[ elsa watches him coolly while he speaks, while he continues crafting and tossing his clever, cruel little barbs, and a hundred things go through her mind to say. but elsa is different now. stronger. his darts meet an icy shield around her person, and elsa's shoulders square, her chin lifting. she may no longer be a queen, but her regal upbringing is in her blood, part of who she is, and her poise remains. ]

.. I pity you, you know.

[ she says, firmly, but softly, without malice. ]

Whatever has led you to such a cruel existence must be very lonely. You can't hurt me anymore, Hans. I'll never allow it again.

[ no one will ever control her again, no one will ever manipulate her again, most especially not him. where he once looked like a monster to her, he now just seems like.. a sad boy who perhaps didn't receive the love he desired, or needed.

it's a shame. ]