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[ Dealing with envoys, especially unexpected ones, is much more Anna's speed than Elsa's. There are several reasons that the older sister decided to abdicate; Anna's suitability as queen is the major one, though, and in situations like this, she normally wouldn't even need to come back to Arendelle.

"Normally" being the key word. This case is anything other than normal; when Elsa woke up this morning to Gale whipping frantically around her ears with an equally-frantic note from Arendelle's queen stating exactly whom had been sent as part of said unexpected envoy, she rode down the mountains as fast as the Nokk could carry her. Now, she stands by Anna's side, in front of the throne that was once her mother's, her hand coiled firmly around her sister's and a stern, serious look on her face.

Truthfully, she wishes that the diplomats had thought to ask Anna about this before simply showing up; her sister's stricken face silently says that she'd prefer to have Hans anywhere by Arendelle, shoveling horse dung or not. For her own part, she'd rather be as far away from him as possible too... but Anna's expression brings the protective older sister into play, and she sighs as she looks across the party in front of them, speaking up on the queen's behalf: ]

It is my understanding that Arendelle itself currently has no need of additional workers. However—

[ Ugh. ]

—the kingdom has been working on re-establishing its ties with the peoples of the Enchanted Forest, and we need people there. If it suits you, I would bring Prince Hans back there upon my return, so he can help.

[ She looks out to the envoys for an answer even as Anna relaxes by her side. ]

[Hans, for his part, has remained utterly silent as the negotiations take place around him. Certainly, there's little he can say, as his input is entirely moot now. Part of his punishment due to his actions in the very kingdom he's currently in, but he knows when to speak and when to not. He keeps his head slightly bowed, although as he recalls the stricken look on Anna's face, he allows himself a small smirk.

It's about the small victories now (if one can even call one as such). He hasn't had many in general as of late, his brothers looking down upon him even further, but he has enough self-awareness to know that he's deserved that bit. Doesn't stop him from hating all of them still.

The envoys quickly agree to Elsa's terms, quickly clarifying that if Prince Hans gives them any grief during his stay, they are to report to them. The Southern Isles will take note of each transgression, in which he will face a suitable punishment upon his return. It's around this time that the prince finally looks up, fixing a smile to them as he speaks.]

Please, I seek nothing further than assisting Arendelle and repaying the debt I owe to everyone in this kingdom... especially to Queen Anna.

[His smile turns slightly sharper as he looks at Anna, but Hans tries to remain as pleasant as possible. Ironic, that if he just waited, Anna would've been queen...]

[ She feels Anna relax further still as the envoys agree to her suggestion, and while she doesn't want to draw attention to the young queen's discomfort by reaching for her hand, she extends a single finger in her direction, a thin wisp of ice coiling around the hand at her sister's side; barely there, yet just enough to keep her grounded and calm— comforted.

For Elsa's part... Whether Hans is genuinely apologetic, or planning to use his stay in their region as a way of attempting once again to usurp the throne (or to cause any other trouble at all), she simply doesn't trust him. And so as much as she might loathe the idea of having him around her, it's yet another reason in her mind that he's better in the Enchanted Forest than here in Arendelle, with Anna.

Even now, she thinks, it seems like he's trying to get under her sister's skin. An apology meant "especially" for Anna? He may have toyed with the now-Queen's heart, played on her naïveté and let her believe he loved her, may have attempted to leave her for dead—

But it was the older sister whom he outright tried to murder, under the guise of her being a monster. So maybe her viewpoint is a little self-centered, but Elsa can't help but think true sincerity would come with an apology to each of them.

Worries for later, she decides. ]

If it is settled, I will leave the rest of the matters of court to my sister. Shall I bring Prince Hans with me, or is he needed for these discussions?

[They reassure Elsa that there's no need for the prince to be here for any longer, with an added snide comment that he's lost his ability to negotiate, especially when Arendelle is involved. Hans, for his part, keeps his smile, even if his chest burns from the continual disrespect from the envoys. There's little he can do, though, not right now at least.

He just has to be patient and wait until he's away from them. Although, he's sure that Elsa won't let her guard down around him either.]

If you're ready, your royal highness.

[Hans almost wants to call her Queen Elsa still, even though he's more than aware that title no longer belongs to her. Normally, he might consider it a chance to taunt her, but she voluntarily gave it up, so it's a little hard to mock her for that.

With both Elsa's and Anna's permission, they unlock the binds keeping the prince's hands tied, although Hans doesn't move from his spot until Elsa beckons him to follow her.]

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