Two Paths Diverge

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Francis stared at his hand, he could almost feel the warmth of hers... true, it had only been a few days, and there's no way she would have ever stayed-- part of him had always known that this was more of a fantasy than anything... but that didn't make it hurt any less.

"Ah, my dear boy, there you are." Grand Master Belgr sat down on the bed next to him. "Our uninvited guests have created quite the stir-- I daresay, the monastery can't contain much more excitement."

"Guests?" Francis glanced at the old abbot. "Oh yes, it seems the ice-fellow has brought the Queen's betrothed into the infirmary. I gathered some details, but-- dear me, are you all right Francis? You look like someone just told you your puppy died."

Betrothed... Elsa's fiancée was in the abbey? Elsa was engaged?!

"Francis?" Master Belgr frowned. "Oh, my. I thought as much. You've grown rather fond of our young Queen, haven't you?"

"I'm sorry." Francis flinched. "I swear, I haven't forgotten my duty as a monk, it's just... it's just..."

He glanced down at his bandaged ankle; the truth caught in his throat. He'd barely admitted it to himself, how could he tell the abbot? "I wanted to help her... I would gladly do anything to ease her pain. She should be happy. Even if... even if I never see her again... she should be happy. That's all, master."

"I see...." Belgr stroked his beard. "Well, if that's the case-- there is only one thing to do."

Francis sighed. "What is that?"

"You should nurse the southern prince back to health!"

"What?!" Francis fell off the bed in shock. Was the abbot punishing him, after all-- and to decree such a cruel command! Was there no mercy at all in those old bones?

'What, indeed." The abbot coughed. "If you truly care for her happiness- shouldn't you see what kind of man he is?"

Francis blinked. Was... was he serious? Did Master Belgr really want him to measure a prince's worth? It wouldn't matter what kind of man he was... they were already betrothed. Why should Francis torment himself anymore?

"Master, please... delve me any punishment you see fit for my lapse in concentration... but do not ask this of me."

"I'm not asking, Francis. Tend to the prince."

His heart fell to his chest, and his feet were too heavy to move. Without a word, Francis stood and forced his body to move forward, an agonizing step at a time to the door.

"Francis-- one more thing." the harsh commanding tenor had left his master's voice, replaced by something akin to pity. "Try to keep up spirits, my boy. I will personally see to the research into the Queen's Curse."

Francis felt some relief. "Thank you, Master."

It did not, however, make his descent down the stairs any easier.

---------------------

Elsa sat on the edge of the bed, still absorbing the Prince's tale. Kristoff gently shook her shoulder.

"Elsa, we need to return to the palace. Anna's waiting."

"Yes." she nodded. "I know."

Her sister was alone with an imposter prince with unknown intentions-- but Anna was strong. It was just as likely that she would have the fiend jailed by the time they got back than anything nefarious to happen. Still, it was all very strange and puzzling.

"May I just say," Prince Stig reached for her hand, and he brushed his lips across her palm. It was a gentle caress that sent a shiver up her spine.

"It has been a pleasure meeting you, Elsa of Arendelle. I look forward to being able to court you properly."

She could feel the heat on her cheeks but didn't know what to say. There was still the vision of a pair of green eyes swirling with pain that tugged her heart.

"Rest well, Prince." she removed her hand and nodded at Kristoff, who gently picked her up.

The prince smiled from his bed, a handsome a smile as any. "Now that I have seen you, I am sure that we will be jubilant together. I will aim to make you see that too before we marry."

She wasn't sure how to respond, she still wasn't sure she wanted to marry this man. The strange situation of his arrival had definitely not relieved any anxiety she had about it. Before she could reply, Francis entered the infirmary, looking as miserable as she felt.

"Francis!" she wanted to run to him, but her body still was not cooperating, so she had to wait for Kristoff to turn so she could properly face the young monk. He was staring at her like she was a ghost.

"M-Milady, I thought you had left--"

"Kristoff thought I should see Prince Stig--"

"Oh." they both fell silent.

  After an awkward moment, Kristoff cleared his throat. "So yeah... we'll be going now... kingdom to save, and all that good stuff..."  

"Yes," Elsa rallied herself. "Yes, we were just leaving. Please take care of yourself, Francis... and..." the word almost caught in her throat, jammed together with all the thoughts that she couldn't express. "Farewell."

Kristoff moved towards the door, and she ignored the curious glances he shot her as they exited.

"Wait--!"

She turned in Kristoff's arms, and he slowed down.

"Elsa--" Francis took a deep breath. "Elsa... Grand Master Abbot Belgr has promised to do all he can about what you came here for. He'll find your answers, and we'll meet again, I know it."

"Francis." her heart fluttered. He was promising to see her again; and she hadn't realized until now, that was exactly what she wanted to hear. "Farewell, dear monk. I'll hold you to your word."

With another clearing of his throat, Kristoff pushed forward, and Francis disappeared around the wooden door jam.

As they made their way through the courtyard, Elsa slumped against him, completely exhausted.

"So... want to tell me what that was about... or why you're so drained you can't walk... or really, any explanation about what's happened since you ran away from the castle?"

He gently set her down as Sven bounded up to them and kneeled for mounting.

"I didn't run away." she protested indignantly as they climbed on the reindeer's back.

"Took a mini-vacation, then?" he snapped the reins and Sven shot off like a crossbow bolt through the monastery gate.

"It was your idea," Elsa mumbled. "You said they might have answers here... so I came to find them."

"I swear." he shook his head. "Sometimes you and your sister are just alike."

"Anna..." she gave a silent prayer. "Please be all right. I'm coming."

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