Preview of Chapter 21 at the end
THE SHORT LIST
"So these are the finalists that the Royal Council recommend?" Anna asked in dismay, looking at the parchment Elsa passed to her.
"Yes." was the simple response her sister gave her. "Though it does make sense that I spend some time before the Grand Ball with the suitors who appeal to me the most. It wouldn't look like a surprise to the other suitors if I chose a man who I did share my company with. I actually will give those old stuff-shirts some credit for making this list! Though, when it actually came to choosing my future husband, it should be my eventual decision, regardless of what they think." The word husband felt strange to her, and she actually felt guilty saying it in front of Anna. Though Anna knew this was their plan all along.
To give Anna credit, she didn't bat an eye, when she said the word 'husband'. "I notice that John Samuels name isn't on this list. But I do see that icky Count Deldares is!" Anna exclaimed in disbelief.
"Yes, well regardless, I will tell the council beforehand that I plan to spend some time with John Samuels. I'll also throw in a couple of other names that aren't on their list just to make an impression that I am not bound to their wishes. Even if they believe that they have Arendelle's best interest in mind." Elsa concluded.
"Hmmm, I think that their version of what is in Arendelle's best interest and what we think may not be so different after all." Anna said while her sister gave her a puzzled look.
"What I mean is that they would want someone who is well bred, has a distinguished pedigree and deep coffers? Right?" Anna summarized.
Elsa gave her sister a wary look but nodded in agreement, "Yes, that sounds right. No doubt all the men on that list fit those requirements."
Anna finished with a big grin, "Well, with the exception of being a man, ALL those things apply to me!"
Elsa walked over and encircled her sister with her arms from behind, "Oh Anna, of course you are the perfect match for me! But for the here and now, let's put forward our plan, alright My Love?"
With a pout and a mock frown Anna answered, "I suppose so... still, let me talk to Punzel and see if she has any ideas of who else you can spend some showtime with?"
"Why do I have a feeling that I may regret that later!" Elsa smiled and released her sibling.
"Don't worry sis, I'll make sure that Punzel and I find one or two choice candidates!"
########################
He closed the door to his chamber, hoping this job would soon come to an end. It felt like a job to him, but the turn of events at the North Mountain yesterday came as a surprise. John Samuels removed his dress blue uniform and carefully hung it up. The conversation he had with the Queen today was useful and they both discussed strategy as they strolled along the bridge and through the town central square towards the pier. The stroll was discussed beforehand of course, but the path they took was designed to give him the most visibility to the crowds of people and visiting dignitaries. No other suitor had as much publicity as he did.
As they walked through Arendelle accompanied by four guards, Elsa held his arm. They talked in a conversational volume and made sure to switch between English and Norwegian often enough that those around them could hear. Their conversation was polite fluff one would expect, such as the weather, but the point was that her subjects could hear his fluency. A perceived asset for the people, where some subjects in other countries could not even understand their leige. Such as Arendelle's own King in Stockholm who could only speak French. However, when no one was nearby, their conversation reflected the progress of their plan.
"Mister Carlyle, I must apologize if I appeared upset yesterday with your father." Elsa spoke in low tones that neither the guards in front or behind could hear. The guards walked a respectable distance from them to give them enough privacy while still doing their duty, but Elsa wanted to play safe.
John Samuels too replied in a low voice,"Queen Elsa, no apologies are necessary. Viktor was blatantly avaricious and out of control. Also, let's not stand on ceremony when we are in private." he said in English. "There is much to be done, and I ask you indulge me if I speak candidly. I'll apologize in advance if my words become too distorted by my uncouth accent. And if you'll please call me John Samuels or perhaps Johan?" he smiled.
Elsa smiled back, quite surprised but pleased with his forwardness. "Very well, John Samuels, but I'll refrain from calling you Johan since recent events regarding the last man I've met by that name was... difficult. Also, I find your English accent quite refreshing. Certainly different from those I've met from Great Britain. Also, do I need to remind you that I asked you to call me Elsa when we were in private?" she directed their course along the pier.
"Thank you, Elsa. My native tongue is considered backwards by my fellow countrymen who consider the South uncouth and barbaric due to the practices of many of the land owners who own slaves. My origins are much more humble and our family never owned any negroes when they migrated to the United States from Norway." he explained with a straight face.
Elsa wrinkled her nose at hearing the word: slaves. "Yes, I too find it barbaric regarding the ownership of a fellow human being, which is ironic since I am a Monarch. However, I don't own any of my subjects and I console myself that I rule the land for them as well as for my House. Regardless, I find your accent quite interesting."
He smiled genuinely at this young Queen, "Firstly, Viktor Carlyle is my employer, not my father. Our business certainly have us at odds with our Government and the Law. However, when he first came to me and proposed his original plan, it seemed very profitable, and I chose to be a part of it since it would be a worthwhile endeavour and more honourable than smuggling. How he found out about your snow creatures or his idea of obtaining them as payment is beyond me. Believe me when I say that I had no clue at what he had in mind! My understanding was that we would receive payment as described in the proposal sent to us by Flynn."
"Yes, I believe you. Also, are you aware that your ship left the harbour in the dead of night just yesterday? We have no rules barring you leaving, with the courtesy of informing the harbour master, however Senator Tallmadge and Captain Turner have ordered your men to remain put." Elsa explained.
He was taken aback, "What?! I wasn't aware of this!"
"I thought so. I believe Viktor Carlyle has been communicating with certain parties and has his own agenda. We need to discuss this more thoroughly, including the events of the Grand Ball tonight and the announcement tomorrow about my choice of consort." Elsa elaborated.
"Of course, Elsa. I suggest that you invite Viktor and myself together this afternoon to discuss the original plan. Afterwards, we can discuss other matters sans "My Father". Is that acceptable?" John Samuels asked.
"It most certainly is, Johan!" Elsa responded in their native Norwegian tongue.
########################
"I must say you are far younger and more beautiful than the rumours have tell! You truly are the most ravishing female I have ever met in this realm or my own!" Count Deldares proclaimed, standing slightly behind her and holding Elsa's right hand in one hand and her waist with the other, as if in a dance. At this moment, he was guiding her along the cobblestone path through the back gardens of the castle.
From the moment he met her acquaintance till the hour he received a message from the alluring handmaiden with red hair, he was jumping with glee. The message simply stated that the Queen would be pleased if he would take a stroll with her through the gardens. This news made Count Guillermo Deldares float on air! Surely she was impressed with his dashing, dark good looks and his hair!
"Have you met many women with the physical qualities you desire in your own land?" Elsa asked plainly.
"There are a lot of them, yes, but none as fair as you My Queen!" the Count eagerly replied, failing to notice the trap in her question. At his response, Elsa smiled demurely and raised an eyebrow at his lingering gaze.
"It would seem Anna has this man pegged correctly! His eyes have never left my figure nor has his hands left my body at any time during our walk!" she kept to herself as she let this self-proclaimed gigolo guide her around.
Guillermo however didn't seem to desire or lust after her supernatural powers. It seemed the only magic he truly craved were the type that complemented his libido.
She decided to avoid the west-wing of the Castle this time. The last man she strolled with in that part of the gardens, she felt as if being watched. She was certain she spotted two blonde heads peeking from the corner spire. Her suspicion was confirmed when she made a small blizzard within the top floor of the tower. Afterwards, she was informed that both Princess Anna and Princess Rapunzel were indisposed as they both had come downstairs soaking wet and cold.
Taking a more discrete route, Elsa guided her suitor past and around areas that Anna could possibly be hiding. She knew her sister was only being her usual snoopy self, but Elsa was having a hard time keeping Guillermo's hand from roamng south of her waistline. Her sister might actually have a coronary attack if she witnessed his busy hands and fingers!
After this mornings round of applicants, she must have formally met over twenty potential suitors this day alone. Over the course of three days, including missing the applications from the afternoon agenda of the second day, Elsa held an audience with over one-hundred Royal and Noble dignitaries all seeking her hand in marriage. Well, there was one exception, but that was another matter.
"Actually, it was one-hundred and eight suitors that want to marry you. Or more precisely, one-hundred and seven suitors and that icky Count Deldares who wants to 'plow your field'!" Anna said to both Elsa and Rapunzel. Her hair was still wet from the earlier episode in the tower. Elsa flopped down into a comfortable lounge chaise in her study.
" 'Plow my field' ?!" Elsa said exasperated, a wry grin forming on her face. "What exactly does that mean?"
"Oh come on Elsa, you know, with their 'thing' down there." Anna was pointing to her groin, her cheeks becoming redder.
"My dear sister, you are the only person who has ever 'plowed my field' " Elsa replied deadpan, though she too began to blush. "I don't even know what that 'thing' looks like! You at least have had several men that have shown interest in you. Hans, Kristoff and now John Samuels. Not that I wouldn't be jealous or even discuss this in the company of anyone other than my sister and cousin, ...but have you ever seen...?"
"Well, no...I mean Kristoff was... I mean when we were kissing...!" Anna fumbled her words. She was really turning red now. "You promise you won't get mad, Elsa?"
Elsa stood and leaned up against the couch and nodded.
"Well, when Kristoff was kissing me sometimes, I could feel his thing down there getting bigger and harder against my stomach." she was almost glowing red by now. "He really liked grinding it against me."
The red on Elsa's neck was also becoming more evident. "And...?" she asked.
"Umm, well once I touched it!" she confessed. It began to snow lightly in the study. "No, you don't understand! He didn't take it out of his trousers! I only touched his pants!"
Some relief was on Elsa's face, and her eyebrows relaxed. The snowing also stopped as Anna went to her sister and held both her hands, "Well, I for sure have never seen or touched one. And never will!" Elsa said as she held Anna's gaze. The corner's of Anna's mouth creased upwards as see gazed directly back.
"I wonder what it looks like?" Anna gazed skyward, one side of her mouth quirked up. She looked back into Elsa's eyes, and then both of them looked at Rapunzel who was eating a piece of fruit.
"What? Uh, me?" Rapunzel said, her long blonde hair was very dark and still damp from her escapades with Anna.
The question was ludicrous, but leave it to Anna to ask, "Well Punzel, what does it look like?" she asked her cousin.
"Anna! That's not polite!" Elsa admonished her sister. Then she broke into a wicked grin, "I'll ask the question! I'm the Queen after all!" she looked at her wayward cousin whose cheeks were bunched out with unchewed fruit. Both of them turned to face her, as Elsa crossed her arms. "Go ahead cuz, answer the question."
Rapunzel's eyes bulged out and her lips were pinched since she was still holding the uneaten food in her mouth. She quickly chewed the fruit and gulped it down as her cousins waited for her to answer.
"Uh, well, umm, you have to understand...umm that I, ...uhh...haven't seen much male manhood before. Actually, I haven't seen any until Eugene." she answered awkwardly.
"So...describe it." Anna asked.
"Well, it looks like a sausage...with a mushroom on top!" she blurted out.
"Mushroom?!" both girls cried out loud.
"And that's when it's cut!" Rapunzel continued, now smiling herself and turning red.
"Cut? It has to be cut? Oh my! How much?" Elsa asked with huge doe-like eyes.
"Only the tip! At least that's what Eugene said. "If it's not cut, it looks like an elephant's trunk!" she squealed.
"Mushrooms and elephant trunks!?" Anna almost screamed out laughing. The combined laughter from all three girls could be heard down the hall.
########################
The afternoon had finally ended after the carefully choreographed events with most of the names of suitors on the Councillor's list as well as a few of her own choices.
Elsa was tired but knew that the main event was only beginning. She briefly discussed the assumed plan with Viktor Carlyle and John Samuels afterwards. She decided not to include Anna is this round of conversations since it might bring an emotional element into an otherwise busy schedule. It would seem that the man was postponing any demands of snow creatures until after the Grand Ball. This worried Elsa somewhat, but they were all committed now and they all agreed that the following morning, she would meet with her councillors and declare that she would choose John Samuels. All that was required afterwards was for her advisors to accept her choice and a proclamation regarding the wedding be announced to the populace at large.
"After discussing the details with your council tomorrow morning, it would be best to have the wedding immediately after since all the visiting dignitaries are already here! Perhaps a few days after the proclamation, so as to give time for any noble suitors to leave if they choose not to stay for the wedding?" John Samuels suggested.
"That sounds reasonable, perhaps two or three days after tomorrow might be sufficient? I will inform my advisors to arrange the necessary legalities to declare John Samuels as King Consort to my rule as Queen Sovereign." Elsa proclaimed.
"Well Mister Carlyle, do you want to discuss your added demands at this time? You are agreeing to continue our partnership, but you must realize I cannot acquiesce to your additions." Elsa was prepared to confront this madman.
"I only wish for a compromise, My Queen." Viktor responded. "We have much to accomplish tonight and in the days that follow. Allow me to reflect on some changes and propose them in the near future?"
"Very well. If you'll excuse us, I will need to educate John Samuels on some of the Royal etiquette required tonight if he is to compete with the other suitors. Particularly dance moves." she smiled with false sincerity.
"Of course Queen Elsa. I too have to attend some business regarding my crew aboard Eagle." he bowed and exited.
"He's playing for time!" Elsa said after Viktor finally left. "You must find out what he truly intends!"
"No doubt, but time is short and I don't see how I can discover what he has in mind before the Grand Ball and tomorrows proclamation." John Samuels answered. "Also, there is much I need to learn from you about being your King Consort, at least until it is necessary for me to leave?"
Elsa answered back, "I will ask my handmaiden Sigrid to tutor you in the following days as to the decorum you are required to present. She is already fully aware of our plan, so please don't be afraid to ask her about anything. Perhaps you may also get a chance to visit your crew and find out more of Viktor's intent?"
"Very good, My Queen. Will Princess Anna also be able to assist my training? I think that as your future husband, I should be able to interact with her as family." he asked awkwardly.
Elsa touched his arm. What he wanted, what he was truly asking for was impossible. "Johan, there is something you need to know." his eyebrows quirked up questioningly. "Anna's heart is already spoken for." Elsa said softly.
His eyes fell but he returned the pressure of her hand, "I... see. It was a foolish wish of mine, but regardless, I will see this through! After all, in a few days I will be a KING!" he said with levity tinged with sadness.
Elsa smiled and placed her other hand over his. "I know this isn't what you wanted to hear, but I believe you are an honourable man, and someone else may find your heart?"
"Perhaps... though only the future will tell." he answered. "I only hope that whatever man claimed her heart will be able to provide for her and give her what she deserves! I must confess that your sister fascinates me beyond words!"
"Rest assured that my sister is in good hands, and lacking for none! Her future is secure." she answered bittersweetly.
"Until tonight than, Elsa. You may also rest assured that I will not fail you when it comes to the dance floor either!" he said with a grin as he bowed and left.
Alone in her study, Elsa reflected on his words. Anna and her were going to be truly together eventually. They would support and nurture each other for the rest of their lives. The love they shared for each other was for them alone. But what about beyond that? Not only for themselves but for Arendelle?
She waved her arms. Her hands performing intricate patterns. The air chilled and frost began to form. With just a thought though, the cold spell reversed and the crystals cascading around her hands disappeared. Her control and precision were improving dramatically since her coronation. She could feel the power flowing through her. And as in the past, it was still growing stronger!
Holding her hands together, she closed her eyes and willed a thought. She concentrated hard and ice began coating her cupped hands. After a moment, she opened them to reveal her creation. A small creature resembling a butterfly slowly began moving it's wings coloured blue-white. It's thin feelers and wings billowed and moved in a way that belied it's frozen origins. Moving to an open window, Elsa released her newest creation.
"You will never melt, nor will you ever die, until you choose to do so, little one." she proclaimed. "The choice is yours. Now go and discover the world!" she spread her hands and the little creature fluttered up and away until it disappeared in the blue sky.
Her little experiment gave promise of the future. She was going to be married soon, but her husband was not the answer to her destiny. Her sister was.
She left the study and headed to Anna's bedchamber.
########################
Senator Tallmadge was anxious but not overly so. His research didn't turn up what he expected, but a record in the Naval Auction Registry entered in eighteen hundred and fifteen stated that a war-sloop called USS Eagle was sold to an unknown party for scrap. The records ended there but entries submitted to Congress regarding the Maritime and Patrol Squadrons of the Eastern Seaboard regarding piracy and smuggling in the Gulf of Mexico and Texas panhandle in the last five years recorded a well maintained and equipped sloop appeared recently. The ship aided the actions of unknown persons and assisted vessels confronting American and British patrols. However the authorities were unable to overhaul and overtake the ship.
Viktor Carlyle was known to have acquired munitions from Europe and abroad. Senator Tallmadge verified that ships under his employ have been confiscated by the Navy carrying unauthorized or illegal weapons. However, he was not charged for smuggling or treason since his dealings were with nations not unfriendly to the United States. Therefore he was merely charged with trafficking and the penalties assigned to him amounted to nothing more than fines that were the confiscated ships and weapons which Mister Carlyle forfeited. The very fact that both of these clues were present together here were enough for him.
"I will have Captain Turner assume command of Eagle and have this man detained. Too much evidence points to him, however circumstantial!" he said aloud. "However, that will have to wait until after the Grand Ball. It wouldn't do to create an international incident for a domestic dispute on the day of Queen Elsa's party." he thought.
He began to prepare to get dressed for the gala event.
########################
Elsa let herself into her sister's room with a comfortable familiarity. She could hear her sister bustling and humming to herself in her large walk-in closet as she prepared to get ready for the Ball.
"Is that you, Elsa?" she heard from within the closet.
Elsa closed the large door to her sister's bedchamber, "Yes, My Love. Do you have a moment to spare?"
"Of course! You're the one who's been so busy today." Anna poked her head out and Elsa could see that her sister's hair was wrapped in a towel. Turning away she avoided looking directly into her sister's eyes.
"Anna, there's also something else I want to talk to you about." Elsa asked hesitantly. She was apprehensive and was not quite sure how to approach this subject. Her beloved came behind her and wrapped her arms around her waist.
"Yes, My Heart? What is it?" Anna asked, she buried her face in Elsa's neck, breathing in the familiar fragrance of the long platinum hair that cascaded around her face.
"Earlier we spoke about what is best for Arendelle?" Elsa said. She could feel Anna nodding her head in agreement. "You are my true love, and one day will be my... wife. How? I don't know the answer to that right now, but... if we are to carry on with the future for us and Arendelle, we need to talk about producing an... Heir!"
"WHAT?!" Anna exclaimed, her mouth dropping open and her grip on Elsa weakening. Elsa spun around and grabbed her sister by the arms.
"NO, Anna, don't misunderstand me! I don't mean to have a child with John Samuels!" she tried to calm her sister. She could see the advent shock on Anna's face. Her sister's eyes were already watering and she looked ready to begin crying. Elsa's quick response froze her in her tracks.
"I...I don't understand?" Anna said confused.
Elsa went into damage control mode immediately. "Anna, I would never sleep with anyone other than you! Ever! But John Samuels will not be around very long after we have our wedding. A plan is already in the works that will see him removed from our future marriage. However, it is during the time we are married that I could possibly conceive a child...an heir. This window of opportunity will only last for a limited duration of time after his absence. Do you understand what this means for the future of Arendelle?"
"Are you going to have him killed?" her sister asked, obviously following that part of the plan to it's conclusion.
"Certainly not! John Samuels is an honourable man, and despite the company he keeps, I believe he is a good man. A convincing explanation to his disappearance is already being discussed. However, what this means for us and Arendelle is that only up for a period of ten months, give or take, after his disappearance can I give birth to a legitimate heir." Elsa was willing her sister to make the connection.
"How does this work if you don't plan to have a child with him? What are you asking of me?" Anna was less distressed now but her confusion grew. The most important part though, about conceiving an heir was something she did grasp.
Elsa smiled and cupped Anna's face. "Oh my sweet sister and my only love! I plan to have the child with YOU! Our son or daughter will be born from our blood alone. But we must conceive him within the period of John Samuels presence as King or our people will never believe our child will be legitimate if he or she is born too early or too late."
"I still don't see how I am to give you a child, My Heart?" Anna produced a sad smile, her hands stroking Elsa's face.
"Have patience, My Love! You have seen what I can do with my magic as evidenced by my other children, Olaf and Marshmallow?" Anna nodded, her eyes widening at the direction her sister was leading her.
"You mean you can create, human life too?" she gasped.
"Well, not that same way I can with snow and ice, but again, have patience Anna. You and I will produce an heir. And it will be the best we both can offer ourselves, our people and Arendelle!" she proclaimed, taking her sister close and embracing her hard.
########################
AUTHOR NOTES:
1) A gigolo is a male escort or social companion who is supported by a woman in a continuing relationship, often living in her residence or having to be present at her beck and call. The gigolo is expected to provide companionship, to serve as a consistent escort with good manners and social skills, and often, to serve as a dancing partner as required by the woman in exchange for the support (which is contrary to typical norms). Many gifts such as expensive clothing and an automobile to drive may be lavished upon him. The relationship may include sexual services as well, when he also would be referred to as "a kept man".
2) Count Guillermo Deldares was first referenced in Chapter 10 as the noble who sent an offensive letter to court Elsa which Anna read out loud. She constantly refers to him as "icky" and first described him as "slimey" alluding to the fact that she thought this man would be drooling after Elsa and only thought about sex. He hails from the fictional Kingdom of "Mariposa" on the Iberian Peninsula. Mariposa means "butterfly" in Spanish.
3) Usually, the South is defined as including the southeastern and south-central United States. The region is known for its culture and history, having developed its own customs, musical styles and cuisines that have distinguished it in some ways from the rest of the United States. Some other aspects of the historical and cultural development of the South have been influenced by an early support for the doctrine of states' rights, the institution of slave labour on plantations in the Lower South to an extent seen nowhere else in the United States; the presence of a large proportion of African Americans in the population; and the legacy of the Civil War and Reconstruction Era.
4) Definition of AVARICIOUS
: greedy of gain : excessively acquisitive especially in seeking to hoard riches
— av·a·ri·cious·ly adverb
— av·a·ri·cious·ness noun
######################
Preview of Chapter 21
A NIGHT OF DEJA VU
Much like last time Arendelle held a Grand Ball, Elsa stood in front of her throne and greeted any Noble or Royal who wished to get introduced and give thanks to her. Unlike last time, Elsa had already met most of the single male suitors and politely declined any overture of a dance unless it was one of the men who she had earlier spent some 'quality time' earlier in the day.
From across the dance floor of the Ball Room, Elsa spied the self-proclaimed lover, Count Guillermo Deldares, as he eyed her up. With a show of flair and panache, he walked directly to her.
She rolled her eyes slightly but smiled warmly as their eyes met and was prepared to endure the upcoming dance with the Boorish Noble.
Her ice-dress glowed with such brilliance that the servants actually had to reduce the number of torches and lanterns immediately around the throne as not to blind the guests. The reality of her clothes were this time she didn't make her dress herself. Anna had successfully argued the fact that anyone dancing with her would freeze if they touched her! Elsa remembered the proud grin her sister gave her while crossing her arms and daring Elsa to disprove her logic.
"You're absolutely correct Anna, I cannot make a new ice-dress for tonight's Ball!" she replied. Anna was beaming with arrogant pride. Her glee was immediately replaced with shock when Elsa replied, "So, I guess I'll have to wear YOUR ice-dress tonight!"