Chapter 6: Secrets of the Frozen Heart Part 2

Corvo quickly dismissed himself and hid in the dark corner of the rafters above the small cathedral's supports. The choir sung beautifully as the ivory-haired royal was being blessed by the priest.

He also saw the other royal there with the earthly-colored dress, but she was smiling and waving at a white-suited man.

Corvo concentrated on Emily, who was sitting and smiling at the sight before her, which reminded Corvo of Emily's coronation so that she could take the throne.

He saw the ivory-haired royal lean forward and the priest placed a crown that stuck on her hair perfectly and then handed a pillow that held the monarch's power. The orb symbolized strength and power, the scepter symbolized equality and mercy.

Corvo only knew this due to both Emily's and Jessamines's coronation's.

Corvo paid attention as she reached for it but was stopped by the priest, mentioning to the gloves. He saw her hesitatingly remove them and after a hesitating moment, her hands shook as she took the objects and turned, holding her breath as everyone stood and the priest spoke allowed in a language he didn't understand.

Corvo was confused as to why she was stressed by this, but then saw her look down to her hands, as he followed her gaze he noticed something that made everything click.

The area where her hands touched the objects were slowly becoming covered in frost, and her face showed immense struggle. This was all he needed to know that SHE was the one with the Outsider's power. But it also allowed him to know that the 'lights' he saw was frost.

Corvo didn't hesitate as he reached into his belt and pulled out the heart. Jessamine's soul glowed through the lens of the Heart, the growing warmth spread around his hand as it beated slowly.

Then he heard a name.

The priest than announced finally, "Queen Elsa, of Arendelle."

Everyone else chanted back and clapped, but she quickly placed the objects down as soon as her name was said, than quickly putted on the gloves and acted calm again, relieved that this situation is finally over.

Looking to the new Queen of Arendelle, Corvo gently squeezed the heart.

The heart's soul brightened and he heard the Empresses voice once more as she whispered into his mind, "Here stand's an innocent soul, tormented since birth by the Outsider's doing, for her love was what fueled her fear."

Corvo raised a brow, surprised that the Outsider's power tormented her instead of corrupting her. He squeezed again as Elsa started walking down and the Heart whispered again, "Her power injured her sister, forever creating a barrier of fear, for a door stood between them for many, many years."

Corvo was surprised again as this is the opposite of what usually happens. He squeezed again as Elsa and everybody else started getting closer to the door and The Heart said again, "Enduring isolation and loss of her beloved parents, the responsibility of taking the throne sparked fear of everyone knowing her power, fear is her enemy."

Corvo lost count of how many times his surprise got the better of him. But he somewhat didn't blame her, for the Overseers in Dunwall were against those who sided with the Outsider, and were severely punished when captured and found guilty. He knew the types, saw them in action himself, using all available resources to hunt them down, including going after close family and friends to flush the hunted individual out. In Elsa's case, they would put a bounty, preach of her wickedness to others to find her, and use her sister to get to her. He squeezed it one last time as Elsa and everybody else left the door, and what he heard next sparked fear rather than surprise.

The Heart whispered into his mind with much sadness, "None of the Outsider's power can undo what has been done to this poor woman. If she succumbs to her fear, than she will share her immense suffering."

The Heart stopped beating and went cold, the soul disappeared once more through the lens into the depths of the heart, no longer whispering secrets he needed to hear.

Gently placing The Heart inside the pouch of his belt, Corvo silently left the abby and reunited with Emily, not telling her of his discovery. However, Emily did ask where he went, and all Corvo said was that he was there, just taking in the good view of the coronation.

...

Night fell quickly over Arendelle as the ball began. Musicians played music and people danced in a circle while others stood in groups talking to one another. The guards of the Empire took time to relax and talk to the guards of Arendelle. Emily was clapping to the beat with a smile on her face in amusement while Corvo held a small glass of champagne and enjoying the ball.

He may look calm and relaxed, but Corvo never let his guard down, the moment he set foot inside the castle. He was waiting for the royals to make their appearance.

His thought's than lingered to Piero and what he was possibly up to.

Suddenly, the trumpets horned and Queen Elsa walked to the front where everybody bowed. Emily and Corvo followed everyone's movement to not stand out.
The other royal, who Corvo heard the man say that her name was Princess Anna, hurriedly went to her sister's side, but than was placed next to her sister. She took one pace away from her and stood straight but awkward.

Everyone got up and clapped, than resumed their conversations.

Emily nudged Corvo with her shoulder and said, "I never saw anyone with such white hair before. Have you?"

Corvo shook his head and said, "Never on anyone this early in their age. Especially on a royal."

Corvo than saw the two sisters talk and act very similarly, seeing them smile, smell, and giggle almost exactly the same. The man from earlier (the short duke) was presented to the royals, but immediately became irritated when he pronounced his town as 'weasel-town'. Corvo had to smile, knowing that he knew the correct way to call the town, but was funny to mispronounce it. Corvo became even more amused and gave a chuckle as the old man made a fool of himself with his 'dance' moves and his hair flapping, but the queen dodged his moves and asked for her sister to dance instead. It worked, for she was pulled away to dance with him.

Both Emily and Corvo watched the scene in amusement, however Corvo noticed how the duke tried to interrogate her during their dance. This made Corvo make his right hand travel to the left breast pocket where his blade was waiting for him. Waiting for the man to make a move, to step out of line.

But during the Duke's dance, he saw his eyes gaze on Corvo's for merely a second, his serious look was enough to make the Duke's face pale and stop acting stupid.

Thanks to that, the dance was soon over for Anna. He let his hand slip away from the hilt of the blade, remaining calm as to finish his drink.

Corvo watched as Anna confronted Elsa again, but then saw something happen between them, and that resulted in Anna walking away.

Corvo put his empty glass down and said to Emily, "Emily, now is our chance to introduce ourselves."

Emily smiled and said, "Good idea."

Emily than started to walk over to the large man with the brown vest and green jacket and when she reached him, Emily said, "Excuse me sir. I wish to have an audience with the Queen."

The man smiled, surprised that a young woman, would, wish to have an audience. He said, "Certainly, and what line of royalty do you represent?"

Emily smiled back and said, "I am Lady Emily, Empress of the Empire in Gristol."

Immediately, the man's smile was wiped off his face and his face alone turned pale at the mention of the Empire. Pulling himself together, he said, "Oh... well of course... if you would just follow me, you will have an audience."

Corvo followed Emily, unknown to the man who was guiding her. When they reached the front, Corvo saw Queen Elsa at her seat, her fingered gloves rubbing her temples in frustration to something. Corvo guessed that it must of revolved something between her and her sister, Anna. What the problem was during then is what Corvo couldn't guess.

The man that guided them announced, "Your majesty," and this resulted in Queen Elsa forcing herself to pay attention to the man introducing a young woman to her.

He than said in an off tone, "This is Lady Emily, Empress of the Empire in Gristol."

Queen Elsa's eyes immediately shot up to fully recognize who she was looking at.

Unfortunately, Corvo noticed that the man spoke so loud that enough people over heard it, including the musicians. Music stopped and people gasped in surprise, surrounding the entire ball in silence.

Corvo couldn't help but remember the last time this happened, but that was when he was by himself, hunting for one of the three Boyle's that hosted a party, but he didn't want to go back to that now.

Elsa quickly regained her posture and said, "I was told by a letter you sent that you were coming to Arendelle. I thought it was merely a joke to scare me, for it was rumored that your city fell to your plague."

Emily smiled and said, "Queen Elsa, I understand the confusion and I take no offense. It's just that my empire has been isolated for a very long time and when blocked off by other kingdoms for aid, we were left to die. With my mother's passing, I was quickly put to rule with little idea as of what I needed to do, for I was left to control the plague-ridden city all on my own, and it took years to rid the plague with the help of our most beloved physicians and doctors. If the rumor was true, I would not be standing here before you now."

Queen Elsa was surprised by what she said, and gave a warm smile back. She than nodded to the musicians, who caught wind of what she was saying and they resumed playing music, everyone slowly going back to their conversations.

Elsa stood and walked over to them and said, "Well I'm glad that the rumor is false, for I was told by the letter that you wish to aid our city in ways I've never heard before for our alliance."

Emily gave a nod and said, "After being isolated for so long and left to die by other kingdoms, we sought to ally ourselves with countries that took no part in such a cruel political decisions."

Emily than eased, "But now is not the time to talk about business, for this is your ball to celebrate your coronation. We will save this for when the time comes, enjoy youself."

Corvo knew from the expression on Queen Elsa's face was with that of respect and awe, for Corvo knew that many people would always fall prey to her charms and wits, for she was full of surprises.

Corvo stood forward and said with a fist on his chest, knowing that his appearance is more friendly due to his bone charm, "Queen Elsa, it is an honor to fully meet you in person."

Elsa was taken aback by his sudden and friendly entrance, but Emily said proudly, "This is my Royal Protector, Corvo. He alone helped me bring Gristol back on it's feet and fought the plague until it was eradicated. It was him that protected me from those who wished me and my mother harm."

Elsa looked to Corvo with much respect but was meet by his stunning appearance, for he was quite handsome. His face was thin but strong, with a short beard encircling his jaw, cheeks, chin, and upper and lower lip. His eyes dark, sunken, narrow, and focused, almost like a hawk's expression. His raven hair feel to the sides of his face. He looked like a hardened man who escaped imprisonment for a long time.

Little did Elsa know, that was what happened to him during and after Coldridge prison.

Elsa looked to him and said, "A Royal Protector that has protected a bloodline for a long time has no need to show respect. The honor is mine, Corvo."

Corvo smiled and said, "Thank you, Queen Elsa."

Than an idea popped into Corvo's mind. It was the most ingenious idea he had ever came up with on the go.

Corvo than revealed a hand to her and said, "Queen Elsa, if you are able, it would be an honor to give you your first dance as Queen."

Corvo was able to notice a faint rosy blush appear on her cheeks, but no one else noticed, and collected herself as she said, "Thank you, only I don't dance."

Corvo knew this backfired, but was thankful for what came next. Emily gave a flattered look and said, "My Queen, you should reconsider. Personally, from all the balls I've ever attended, Corvo always evaded the lures and motives that women make on him. To see him offer a dance that so many women tried to gain from him and offer one to a beautiful queen such as yourself is very rare for him to do."

Queen Elsa raised a brow in surprise. How is it that such a handsome man evade all those women that Emily spoke off? The random acts of 'avoiding' woman told her that he wasn't like most men, who fall prey to such charms. To hear that he didn't offer anyone a dance except her alone made her feel special. After all, she never danced with anyone due to... her fear. But knowing that she had her gloves on, she was confident no one could get hurt.

Corvo saw the bone charm work it's magic as he saw Queen Elsa slowly give in to the offer and she said, "Alright."

She lended her gloved hand and Corvo took it. First thing he noticed that these gloves were not plastic, but fully thin cotton gloves. The second was that her hands were cold. Corvo didn't need to question why that was the case.

As he led her to the floor and they joined together in their formal dance positions, people cleared out to look at the solo dance and the music changed.

As they danced, Corvo said, "You know, if it makes you feel any better, I don't know how to dance either. That was why I never been swayed by other women to dance with them."

Elsa giggled and said, "Well you must be lying, you are a good dancer."

Corvo returned the smile and said, "I dance well because I think of it as fighting against an opponent. To me, dancing with a partner is like combating an enemy." Corvo leaned in and said, "But you yourself are a good dancer, so you must be lying too. If I had to guess how you would imagine dancing as something else, I guess it would be..." and than he whispered in her ear, "ice, skating."

Corvo immediately felt Elsa tense at how he phrased the word 'ice'. She tried to move, but Corvo's strong grip on their position forced her to keep dancing.

Corvo than said in a much lower voice in her ear, "Careful, you wouldn't want to raise suspicion so soon in the middle of a ball."

Corvo felt Elsa choke in his arm's and felt bad, knowing that he is manipulating her in front of everyone in the most uncomfortable way.

She relaxed and danced as she chocked out to him in a whisper, "How did you know?"

Corvo took his answer by twirling her, but halfway through her twirl, he made her lean back on his chest and held his left hand that held her right, showing her his mark.

The mark on his hand was the most abnormal symbol Elsa had ever laid eyes on. But what made her heart skip a beat was that said mark gave a greenish-yellowish glow before disputing into the black ink that was on his hand.

You're not the only one who has... 'abilities'... such as yourself." Corvo said as she resumed her original position with Corvo and resumed dancing.

Before Elsa could question his motive for doing this, Corvo quickly explained, "I'm not here to cause you harm or use my knowledge against you in any way. Emily has no knowledge of this for her own safety. I was sent by a 'friend' to find you and prevent something chaotic from affecting your kingdom. I don't know if you or something else will be the cause of it, but I want you to know that I'm your ally, and even though you will hesitate to trust me, know that I'm the only one in this entire room who understands exactly what your going through. I do not fear you... and you shouldn't fear me. Your powers have left you with questions and I have answers to them. All I ask is that you trust me. Will you trust me?"

Corvo knew that he didn't have time, for soon the song will be over, and he needs to know if she is willing to trust him or not, because if she didn't, than he most likely ruin Emily's chance to unite their monarch's for business, so he hoped it didn't come to that.

But all of these fears were put to rest when he heard Elsa's face soften to everything he said and her eyes sparked at him having the answers she needed to know after all these years, and she quietly whispered, "Yes, I trust you."

Corvo felt the dance coming to the end and he instructed, "Now listen, for your upset reaction will trouble everyone. I need you to breath slowly and collect yourself. No one will suspect what happened."

Elsa quickly nodded as it ended and everyone clapped at the Queen's dance.

When Elsa and Corvo returned, Emily clapped and said, "That was a wonderful dance. I never knew neither of you could dance so well."

Elsa collected herself and said, "Yes, the dance was rather... pleasant."

Corvo smiled and said, "It was great. Elsa was a complete natural. She shouldn't bring herself down from something she's very good at."

Elsa gave that same small blush and said casually, "Thank you for the dance, Corvo."

Corvo placed a fist on his chest and said, "The honor is all mine."

Suddenly, the three heard someone excusing themselves and passing through until Corvo saw that Anna and the white-shitted man from earlier came into view.

Anna than said, "Elsa!" Than she stopped and bowed and said, "I mean- Queen. Me again." Anna than turned to the man and said with an arm around his own, "May I present Prince Hans of the Seven Isles."

The man in the white-suited royal he saw earlier, Hans, bowed and said, "Your majesty."

Suddenly between the chuckles and clumped talk, all Corvo could hear was at the end when both said something along the lines of 'Our marriage.'

Corvo raised a brow at this, surprised that they brought this up. But he began to suspect that they must have seen each other for a long time without Elsa knowing.

Elsa blinked and widened her eyes with surprise and questioned, "Marriage?"

"YES!" squealed Anna

Elsa than said, "I'm sorry, I'm confused."

"Yes, so am I." Corvo interrupted, trying to analyze the situation himself

Their attention went towards him and he saw Elsa show a face that he didn't notice until now; embarrassment.

Regaining her posture, Elsa said, "Anna, this is Corvo, the Royal Protector of Lady Emily, Empress of the Empire in Gristol."

Both Anna and Hans widened their eyes and were surprised, Anna began, realizing the situation that played out, "Oh..."

But than Anna realized that Hans was next to her and said, "Oh, I almost forgot! We haven't worked out all the details ourselves. We'll need a few days to plan the ceremony and of course we would have soup roast and ice cream and than - oh! Wait, will we live here?" Anna asked Hans when she interrupted herself

Elsa was immediately taken aback by this and said, "Here?"

Hans smiled and said when he took her hands, "Absolutely!"

Elsa started, "Anna-"

Anna than said, "Oh, we could invite all twelve of your brother's to stay with us!"

Corvo was also taken aback from this. Twelve brothers was a rather large royal family, and the fact that remained was how they would rule over their own kingdom. Elsa tried to intervene on their conversation and when she did, Elsa clearly stated, "Just wait. Slow down. No one's brothers are staying here, no one is getting married."

Corvo watched the scene unfold as Anna looked hurt and said, "Wait, what?"

Elsa got close and said with embarrassment straining her voice, "May I talk you? Please," Elsa gave a quick glance to Hans and to Corvo before looking to her and asked with much worry and urgency, "alone?"

The face of betrayal crossed Anna's face and went back to Han's arm as she said, "No. Whatever you have to say, you can say to both of us."

Elsa regained her posture and said, "Fine. You can't marry a man you just met."

Corvo immediately rethought what he suggested, seeing that they only met today instead of being together for a long period of time.

"Wait," Emily said with much surprise, "You just met this man and got engaged today to him?"

Corvo saw embarrassment breaking under Elsa's expression, fearing to reveal itself if not careful.

Anna than said, "You can if it's true love."

Now Corvo knew Anna was more naïve than she looked, clearly not understanding the predicament she was in with this prince.

Elsa tone was full of doubt as she questioned, "Anna, what do you know about true love?"

Anna said back, "More than you. All you know is how to shut people out."

Corvo saw Elsa's face cross with much hurt from what she said, but she stared back and said strictly, "You asked for my blessing, but my answer is no."

After reigning her posture, Elsa said as she started to leave, "Now-... excuse me."

Hans than said, "Your majesty, if I may ease your-"

Elsa interrupted, "No you may not, and I- I think you should go." Elsa walks past a guard as she says to him, "The party's over, close the gates."

Anna looked hurt as she ran to Elsa and said, "Elsa, no, no wait!"

And that's when she pulled out her glove from her hand.

Corvo saw her face turn from sad to that of shock, like she stepped in cold water and has no way to get out. Elsa shouted, "Give me my glove!"

Anna help on to it and said, "Elsa, PLEASE, please I can't LIVE like this anymore."

Corvo knew that The Heart spoke the truth when Anna mentioned that. Elsa became more embarrassed, especially at how Corvo is learning how was everything is playing out before them.

Elsa's eyes began to tear a little and she spat out, "Than leave."

Corvo saw both sisters look hurt from Elsa's statement, but than Anna said angrily as Elsa was walking away, "What did I ever do to you?!"

"Enough Anna." Elsa begged as she walked away from everyone's eyes seeing this.

Anna continued, "No, why? Why do you shut me out? Why did you shut the world out? What are you so afraid of?!"

Elsa said back with much hate, "I SAID ENOUGH!"

And with a flick of her arm, a wave of icicles surrounded her from everyone, ending Anna and some people back.

Shock crossed everyone's faces. Corvo than heard somewhere in the crowd the Duke say, "Sorcery. I knew that something duly is going on here."

Anna whispered in shock, "Elsa..."

Elsa than immediately looked to Corvo, and Corvo saw what no else did in her eyes.

It was fear. The Heart spoke the truth of fear being her enemy, especially right now as she held the hand that did the magic liked it acted all by itself.

In her eyes, Elsa silently begged Corvo to help her in any way possible, for she putted her trust in him.

Corvo knew right then and there that he had to make a choice of either help her or let the people react and imprison her for her power.

But he already made a decision. Because everyone focused on Elsa, Corvo openly lifted his left hand, his mark burning with as much power as he could muster, and when he opened his hand to the air, a powerful Wind Blast struck past everyone in all direction's, leaving the candles without light and plunging the entire room in darkness except for the moon's light passing through the windows, but that wasn't enough for them to see Elsa. Corvo knew that the dark will make everyone stay in place, as they don't want to touch the sharp icicles that stood out to the crowd.

Corvo blinked his eyes to use his dark vision, the Void whispered into his mind an unknown language as the world turned yellow, and than he saw Elsa look thankful for his aid, than light entered the room as Elsa escaped through the door.

Now, Corvo hoped that nothing bad came from his act of aid, or else chaos will ensue on Arendelle.

The Notes of the Author(s):

FYI: This is the second part of the chapter so that's why they are being released so early.

Again, huge thanks to Master-T rex he wrote the entire second half on his own, which greatly sped up the glacial process of the story.

Please give some feedback on the grammar and the direction of the story. Also leave a review on any error mistakes, what you think so far, and on the chapter overall.

On a side note, we'll try to get another chapter up in a week or two. But then again, I said that last time.