A/N: Hey guys! Sky here, with my first fully completed fanfic! It was inspired by an rp I had with an AI to bounce ideas and literally born this morning. I admit, I love reading and rping, but I'm not much of a fic writer. My ADHD brain really doesn't like sitting down for longer than 500 words at a time, so I'm really proud of this one. I hope you enjoy it and I'm always open to constructive feedback! This is dedicated to anyone who has ever had to deal with hiding being different. Also at this moment this is a one shot.

I wanted to be inclusive with this fic, but I found that using she/he/them pronouns every time was a bit distracting and hard to follow, so stay tuned for individual versions with he and they/them pronouns!

Warning: Light mention of blood, if you are triggered by that please skip or read with caution

WC: 4,136

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The kingdom of Arendelle has been thriving under the reign of Her Majesty, Queen Elsa of Arendelle, for a strong three years. Several new trading deals have been established with new countries, and the citizens were safe and happy and well taken care of in their small fjord village. Word of her abilities of ice and snow and the control she has over her powers have spread through the lands, and records have been documented. The atmosphere is a stark contrast to the chill and uncertainties that had arisen during the thirteen years the castle was closed to the public. What was once a cold, secretive, and desolate town, was now alive with cheer and laughter with Elsa at the helm and Anna by her side.

In celebration of Queen Elsa's third year of success on the throne, a large party is being held in the castle ballroom for invited royals and nobility. Elsa greets each guest personally with Anna faithfully by her side doing the same. The party is mostly made up of adults, however a few children of guests are in attendance as well.

Elsa smiles when her next guest, a young girl in a slightly wrinkled y/f/c ball gown/suit, curtsies to her. She appears no older than eleven, but she carries herself with grace. Elsa takes notice of this; but she also doesn't miss the air of nervousness surrounding the child. Elsa was accustomed to children approaching her with smiles that night, their eyes bright and innocent as they clutched to their parents' sides. This girl's eyes shone like golden suns, however there is a clear hint of wariness dancing in them, an unease Elsa is was all too familiar with.

The platinum blonde queen nods to the girl with a small, regal smile. "Hello there, welcome to Arendelle," she says softly. "What is your name?"

"Greetings, Your Majesty," the girl responds. "It's an honor to meet you. I am Y/n, Princess of Lumore."

"Lumore?" There's a hint of surprise in Elsa's tone at the mention of one of Arendelle's newer allies.

"Wait, you're King Leonard and Queen Alexia's daughter?" Anna pipes in beside her sister, to which Y/n nods.

Elsa raises her brow but doesn't say a word. Her outside mask holds neutral. However, internally, she is confused. She had visited Lumore to finalize their alliance a few months ago, and she couldn't recall ever hearing of the king and queen having any children.

"Yes, Princess Anna," Y/n says, "I remember when Queen Elsa visited Lumore, but my parents weren't allowing me to see anyone at that time.

"And we still aren't," Queen Alexia's voice cut in, startling Y/n.

The flash was brief.

If Elsa had blinked, she would have missed the burst of light that emanated from Y/n's hands and crept into her eyes when the girl jumped.

Queen Alexia stiffens before snatching Y/n's hands and covering them with her own. "My apologies, Your Majesty. My daughter was not supposed to be here tonight," she says, turning to glance upwards at Elsa. "She knows better, and I will be escorting home now. It was a pleasure to be here, Queen Elsa. Thank you for inviting us." Alexia says. She forces Y/n's legs into a curtsy, still concealing her hands before she practically drags the girl off, heading toward the southern exit of the ballroom.

Elsa's eyes follow the pair until she loses them in the crowd.

"......Okay, that was weird, right?" Anna questions.

The Queen stays silent as her mind pieces together what could be happening. Her heart was fluttering with a mixture of both curiosity and pain.

"Anna, did you see Y/n's hands?" She speaks, turning to her sister.

Anna nods quickly, her face brightening. "Yeah, they looked really soft! It's no wonder you set up that exchange of redfish for Jojoba oil! I mean, you put that stuff in lotion and it's like magic!"

Elsa shakes her head. "While that is true, I meant the actual magic coming from her hands," the blonde replies, making Anna's eyes widen.

"Wait really? You think she's like you?"

"I'm not sure, but I know what I saw, and I can feel that something isn't right," Elsa thinks aloud. "Did you see how quick Queen Alexia was to cover her daughter's hands? She's afraid, Anna. She's afraid of Y/n's abilities, just as Mother and Father were of mine." Elsa closes her eyes. "That means Y/n could be suffering."

Anna frowns as she realizes her sister is seeing her younger self in this mysterious princess in the most personal way imaginable. "What are you going to do?" She asks, although she already has a strong feeling she knows what her sister's answer will be.

Elsa doesn't hesitate.

"I'm going to learn more about Princess Y/n of Lumore."

The Queen descends from the platform and onto the ballroom floor. Instantly, she is pulled into the crowd, and she finds herself dodging conversations and invitations to dance as politely as she can. Her mind is set on finding Y/n as she makes her way to the exit she saw Alexia leading the young girl to.

What are you hiding, dear?

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"Mother, I'm sorry, I just had to see her!" Y/n protests. "Queen Elsa is the only one who-"

"I don't care, Y/n!" Alexia interrupts her daughter, holding up a hand. "The fact of the matter is that you deliberately disobeyed your father and I. You snuck over here, and you broke our most important rules!"

Once in the corridor, Elsa walks straight down the hallway. She approaches the first intersection and hears Alexia's voice in the hallway around the corner. She steps closer to the wall, keeping close enough to listen to the conversation, but also safe enough to escape quickly, if needed.

Y/n can feel the tears threatening to fall. She hates her parents rules. They had many for her, their top two being that Y/n was to remain away from the public eye, and under no circumstances was she allowed to communicate with anyone unless her parents approved of them. This was non-negotiable- not that any ever were, and as usual, her mother wasn't listening to her. No one ever did, for she wasn't supposed to have been erased from time.

Y/n was born with powers of a golden heart. She could turn the warmth in her heart into physical glowing light. Only, instead of her gift bringing her brightness and cheer, it only lead to fear and jealousy. Misunderstandings that threatened Lumore's reputation, and lead to her parents to shut her away, as if she had never existed. She had become a rumor in her own kingdom.

When tales of Queen Elsa and her magical icy abilities had reached books in the Lumore royal library, Y/n was absolutely delighted. Not wanting to get their daughter's hopes up, King Leonard and Queen Alexia told their daughter that the "ice powers" this foreign ruler possessed were nothing more than stories.

Y/n was excited when her parents, albeit reluctantly, opened trade negotiations with Arendelle and shared allies for northern goods in exchange for Lumore southern ones. It had been agreed on that finalizations would be made in Lumore, and that the Arendellian Queen would be traveling overseas to sign the documents. Y/n of course, bound to the top rule, was only allowed to watch Elsa when she arrived through her one way mirrored bedroom window. She had been confined to her bedroom during the queen's visit, and her heart dropped when she was allowed out after Elsa's visit had concluded and her ship had left for Arendelle.

That had been seven months ago. When Lumore accepted Elsa's invitation commemorating her third year reigning, Y/n knew she had to board her parents' ship. She stowed away the night before, while the ship was being stocked for the journey. She wore her evening gown for the voyage, and while it wasn't the most comfortable attire to be traveling in, it served her well in terms of having less things to keep track of during her secret trip. She had wrinkled her dress, but was able to smooth it out the best she could before presenting herself to Elsa.

Y/n had been so close. So close to letting Elsa in on the secret she had been forced to hold onto, and to finding out if Elsa's stories were in fact real. She was so close, only for her mother to have spoiled the moment. Her heart dropped when Queen Alexia had found her, and whisked her away.

"And your hands?!" Alexia demands.

Y/n looks down in shame "I-I just-"

"Wanted to reveal yourself to Queen Elsa and blind her guests, that's it, isn't it." Alexia finishes.

Y/n's feels her throat tighten. "No, Mother, I'd never purposefully do anything like that!" She tries to defend herself.

Queen Alexia sighs, trying to reign in her anger. "Return to our room. We will leave the kingdom tonight before they can ask more questions about your... abilities. Pack our things while I inform your father of your slip up," she commands before giving her daughter directions to her and Leonard's assigned room.

Elsa takes this as her cue to leave, knowing that if she stayed any longer, she risks being discovered. She would follow Y/n after her mother was gone, and speak to the young girl in private. The Snow Queen turns on her heel and retreats back the way she came and into the ballroom. She couldn't allow this girl to slip away without even getting the chance to know about what she can do.

Y/n's eyes widen in horror. "What?! No, please, don't do this!" She protests. Desperate, the girl surges forward and grabs her mother's hand.

"Don't touch me!" Alexia yanks her hand from Y/n's grip, sending the girl stumbling. "Just...just do what I said," she orders, inspecting her hand for possible scorch marks.

Y/n scrambles down the hall towards the staircase that leads to the royal guest wing. It still stings, seeing her mother flinch back at her touch. She tries to understand where her mother is coming from. Sunlight can burn, especially when it's concentrated and sudden. She really couldn't blame the other woman from being wary. The young girl sighs when she reaches the door marked "Lumore" and takes a deep breath before entering. As she closes the door, she finally allows the tears to fall. Shutting the door feels as if she is also shutting away her only chance at being understood.

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As Queen Alexia weaves her way through the crowds in search of her king, she is unaware that Elsa is watching her movements from beside the dessert table. Elsa disguises her glances by engaging in Anna and Kristoff's conversation about chocolate, but excuses herself once she sees that enough people have filled in Alexia's wake to see the Queen moving towards the exit. Having asked Kai earlier about the room assignments, Elsa knew exactly where King Leonard and Queen Alexia's room was located.

Once she reaches the door, Elsa hears the sound of Y/n shuffling around as she prepares her mother's dresses for travel. The Queen notes with a clenched heart that Y/n is crying, and it breaks her. Ever so quietly, she carefully opens the door, revealing Y/n's figure. Luckily, she is facing away from Elsa, so she doesn't notice her.

Y/n wipes at her eyes with the back of her palms as she tries to focus on her folding. As she runs her hands over the fabric, she feels herself calming down. But it only lasts a second before a light begins shining from her hands. She gasps, clapping her hands together tightly, in an attempt to conceal the light pouring from them.

From the doorway, Elsa's ice blue eyes widen at what she's seeing. She finds herself filled with shock and she is overwhelmed with emotion.

So I was right...This little one does possess magical abilities.

"No, please, please stop!" Y/n whispers, clutching her squeezed palms tightly to her chest as she sinks to her knees. Panicking, the child's breath becomes uneven as she tries to will the light away, but is unsuccessful in doing so.

At the sight, Elsa's mind is thrown back in time.

"I can't stop it! Please just stop!"

Elsa's chest heaves as she tries to stop the frost from blooming around her. Even though the room is below freezing, her body feels as if it's on fire. There is nothing she can do as the frost piles thicker and begins spreading faster.

"It's okay, darling, it's okay!"

Conceal it, don't feel it! Don't let it show!"

"I can't! Mama, Papa it HURTS!"

The Queen snaps out of her memories at Y/n's light shriek. Her eyes are shut tightly, but Elsa can still see the light creeping from them. Tears are cascading down her cheeks, and Elsa sees the pain Y/n is in, both mentally and physically. Her powers reflect her emotions, and only hurt her more as she tries to keep them in.

Deciding that this a good moment to intervene, Elsa fully pushes the door open. She enters the room and closes the door behind her before slowly approaching the child, who is now openly sobbing. Y/n's nails are pressed into her palms so tightly together that they are starting to draw blood.

Elsa gracefully lowers herself to the floor in front of Y/n, being cautious not to startle her.

"Y/n," she says gently, reaching out to the young girl. "Y/n, it's me, Elsa."

Y/n's eyes fly open, the light coming from them blinding the area in white as it's suddenly released. Elsa throws up hand, squinting to shield her own eyes from the brightness.

The girl panics at seeing Elsa pulling back and the light from her eyes fades. "Ohmigosh, I am so SO sorry!" She squeaks out, scooting away from the Queen. Y/n's sight falls to her palms before she glances back at Elsa in terror. "I-it's not what you think!" She exclaims and immediately moves her hands behind her back in an attempt to hide the glow.

Elsa shakes her head. "No no, it's alright, sweetheart. I'm not hurt," she reassures the girl as she slowly inches towards her once more. "You didn't hurt me," the blonde says soothingly. "There is nothing to fear, little one. You do not need to hide your magic from me. You are safe here with me, I promise."

Elsa holds her palm upward. She locks her gaze with Y/n's and summons her magic, creating a swirl of snow and ice.

Y/n's mouth drops open slightly in awe. "You....you too?" She asks carefully, as if she's afraid if she speaks any louder, her delicate hopes will be shattered.

The Queen's eyes shine with an ethereal glow as the flurry leaves her palm, moving towards Y/n. The magic slows to a stop before the girl's face, bowing in greeting. A small smile forms on the child's lips, and the trail swoops forward. Her eyes follow it as it spirals up her body and gently weaves itself between locks of Y/n's hair before returning its creator. 

"Yes, my dear," Elsa confirms with a soft smile. "Like you, I too, I was born with magical powers. For the longest time, I feared my magic. My mother and father did too. Even now, there are days when I am afraid of my powers, and of what they're capable of."

Y/n bites her lip nervously, her eyes shining with recognition and relatability at Elsa's words, which feel hauntingly familiar.

"But I also learned how to harness my powers and to use them for good. To make Arendelle a better place for all of my subjects." Elsa adds. She continues after seeing the look of confusion forming on Y/n's face. "My sister Anna was separated from me for a very long time. But when I needed help, she never gave up on me. It was her love that saved me, and helped me to gain control of what I can do."

Y/n is smiling, but the hint of sadness doesn't escape the perceptive Queen. "My powers aren't used for good. In fact, I shouldn't be using them at all because all I've done is blind and hurt people," she says. "I'm glad you have been able to control your own abilities and that you have Princess Anna, Your Majesty, however my parents will never understand or help me with my own. Thank you for sharing your magic with me, but I am afraid I have to pack and then we will be leaving your kingdom forever. It was very nice to meet you." Y/n chokes back tears, the joy at having seen Elsa's powers dwindling as the reality of her situation sets in.

She doesn't have a sibling. Only two parents who are most likely on their way up right now to take her away from possibly the only other being in the world with powers.

Elsa sees the look of despair on Y/n's face, and it pains her to see how guilty Y/n felt because of her powers. Because she's different, and not the regular non-magical little princess her parents want her would be. The little girl was born with something amazing, and she had no way of even realizing it. Elsa has to do something, and she knows exactly what it is that needs to be done. Now she must summon the courage to do it, to save another little girl from self-doubt and guilt of her incredible gift.

"I can see that you have a good heart, Y/n. As for your parents, they just don't understand. All my life, my parents told me to conceal my powers. To hide a part of who I am. It wasn't until I let them go that I was able to see their true potential. And if you will allow me to, I would like to help you realize what you can do. All the good your powers can do, with the right encouragement and support."

Y/n blinks at Elsa's statement.

Is she....? No way....

Elsa breathes deeply and steels her nerves. "Princess Y/n of Lumore, would you like to-"

"Y/n, have you packed?" King Leonard's voice interrupts Elsa's as he and Alexia approached their room. "We have to move now, so- Y-Your Majesty!" King Leonard is startled to find Elsa with his daughter. He is quick to recover, and relays his planned excuse to the Queen. "I apologize Queen Elsa, but something has come up back in Lumore that must be taken care of immediately. My family and I must be leaving now, but we thank you for your gracious hospitality. Come, Y/n."

Elsa spears Leonard and Alexia with a stern look. When she speaks, her tone is unwavering in authoritative. "King Leonard. Queen Alexia. I am aware that your daughter possesses magical abilities, and that you have subjected her to isolation, with no one to guide or help her. To leave her to live the rest of her life with no one there to show her how to control her powers, to master them, to let her know that she has a gift, is a cruel fate. I would know that personally."

Elsa straightens her posture and clasps her hands in front of her. "I have a proposition for you both. I ask that you allow Y/n to stay with me in Arendelle. I will teach her how to hone her abilities, and provide her with the support she needs to grow as a magic user. My castle, kingdom, and people, are all fully prepared to host her. If you leave her here with me, then she can live life to the fullest, without guilt and doubts over what she can do."

By now, both Lumorian rulers have gone quite pale. The Queen of Arendelle knows their secret. The secret that they had spent years covering up. The secret they were planning to take to the grave with them. They look at each other, wordlessly trying to come up with a response.

Y/n on the other hand, is staring at Elsa with both surprise and hope. The sparkle has returned to her eyes at the thought of living in Arendelle with Elsa. It excites her, and she turns to her parents.

"And what credibility do you possess that to can actually fix our daughter?" Alexia questions, causing Y/n to flinch, all happiness lost.

"Forgive me, Queen Alexia, but your daughter is not broken, and I find it highly presumptuous of you to assume she is," Elsa counters. "Just because she does not fit into the societal mold we have does not make her any less than you or I. In fact, it makes her better."

Y/n closes her eyes, Elsa's words filling her with newly found confidence, something she has never experienced in regards to her powers and what makes her different.

"Mother, Father- Queen Elsa has magic abilities as well. The stories in the library are true. Her powers are quite strong and she has excellent control over them. If I stay here, I truly believe she can help me she can help me...far more than you can or ever have. Please. Let me stay here with someone who understands me. Let her help me." Y/n is surprised at her sudden confidence, but narrows her gaze to stare into her parents eyes, challenging them.

King Leonard and Queen Alexia are stunned by Y/n's sudden outburst, but they can't help but be impressed by their daughter's boldness to stand up for what she wants. Elsa continues to smile, with her eyes gleaning with hope. She sees the confident but nervous young girl before her, and knows that she has the potential to be a great help to all. She is proud to be responsible for helping her, to take this child under her wing and to train her and provide the love and care she has been deprived of.

At Queen Alexia's silence, Y/n turns and walks over to Elsa's side, trusting that the Snow Queen will step in if she feels it's necessary to do so. The child prepares herself for rejection. To be forced to return to her bedroom in Lumore. To-

"Yes."

Y/n blinks as King Leonard makes his decision. "If you truly believe Queen Elsa can help you, then I grant you permission to stay here, Y/n. I wish you luck in your studies, and make sure to listen to everything Queen Elsa tells you to do, and behave yourself. Contrary to what you may think, I do love you, daughter."

Y/n is speechless until Elsa places a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Thank you, Father. I will. I know you have only done what you believed was best for me...I cannot fully fault you for that."

He nods back, appreciatively. "Thank you, Queen Elsa. Please...take better care of her than we did." With that Leonard bows and escorts his wife back to the party.

After they leave, Y/n lets out of breath she didn't know she was holding and sinks to the floor as her adrenaline lowers.

"You've done well, Y/n. You showed great strength when you stood up to your parents, when you spoke your mind about who you are. I am so proud of you, and no longer will you have to hide your abilities, or yourself, from the world." Elsa smiles and joins Y/n on the ground. "You are now officially under my care, young one. You have taken the first step to learning how to master your powers. Will you accept my help?"

Y/n stares into Elsa's eyes, and the Queen sees there is a fire behind them. She nods fiercely. "Yes...yes, Queen Elsa, I accept!" She declares, and gives the blonde a genuine, beautiful smile. "And...thank you for this. For helping me stand up to my parents, Your Majesty. I am truly grateful."

Elsa smiles softly at Y/n, and her heart is filled with such love for this little girl. She moves forward and wraps her arms around Y/n's smaller frame.

"You are welcome, Y/n. You deserve all my love, care, and teachings...but most importantly, you deserve to feel understood." Elsa's loving embrace feels like a warm blanket of comfort, that is both reassuring and calming. Y/n is surprised as she settles into the gentle hug. After her parents found out about her powers, they were reluctant to touch her. It goes to show that Elsa was already leagues above them.

"What do you say we return to the party, if you're feeling up for it? I would love reintroduce you to Anna," Elsa suggests. "Tomorrow we can start your training."

"I'd love that," Y/n beams back.

"Great!" Elsa smiles as she holds Y/n's hand and walks back into the ballroom, ready to show this little girl that she will be treated with love and kindness, and that she will no longer be alone ever again.