Title: Chapter 52: The Council

3 years 3 months until correction

A crispness in the air with yellow sunlight reflecting off the castle walls flows through the open balcony door. Cups and plates clang together as the cooks set up the tables for the guards. A sea eagle screeches its greeting to the fishermen preparing to depart on their fishing trips. The eagle screeches again as if it is telling the fishermen to hurry and follow it to a school of fish outside of the mouth of the fjord.

Sam inhales the tantalizing fragrance of warm bread, which his belly rumbles it's approval. But in due time, first things are first. He stands in front of the mirror with his hands behind his back. The tailor performed his magic on his uniform. The forest green jacket with dark blue buttons contrasts his long white hair. If he doesn't make any sudden moves or lifts his arms over his head, the thread holding the jacket together may not break. Elsa wanted the jacket to have shoulder boards with tassels, but he convinced her, the title Admiral, is in name only while he is in Arendelle, so no shoulder boards. He glances at his dark gray trousers and black boots. An excellent uniform for this time period, but he still desires the blue Admiral's uniform from his ship.

A knock on the door draws his attention back to his new duties. "Enter."

"Good, you are wearing the new clothes. They appear a little tight." says the voice that makes him smile.

"If I don't move my arms, the jacket should hold together."

He watches her in the mirror. She wears an outfit similar to her coronation dress, but with a darker shade for green sleeves and minus the cape and gloves. He marvels as she walks up behind him and pulls his jacket sleeves down as LadyCat did for him, before an important meeting. An emotion touches his eyes. He smiles and turns his head away from the mirror.

"The pants are definitely tight." Her hands float across his bottom. She glances at him in the mirror. "Why are you smiling?"

"If you think the back of my pants are tight, I better not turn around. You will be able to tell if I'm circumcised or not."

She steps back and asks, "Increase four or eight centimeters?"

"Eight."

Elsa swirls her hand and flicks her sparkling magic on his pants.

"Aww, that tickles, but thank you."

She swirls her hand again.

His jacket loosens around his chest and arms. He crosses his arms and tests the jacket for any binding. He lifts each knee testing the trouser. The constrictions have been removed. He turns around to face her and slides his hands onto her shoulders.

"Thank you. Please do not ever be offended or think I would be offended, if you tell me what the appropriate attire, I should be wearing for whatever event. In the past, I have met other heads of states, but LadyCat insisted she approves of my choice or she would make me change until I learned." His eyes focus on his sleeve contrasted against her dress then he looks upon her eyes. "With each new contact my choice of clothing was not always proper. Would you help me until I learn, what is appropriate?"

Her arms slide around his body as she lays her head against his chest. "It would be my honor to assist you." He moves his long white hair back over his shoulder. She giggles, "I could ask Anna to help you with your hair."

"No thank you, I like the way it is. What would people say if you and I walked into a room wearing French braids?"

"They would say how gorgeous I am and laugh at you," she snickers.

"If I am with you they would never take their eyes off of you so they would never see me," he replies with a smile. "So how are you feeling?"

"I feel fine. My headaches have stopped as you said they would."

"Good."

"You can move your fingers from my neck and face. I learned my lesson and will not my try to reach you without your consent."

His fingers located on the four specific points on her face and neck, slide to her shoulder. "Nothing personal, I have to make sure. I know you have been testing your abilities and I encourage it, but you took a leap."

"You do not trust me?"

"I trust you. Pride and Envy gave me a scare. I do not wish to every feel that way again."

She squeezes him a little tighter. "They also have learned their lesson." She sighs and then peeks up at him. "Would you do one small thing for me?"

"If it is within my capabilities, I will gladly do it."

She reaches behind herself and pulls out a red sash. "It belonged to my father. I think he liked you despite what happened between the two of you."

He nods. "I would be honored to wear it, but I do not recall wearing one so?"

She steps back and hands him one end of the sash. "Hold this." She wraps the sash around his waist and loops the ends together. With a little tug she slides the ends to hang down on his right side. One last adjustment, she steps back and eyes his uniform. "If it gets loose, I can adjust it." She glances up. "What?"

He steps in front of her and places both her hands to his chest. "Your mother and father would be proud of you and what you have accomplished. May you reign for as long as you desire."

"Stop, before I have to redo the shading under my eyes. Are you ready?"

"Whether I'm ready or not, let's do it." He offers her his arm. With a smile as she takes his arm. Now, he knows he made the correct choice and escorts her to the dining room.

Opening the door to let her pass, he walks two meters behind her until she reaches the head of the table. He pulls the royal chair away from the table. She nods to him and takes her seat. He moves to the left chair, but Kristoff gets to it first and pulls it out for Princess Anna. Sam sits to the Queens immediate right.

Everyone lays their napkins in their laps. He does the same. Elsa speaks to Kristoff and Anna joins in. While they are occupied he clasps his hands together and closes his eyes to give thanks for another chance to be with her. His eyes open. The three stare at him. His hands slide into his lap. "You didn't have to stop for me."

The servant's door opens and the kitchen staff sets the breakfast plates in front of each of them. He thanks the server then observes the others. They stare at him again.

He turns to Elsa. "Unless I'm confused again." Anna's frown distracts him from completing his comment. "What did I or did I not do?"

Elsa pats his arm. "We were waiting for the drinks."

"Then why were all of you looking at me?"

Anna answers, "We do not do anything until the Queen does it first."

He rolls his eyes up and leans back in his chair. "I remember now. Your father did the same thing." He leans towards Elsa. "And I will tell you as I told him. I will thank anyone who does anything for me, no matter their position in life. If royalty is too snooty to be appreciative for what others do for them, it will not stop me from thanking them. If I have offended you this will be my last meal with you." He sits back.

Wide eyed Anna asks, "You really said that to Papa?"

"Oh, absolutely, and your mother could barely contain herself from laughing," answers Kai walking into the room.

"What did he do?" Anna asks.

"I wasn't invited to official dinners after that." He leans closer to Elsa. "So in the future, you will have to tell me if it's an official dinner and I will not do anything until you have done it first."

She smiles at him, and whispers, "Okay."

From the corner of his eye, he watches Elsa select a utensil and selects the same utensil next to his plate. He does not speak as no one speaks to him. He finishes his meal long before the others and patiently waits for them. In a crowded room his silence gives him the chance to listen to other conversations. As an assassin, his silence kept him alive and helped him to identify his targets, but there are no targets here.

"What are you smiling about?"

He glances up and all three stare at him. He looks down at his plate and answers, "I'm sorry. I did not hear anything that pertained to my interest, so I was not listening. Please do not take offense. I don't speak because I don't have anything to contribute."

Elsa rolls her head towards Anna. "You asked and he answered as I expected he would."

"That is not funny." Anna wrinkles her nose at him.

Elsa comments, "I needed to know what he would do with the events going on without him. He finished before we did and this meal was thirty minutes. How do you think he is going to react to a three hour meeting?"

Kristoff chimes in, "The same way."

Elsa turns towards him. "Is Kristoff correct?"

He nods. "I will be in my stealth mode. The question is how will the council respond to my presence?"

Elsa touches his arm. "You will be alright. At the meeting, observe protocol. Do not argue and listen not just to what is said but who says it."

He turns to her. "I know I will be alright. Will you be alright when they challenge you for allowing me to be in there? As long as no one threatens you I will stay seated. I will note who says what. I will report to you my observations. Don't ask my opinion, if you're not ready to hear the truth."

"My father trained me for this." She pushes her chair back and stands. "If you be so kind as to escort me back to my room so I can freshen up, we will proceed to the meeting." He moves to her right side and she takes his arm.

Thirty minutes later Samuel stands outside of the Queen's room. An energetic Anna bounces up to him, "You look handsome." She adjusts her father's sash around his waist. "We appreciate you wearing this. I am sure Papa would approve." She smiles up at him, "Are you ready to meet the council?"

He shrugs his shoulders. "I'm about as ready as I can be." He stares at the door for a few seconds before opening it. Elsa steps into the hall clutching a leather bound book. He reaches behind her and closes her door. Anna stands to her left. He moves to their right and holds out his hand.

Elsa looks at his hand then up at him. "What?"

"I have seen you and Anna walk down the stairs side by side and neither of you hold the handrails. Are you in your official capacity as Queen at this moment?" he asks.

She narrows her eyes at him and answers, "Yes."

He glimpses the book in her hand and motions with his hand for her to give him the book. He detects her hesitation. "You agreed my concern is for your safety. No matter how many times the two of you had walked down or ran down the stairs, it takes just once to trip and Arendelle will be without a monarch. Give me the book and I'll walk two meters behind you or I walk two meters in front of you and can slow your fall."

Without a word she points to the stairs and he moves to stand two meters in front of them. He glances back, "when you're ready, Majesty."

Elsa nods to him and he steps down the stairs at a slower pace than he is a custom, but he maintains the two meters in front of them. At the bottom he steps to the side to allow them to pass and follows them to the meeting room door where Kai is waiting. Sam steps pass and stands in front of the door. He asks Kai, "How much time until our Queen enters?"

"Three minutes."

He turns his head towards the door. "What are they doing now?"

"Finishing their pastry and tea."

He looks to Elsa. "You feed them and they give you a hard time." Anna nods. "Then I have three minutes to get their attention."

Elsa starts to reply, but she and Anna both flinches from the loud noise of Sam's knuckles strike against the door once. He steps through the door and closes it before anyone could stop him. Three councilmen talk over each other. Ignoring their complaints, He walks past them to stand next to the Queen's chair. All give their opinion of how rude he is, but he notes the one councilman not speaking and observes him. The one taps the table with his ring and the others sit. Two councilmen still complain about his presents as he notes all of their seating arrangements.

The hall door opens and Kai announces Queen Elsa and Princess Anna. Four of the six stand immediately. When Elsa steps past the end of the table with Anna following, the fifth councilman stands. By the time she reaches her chair the last councilman stands. Sam pulls the Queen's chair from the table and offers his hand to her. She accepts his hand, but does not have a smile as she sits. He adjusts her chair towards the table. Anna walks past him and he offers his hand to assist her to her seat. He hesitates just a second, staring at the councilman at the last seat of the Queen's left. He glances up at Kai, who nods with a slight smile. As Kai departs the room, Sam marches to the end of the table and takes his seat with his back to the door.

"Majesty, we have not approved a deviation to allow anybody else to sit in this meeting."

"Councilman Valdemar, what specifically is your objection?" Elsa asks. Valdemar sits second to the Queen's right.

"Majesty, he is neither a member of the royal family, nor is he a councilman."

Elsa points at Sam. "Councilman Snorre, You are correct. He is neither a member of my family nor a member of the council. Please explain to Admiral Ryan why he is not wanted here."

"Queen Elsa, Even an Admiral needs prior approval before being in here."

"Councilman Jensen, how many times did you bring a guest in here without prior approval?" Admiral Ryan asks as he stares at the councilman sitting in the fourth seat to the Queen's left.

"Admiral you promised," Elsa states with a firm voice.

He motions with his hand as he speaks, "Queen Elsa, despite the Admiral's rudeness, I will answer his question." With a sneer of a smile Jensen turns to face Sam. "Admiral, I follow the council's protocols. The guests I bring in here have been approved to be here, unlike you."

Sam retorts. "How do you justify those guests, when you brought them in here they were not approved, but you insist there be a vote prior to doing any council business. If anything you purposefully put our Queen in a compromised position. What type of person would do that to their Queen?"

Elsa commands, "Admiral!"

He stands and bows. "Majesty, I apologies for my rudeness." He grins at Jensen. "I have learned the type of person who would compromise our Queen." He steps out of the room.

With his hand on his waist Kai ask, "What did you do to get yourself thrown out?"

"I needed to identify the ring leader." Turning his head towards Kai, "I had to make sure, so I asked what type of person would purposefully compromise the Queen."

"No, you didn't," asks Gerda. "Queen Elsa must be very upset after your promise to her."

"She asked me not to argue and to listen to what is spoken and who says it. I said I would stay seated as long as no one threatens her. I know the three troublemakers and the ring leader. By putting our Queen in a compromised position of either accepting Jensen's guest or look mean if she refuses them. Either way Jensen wins." Holding his hand up before either could speak, he continues. "I have negotiated with many who lied, cheated, and delayed to give owners an advantage. This is not the first social dance, but I'll wait. Ask Anna when she comes out." He walks down the hall. "I'll be in my room when Elsa gets out."

With his hands clasped behind his back and his feet shoulder width apart, Sam stands by the balcony door observing the outside world. At least the wall does not take up the majority of his view. The masts of two ships barely sway outside of the harbor. Their flags flutter with a momentary breeze. A large brown bird drops below the wall and a few seconds later the bird flapping its wing to rise up as it carries a fish. In the distance white clouds gather. They appear to stretch up into the atmosphere. Currently, he is not able to determine if storm will pass to the south or over Arendelle.

He takes a deep breath and a cool breeze tantalizes his nose. A small hand grasps the inside of his arm as her other hand slides up his chest. She taps her finger across his lips. He turns his head. Instead of an angry or frowning face, a smile and blue eyes meet his eyes.

She whispers, "Why did you leave?" She parts her lips and blows a cool breath into his face.

"I accomplished my task. Jensen is the thorn in your side. He has two lieutenants, Valdemar and Snorre, to create the distractions. Unless the other three are there for appearances, they can be easily persuaded by their voting records." He places her hand over his heart. "So tell me what happened after I left?"

"You did not see?"

With a slight shake of his head, "No."

"You made a big impression on them. Arne acted like he was praying under his breath. Karl never made eye contact with anyone, even when he was asked a question. Leif smiled at me every time I looked at him. Valdemar demanded an immediate vote to ban everyone from the council meeting, except for those present and Snorre seconded it."

A grin forms on his face.

She hesitates. "You already know what happen."

His left brow moves up. "I would guess Jensen opposed the vote."

She grins back at him. "Before he could say anything, I called for a vote. Everyone waited for Jensen. Once he voted no, the result was eight to zero. We actually finished the first hours' agenda in thirty minutes. We started the second hour until it was time for a break. We may even finish early."

"I don't think I was that big of a distraction, so don't count on it." He repositions himself and wraps his arms around her waist.

"I can get you back in the room if you promise not to say a word." She straightens his shirt collar. "Do you promise?"

"Okay, I promise not to say a word while the meeting is going on. So how are you going to get the votes?"

"Leave that to me." She rests her head against his chest. "Sam, when I said not a word I meant plural of words also."

He kisses her forehead. "I understood what you meant, but it was smart of you to clarify. Since I will not be able to reply at any comments sent my way, may I have a drink and bread in there?"

"Of course you can, I will let the staff know to bring it in for you."

He kisses her forehead again. "Thank you. I suspect it's time to return."

She leans her head against his chest. "This is the most relax I have been after the first hour since I do not know when." He holds her until she is ready.

Several minutes later, they stand in front of the meeting room. "Where is Anna?"

"She probably did not wait for us and is inside," Elsa answers.

"You look nice. Are you ready?" Her smile is all he needed. His knuckles strikes the door once and he steps into the room. Queen Elsa follows him in as he steps to the side. The door closes behind them and he escorts the Queen to her chair. He nods to Princess Anna and takes his seat at the other end of the table. He locks his eyes on each councilman who glance back at him. Jensen does not look back.

Valdemar voices the protest, "Queen Elsa, this is highly irregular having him in here after the disturbance he created earlier."

She holds up her hand to quite Valdemar. "Admiral Ryan, has promised me that he will not say a word or plural words, but if any of you wish to direct a question to him, he is free to answer."

Councilman Leif speaks up, "I call for a vote to allow Admiral Ryan to sit in this meeting provided he does not say a word or words."

Anna quickly comments, "I second the motion."

Elsa says before they could protest, "A call for a vote has been seconded. All in favor raise your hand and say Aye." A chorus of five 'aye's then a few seconds later Jensen raises his hand and speaks an 'aye'. "Nays?" Valdemar and Snorre vote Nay. "Six yes and two no's. Admiral Ryan?" He nods once to her. "Admiral Ryan, you are allowed to be in here, provided you do not speak any word or words, do you understand?" With a slight smile he nods once again.

He sits back and listens to the bickering. The usual arguments about where to distribute the resources, what to repair or replace, future expansion carried the meeting. He does note a distinctive pattern developing and glances at the Arendelle street map on the wall. He waits until Jensen speaks and slides his chair back as it makes a dull droning sound. Ignoring them, he moves to the map and studies the map symbols and lines. Six districts make up Arendelle. Each is marked with a letter A, J, L, K, S, or V. To either side of the streets are marked with three letters, but he notes the letters 'JEN' next to many streets including the wharf area.

Gerda enters the room with a small tray.

Just as Jensen begins to speak, he taps the map creating a base sound. When Jensen stops speaking, he moves to the castle area and studies the symbols. As Jensen speaks, he taps the map again and the base sound echoes.

Jensen asks, "Majesty does he have to do that now?" Sam ignores him.

With a grin Gerda taps his arm, "What are you doing?" He replies by pointing to his eyes then to the map. She leans closer, "You're studying the map?" He grins. "You're also disturbing the meeting." She grabs his arm and leads him back to his seat.

Sam sits. Gerda places a small plate with bread and a small bowl of butter in front of him. Eight faces stare at him. With raised brows, he raises his palms up. The others rotate their bodies to face their Queen. Jensen begins to speak and Sam slides his chair to the table, creating the dull droning sound.

Jensen clenches his fists and hits the table as he speaks with a slightly higher pitch. "Why are you doing that?"

He narrows his eyes at him for a few seconds and glances to Elsa as he shrugs his shoulders.

She stares at him for a moment before addressing Jensen. "He does not understand. Clarify with specifics."

Jensen glares at him, "you slide your chair out to create that rumbling noise. You tapped on the map, then you make that noise again with your chair. Is that plain enough for you?"

He watches Elsa. With a slight smile she asks, "Moving your chair makes noise, do not do it. Tapping on the map makes noise, do not do it. Do you understand?" He glances at Jensen then back to Elsa. With a grin as he nods his head to agree. "Okay, now that is resolved, please continue."

Jensen begins to speak. He stares down at the table. After a few minutes Gerda sets a cup down. As she turns, her hand slaps the back of his head. His forehead smacks the table with sufficient force to rattle the plates and cups. The thud reverberates through the table and into the floor, creating a solid loud thud. He slowly sits back into the chair holding his forehead. Three glares, two shakes their heads, one smiles, one grins as she looks down and one rolls her eyes at him. He points to Gerda. Anna tries to cover her smile.

Gerda shakes her head. "And you wonder why Councilman Jensen doesn't like you. He's trying to conduct business and you interrupt him with all of your noise. Shame on you, Samuel." She walks past Jensen and touches his bare hand. "Ignore him, he has no knowledge as how a distinguish gentleman conducts themselves in a proper manner like yourself, please continue." She walks out the room.

Everyone moves back to their places. Jensen makes a slight snort and flicks his nose up as he faces the group. He begins his comments again.

Sam rubs his forehead then observes his hand. His hands stops close to his nose. He sneezes with a loud achoo. He holds his nose as he glances up. Everyone stares at him again.

Anna fights the losing battle to keep from laughing as she covers her mouth and looks at the wall behind the Queen's chair.

Elsa stares at him without a smile. "Admiral, are you having a problem?"

He shakes his head, "No, Majesty, I received an unwanted assistance for a close-up view of the table. In the process I inhaled particles into my nose, but I'm doing okay now. Thank you for asking." He waves to her.

Valdemar stands and speaks to the group. Sam takes the piece of bread and taps the plate rattling the knife. Valdemar continues speaking. Sam uses the knife to try to cut a piece of bread. He tries to saw the bread, but crushes it. He moves his head down to the plate's level and studies the bread. The plate rotates and squeals against the table. He rotates the plate the other way and it squeals at a higher pitch. Snatching the bread from the plate, he sinks his teeth into it and bumps the table twice as he tries to tear it.

Anna, Leif, and Arne appear to be more focused on him than what Valdemar is saying. He glances back up the table. With Anna on the verge of laughter, he stops long enough to wave his pinky finger at her then continues to fight the bread with a growl. After a few more seconds he tears off the bread and he drops the rest onto the plate. With a smile as he chews, he looks around the room. The smile disappears. He taps his throat.

Arne points to Sam. "Is he ok?"

Everyone looks at him. Samuel slides his chair back knocking it over with a thud. Clenching his clenched fist above his belly button, he slams himself on top of the table forcing the air out. A piece of bread flies across the table and lands on Jensen's papers. As he pushes off the table, it pins Jensen to his chair. He runs to Jensen's chair and scans his papers as he retrieves the bread piece.

Jensen slides his chair back and throws down his napkin. "Enough of this foolery. Majesty, if you are not going to control him, let's reschedule this meeting for a time when he is not here."

Snorre speaks up, "I second the motion. Let's vote."

The corners of his lips curl up as he angles his face towards Snorre. He grasps his hands behind his back. Jensen sits and uses his kerchief to sweep the crumbs of bread onto the floor. Sam continues to grin exposing his teeth.

Snorre lowers his brows. "Why are you doing that?"

His head turns to Snorre's glance at Jensen. "Councilman Snorre, I will gladly answer your question since YOU asked. Councilman Jensen brought his nephew to this meeting unannounced thirties-seven days ago and you, Councilman Snorre demanded an immediate vote to allow Councilman Jensen's nephew to stay for the meeting. An obvious break from meeting protocols which placed our Queen in a compromised position if she said no. By saying yes, Councilman Jensen elevates his standing with his nephew at our Queen's expense."

He kneels next to Jensen's chair and places his arm on the table. He rests his head in his hand and stares at Jensen. "But you did not accept the small victory, did you? How many times did you tell your nephew to sit and make no noise? How many times did he disrupt this meeting and you said nothing."

Leaning closer to the Jensen's face, he continues, "What did you say to our beloved Queen when she protested your nephew's noise and asked to reschedule the meeting?" Jensen stares straight ahead without flinching. "The cat got your tongue?" Sam glances at the others. "Does anyone remember what he said about his nephew?"

Elsa answers. "He is just a child. Do not pick on him. He needs to see how adults treat each other."

Sam leans closer and whispers into Jensen's ear. "Why would you deprive me of the option to see how the members of this council treat my beloved Queen?" Jensen continues to stare ahead.

He stands and nods to Elsa. "Majesty, since the cat has taken Councilman Jensen's tongue, the proper thing to do is have the vote. To prevent these types of situations from disrupting future council meetings and be fair to all parties involved, someone could propose barring Admiral Ryan from these meetings as long as no one brings any guest who has not been approved at the previous meeting." He looks down at Jensen. "Meaning the approval is valid for the next meeting only."

Councilman Leif speaks, "I present the proposal exactly as Admiral Ryan has stated."

Anna says, "I second the motion. All in favor say Aye with a raised hand." Five hands rise up and five ayes answer Anna's calls. "Those against say Nay and raise your hand."

Jensen slams his hand on the table creating a loud thud as he comments, "There is no need to vote you already passed the proposal."

"I protest this vote. The proposal was not properly stated by a member of the council," Snorre interrupts.

"A legal technicality easily ignored when it benefits the one who chooses to ignore it. Isn't that correct Mister Jensen?" He narrows his eyes. "Do you have an older brother? What is his name?" He pauses for a few seconds tapping his forehead.

"Peter, Isn't Peter the name of your older brother, Jensen? Did he ignore a legal technicality? Is he still in Weselton?" Sam walks to the end of the table and spins on his heels as he points to Snorre and Valdermar, "Was it a legal technicality when," he searches to his left as he taps his head, "What were their names? I recall Otto, Ulf, and who was that third person? His name escapes me, but I will remember." He slowly turns his head towards Jensen glaring back at him. The color in Jensen's face changes to an ash white. The service door opens.

"My apologies Majesty, I only heard Samuel speaking and thought the meeting had ended. Shall I come back in a few minutes?" the female staffer asks.

"No, that is okay. This is a good time to stop for lunch." Elsa answers as she stands. "Let us meet back here in one hour." She motions to the staffer. "Please send my lunch to my room."

Everyone except Jensen stands as Queen Elsa walks towards the door. In passing she says, "Samuel be in your room in five minutes." She walks out the room.

As the door latch closes, Sam takes large steps towards Jensen. Others gasp and back away as he lifts Jensen out of his chair. He holds Jensen off the floor by his shirt. "Is this how you show respect for the royal family? You are a disgrace to your father just as Peter and Otto are." He slams him onto the table. "Now you look at Princess Anna and apologize to her for disrespecting her."

Wide eyes Jensen turns his head to Princess Anna and speaks, "Princess, please forgive me. I meant no disrespect. My apologies for the way my comments, disrespected you."

"Apology accepted. Samuel, please let him up."

Sam lifts Jensen off the table and sets him onto his feet. He straightens his shirt and sleeves. "See, it is okay to disagree, just be respectful and others may be more accommodating."

Anna runs to him and grabs his arm. She escorts him out of the room with the door closing behind them. "You did not have to do that. Elsa is not going to like what you did."

He places his hand on top of her hand. "Is that normal for the meeting?"

"Which part, your distractions, challenging Jensen by physically being close to him, or lifting him off the floor and slamming him onto the table?" She answers with a grin.

"Everything, but that?"

"Yes, it does get a little noisy when an argument breaks out."

He glances at her. "Who does the arguing?"

"Usually, Elsa and Jensen"

He shakes his head. "That's what I thought. Do you have much to say in the meetings?"

"Rarely, I am there to support my sister. A few times she would hold my hand under the table when it became very stressful for her. If the meeting runs long, we would go to her room. I would listen to her and then after a while she would feel better, but since Kristoff is here, she would tell me to spend time with him. She would go to her room and hide until the evening meal. I have to choose between my sister and Kristoff." She leans her head against his arm.

They stop at the bottom of the stairs. "You shouldn't have to choose." He peeks over his shoulder. "It looks like mom is waiting for me."

Anna glances past him. Elsa stands at the top of the stairs. He pats her hand. "Let me see what I can do and look who has good timing." He nods to Kristoff and he walks up the stairs.

As he gets to the top step, Elsa says, "Follow me."

He steps in behind her and follows. After the short walk, she enters her room and he stops at the doorway.

Half way across the room, she stops and slightly turns her head in his direction. "I did not hear you enter my room. What part of 'follow me' do you not understand?"

He takes two steps into the room.

With a flick of her wrist a cold breeze shoots past him. He barely steps out of the way as the door slams shut. He points to the door and comments, "Wow, that's very good."

A flurry of blond hair slams into his chest as Elsa wraps her arms around his waist. Her slight movement and the noise she makes into his chest sound like she is crying.

His arms wrap around her shoulders. "Please don't be upset."

A red face with tears in the corners of her eyes look up at him. "I am not crying. I struggled so hard not to laugh in the meeting and Anna did not help when she laughed. For once I was not the target of the verbal assault." She leans back. "I wanted to ask Jensen what it feels like to be overwhelmed."

"How do you feel?"

Elsa lays her head against his chest and whispers, "I feel wonderful. This is the best I have ever felt coming out of a meeting."

"Why do you let them get to you? You're the Queen. Put your frozen shoe between their gluteus maximus. They will back off." He states in an encouraging manner.

She leans back and chuckles, "I am not putting my shoe between any one's bottoms."

"Then let me do it, I'll make it a memorable experience for him and his friends."

"As much as I would like for you to do that, I still have to work with them when you are not there. I have no doubt Jensen and his friends will regroup and push harder. If I change my mind, I promise to let you know." She rests her head against his chest and closes her eyes.

He lightly strokes her hair as she sighs. His fingers trail down the side of her neck and continues to trace her spine. Her breathing shifts to her parted lips. She takes a deep breath. Her whole body shivers.

The door opens and Anna announces her presence, "I thought you two would be together. Place their lunch over there." The staffer places the tray on the table and exits the room.

She smiles up at him and whispers, "No one has ever done that to me?"

Anna asks. "Done what?"

Elsa blows him a kiss and moves to the table. He pulls her chair out and assists her to her seat. He moves the other chair and holds his hand out to Anna. She takes his hand and sits, but does not let go.

Anna stares at him. "What did you do to her?"

He clamps his hand around her hand. Touching the back of her neck, he generates a miniscule charge in his fingers and follows her spine to her lower back. Anna partially closes her eyes as she exhales her quivering breath. The corners of her lips begin to curl up as she leaps out of her chair. As she moves to the lounge her body shivers. Spinning on her heels, she points her finger at him as she sits. "Do not ever do that to me again."

"As you wish," he nods to her. "I'm going to my room for a few minutes. I'll be back."

As he reaches for the door, Anna asks, "Can you teach Kristoff to do that?"

He hesitates. "Not exactly the same way, but I know of a technique that creates similar results. It takes a little longer and will need more attention on Kristoff's part."

The door closes behind him. Sam walks down the hall. Before he gets to the end he hears a voice, where are you going?

He searches the hall and looks around the corner. As he takes a step he hears the voice again, did you not hear my question?

"I heard the question. I was going to my room via the meeting room, but since you have disrupted my timing I'll go to my room." He returns back up the hall.

Anna steps out of Elsa's room as he passes and comments with a snicker, "I am glad she cannot see me through the walls."

He responds, "Until I teach her how I do it." He continues to the next door and enters his sparse room. The door clicks closed and he leans against it. "I better get to him before he gets to us."

Sam does not see his lunch. He lies on the floor and stares at the ceiling. His hands rest on his chest. His lungs draw in several deep breaths. His eyes gradually closes with each breath. His mind projects out into the meeting room. Jensen and Snorre stand in front of the Arendelle map. Jensen places his finger on a square near the center of the town and then points to a smaller square towards the eastern edge of the town. They both laugh.

The best defense is to keep them on the defensive. I bet he will offer that small square in place of the town square at the same price. A shrewd salesman will increase the price for the town square and offer the smaller square at a smaller price. I bet he will say he is breaking even or losing money in the deal. If I can keep him off balance, maybe he will reveal his plan for the square near the center.

Suddenly, a cold wave slides up his left arm. He takes a deep breath as his eyes open.

Sitting in a chair next to him, Elsa smiles down at him as she bites into a fruit. Her foot slides across his arm. "Where did you go?"

He watches her foot move up his arm and into his hand. "Since I did not go to the meeting room." He becomes distracted watching the tip of her tongue glide across her lips.

Elsa puckers her lips as she consumes the fruit. With a slight smile she asks, "Yes?"

"Um, what was I saying?" his eyes fixate on her lips.

"You said you did not go to the meeting room."

He spots the sparkle in her eyes. Under different circumstances I would take you on the floor right now.

Her brows shoot up as her eyes widen. Her smile changes into a grin as her eyes glance at his trousers. Her foot presses on the bulge. "You would, would you?"

"What if Anna comes in here and sees what you are doing?"

She moves her foot to her shoe. "My foot would be moved before she could get her head into the room." She glances at his bulge, "You on the other hand would have to explain why you are in that condition with me sitting here eating the fruit."

He takes a deep breath and sighs. "That would be difficult to explain, even if I told her exactly what you did."

She tilts her head at him, "Me, I did not do anything, but sit here and eat." She looks directly into his eyes. "Who do you think Anna will believe?"

He sits up leaning back on his hands. "You, of course, she loves you and she will do her best to protect you, but that is not why you came in here." He tilts his head towards her. "To answer your question, I saw Jensen and Snorre standing near the Arendelle map. They pointed to a square west of the town square and pointed to a smaller square at the eastern edge. They laughed. What do you think they were laughing about?"

She takes a bite of the fruit and feeds the other half to him. "Hmm." Elsa takes another piece of fruit and feeds it to him. She swallows her piece. "He mentioned he was selling a small building on the east side, but that will not do for what I need." She feeds him another piece. "Why do you think he was laughing?"

He looks at the door for a moment. His eyes squint at her. "With no real evidence I believe he will have an excuse not to sell you the larger building or price it too high for you to purchase. He may offer the smaller building at the price you will accept. His family is rich for a reason."

She offers another piece of fruit, but not close enough for him to take it. "Can you determine his plan before he offers?"

He grins as he leans towards her and takes the fruit from her hand. "Allow me some discretion I'll get details."

"No more interruptions, allow the meeting to proceed and you will have your discretion."

"I agree." He rolls onto his knees next to her and stares at the last piece of fruit. She holds the tip of the fruit against her pucker lips and slowly pushes it in. Half of her finger follows the fruit past her lips. She creates negative pressure with her cheeks and slowly pulls her finger out.

"Ohh, lucky fruit," he replies at her exhibition.

She turns her head and blows a sweet breath into his face. A knock sounds against the door and he comments, "Saved by the door."

"There will not always be a door to save you," she smiles.

Gerda enters the room with Anna commenting behind her. "See, now our Queen is following him into his room. What do you think they were doing in here by themselves?"

Gerda grins and takes the fruit bowl from Elsa and holds a bowl of water. Elsa rinses her hands. She holds her hands over the bowl. Gerda stares at Anna. "What did you do with the towel I handed you?"

Her eyes roll up. "Sheesh, when I did not find my sister in her room, I must have laid it on the table in HER room."

He pulls the bottom of his shirt out of his trousers and offers it to her. Elsa dries her hands on his shirt. She touches his side. Her eyes widen as she partially lifts his shirt. He did not need to know what she was thinking and speaks, "It is the first wound I received in combat. I thought I was going to die from it." He draws his lips tight, "At the time I wanted to die."

Anna moves behind Elsa and places her hand over her mouth as she gasps at Sam's scar. Gerda reaches between them pushing his shirt down.

"If you think that is bad that was the entrance wound," He shakes his head, "You don't want to see the exit wound."

Anna asks, "I thought you could heal your body with your ice?"

"I can. At the time I didn't know how, so my body healed naturally. Unfortunately, the ice heals my body the way it was just prior to the injury. That is why my ice has not removed the scar."

"Then why is your hair white?" Anna asks.

"If I keep it short, it will be brown. I don't know the exact reason it changes to white when it gets long, but I speculate my energy is causing it to be white." He stares into her beautiful blue eyes. "I suspect it is the same reason someone else in this room has blonde hair."

She beams at him. With her finger she traces his jaw line, down his neck, and to his heart. "Are you ready to go back into the meeting without distractions?"

His muscles quiver under his shirt. "Is that what you want?" She blows her breath on his face and winks. "I will take that as a yes and I will not speak unless a question is directed at me."

Anna snickers, "Does that include other disruptive noises?"

A light tug pulls on his hair. The gentle combing of fingers through it causes his left brow to gradually rise. Elsa steps closer. He fights the urge to look past her eyes. Anna leans against his back as she slides her hands down the back of his arms. He continues to stare into Elsa's blue eyes. Her smile turns into a grin. He swallows hard, "You two would have been killers for any boy who was able to get past your father."

"You are not talking about the last piece of fruit are you?" Elsa grins.

Anna moves her head past his arm. "What fruit?"

He takes the opportunity to step from between them. He needs the momentary break to clear his head from the battle his body was losing. He glances back and forth between them. "Your mother didn't play fair either, but of course not as bad as you two have been."

Anna steps towards him. "Ah, we did not mean to frighten you. Let us make it up to you," she says as she reaches for him.

"That's ok," he moves towards the door. "I have a map to review, before the meeting."

Gerda whispers as she passes him, "As big as you are and you're afraid of two little girls, Coward!"

He grasps the door handle and whispers back, "In due time I will stand my ground."

Anna emits another snicker as she comments, "When will that be?"

He glances over his shoulder. "What do you think Kristoff would say about your actions here?"

"You would tell him?"

"If he asks the right question, I will not withhold the answer." He opens the door and steps through. "Hey buddy, Anna has an urgent need for you in the library." He quickly closes the door and steps rapidly down the hall. The door opens behind him.

Anna narrows her eyes at him and asks, "Where is he? I do not see him."

"He is heading to the library. Why don't you meet him there?" He opens the meeting room door and steps inside, but doesn't close it swift enough. Anna jabs his side as she runs past. The door clicks closed. Jensen, Snorre, and Valdemar stand in front of the Arendelle map. They rotate their collective noses up at him and sit in their respective chairs. He steps to the map and briefly studies the symbols and the locations of the two squares he saw Jensen pointing to earlier.

"Well, well, the stable boy thinks he can read a map."

"I bet he can't even read." Two of the three laugh.

Sam notes the one voice he does not hear. Continuing to study the map he replies to the one, "Cat still has your tongue, Jensen?" A chair slides across the floor just as the door opens. Five more chairs move as they stand. He turns around and nods to Queen Elsa as she walks past him towards her chair. He moves quickly past the others and assists Elsa in her chair. As the others take their seat he closes the door and takes his seat with his back to the door. His hands rest in his lap. He notes Valdemar staring at him.

Elsa shuffles the papers in front of her. "Are we ready to begin?"

The door flies open. Two shoes stomp into the room. The door closes with a slam. "My apologies for being late, I was momentarily distracted on a wild-goose chase." As she passes, his hair flies up with a pop as her hand slaps the back of his head. Valdemar grins. The others turn at the sound and snicker at him.

Jensen does not move, but comments, "Can we please start without any further distractions?"

Elsa raises her brows and he combs his hair back into place. He opens his hands towards her then to Anna. She shakes her head. Anna wrinkles her nose and narrows her eyes at him. He settles back in his chair and interlaces his fingers together and rests his hands on the table. The left side of his lips curls up as he stares at the back of Jensen's head.

Half an hour later Jensen pushes his chair back and stands as he points to Sam. "Majesty, if he is going to stay here for the rest of the meeting, will you move him where I can see him. After this morning I am getting an eerie feeling from him."

Sam doesn't change his expression, but looks to Elsa. With her index finger, she waves him to her. His chair slides back, causing a squealing sound and a vibration through the table. He stands. Continuing to stare at Jensen he slides his chair, which creates the same squealing sound, back to the table. He walks to the other end as Jensen stares at him from across the table. Stopping behind the Queen's chair, he grasps the chair's back. He closes his eyes to reach out to her.

You are such a troublemaker. They're not going to let you in here again, but thanks for keeping them off guard.

Elsa comments, "If this is satisfactory, can we continue without the distractions?"

You are learning. Many jabs are just as effective as one solid hit. You are doing quite well my Queen. His left brow rises. He shifts his eyes to each person as they speak.

Two and a half hours later, Elsa speaks, "Gentleman, this has been a very productive meeting. Are there any follow up questions or comments?"

Snorre starts to comment.

Sam narrows his eyes at him.

Snorre sits in silence.

Elsa says, "Then this meeting is adjourned."

Sam takes a step back and assists his Queen out of her chair. She gathers her papers and he holds out his arms. She stares up at him and slowly places her papers in his care. Stuffing the papers under his arm, he offers his other arm. With a smile she places her hand in the crux of his arm and he leads her past the others then stops by the map. He asks, "Majesty, may I ask a question?"

"Yes."

"The letters on the white blocks are the initials of the owner of the buildings?"

"Yes."

"I see blocks with multiple initials. Does that indicate the individual buildings are owned by different people?"

"Yes, it does."

"The initials 'J' belongs to Councilman Jensen."

"Yes."

Sam peeks over his shoulder at Jensen. "He owns many buildings in Arendelle including the homes of many citizens." He sets the papers on the table and points to the square just west of the town square. "This square only has his initials. If he were to sell this property, it appears he would be able to get a very good price as compare to say . . . ," he slides his finger across the map to the eastern edge of Arendelle and points to a smaller square, "this property."

Elsa displays a neutral expression.

"Unless, there is something about this property that makes it almost worthless." He slides his finger back to the square in the center of town. "But if this square is really worthless, someone could be overpaying for it."

"Worthless, that is prime property. Other than the town square itself and the two other blocks around the square, it is worth top price," Jensen huffs.

"Who lives there now?"

"No one."

"What business is there?"

"None."

"Is it a warehouse?" Sam taps his head as he closes his eyes for a moment. "Of course not, you could get more money renting it out to live people than to inanimate objects." He points back to the map. "Unless something of great value is stored there." He looks to Elsa. "I thought the monarch or Arendelle owns the warehouses?"

"Arendelle does?" she replies.

He turns to Jensen. "You say they are no businesses or people renting there. Queen Elsa could ask for the names of the business or renter to determine when the last person actually rented there."

Jensen's jaw tenses along with his fist and glares at him.

"To be in compliance with Arendelle's laws that it is not a warehouse, when was the last time you receive rent payment on that property?"

Jensen snarls, "I do not answer to you."

"But you answer to me. Answer his question," without emotions Queen Elsa replies.

Jensen looks at the floor then takes a breath. "I will have to get back to you with the answer. I will go to my office and bring it back quickly."

"There is no hurry. Bring it with you to this property." She taps the eastern square on the map. "At nine o'clock tomorrow, rain . . . or shine."

Sam picks up Elsa's papers and escorts her out the room. To one side of the door, he flicks her dress and turns her to face the exiting councilmen. Each of them bow to her then proceed down the hall.

Anna is the last out of the room. With her infectious smile she leans close to her sister as she stares up at him. "You need to have him standing behind you during these meetings. His expressions alone kept them from wasting time over nonsense. Even Karl and Arne gave their opinions without asking Jensen for permission."

They walked down the hall. Elsa smiles a happy smile and replies, "It was rather nice to go through the agenda without having to rehash everything several times." She leans her head against his shoulder. "I wish you could be in there all the time, but that is not going to happen until your circumstance changes." She watches him. "You could walk me to and from these meetings."

He glances at her and quickly turns his head away as he whispers, "Aw, those eyes have stabbed me again. I can't take it anymore."

His eyes look up. "Then you need to take one for the team."

His eyes shift left. "Yes, one for the team. I love her blue eyes."

They focus center. "Yes, they are such beautiful blue eyes."

Sam looks up right, then center, back right then left. "Why have you stopped talking?" His eyes dart from side to side. He whispers from the right side of his mouth. "They are looking at you. Give her our answer."

His eyes blink and his head turns to Elsa with wide eyes. "Cat used her eyes to get her way many times. If it is your desire, I will escort you to and from the meeting room, I will gladly escort you."

Anna asks, "What in the name of a frozen icicle was that all about?"

Elsa answers before he does, "You were hearing his four personalities respond."

"What?"

With a big grin Elsa walks down the hall. "All four like me?"

End Scene