A Cold Ruler

Freya went to the king's headquarters as usual. Her emotions were once again held deep inside as she smiled like nothing upset her the day before. From how many times, she concealed her feelings that she could no longer differentiate between her true feelings.

The freedom she lived in her childhood was like a dream hard to reach.

Putting the warm water into the tube, she then felt its temperature using her hand. Freya walked slowly to the king's room, waking him up. 

Her gaze lingered on his face a little longer as the king seemed happy despite his tired face. "Good morning, Your Majesty. The bath is ready," she said. Looking at his back, she pondered why he was cheerful.

Freya shook her head and went to fetch the king's breakfast.

As she was heading to the king's room, she met Hank. "Is this the king's food?" he asked, yawning. 

Freya nodded. "Did you resume your work?" she asked, raising a brow. 

"Yes," he answered, stretching.

"But your punishment period didn't finish. Did you get some special treatment because you are the king's friend?" Freya said.

Hank sneered. "What a friend! I was granted permission because of the war starting soon," he said, going away.

War?

Freya froze. Before she could ask, the knight was far away from her. She pursed her lips and went to the king's chamber.

"You are late," the king said as soon as she entered. He was sitting beside the table, waiting.

"Excuse me, Your Majesty," she pleaded, handing him the food. 

The king said nothing as he ate his food. Freya's pounding heart calmed. The king was indeed in a good mood. He didn't make any unpleasant comments or threaten her by deducting her salary.

Freya cleaned the room and went to clean the king's workplace. Dusting, sweeping, and polishing the furniture.

"Your Majesty, the letter was sent to the frontline camps. The knights are preparing for the invasion of the Hydra kingdom—"

Freya heard the word 'invasion' and her hand holding the cleaning brush loosened. She hurriedly squatted, grabbing the cleaning brush. 

"I – I apologize," she stuttered.

The words coming from her mouth were like a whisper. A lump rose to her throat. Her hands trembled as she listened more. So, this was the war Hank talked about! 

Isn't the Hydra Kingdom peaceful? Why did they want to start a war? 

The mansion she purchased will be gone too! Is she going to lose more coins if she stays beside the king?

Freya continued to work absentmindedly, thinking about a way to do something useful. She tried talking with the king but couldn't. As she went to clear her mind, someone grabbed her from behind, making her jolt.

"Matilda, you scared me," she said, patting her chest.

"I called you many times, but you didn't turn. Tell me did something happen?" Matilda asked, grabbing her hand.

"A war," she said, walking above the landscape, resting under the green branches of an oak tree.

"Did you mean about the war at the Hydra kingdom?" she asked and Freya nodded. "Why?"

Freya narrated to her the reason. "I am going to lose a huge amount of coins!" she said on the verge of crying.

Matilda laughed with tears for a long time. Freya pressed her lips in dissatisfaction and shook her head. 

"It is a sign," Matilda managed to say after wiping her tears. Freya raised a brow. "A sign to stay here."

Freya stood up, anger fueling inside her. 

"Stop it. Why are you this hot-tempered?" she grabbed her hand, making her sit again. "Forget this thing now. Tell me, what are you doing these days? You didn't come to me. I feel wronged."

Freya rolled her eyes. The two exchanged a few more words, and Freya went to serve at the feast. Things went as usual until Danny's body collapsed. 

Freya's heart throbbed seeing his body on the floor. She thought her brother was the only one who would do something like that. He wanted to get rid of the Efferhons long ago and today; he got his wishes.

Her feet moved from its own until a hand blocked her way. She looked over to see the king's blazing red eyes. She retracted two steps and stood in a daze. Her head was filled with their childhood moments.

Her emotions got the better of her, anxiousness about his well-being and the fear of the outcomes. She sighed in relief when the physician confirmed Danny's health. 

Freya went to resume her work, noticing the king standing without moving. She watched him for a while before tiptoeing to him.

"Your Majesty, are you okay?" she asked.

"No," he replied, walking out.

Here comes his response, filled with uncertainty and weakness. She widened her eyes in surprise, never imagining that the king would say something weakly someday. 

She followed him to a room-like hallway. Peeking inside, she saw the king leaning on a portrait. Without any other thought, she knew the portrayal was his brothers.

He appeared more human than a serious and cold ruler.

The king stayed in that room for a long time. Freya stood by the door. Her legs ached and her eyelashes dropped, yawning.

"Close your mouth. A bird is going to enter," the king said, startling her.

Freya shifted her gaze to the door, fixing her posture. She closed her mouth instantly and coughed, trying to hide her embarrassment. The king walked over, and she followed.

"Your Majesty, are you alright?" she asked.

"Why are you asking this question again?"

"I- I don't think Your Majesty should be anxious. There will be always a solution somehow. The king needs to rest more-"

King Fraser stopped and glared at her. The air surrounding her thickened as she shivered.

"I don't mean to cross a line, but proper rest leads to better thinking." She tried to sweet-coat her words.

The king dropped his gaze and went away. "Bring dinner to my room," he ordered.

Freya nodded, walking in the opposite direction.