With a thought, Arthur transported both of them out of the ring’s inner world. They materialized in one of the private chambers within Arthur’s mansion.
Freya looked around with wide eyes. Everything was new to her. The architecture. The decorations. Even the quality of light coming through the windows felt different from what she rembered.
"This is the Hartfield Empire," Arthur explained. "The Southern Continent. You’ve been gone for a long ti, so many things have changed."
"I can tell," Freya whispered. She took a tentative step forward, her hand reaching out to touch a wall as if confirming it was real.
Arthur watched her with patience. He understood the disorientation she must be feeling. Awakening after thousands of years in stasis would be overwhelming for anyone.
"First things first," Arthur said. "You’ll need a proper identity. A background story that explains your presence here."
Freya turned to face him. "What kind of identity?"
"Sothing simple and believable," Arthur replied. "I’m thinking you could be introduced as a distant relative. Soone from a branch family of the Hartfield lineage who recently arrived in the capital for protection and education."
"Would people believe that?" Freya asked.
"The imperial family is vast and has many branches," Arthur explained. "It’s not unusual for distant relatives to co seeking opportunities or safety. As long as we have the proper docuntation and I vouch for you, no one will question it too deeply."
Freya nodded slowly. "That makes sense."
"You’ll also need a place to stay," Arthur continued. "I’m assigning you quarters within my personal palace grounds. A section that’s comfortable and well-maintained. You’ll have your own space, your own servants, everything you need."
"That’s too much," Freya protested. Her cheeks flushed again. "I don’t need anything so extravagant."
"It’s not extravagant by noble standards," Arthur replied. "And it’s practical. Keeping you close makes it easier to protect you and monitor your situation."
He paused. "Also, there’s soone I want you to et. She’ll help you adjust to your new circumstances."
Arthur stepped to the door and spoke to a servant waiting outside. "Summon Helia. Tell her I need her presence imdiately."
The servant bowed and hurried off. Within minutes, footsteps could be heard approaching.
Helia entered the room. She was a young woman with a bright, energetic presence. Her eyes were sharp and observant. She wore the refined uniform of a personal attendant to royalty.
When she saw Arthur, she imdiately bowed. "Your Highness, you called for ?"
"Yes," Arthur confird. "Helia, I have an important task for you."
Helia straightened, her expression attentive and eager. "I’m at your service, Your Highness."
Arthur gestured to Freya. "This is Freya. She’s a distant relative who will be staying within the palace grounds under my protection. I want her to be with you from now on and you will help her with everything you can."
Helia’s eyes moved to Freya. She studied the white-haired girl with open curiosity. Then her face broke into a warm smile. "Of course, Your Highness. It would be my pleasure."
She turned fully to Freya and perford a graceful curtsy. "Hello, Lady Freya. My na is Helia. I look forward to helping you settle in."
Freya blinked. She seed overwheld by the formality. "You don’t have to be so formal with . Just... just Freya is fine."
Helia’s smile widened. "Alright then, Freya. We’re going to get along wonderfully, I can tell."
There was sothing genuine in Helia’s warmth. Sothing that put Freya at ease almost imdiately. The tension in her shoulders relaxed slightly.
Arthur observed the interaction with satisfaction. He’d chosen well. Helia had a natural ability to connect with people. Her social skills and friendly deanor would help Freya navigate this new world.
"Helia, show Freya to her new quarters," Arthur instructed. "Make sure she has everything she needs. Introduce her to the other servants. Help her understand how things work here."
"Absolutely, Your Highness," Helia replied. She extended her hand toward Freya. "Shall we go? I promise the quarters are lovely. And if there’s anything you don’t like, we can change it."
Freya hesitated. Then she looked at Arthur, as if seeking permission or reassurance.
Arthur nodded slightly. "Go ahead. Helia will take care of you. If you need anything, just let her know."
"Thank you," Freya said softly. She took Helia’s offered hand.
As the two young won headed toward the door, Helia was already chatting enthusiastically. "You’re going to love it here. The gardens are beautiful this ti of year. And the kitchen staff makes the most amazing desserts. Oh, and there’s a library! Do you like reading? I could show you..."
Her voice faded as they moved down the hallway. Freya seed to be listening with a mix of bewildernt and tentative interest.
Arthur watched them go. A small smile crossed his face.
’That should work out well,’ he thought.
He had other matters to attend to, but first he needed to ensure Freya’s transition went smoothly.
---
Several hours later, Arthur checked on Freya’s progress. He found her in the gardens with Helia.
The two young won were seated on a bench beneath a flowering tree. Helia was pointing at various plants and explaining their nas and uses. Freya listened intently, occasionally asking questions.
The change in Freya was already noticeable. She seed less tense.
The shy, uncertain girl from earlier was beginning to show signs of curiosity and engagent.
Arthur observed from a distance, not wanting to interrupt. But Helia spotted him and waved enthusiastically.
"Your Highness! Co join us!"
Freya’s head turned. When she saw Arthur, her cheeks colored again. She quickly looked down at her hands.
Arthur approached at a leisurely pace. "How are things going?"
"Wonderfully!" Helia proclaid. "Freya is a quick learner. She’s already morized half the servants’ nas."
"That’s impressive," Arthur acknowledged.
Freya peeked up at him through her lashes. "Everyone has been very kind. The quarters are beautiful. Much more than I deserve."
"You deserve peace and comfort," Arthur replied. "After everything you’ve been through."
"Your Highness," Helia interjected, her tone becoming more serious. "May I ask you sothing?"
Reviews
All reviews (0)