Hey guys, sorry for the delay in posting this chapter. It was a little more difficult than the previous one. I got stuck near the end and had to come back when I had inspiration. Also, I'm not entirely happy with it. But here it is, chapter two of two. In this one, Elsa takes Bella with her on a scavenger hunt that Fredrik has prepared. Anyway, hope you enjoy, and please review!

Chapter 2: Elsa and Bella

Elsa was sitting on a bench in the castle gardens, enjoying the warm spring air. Normally, she didn't much care for the warmth, but at this time of year, it was the perfect temperature for her. Anna and Kirsten were spending the day together, Kristoff was visiting Sven in the stables, and Fredrik…..well, she didn't know where Fredrik was. Knowing what today was, though, he was probably up to some manner of mischief, but she didn't dare get her hopes up, afraid that they would be dashed at the last minute. She knew that Fredrik and Bella loved her more than anything, but given the things that she had done in the past, she felt she didn't deserve anything.

Besides, the last year had been so busy for them, from issuing out new trade agreements and town ordinances to Bella's first birthday a month and a half ago. That had probably been the most stressful. As Bella was her heir, she had to host a party, which she was no good at doing. But thankfully, Anna had been right there to help with everything, from sending out invitations to designing the menu. So because of all that, she wouldn't mind if Fredrik didn't have anything planned for her.

Elsa let out a resigned sigh and stood up. Since Fredrik was nowhere to be found, she decided to go back to the castle and maybe spend the day with Bella. But she had barely walked two steps when she heard someone come up behind her and out two large hands over her eyes.

"Guess who?" the owner husked in her ear.

Elsa smiled. She knew very well who, but she decided to play along. "Hmm, is he a tall, dark, and handsome stranger?" she asked.

"Yes, yes, and yes," the voice said.

"Have I met him before?" Elsa asked.

"Many times," the voice answered.

"Is he spoken for?"

"By the most beautiful woman in the world."

"And does he love her?" Elsa asked.

"More than anything else in the whole world."

Elsa removed the hands from her eyes and turned around to see Fredrik smiling at her. "Hello," he said, before giving her a sweet and tender kiss.

"Hello," she said when they had broken apart. "Where were you this morning?"

"I had some things to take care of," Fredrik answered, smiling again.

"What things?" Elsa asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.

"It's a surprise," he said, taking her hand and leading her back to the castle. "Come on."

"Where are we going?" Elsa asked.

"First, we're going to have a big, romantic breakfast, as I know you haven't eaten yet," Fredrik answered. "Then you're going to go get Bella and the two of you are going on a scavenger hunt."

"But—" Elsa started.

"No buts," said Fredrik firmly, stopping to cup her face in his hands. "I got up especially early to prepare this and you're going to do it."

Elsa sighed in defeat. "Fine," she relented.

"That's my girl," said Fredrik, smiling and kissing her on the forehead. He took her hand again and led her to the family's private dining room, where there was a large breakfast laid out for two.

They lingered over their breakfast, which included all of Elsa's favorites, talking and laughing and teasing. When they had finished eating, Fredrik started to take his leave of her. Elsa was a little hurt, as it had only been a couple hours.

"Now, love, I must leave you for a short time," he said, taking her hands in his. "But I will return later to help you celebrate more."

"I understand," said Elsa, smiling and looking up into his sparkling green eyes.

"Thank you," he said, kissing her palm. "Now, go upstairs and get Bella. The first of your surprises is waiting."

"All right," said Elsa, and she wrapped her arms around him and held him tight. "I love you."

"I love you, too," he said, breaking apart and kissing her. "Now go on. I'll see you later."

Elsa watched him as he disappeared down the hall before making her way up to the family wing. She was just passing the nursery when she heard noise and poled her head inside. Gerda was in there with Susanna, who she was rocking with in the rocking chair, and Bella, who was playing with blocks on the floor. When she saw her mother in the doorway, she squealed happily and said, "Mama!" She stood up and toddled over. She was wearing a pretty blue dress and her feet were bare.

"Hello, my little snowflake," said Elsa, scooping her up and kissing her on the cheek.

Gerda looked up upon hearing Bella's squeal and, seeing the queen in the doorway, she stood up, put Susanna in a crib, and curtsied.

"Good morning, Your Majesty," she said.

"Good morning, Gerda," said Elsa, smiling. "Has Bella eaten yet?" She looked down at her daughter, who was now playing with the end of her braid.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Gerda answered. "She woke up shortly after you did and as you were otherwise engaged, I took the liberty of feeding her myself. I hope you don't mind."

"No, of course not," said Elsa, gently rocking Bella, even though she was already quite content. "I appreciate your help, Gerda."

"You're quite welcome, Your Majesty," said Gerda, curtsying again.

"Well, I don't mean to interrupt you, but Fredrik has some mischievous scheme planned for me and Bella today, so she and I will be spending the day together," said Elsa, rolling her eyes.

"That's quite all right, Your Majesty," said Gerda, smiling. "In fact I know all about it."

"You do?" Elsa asked, surprised. "How?"

"Well, I've been here a long time, dearie," said Gerda, briefly breaking formality to use the more familiar endearment. "I know everything that goes on here."

Elsa just stared at her before breaking into a smile. "Why do I get the feeling that you had a hand in whatever my husband has planned for me?" she asked.

"I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about," said Gerda, smiling back. "But I hope you enjoy your day, Your Majesty."

"Thank you," said Elsa. "Well, my little snowflake, shall we go see what Papa has planned for us?" Bella just reached up and patted her cheek. Elsa just smiled and carried her back to their bedroom.

She set Bella down on the bed and looked around the room. She didn't notice anything different, but upon second glance, she saw something on her vanity. She went over to inspect and saw that it was a small, black box. Curious, she opened it and found a small, silver key. Just as she wondered why Fredrik would give her a key, she saw a note in Fredrik's handwriting.

Elsa, my love,

I see you found your first surprise! Now, I'm sure you're wondering as to why I gave you such a curious gift. Upon closer inspection of your study, I found a secret compartment hidden behind some old books in the bookcase, fitted with a small lock. I questioned Anna about it and she did some digging. She came back with this small, silver key. I tried it in the lock and it was a perfect fit. I didn't open the compartment, but it looks just the right size to hold something small and valuable. Now, if this key works in the lock, as I'm sure it will, this is where you will find your next surprise. I hope you like it.

Love,

Fredrik

Elsa re-read the note. She had never heard of such a compartment. She knew that her father had had a safe that he used to store highly important and sensitive documents, but this was the first she had heard about a secret compartment. And in her own study, of all places! How had she not discovered it? Anna must have known about it, though, because she had managed to find the key. But if Anna was the only one who knew about it, how had Fredrik managed to find it? It was one of the great mysteries of her husband that she'd never understand.

Putting the key in a pocket of her dress, she went back over to the bed and scooped Bella back into her arms. "Shall we go find Papa's next surprise?" But Bella just babbled, and Elsa took that as a yes.

She went down the hallway, down a flight of stairs, and down another hallway before coming to a stop in front of her study door. Wondering what the next surprise was, she took a deep breath and opened the door.

Her study was a large, light wood-paneled room. Facing her was a large window hung with curtains in Arendelle's colors of purple and green. To the right was her large, claw-foot desk and a set of matching chairs and to her left was a large bookcase filled top to bottom with books on every subject.

Elsa set Bella down on the floor, conjured up a small snowflake to occupy her with, and went over to the bookcase. She had no idea where to even begin looking for this secret compartment. A lot of the books on the bookcase were old, looking to have been there since even before her father was king. She scanned every shelf twice and was on her third round when she noticed something unusual. There was a box-set of books almost in direct eye line that looked especially worn out, as if they had been handled often. She carefully took them off the shelf and set them over on her desk. When she was in front of the bookcase again, she saw a panel of wood at the back with a small keyhole, just as Fredrik had described. She took the key out of her dress pocket, fitted it into the lock, and turned it. There was a quiet click and a little door sprang open. In the small space beyond was another small, black box and another note. She removed both items, locked the compartment, and replaced the books.

She opened the box, and nestled inside was a beautiful golden locket. She opened it to reveal two miniature portraits, one of Fredrik and one of Bella. When did he have time to do this? she wondered. As if searching for an answer to her question, she picked up the note and read it.

My dearest Elsa,

Do you remember the day we first met? It was right here in this room. You were so angry with my family that you had at first refused to see me. But once you did see me, you were almost unwilling to send me away. I suppose it was my devilishly good looks that deterred you. I hope you will still find me that handsome even when we're old and gray. And if not, well, you have my forever handsome face to look upon whenever you open your locket, which I hope will be at least once every day until the day we die. Now, my love, run along to the library. Your next surprise awaits you.

Your loving husband,

Fredrik

Elsa smiled. She very well remembered that day. She had been in a slightly bad mood from all those missives from Weselton and the Southern Isles, and when Gerda had said that a man from the Southern Isles wished to see her about an urgent matter, Elsa had been very reluctant to meet with him. But when she saw how handsome he was, her view of him almost completely changed. He was right; his good looks had somewhat deterred her. In fact, they had almost distracted her from the reason he was there. It had been hard not to fall in love with him, especially whenever she looked into his bright green eyes, his most striking feature. But now, she was so glad she had.

Suddenly, Elsa realized why he wanted her to go to the library. She clasped the locket around her neck, quickly scooped up Bella, who was now chewing on the snowflake that she had made for her, and hurried down the hall to the library, but when she got there, she noticed that the doors were closed. This puzzled her. Why would Fredrik send her here if the library was closed off? She looked around the hall and then noticed something that she had missed in her hurried state. On a small table just outside the library sat a single red rose.

Elsa set Bella back down and went over to the table. She picked up the rose carefully so as not to prick her fingers on the thorns, closed her eyes, and breathed in its sweet scent. Red roses symbolized love, and she had a pretty good idea why he had chosen it.

She opened her eyes and saw that the rose had also come with a little note. She smiled as she started reading.

My darling Elsa,

Do you remember that day outside the library? Our niece had been kidnapped and we had been busy planning a way to get to my home kingdom to find her. We had just taken a break from all our planning because your sister was exhausted from all the late hours we had spent. We left her and Kristoff to talk quietly in the hall. Do you remember what happened next? I do. I had asked you if anyone was courting you and when you said no, we shared our first kiss. I didn't think it would be so soon after meeting you, but to me, the moment felt just right. Granted, you were a little hesitant at first, but then you melted into it, like you had been doing it your whole life. In my mind, you should be kissed every minute, every hour, every day. Now, head on up to our favorite spot. There, someone will be waiting for you.

All my love,

Fredrik

Of course, Elsa remembered that day. How could she forget her first kiss? Though it had been a very personal question that Fredrik had asked her, she was glad he had asked. Yes, she had been a little tentative at first, but it had been her very first kiss. He had probably been just as nervous as she was. Elsa scoffed. He could have fooled her.

She picked up Bella once again and made her way back outside into the warm spring air. She knew exactly what Fredrik meant by their "favorite spot", so she headed straight there. People bowed their heads respectively as she passed through the village. Soon, she came to a rocky outcropping with a waterfall. Knowing it was too dangerous to climb up while carrying Bella, she shot a blast of ice from her palm and created a staircase. When they got to the top, Elsa dissipated it with a wave of her hand. She set Bella down and looked around.

She didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. It was still the same as it was the last time she had been here. She didn't even see anyone at first, and so was startled when she heard a voice behind her.

"I see you made it," said Fredrik from behind her.

Elsa smiled and turned around. Fredrik smiled back and opened up his arms. Elsa immediately went to him and he held her tightly.

"So are you ready for your last surprise?" he asked.

Elsa looked up at him. "There's more?" she asked.

"Of course," said Fredrik, smiling and tilting her chin up. "Why do you think I brought you up here?"

"Knowing you, it could be anything," said Elsa teasingly, smiling up at him.

"You know me too well, love," said Fredrik, kissing her nose. "Now, come on."

He picked up Bella and led her around a bend to the outcropping with the waterfall rushing behind. Elsa saw pinpricks of light and realized they were small lanterns, hidden in what trees were growing up there. Fredrik set Bella back down on the grass. She was still chewing on the snowflake Elsa had made for her, so she hadn't made a peep this whole time. He bowed deeply and held out his hand.

"May I have this dance, my lady?" he asked formally.

Elsa hid a giggle behind her hand. "I would be honored, kind sir," she said in the same formal tone, taking his hand.

Fredrik swept her into his arms and they started dancing a waltz. He got a little carried away, spinning and twirling and dipping until they were both dizzy and laughing. Finally, out of breath, they came to a stop, Fredrik holding Elsa closely, her head resting on his chest.

"Did you enjoy your scavenger hunt?" he asked.

"Mmhmm," said Elsa, and then she looked up at him. "But why did you do it, Fredrik? You didn't have to."

"I know I didn't," said Fredrik, smiling. "But I wanted to."

"You didn't answer my question," Elsa said.

"I thought I could charm my way out of answering," Fredrik said, grinning deviously at her.

Elsa narrowed her eyes at him.

"All right," said Fredrik, caving. "You want to know the reason I did all this for you? It's because you need some fun in your life once in a while. You're too serious."

"Fredrik, I'm the queen," said Elsa. "I have to be serious."

"Not all the time, you don't," said Fredrik.

Elsa sighed. "You're starting to sound like Anna," she mumbled.

"Is that a bad thing?" Fredrik asked.

"Not really," Elsa replied. "Anna's my voice of reason."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning I sometimes get off track."

"And she helps you stay on track?" Fredrik asked.

"Ina way," Elsa answered. "She helps me see things for what they are, rather than how I want them to look."

"She's a good sister," said Fredrik, smiling.

"I know," said Elsa. "I don't deserve her."

"Well, if her actions during the great freeze are any indication, you do," said Fredrik.

"I knew I made the right decision in marrying you," said Elsa, burying her head in his chest again."You're my other voice of reason. I'm so lucky to have you."

"Don't I know it," said Fredrik, kissing the top of her head.

"I have one more question, though," said Elsa, looking up at him again. "Why did you insist on me taking Bella with me on the scavenger hunt?"

"Because I know how much you love spending time with her," Fredrik answered. "Also, I figured that the more time you spent with her alone, the better mother you'd become. Maybe even better than Anna." He smiled again.

"I'll never be as good a mother as Anna," said Elsa quietly.

"Oh, yes you will," said Fredrik firmly. "You already are a good mother."

"But how do you know I'll be a better one?" Elsa asked.

"Because I can sense these things," said Fredrik. "Besides, I wouldn't have given you Bella if I didn't think you would be a good mother. You're the best mother our children could ever have."

"Children?" Elsa asked, a little startled.

"That's right, children," said Fredrik, smiling mischievously.

Elsa chuckled. "I already have my hands full with Bella and my two nieces," she said.

"Well, I'm in no hurry," said Fredrik softly, and he started kissing her neck.

"I thought you said you weren't in a hurry?" Elsa said teasingly.

"I lied," said Fredrik, making his way down to her collarbone.

"Lying to the queen is a bad habit, Fredrik," said Elsa.

"A habit I have no intention of breaking," said Fredrik, moving to her shoulder.

"Well, I may have something to say about that," said Elsa.

"And what's that?" Fredrik asked, moving over to her other shoulder.

"I will try to be the best mother possible for our children," Elsa answered.

Fredrik lifted his head to look at her. "I know you will," he said.

For the first time since Bella had been born, Elsa's words had never been truer.

Ugh. :P Again, I'm not entirely satisfied with how this chapter turned out, but I'll let you decide that.

You might find it strange that I'd have Fredrik send Elsa on a scavenger hunt to those particular places, that it's probably better reserved for her birthday or their anniversary or something. But I figured that since Bella is too young yet to tell Elsa what she wants to do with her, that Fredrik would do something instead. But Elsa took Bella with her, so she was spending time with her. :)

Thanks for reading! See you soon! :)