I can see clearly now the rain is gone. I can see all the obstacles in my way.

It's not raining anymore. Yay! But it's another week, so another chapter is posted for any to read. And we're already at chapter number 10.

W! O! W! Am I right?

So, without further do, Enjoy.

Disclaimer: Don't own anything.

Chapter 10: Adding Another

Ice blue eyes watched from their resting place as the setting sun casted its last golden rays upon the earth. Those eyes hungrily devoured the array of colors and shadows that danced upon the land. The blue hue glowed from an extraordinarily, lovely face; set just under a proud forehead and just above a button-like nose. The pale skin was bathed in light as the last rays of warmth crawled steadily away.

The ever-changing dance of darkness and light made the sunset and the sunrise her favorite times of the day. The blending hues always mocked her attempts at recreating the spectacle upon a canvas. But, she had learned long ago that the wonder was not meant to be sullied. It was to be admired. And so, she sat and admired.

Tap, tap, tap, tap…

Elegant, gloved fingers were interlocked with one another. The white leather had obviously been made from an expert as it had been painstakingly embroidered. She loved to play with the fabric and try to distinguish the white silk of the sown-in snowflakes from the white leather.

Tick, tock, tick, tock…

Her strong back stood straight as she sat upon the room's sole window seat. The golden light spilled through the window and encompassed her as she gazed at the world.

Tap, tap, tap, tap…

Her white-blonde hair was now a chameleon of colors. A halo of oranges, golds, and reds of all different shades were now laced into the lush locks that were pulled into a braid.

Tick, tock, tick, tock…

Her clothed feet continued their noise making.

Tap, tap, tap, tap…

Each tick and tock of the clock was always answered with a tap. The little habit had sprung up more from the fact that she was an only child rather than anything else. Though it started out as a simple child's game, it now served greatly in making tedious meetings with her advisors more bearable.

With another meeting about to start, muscle memory took over. But this meeting was unlike most that she was subjected to in her life. This time, she would only meet with one.

Elsa almost smiled at her own wit. Putting this meeting together had taken Gerda's knowledge of the servants, Sven's and Kristoff's muscle, and Anton's medical records. Even now, she silently thanked each one of her family members for this meeting was a mere fraction of the possibilities that they could accomplish together.

Of course, she didn't smile. Not even a twitch of her lips. She did not even have to see her reflection to know. The last three years were spent very wisely. Becoming more and more of the Queen she had to be, over three years were spent on changing a temperamental girl into a steady-minded intellectual. At the age of nineteen, time had treated and aged her well.

Before Elsa could go down another trail of thought, a harsh knock rapped on the room's closed door. Her expression was already schooled into a regal mask as she bid whoever was beyond the door to enter. Glacial eyes locked onto the Royal Treasurer of Arendelle as he was escorted through the threshold by a familiar duo.

Edward D'Aez was one of her older advisors and a rather lean man, almost to the point of unhealthy. He wasn't a very tall man, either. But he had a wiry strength to him, as proved by the fairly fresh memory of his handshake from a previous encounter with the man. This time, the man bowed deeply as Kristoff and Sven back out of the room to stand guard at the door. Just as she had previously asked of them.

Whether he knew it or not, Edward D'Aez was not going to leave the room before Elsa was through with him. And there was much to discuss.

She stared at the older gentleman briefly before standing from her window seat and speaking, "Please, sit."

Her hand waved towards the large, mahogany work desk. The two leather chairs next to it were seated on the same side and were turned slightly towards one another. The desk's wooden surface sat uncharacteristically clean of any sort of parchment or work. All that laid there was a covered plate.

Wordlessly, D'Aez stood by his chair until Elsa had taken her own seat, only then did he sit himself. Another short silence echoed through the room before Elsa spoke again.

"I am grateful that you were able to respond to my invitation so quickly, Monsieur D'Aez. I truly hope there was no inconveniences to you."

The surprise was faint on the man's face. He must have registered the use of the old title. Nevertheless, he muted his features into a show of loyalty and obedience as he shook his head to reply.

"That is good. I hope you don't mind if I monologue for a while. There is much that I need to tell you and I would like for both of us to be on the same page on the matter."

A surge of curiosity and diligence lit the man's green eyes as he nodded once again. It was a good thing that his eyes were so expressive. It made it easier to guess at what to say next.

"In the past several months, I've taken a serious approach onto my studies of my future ruling over the kingdom. Thought my own coronation will not be due in another three years, I need to know certain… aspects of my kingdom." She paused for a moment before continuing, "Certain aspects that the old King and Queen seemed to overlook. And I think that you can help me with that effort."

D'Aez's green eyes followed the movement of the pristine gloved hand as it reached over and lifted the covering from the plate. On the glittering plate was not any sort of food. Sitting innocently on the plate, there was a crow's feather, an inkwell, a matchbox, and a clean piece of parchment.

The silence was longer than the last until Elsa continued her speech.

"At first, I was more concerned of the castle itself rather than the people within for a longer time than I'd like to admit. I was more scared than I'd like to admit." She breathe deeply, "As I grew older and more knowledgeable, I knew that my particular line of thinking had to change. It is the people within the castle who can truly apply strength onto these old stones. So, I started looking about and studying. I studied the maids that light the hearths, the soldiers that defend the walls, the chef that cooks the food, the stewards that walk the halls, et cetera, et cetera."

Her mind was tempted to sink into old memories of old discoveries, but Elsa fought the urge and continued.

"It was fun. To learn the lives of others. Over time, it became a sort of hobby for me. My fun grew to the point in where I began to expand and study the people within our own town. The bakers, the tailors, the farmers, and everyone else in between. I learned their names, possessions, income, and all that fun stuff."

Elsa allowed a moment to check her voice before adding, "But learning about their history was my favorite part. And from what I've learned, your particular history is very useful to what I have in mind."

Elsa carefully watched the man before her. D'Aez did not dare to move as his breaths came carefully controlled and even. She now spoke quickly to alleviate the tension leaking from the man. She needed his assistance, not his fear.

"Monsieur D'Aez, I promise you that my reasons are pure and will not sully any of your hard-earned status. But I will need to show you something that will required complete discretion on your part." A careful smile was painted on her face to hopefully ease the stress away faster.

Without warning, she stood from her own chair and reached out a gloved hand to take the small matchbox. Then, reached out her free hand to the man. D'Aez immediately stood up, and cautiously took ahold of the princess's hand. Elsa knew that the man's curiosity was warring with his hard-learned discipline, but she still had plenty to explain.

Guiding the man towards the only painting hanging off the wall, they both stood in silence as their gazes were drawn upon the canvas. An armor-clad woman was astride a magnificent white stallion with a long sword in one hand and a steel shield in the other. With her face painted with steely determination, the woman gave off a strong sense of leadership and hidden prowess.

It was Elsa's favorite painting.

"As much as everyone thinks that I am attached to my dear parents, there is a more important reason that I chose the Queen's study over the King's. One that most people don't know. Only myself... and now you."

She released D'Aez's hand and made sure that the matchbox was safely tucked away into a pocket sown into the dress. Then, she stepped up and removed the large painting from the wall. A ghost of a smirk quirk her lips upward at the ease of the action.

Repetition truly does create perfection.

She felt more than saw D'Aez fidget uncomfortably at the urge to help the princess with the obviously heavy painting. She also felt when the fidgeting man stilled in shock as she focused on setting the painting on the floor. Looking up, her feelings were confirmed. The man was staring incredulously at the entrance way that was previously hidden. She allowed the man a moment to stare for it was a rather odd sight to see; a small door with a small keyhole that was inserted into the middle of a wall.

When she spoke again, D'Aez jumped out of his stupor to listen. "Yes, I believe that I had that same look on my face when I first found this little treasure about…oh, three years ago."

With some slight modifications on my part. The stonemasons, the locksmith, and the carpenter were worth every cent.

The questioning look sent her way was quickly masked over, but Elsa had already seen it.

"Yes, Monsieur D'Aez. I had the key to my Mother's old study for quite a long time. And with that time, I was able to learn and do many things. And now, I need your help to learn the rest of it." Turning around, she strode to the pair of chairs that were next to the desk and picked up her own. Striding back with her cargo, she set the chair underneath the entrance way.

Allowing her gloves to graze her neck, she pulled out a familiar necklace. The old twine was still strong and the jingling keys still sparkled in the sun's last rays. However, the necklace was heavier with the addition of another key. The new key had the structure of the large door keys, yet it was just slightly larger than the dainty drawer key that it jingled next to.

Carefully climbing onto the chair, she took ahold of the newest key and inserted it into the lock. The mechanism's well-oiled gears turned soundlessly and the door swung open. As soundless as the gears, Elsa hiked up her dress and bowed her head as she stepped through the opening. Her shoes easily found the sturdy stone steps that were on the other side and carefully stepped down onto the cold stones.

"You should not have any trouble, Monsieur D'Aez. I will be here to help."

The silence was broken by the echo of movement. With her eyes trained on the elevated doorway, she saw an expensively-made shoe stretch through the opening and was about to misstep. Gently setting her hand to the ankle, the entire leg froze.

"You're about to trip. The step is closer to the wall." Taking heed of her advice, the shoe now inched closer until it touch the elevated cobblestone. Elsa was then able to step back and turn towards the wall that had a lantern hung by a hook. She took a match from the box and struck it against the wall. With the splinter of wood aflame, she opened the lantern and lit the oil wick within.

Its flickering glow caught and reflected off of the awed expression on D'Aez's face, the rough stone walls, the newer cobblestone steps, and her own glacial blue eyes. Taking the lantern in one hand, she allowed the other to reach out towards the stunned man. A slight touch to the shoulder was all that was needed to grasp the man away from his stupor.

With her hand outstretch, D'Aez automatically grasped it and allowed himself to be led along the stone corridor. Throughout the silent hall, Elsa uttered a single phrase.

"Remember, Monsieur D'Aez: complete discretion."

A long silence descended upon the pair. Their walk continued down the stone corridor and pass the piles of coins and priceless valuables that were stacked upon the stony shelves. D'Aez stumbled slightly at the reflected gleam of thousands upon thousands of coins, but caught himself in time with a silent gasp. They continued on until they reached a tattered old work desk and a rickety stool.

"Please, sit."

D'Aez complied in silence. In turn, Elsa set the lantern upon another hook and used the remaining matches to light the numerous candles that were littered across the desk's surface. With every new candle lit, the glittering of the coins grew more and more intense. While Elsa easily ignored them, D'Aez's eyes flickered every once in a while. Her eyes remained focused on her task as she spoke again.

"It is impressive. I remember having that same look on my own face when I first found this place." Pausing to light a particularly stubborn wick, she continued. "There were bags and boxes filled entirely with those gold coins. Honestly, it was a mess. Many of the bags were ripped and the coins had spilled onto the ground. I remember stepping on many of them during my first few trips. I soon got tired of the mess and began stacking up the coins. It took a long time and many visits to finish it, but I did."

Finally finished with the candles, she blew out the match and made sure it was completely out before carefully returning the burnt stick into the box. Storing the box of matches, she opened one of the drawers and withdrew a packet of letters bound in twine.

"I believe that these belong to you." Handing the bound package to the silent man, she was careful to note the expressions of realization and surprise.

"You see… when I first found and understood this place, I was angry with you. I had thought many ugly things to myself. How could such a lazy man not advise his king? How could someone lose that much money and still be a part of the King's inner circle? Why were only useless letters that were so easily intercepted sent instead of true advisement? Oh, I was furious."

Elsa's gaze was completely locked onto the man's own still frame as she continued with a steely voice. "I wanted you gone from my home the moment I realized such laziness was so close to me. I will admit in searching for ways to get rid of you. But in my search, I learned about you."

She allowed her eyes to soften. "I learned about your previous employment to King Adam. You were one of the best spymasters that the French ever had. And from a fault that was entirely on King Adam's shoulders, you were maimed and banished because you kept Queen Belle from dying… or worse."

She paused again to collect her voice and her thoughts. Her trails of thought traveled back to the old records she read within her own room. Of how the beloved Queen was kidnapped, and a naval battle of the marauders' ship versus the Saint Esprit and the Sceptre of the French Navy had to take place to get her back. During the struggle, the Queen fell overboard and it was Spymaster D'Aez himself who dove into the waves. The French Navy returned home with their Queen and left the destroyed ship to sink into the waves along with the treacherous crew. Though she was brought to safety, the Queen quickly grew ill from the amount of salt water she had swallowed. King Adam had flown into a rage at his wife's health and gave hell to all involve with her rescue.

Elsa knew that D'Aez was one of the lucky ones. He manage to keep his life in exchange for his titles and lands, his employment, his country, and… parts of himself. King Adam had personally cut and burn the muscles to ashes as the disgraced spymaster bled on the floor. The image was replicated onto the rose mirror that showed her the secret of Monsieur D'Aez. He was forced to be a mute and a eunuch.

Drawing back out of her thought, she saw that the man was also lost within his own mind. She spoke softly now as not to startle the man. "Monsieur D'Aez, I wish to apologize for my misplace temper and suspicion. Though you may not have known it back then, I still had resented you without proper evidence. I hope that you can forgive me, but if not, I will understand. I pro-"

A muscular hand had reached out to grasp at her own gloved fingers. Though the strength was clearly visible, D'Aez had a gentle grip and slowly shook her hand with a message within his eyes.

"I can."

Elsa had to swallow hard against the knot in her own throat before she could talk again.

"I-I didn't mean to bring up bad memories for you, but I need your past. I need your help. Despite the circumstances of your life, you have been a loyal and hardworking advisor and treasurer in your own right. I don't want to waste such intellect from a simple thing as a language barrier. I would like to schedule specific sessions between the both of us to better understand each other. Whether through speech, writing, or simple hand gestures, I would like to have conversations with all of my advisors."

A nod was her reply. The look in the green orbs was a rather potent mix of past troubles and new admiration. She had the older gentleman completely focused upon her, and she used that to her advantage.

"Nevertheless, I need your help to solve a mystery with all of this stolen gold. I have had the past three years to count each and every single coin in this hideaway. Using the letters that my mother had collected, I've found out that there is less gold in here than what was stated missing from the vaults. I confess to using some of the coins for my own needs, but there is too much missing. And I know this castle better than anyone else to confidently say that my Mother did not hide it elsewhere." She inhaled deeply. "I need to find out who else has been dipping their hands into the royal vault, for how long, and for what reasons. I would like our sessions to be of both dissolving the language barrier between us and of reporting on your progress."

Since one of her gloved hands was still being held, she used her free hand to point at the still unopened drawer wordlessly. D'Aez released her hand and silently opened the indicated drawer. Within it, there was only a leather-bounded book.

"That is my ledger. I have double checked the numbers and they accurately account for all the coins and other valuables within this corridor. I want you to use this and the money stored here to fund your research into this matter."

With the man still sitting, it was easy to place her hands on the gentleman's shoulders. With a steady gaze, she spoke again with a solemn voice. "Monsieur D'Aez, I need you to understand that the presence of discretion is absolute. I do not have the power to order or perform such investigations on my council. My coronation is too far off and yet too close to risk a potentially scandalous situation. My kingdom has been neglected for far too long, but I can't fix it alone."

With their gazes lock, Elsa allowed a sliver of emotion to pass through her regal veil. Normally, she would automatically refuse to do such a thing, but her scarred heart had a dull feeling that said otherwise. In that sliver, her fear, her anger, her impatience, her empathy, her sorrow, and uncountable more emotions swam in the ice of her eyes for those few moments.

She allowed Monsieur D'Aez to see it all. And he replied. Strong hands settled onto both of her own hands that still rested on the man's shoulders. The green within his eyes seemed to glow with the acceptance of the challenge presented to him.

And within a cold, drafty corridor lost within the stones of a lonely castle, a pact was made. A Queen-to-be and a used-to-be reject had made their plan to begin their kingdom's rise. A broken, old man was given a second chance, one that he will not spoil. And a reserved, young woman had a peculiar thought that continued to echo.

Perhaps I can add another member to my family.

She openly smiled at the idea.

AN: Stage One of Elsa Being Awesome has Commenced… But it's going to be tough road to fix the crumbling kingdom. Still, Elsa's going to be awesome.

As always: comments, concerns, and informed critiques are forever welcomed in the reviews. I love each and every single one of them.

It's good to see that you're enjoying the party, Zobek. I hope I've kept you interested and entertained. And for Guest and BatteriezNotIncluded, it's sad to say that Anna won't be here for a while. I had planned for her to be here earlier, but a new plot bunny chased away my old one and messed it up. BAD PLOT BUNNY! Anna will be here, but not for a while. And thank you, ShadowWolfBeast. It always brings a smile to my face to know that people are enjoying my weird little tales.

So, until next time, Au revoir.