I would like to thank roxygoth, BurningFox6, krystal lazuli, and LukeJames for beta reading and helping me improve!

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Disclaimer: I do not own Frozen. Frozen is owned by Disney. I only lay claim to Prince Edmund, Prince Lucas, Master Stephen, and anyone else you do not recognize from Frozen.

Chapter 29

Before the sisters left the suite, Elsa summoned ice cages around Richard and his men to prevent them from causing anymore havoc. The guards would soon take them to the dungeons.

As they followed the three guests carrying the injured ice harvester to the doctor's office, Elsa and Anna were upset. The Snow Queen was particularly nervous and anxious. Elsa tried her best to keep her emotions and herself in check, but she was unable to do so after everything that had happened.

Ice began to form on the walls and ceiling, and snow flurries fell from above them. Anna noticed this and took her sister's hand, trying to calm her down before she accidentally froze her again or any of the four men in front of them.

"Elsa! Calm down. We can't have you freezing me, Kristoff, or any of the guests," Anna said.

"Anna. How can you expect me to calm down after everything that just took place? You and I were kidnapped by Richard and his men, Edmund, Stephen, Lucas, and Kristoff almost got killed trying to rescue us, and now Kristoff is injured," Elsa responded.

"I am upset about it as well, Elsa. However, you must control yourself before you accidentally smother the palace in snow and ice or freeze anyone," the princess said reassuringly.

Elsa gave her a stern look, so Anna continued, placing her hand on the Ice Queen's shoulder, "Elsa please. You must get yourself together. Richard and his men have been defeated, and everyone is alright for the most part. I am worried about Kristoff. None of us can determine how serious his injury is. That is why we have a doctor in the castle. Only the doctor himself can tell whether Kristoff's injury is a minor one or not."

The Snow Queen let her little sister's words sink in as she managed to calm herself down and the ice and snow subsequently disappeared. "You are right, Anna. I was not thinking straight after the intense battle between Edmund and Richard. Had Richard won, he would have murdered us all and taken over Arendelle," Elsa said, upset.

"Thankfully, he does not have his powers anymore. Therefore, he cannot cause harm to anyone anymore," Anna pointed out.

"That is true," Elsa replied, a small smile forming on her face.

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Edmund, Stephen, and Lucas continued to carry Kristoff down the stairs of the northwestern wing, the sisters following behind them. Once they reached the bottom of the stairs, the three guests figured they could move a little faster. The three men knew they still needed to take their time for Kristoff's sake. What the men did not want to do was rush getting Kristoff to the doctor and risk aggravating the ice harvester's injury.

Soon the group reached the castle doctor's office. "Elsa? Could you please knock on the doctor's door?" Stephen asked.

"Yes," Elsa replied with a nod as she knocked on the doctor's door. The door opened to reveal the doctor. He bowed respectfully to the royals. "Your Majesties." The doctor noticed the three guests carrying Kristoff. "Oh dear. Looks like Sir Kristoff is injured. What happened?"

"Kristoff was injured during a fight with the figure, whom we discovered is really Edmund's former friend, Richard. He says his right ankle is bothering him," the Ice Queen explained.

The doctor nodded. "Bring Sir Kristoff in so I may examine the severity of his ankle injury." The three guests nodded as they carefully helped the ice harvester sit down on an examination table next to Captain William.

"Edmund and Lucas? Perhaps we should return to the suite in the northwestern wing to ensure Richard and his men do not escape while we wait for the guards to arrive?" Stephen suggested. The brown-haired man wanted to make sure they stayed diligent until the guards managed to get them to the dungeons.

"Yes, Stephen," the English prince replied with a nod.

"It shall be done," Lucas added as he, Edmund, and Stephen went back to the suite where Richard and his men were.

The captain's eyes were filled with concern as he saw Kristoff brought into the doctor's office. "Sir Kristoff! Are you alright?"

"My ankle does not hurt as bad as it did earlier. Still, I think it is a good idea for the doctor to look at it. I have no idea how serious the injury is," Kristoff replied.

"Let's hope it is nothing severe," Captain William said.

"Thanks, Captain," the ice harvester replied gratefully.

"You are welcome, Sir Kristoff," Captain William responded, trying to reassure Kristoff.

Like what the doctor did with Captain William, he asked Kristoff questions regarding his injury.

"Which ankle is hurting, Kristoff?" the doctor asked.

"My right ankle," the ice harvester said.

"When did the pain in your right ankle begin?" the doctor continued.

"After I landed awkwardly on the foot of one of Richard's men while we were fighting them," Kristoff replied.

"Did the pain in your ankle begin suddenly after your awkward landing?" the doctor asked.

"Yes, it did," the ice harvester responded.

"Is the pain dull, sharp, or achy?" the doctor continued.

"Achy," Kristoff stated.

"Does the pain come and go or is it there constantly?" the doctor asked.

"The pain is constant," the ice harvester said.

"Does pain increase or decrease with movement?" the doctor finished.

"Moving the ankle makes it hurt more," Kristoff said.

The doctor nodded. "I will now examine your ankle to see how severe the injury is."

"Take all the time you need, doc," the ice harvester said.

The doctor looked sincerely at Kristoff. "I will do my best, Sir Kristoff." Turning his attention to the Snow Queen, he said, "I advise you stop by first thing in the morning, Your Majesty. By then I should have a diagnosis."

"Will do, doctor. I will see you in the morning," Elsa replied.

"See you tomorrow," the doctor responded with a grin as the group left the office to let the doctor do his job.

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Edmund, Stephen, and Lucas watched over Richard and his men before the guards arrived to apprehend them. Thankfully, none of the men regained consciousness during the time the three guests kept an eye on them.

Soon the guards arrived and arrested Richard and his men. As they were led to the dungeon, Edmund, Stephen, and Lucas continued to follow the guards to make sure none of the men had any chance to escape.

Once Richard and his men were securely locked in the dungeons, the guards thanked the three guests for the extra security. Edmund, Stephen, and Lucas said they were just ensuring the safety of everyone in Arendelle.

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Anna was smiling at the three guests. She was grateful at how unselfish they were.

"I would like to thank you guys for helping Kristoff. That was very nice of you," the princess said.

"Of course. Kristoff is a good man. You and your sister are good people as well. Ever since our arrival, you all have treated us as if we have been part of your family the entire time," Edmund replied gratefully.

"We always do our best to make sure everyone here feels welcome," Anna stated.

"You, Elsa, and Kristoff have done a marvelous job at making me feel at home in Arendelle," Lucas responded, grinning.

"I greatly appreciate everything you guys have done for us as well during our stay here," Stephen thanked, before he had a somber look on his face. "I really hope Kristoff will be okay."

"I am sure he will be just fine. He is a tough guy," Anna stated. "We will just have to wait until the doctor has a diagnosis."

"Well, with Captain William's injury not being nearly as serious as we thought it was, I am hoping Kristoff's injury is only a minor one as well," Stephen said.

"Stephen, relax. Kristoff will be alright," the princess replied, trying to reassure the brown-haired man.

Stephen nodded in response but said nothing. Until the doctor found out about Kristoff's injury, he was unsure whether he could get his mind off it or not.

The royals had a late dinner in silence. After what had taken place, there was nothing anyone could think of to talk about. Everyone was distraught at the ice harvester's injury, hoping Kristoff would be okay.

Once dinner had concluded, Anna brought some dinner to her boyfriend, which Kristoff greatly appreciated.

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Edmund and Stephen were in their guestroom. Both men were sitting on their beds, thinking about what happened that day. They wondered if Kristoff's injury could have been prevented had they taken a different approach with attacking Richard and his men.

The English prince got off his bed and headed to the entrance of the suite.

"Where are you going, Edmund?" Stephen asked.

"I am going to talk to Elsa, if that is okay with you," Edmund replied.

"Of course, Edmund. Make sure it does not take too long. It is getting late," Stephen responded.

"That is true. I will be back in a little bit," the black-haired man responded with a smile as he left the suite and walked to Elsa's room.

Once Edmund was in front of Elsa's room, he politely knocked on the door. "Elsa? I am sorry to bother you at this time, but I would like to talk to you."

The Snow Queen answered her door. "You are not bothering me, Edmund. What would you like to talk about?"

Edmund looked at the Ice Queen with a sincere look. "I am very sorry about what happened to you, Anna, and Kristoff today. If only I had known what Richard and his men were up to, then we probably could have prevented yours and your sister's kidnapping and Kristoff's injury."

Elsa saw the sincerity and remorse in the English prince's blue eyes. "You do not have anything to apologize for, Edmund. None of us knew about Richard's plans until he had already captured my sister and I. There is no one to blame for what transpired today. What matters is everyone made it out alive. You, Stephen, and Lucas saved mine and Anna's lives." She stepped forward and embraced the English prince.

Edmund was surprised at first, but he gently wrapped his muscular arms around Elsa's slender waist. "We were just worried something had happened to you when you and your sister did not show up at dinner tonight. Thank goodness we were able to rescue you two."

"You, Stephen, and Lucas have our gratitude for saving our lives," Elsa said with thankfulness in her voice.

"We just strive to do what is right, and when we knew about the danger you and Anna were in, we did the first thing that came to our minds: rescue you and your sister at all costs," Edmund replied sincerely.

"Well, we are grateful either way, Edmund. Thank you," the Snow Queen said.

"Of course, Elsa. I would do anything to ensure you and your family are safe, even if it meant sacrificing my own life to save yours," Edmund stated.

Elsa realized how thankful she was to have invited Edmund, Stephen, and Lucas over for the holidays. Not only were the three men protective of her, Anna, and Kristoff. They were also humble, selfless, intelligent, and very kind gentlemen. All three of them possessed the biggest hearts of any men Elsa had ever met. Any girl would be lucky to pair up with them. Elsa remembered how Stephen had said he was destined to remain single. Even though he was nearly fifty years old, the Snow Queen felt that if Stephen ever decided to change his mind, he could find someone. He may have been nearly thirty years older than either herself, Edmund, or Lucas, but Elsa felt Stephen could find love with a woman if he chose to do so.

The Snow Queen was also wondering what it would be like to date Edmund or Lucas. While only one man could be her true love, Elsa was sure both princes would ensure her happiness regardless of which one of them she ended up having a romantic relationship with. As it was, neither prince had asked her to go to the Ball with her yet, but she would not be surprised if either prince asked her to attend the Ball with them.

Elsa was snapped from her thoughts when Edmund spoke up, "I apologize for stopping by this late."

The Snow Queen smiled. "No, it is okay, Edmund. You may stop by whenever you like."

"Well, I would like to make sure you get enough sleep," Edmund replied as he grinned back. "Thank you, Elsa."

"You are welcome, Edmund."

The English prince then cleared his throat. "I think I am going to get some sleep. Goodnight Elsa."

"Goodnight, Edmund," Elsa said with a wave as Edmund left to return to his guestroom.

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"You guys have our gratitude for what you did today," Anna told Lucas with a grateful smile.

"We were just doing our best to do the right thing, Anna. Considering how you have treated us like we are part of the family, we felt we must do the same and have everyone's backs no matter what," Lucas elaborated with a grin. His grin faltered when he thought of Kristoff. "While I am relieved you and your sister made it out completely unscathed, I wish I could say the same about Kristoff. Hopefully, his injury is minor so he can dance with you at the Ball. Ever since I have met Kristoff, he has become like a brother to me I never had, just like Edmund."

"I am confident Kristoff will be just fine. He is stronger than any of us think," the princess replied. "It makes me happy that you, Edmund, and Stephen get along with him."

The Belgian prince smiled.

"How did you guys know of us being in trouble? Was it when we didn't show up to dinner tonight?" Anna wondered.

Lucas nodded. "We knew something was up when we did not see either you or Elsa in the Great Hall. Given the circumstances, I am glad everyone made it out alive."

"Me too," Anna said in agreement.

"Well, I think I am going to get some rest now. It is getting late. Goodnight Anna," Lucas said with a smile and a wave.

"Goodnight Lucas! Thanks again for saving mine and Elsa's lives!" Anna replied.

"Of course," the Belgian prince responded as he then went back to his suite to get some sleep.

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None of the royals slept well, especially Anna. The princess kept tossing and turning thinking about her boyfriend. She had nightmares about Kristoff's injury and how it could affect him later in life. Anna thought about what would happen had the ice harvester suffered a complete tear in his ankle, or if he had fractured a bone in his foot. The princess was desperately hoping it was not as serious as anyone thought it would be.

Once everyone awoke the next morning, the group did not bother with breakfast. Instead, they went straight to the doctor's office to learn about Kristoff's injury.

The doctor opened the door to his office and greeted the royals. "Good morning, Your Majesties." He then noticed the tired looks on their faces and frowned. "Is everything alright, Your Majesties? You look like you did not sleep very well."

"We could not sleep, as all we could think about was Kristoff and his injury," Elsa explained. "How is he?"

The doctor cleared his throat and elaborated, "Upon performing an examination on Sir Kristoff, I found out he only has a grade one ankle sprain. He will only need one to three weeks to recover from the injury."

Everyone let out a sigh of relief. The royals were glad the ice harvester had only suffered a mild injury.

"May I go see him please?" Anna asked.

The doctor nodded. "Of course, Princess Anna. Follow me." He then led the princess inside his office to see Kristoff.

Anna saw Kristoff sitting on a bed with his right foot in a bucket of cold water.

"Hey Kristoff. How are you feeling?" the princess asked.

"Hey, you," Kristoff greeted with a smile. "I feel much better than I did yesterday."

"That's good to hear. You really had us worried," Anna replied with a relieved smile as she walked up and gently hugged her boyfriend. The ice harvester returned the hug.

Once the couple let go, Kristoff faced the doctor. "Hey doc?"

"Yes, Sir Kristoff?" the doctor asked.

"Will I still be able to dance at the Ball?" the ice harvester wondered.

"As long as you continue to rest the ankle, ice it, compress it, and elevate it, you should be just fine for the Ball as long as you take it easy on the ankle," the doctor explained.

"Thanks doc," the ice harvester said gratefully.

"Of course," the doctor replied with a smile.

After Anna and Kristoff had a few more minutes to themselves, Elsa and the three guests entered the doctor's office to give the ice harvester their well wishes. The doctor made sure to allow enough time for everyone to wish Kristoff well with his recovery. With the injury being only a minor one, everyone was confident the ice harvester would recover from the injury quickly.

Once the six royals were done talking to each other, the royals realized they had not had breakfast yet.

After everyone had bid Kristoff farewell, the group made their way to the Great Hall.

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"I am overcome with relief Kristoff's injury is a minor one," Edmund said as everyone had breakfast in the Great Hall.

"Me too. He really gave us a scare there," Lucas replied in agreement.

"It makes me happy his injury will not prevent him from getting to dance with Anna at the Ball. Considering how much they care about each other, it would have been sad had Kristoff been unable to dance with her," Stephen stated.

"Ah, you're so sweet Stephen," Anna said with a grin on her face.

"Well, I try. I have seen you and Kristoff together, and I can tell he cares about you and will do anything to make you happy," Stephen said with a nod of approval.

"Yes. I am very lucky to have Kristoff in my life. He may be an ice harvester, but social status does not matter. He is the sweetest, most loyal man I have ever met," the princess stated with a loving sigh.

"Kristoff is a good man. I am glad to call him my friend. He is like a brother I never had," Edmund said before turning to Lucas and adding, "As you are, Lucas."

Lucas beamed. "The feeling is mutual, Ed."

Elsa smiled at the friendly conversations everyone was having. Everyone was rather distraught after Kristoff got injured. However, upon finding out his injury was just a minor ankle sprain, everyone was relieved and felt much better. The Snow Queen also liked how the two princes considered the ice harvester to be like a brother to them. It pleased her that the guests got along so well with her, Anna, and Kristoff.

Her smile did falter, however, as the Snow Queen realized she had to decide on what to do with Richard and his men.