains north of Arendelle. I have no doubt you sent those guards to track them. Since they never returned I can only assume they were successful in accomplishing their task, and have now fallen into the hands of those creatures."

She thought about her guards meeting a tragic end, sacrificing their lives while accused of treachery. She was ashamed for doubting them.

"If the frost trolls have them," she said, more to herself than Hans, "then they're already dead."

"Oh, I doubt that."

It was a strange response, Elsa thought. Was he some sort of frost troll expert now?

"What do you know about the frost trolls? How is it you know where they live?"

Hans sat down again, rubbing the side of his face like a genie's lamp. It seemed like he was stalling and she wasn't sure why. Perhaps he was considering how much to tell her.

"When I arrived in Arendelle I fled to the mountains, fearing reprisal if my presence were discovered. After three days without food or water I was determined to throw myself upon your mercies, lest I die of dehydration. I set out for your castle, but I never made it, collapsing from exhaustion on the way. I'd have died there, if I hadn't been saved by the frost trolls. They took me to their caves and nursed me back to health."

"Wait, wait, wait." His story didn't make any sense. As far as she knew, the frost trolls only recently returned. "Are you trying to tell me they've been living in Arendelle for months?"

Hans laughed. It was an awful sound, like the bleating yelp of a sheep turned predator, reveling over its unsuspecting prey.

"My dear queen, the frost trolls have been living here for years."

"What?"

"They returned after the death of your father. They've been living in the abandoned mines north of Arendelle ever since."

She knew the place of which he spoke, though she'd never been there. The mines were near the bridge that collapsed on her, but they were abandoned generations ago after everything of value was depleted. It was a barren and desolate place and she couldn't imagine anything living there.

"No, that's not possible. You don't understand what you're saying."

"Why do you find this so hard to believe?"

She looked down at the floor, losing herself in a cloud of terrible possibilities.

"Because Grand Pabbie would've known. If the frost trolls returned, the rock trolls would be in terrible..." she raised her eyes to meet Hans', "...danger."

She knew the frost trolls wouldn't hesitate to attack the rock trolls if they ever discovered their location, and she felt a sudden rush of urgency.

"What do you know of the frost trolls' plan?"

"Plan?" Hans asked, confused.

"I know they're planning something! When will they attack the rock trolls?"

Hans shook his head.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Yes you do!" She stamped her foot on the ground, a blast of cold air nearly snuffing out the torches as it raced through the dungeon with a swoosh. It ruffled Hans' hair and left a line of frost across his eyebrows. He wiped it away and regarded Elsa with a look of defiance.

"No, I don't."

"Do they know where the rock trolls live?"

It was a frightening question to consider, and she waited for the answer with an anticipation bordering on panic. Hans sat down and rubbed at his eyes, then folded his hands in his lap. He wore the expression of a man forced to sit through a lecture on a topic he cared nothing about.

"Of course they know."

"What?"

She wasn't sure if she believed him. It was too awful to think that Kristoff's family, the peaceful, caring creatures who raised him, could be in so much danger. But what if it was true? What could she do? She wanted to run out of the dungeon and ride as fast as she could to warn them. But she reminded herself Hans was probably lying. He had to be.

"Of course they know. They've known for years."

"That's not possible. I don't believe you."

"Really? Your buddy Kristoff has been driving his sled there since he was a child. Did they really think no one would find where they were hiding, among the steam vents to the south?"

How did he know that? How could he possibly know that? She thought about a horde of frost trolls, like the one that attacked Arendelle, descending upon the unsuspecting and defenseless rock trolls. Kristoff's family! It couldn't be true! She wanted to refute this, offer an argument of some kind, but Hans knew things he shouldn't have known, and she realized he wasn't lying.

Hans appeared annoyed.

"You really have the wrong idea about them, you know."

"Alek, fetch Kristoff, immediately!"

"Yes, Your Majesty," he said with a bow before hurrying up the stairs.

"They don't care about the rock trolls," Hans said. "They just want to live in peace."

Elsa stormed toward Hans' cell until her face was a handbreadth away from the bars, that familiar anger swelling within her.

"If anything happens to Kristoff's family, I will hold you personally responsible!"

Hans laced his fingers behind his head and leaned back against the wall.

"Are you even listening to me? They don't care about the rock trolls. If they wanted to, they'd have attacked them long ago. But they haven't. And they won't."

Elsa struggled not to lash out. Everything about him enraged her. The smug look on his face, the relaxed tone in his voice, as if they were lounging in the den enjoying a fireside chat.

"I hope for your sake you're telling the truth."

Hans shook his head.

"You truly are a mystery. You claim to love Arendelle and yet you waste your time chasing shadows when you should be protecting it from the real threat."

"And what is that?"

"Are you that blind?" He pushed himself off the bench to stand face to face with her. "How can you be so easily deceived by a prince of the Southern Isles?"

Elsa stepped away from the bars, putting some distance between herself and Hans. She was caught off guard by the question and she didn't know how to reply. She didn't believe it, not for a moment, but she struggled to gather her thoughts and find the words with which to refute him.

"Despite what you may think, not everyone is as devious and conniving as you are. There are actually good people out there."

"Oh, I know that. But you can believe me when I say, he's not one of them."

"Then you don't know your brother as well as you think you do."

"Don't I?" Hans said, a smile creeping across his face. "You Arendelle girls are all the same. So desperate for love. So hungry for affection. So willing to trust anyone who pretends to care about you."

She didn't know why the comment upset her so much. Nothing Hans said should bother her, but it did.

"This may come as quite a shock to you, but it was your brother's act of kindness that rescued us from this drought. He saved Arendelle!"

"Yes, he certainly did. But have you ever considered who he saved it for?"

"What are you talking about?"

"What makes you think John is any different from me? What makes you think he wants anything else other than to sit on the throne of Arendelle?"

"You may truly believe what you're saying Hans, but you're wrong. I know your brother, and he's not here to steal the throne."

Hans grinned.

"I never imagined you would be so easy to fool."

"What have you got against your brother? Why are you so intent on dishonoring him?"

Hans retreated to the bench.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous. He seems to be executing the perfect plan, and I'd hate to see him succeed where I failed."

"The only reason you're jealous is because John is the man you wish you could be."

"Oh, come on, Elsa, can't you see it? Your kingdom is easy prey for someone like him. His plan is obvious!"

She rolled her eyes, finding his assertion ridiculous.

"And what's his plan?"

"That's easy. Trap himself in Arendelle, gain your trust, dispatch with you and your sister."

"I'm done discussing this, Hans."

"Elsa, don't be a fool! Think about what he's doing. What he's already done!"

His accusations against John affected her more than she anticipated. Her response was filled with a vitriol only a traitor like Hans could conjure.

"The only one who's ever tried to hurt Arendelle is you! While you've been busy conspiring with the frost trolls your brother has sacrificed everything to help us survive this drought, so I will not listen to another word about this!"

"Elsa, you don't understand."

The sound of many footsteps echoed upon the stairs and Elsa's attention snapped to the gate. She ran to the bottom of the winding staircase, waiting for whoever it was to appear. Kristoff arrived with such suddenness he nearly ran into her, but she made no attempt to evade him as she caught him by the shoulders. Anna and Alek were right behind him.

"What is it?" Kristoff said. "What happened?"

"The frost trolls know where your family's hiding."

"What? How do you know that?"

"It doesn't matter. You have to warn them!"

He took a step back, as if trying to process the information, then he nodded and grabbed Anna's hand.

"We'll be back."

"Take Pumpkin with you."

"No, he'll only slow us down."

He ran back up the stairs, dragging Anna after him. Elsa hoped they weren't too late. How much time had passed since their last visit to the rock trolls? She didn't know and she was too distracted with Hans to calculate the time. Two days? Three? Whatever it was, a lot could've happened since then. She hated not knowing, it made her sick with worry.

She