One year later

"I do." Anna whispers.

Kristoff's smile widens, as if he is surprised at her answer. He tenderly lifts Anna's gauzy veil.

Applause fills the church as they kiss.

I watch them from my seat on the front row.

Anna has never looked this perfectly happy. When Kristoff asked for my blessing I gave it willingly.

Kristoff is the complete opposite of Hans. Kristoff sweet and kind.

I am glad that Anna has found love. True love.

Anna is moving out of the castle to live with Kristoff. They will be nearby, but I will still miss her.

Late afternoon sunshine filters through the stained glass windows, casting patterned shadows over the happy couple.

Music fills the church.

I stand up with the rest of the guests as Kristoff and Anna walk down the aisle, arm in arm. Love radiates from their eyes.

Rapunzel embraces me. "I am so happy for them! Anna is beautiful. I am so glad that we were able to come for the wedding." She rests her hand on her rotund belly. I was surprised that she would be willing to travel while pregnant.

Eugene cranes his neck to look around her. "Does the banquet start now?"

Rapunzel slaps his arm. "Eugene! Stop thinking about food and be happy for them!"

"I am happy. Weddings are great, especially because of the banquet afterwards." He winks at me. "I assume there will be plenty of chocolate."

"Of course." I grin. "It is Anna's wedding after all."

**

"You shouldn't be sad at your sister's wedding." Jack appears beside me.

I lift my head. "I'm not sad." I answer automatically.

Jack lifts an eyebrow. "Then why are you standing alone?"

I sigh. "I don't exactly have the best experiences when it comes to balls."

"Come now, Elsa. I might only be your guard, but I would hope that you consider me your friend."

"Of course you are my friend." Memories flash through my mind. It has been a year since our kiss broke the Snow Queen's curse.

Jack kept his promise.

He trained every day under the Captain of the Guards so that he could earn the official position as my royal bodyguard.

During that time, I have tried to keep my distance. But Jack-even without blue eyes and white hair-teased his way into my heart again. We are more than friends. We are unofficial best friends.

A year ago I fell in love with him. But now I love him even more.

I know his family and I see his love for them, second only to his sense of duty to me. He is kind and brave and determined.

He makes me laugh. He is the only one, aside from Anna, who I can completely trust.

"Then as your friend, I am asking you to simply-"

Jack's little sister runs up to us. Her straight, brown hair swings around her face. Jack's eyes light up as she grabs his hand.

"Jack, Jack! Dance with me?"

Jack laughs. "I already told you that I am working. I have to make sure no one hurts Queen Elsa."

"But everyone loves Queen Elsa! No one is going to hurt her!" She whines and smiles up at me.

"It is okay, Sir Frost. You should dance with your sister."

Jack frowns at me. "Only if you promise to never call me Sir Frost again."

"All right, Jack." I smile. His name is familiar on my lips.

His adorable, energetic sister tugs on his hand, but his brown eyes deepen as he stares at me. "Do you want to dance with us?"

I laugh. "I'm fine. Thank you though."

Jack turns to join the crowded ballroom. Abruptly, he whirls around. "Promise that you'll dance the next one with me."

"I don't really dance-"

"Yes, you do. Now, promise me, Elsa." There is no mirth in his eyes. He isn't teasing this time. I should have known he wouldn't let me hide in the corner all night.

"Fine. I promise to dance with you, Jack."

Jack nods. "Thank you." He leans forward and kisses my cheek.

My mouth falls open, but Jack just winks at me and disappears into the crowd with his sister.

I press my bare hand over my mouth. Heat sparks inside me. For some reason, I feel like this innocent kiss was more powerful than the one that woke me up from the Snow Queen's curse.

Because for the first time in my life I feel completely and utterly free. All my walls have fallen down and I can love the boy who taught me what freedom feels like.

No storm rages inside me. No fears control my life. No guilt weighs me down.

I have finally found my center.

It's freedom.

THE END.

"There is freedom waiting for you,

On the breezes of the sky,

And you ask, 'What if I fall?'

Oh, but my darling,

What if you fly?" 

(quote from pinterest)