Originally posted by ling.speed:

Frostner has higher damage per stamina (although by a tiny bit, easily swayed by skill levels). Most weapons are balanced around that and so it does not really matter what we are hitting her with it will all take roughly the same time, regardless of how big numbers we can see on hit or hp bar.

The only thing that changes this relation is if you can reliably hit 3 hit combo with one weapon and not with the other. And similar timings.

The queen is fast. You won't get a 3 swing combo in (except perhaps with flesh rippers, haven't tried those).

Frostner has a longer animation, a lower DPS, and the Queen is immune to the spirit damage. The slow from the frost doesn't help enough against the queen to allow a 3 swing combo before she gets another attack in. Swing once, move a bit while the stam you used regens, dodge as needed, repeat. Same as you did when you fought your first greydwarf brute when you were armed with a club or your first wolf in the mountains with your iron mace or sword.