East Kingdom
The next day, a ray of sunlight escaped through the poorly closed gaps in the royal chamber's curtains and hit Freya's face, making her wake up from one of the best sleeps she'd had in years. The older woman tried to pull her arm up, an involuntary movement, trying to stop the light from hitting her face, but a strange weight on top of her kept her from doing it. Freya looked down and noticed the figure of the brown-haired girl clinging to her body, sleeping deeply with her head resting on her chest. Camilly's body was still warm, even after spending the whole night against the queen's icy body. That was one of the things that made questions wander through Freya's mind, Camilly was always so warm while she was so cold, but even though the two were opposites of each other, they never had to change or pretend anything so they could be together. Freya wasn't used to that, to this acceptance.
The queen moved, trying to escape Camilly's embrace, she failed miserably, which made the young warrior hold her even tighter, nestling her body against hers, Freya sighed, frustrated. She looked at Camilly's face again and then froze, the faint morning light lit up the young woman's serene face, like little golden dots shining on her tanned skin, tempting Freya, challenging her to resist the urge to touch her. Camilly was exposed, her guard completely down, as if she was absolutely certain she was safe, at that moment she didn't look like she'd ever been through any war or tragedy at all, at peace, that was how Camilly slept in the arms of the terrible ice queen.
Freya carefully brought her hand to the young woman's face and traced the line of her jaw with her fingertips, the queen thought about how much that girl brought peace to everyone, especially to her. Her pale fingers slid slowly over the tanned skin, feeling its warmth, feeling its softness, they traced every feature of Camilly's face, as if drawing it, Freya followed every movement with her blue eyes, her mind memorizing every detail of that face, even though she didn't have permission to do so.
When the brown eyes opened and landed on the icy woman's blue ones, Freya felt tempted to smile, but she didn't, she just kept her hand on the side of Camilly's face and stared at her intensely. Unlike the queen, Camilly didn't hold back from smiling openly, she gave a lazy, sleepy smile that carried that brightness that, in Freya's eyes, only she had.
— I think your eyes could be the first thing I see every day, for the rest of my life, you know? — Camilly confessed
— I know you'd love that. — Freya teased, stroking her brown hair strands.
Camilly rested her chin on Freya's chest and stared at her, giving a playful smile.
— Yeah, I really would.
The two stayed there for a few more minutes, just holding each other. Camilly lying on Freya's chest while enjoying the sensations that the queen's caress in her hair caused her.
— We need to get up. — Freya said, without stopping stroking the brown locks.
She felt like the feeling of Camilly's soft, fragrant hair slipping through her fingers was the most addictive thing in the world, Freya was sure she could spend hours stroking Camilly's hair, especially when the young woman reacted to her touch like a feline, each time seeking more contact. That didn't surprise the queen, after all, Camilly was her little lioness.
— Oh no. — the young woman whined, discouraged thinking about the long day ahead.
She would have to survive the first day under the same roof as Ravenna, certainly, Camilly didn't like her, not one bit. Freya's sister gave her chills down her spine and not the good kind.
— You know complaining doesn't help. — Freya was in a good mood.
Camilly sighed, reluctantly, she moved quickly on the bed and sat on Freya's stomach. She braced her arm on the pillow beside the queen's head and leaned her body over, tossing her hair to the side before bringing their faces close together.
— Or we could not get out of bed and do something much better. — Camilly said, giving a charming smile.
Freya slid both hands from the young woman's shoulders down to her waist, tracing the sides of her body. The queen lifted her face, making their noses touch.
— That sounds tempting. — Freya whispered, staring intensely into the brown eyes.
Camilly's pupils dilated and her breathing became heavier, the smile on her face faded, leaving only a charged expression. All this just from hearing Freya's low, lust-filled voice.
— You just have to accept, Queen.
Freya lifted her body, sitting up in bed with Camilly still on her lap, the queen placed a kiss on the young woman's neck and then dragged the tip of her nose along its entire length, making her close her eyes. Her hands slipped under the shirt, which was the only thing Camilly was wearing, and touched her back, Freya brought her mouth close to her ear.
— Too bad we have so much to do, don't you think? — the queen whispered before, in a quick movement, reversing their positions, now on top of Camilly and between her legs — Maybe later, little lioness. — Freya said, giving a quick kiss on the young woman's lips and disentangling herself from her as she got out of bed.
— You're cruel. — Camilly watched her calmly walk to the washroom.
— I know.
Freya gave her a little wink and a mischievous smile before entering the other room. Camilly rolled her eyes, but smiled, the thought that Freya had allowed her to sleep cuddled up to her the night before made the young woman want to squeal with happiness. Unfortunately, she couldn't do that now, maybe later, when she went to Madson's dormitory, she could have a hysterical freakout with her best friend. For now, she'd have to control herself, and, especially, put on her mask of indifference to face Ravenna, which wouldn't be an easy task at all.
_
A short while later, Camilly was already entering the castle's dining area, she wore a serious expression that completely contradicted her true personality, but it was necessary to survive in a place like the East Kingdom. Things like joy and compassion were signs of weakness there, but if you carried a serious expression and a fearsome reputation, you were respected by everyone, and for her luck, or misfortune, that's what Camilly had there.
The young woman walked among the other soldiers, not caring about the looks of disgust and fear they threw her way, she stopped her own steps when something unexpected caught her attention. Camilly tilted her head a little to the side and watched carefully what was happening, to make sure her eyes weren't just playing tricks on her. Well, it really wasn't.
"How stupid can these girls be?", she asked herself.
Camilly walked toward the two standing girls, who seemed to be laughing at another blonde girl on the floor covered in food.
— Problem here?
Camilly's indecipherable and cold voice completely cut through the laughter, her eyes were hard and dull, and her lips, always smiling, now pressed into a tense line. The blonde girl on the floor, was Madson.
— Camilly — the black-haired girl with dark eyes turned to the warrior —, sorry, it was just an accident. We bumped into each other. — her voice was barely a whisper.
Camilly forced her mind to remember the names of the two girls. Christ and Olivia, the young woman remembered, they were average soldiers but extremely problematic, they had come from the same village as Madson, Christ was also an archer while Olivia was a front-line soldier, like Camilly.
— Oh really, Christ? — the young woman scoffed, with an almost murderous smile — Usually, when we accidentally bump into someone, we help them up and apologize. — Camilly's gaze wandered to Madson.
Christ nodded frantically and quickly helped Madson up from the floor, she brushed her hands over the dirty part of the blonde's clothes, which had traces of food, in an almost comical attempt to clean it.
— Sorry, Madson. — Olivia said, reluctantly, as if those words caused her disgust.
— It's okay. — Madson offered a tight, embarrassed smile to her.
— We're already leaving, sorry. — Christ said.
She turned and pulled Olivia by the arm, trying to leave the dining area. Before the girl passed by her, Camilly grabbed her wrist and lifted it, pulling Christ closer, her fingers tightened around the archer's arm, making her grunt softly.
— If you bother Madson again, you'll find out first-hand why they call me the red lioness. —Camilly said. Her brown irises began shifting to a more reddish tone, reaffirming her words.
— It won't happen again, I promise. — Christ almost pleaded, stammering. She was pale.
The reddish-brown eyes moved slowly to Olivia, who shuddered as if a knife had just been pressed against her throat. She felt her throat tighten and swallowed hard.
— It won't happen again. — she affirmed.
— Get out of my sight.
Camilly released Christ's arm abruptly, watching her pull it to her chest. She turned to Madson, which allowed the two young women to breathe normally again, Christ clung even tighter to Olivia's arm and pulled her out of the place, the purple finger marks on her wrist would remind her not to mess with Madson next time. Camilly's expression softened, the red tone fading from her brown eyes and giving way to a soft gleam of affection.
— Are you okay? — she asked.
— I am, it was just a bump. — Madson assured, not wanting it to become an even bigger problem.
— Madson. — she called her name in a serious tone, making her look at her — You don't need to lie to me, I know they've been bothering you. Whenever that happens, I want you to tell me, I'm your best friend and I won't let them mistreat you. — Camilly held one of Madson's hands, her brown eyes looking at her with that silent promise.
The unspoken promise, but one that Madson knew existed, a promise that had been sealed since the day Camilly first saved her life. She had a sister now, whether she wanted it or not, Camilly would always be there to save her.
All these attacks directed at Madson happened because the other soldiers thought that because she was friends with Camilly, she had privileges, and it irritated them. Everyone knew Camilly was the queen's favorite and had some perks because of it, but she was the East's red lioness and anyone with a little love for life, or who had seen her in action, didn't dare bother her. But, unfortunately, they didn't think that way about Madson, despite her being very skilled and strong, she didn't have a fearsome reputation, so attacks against her were almost always frequent, and that made Camilly feel guilty.
— You, always saving me... — Madson rolled her eyes, letting a smile escape.
— I'll always save you, blondie. — Camilly said, showing her bright smile.
"I know.", Madson thought, but knew she didn't need to say it. Camilly already knew that, they knew each other well enough to know that.
— Are you going to eat something? — Madson changed the subject.
She bent down, picking up the metal plate that had fallen to the floor thanks to the earlier accident. Madson blew off the remnants of snow that were on top of it.
— Oh no, actually, I'm not hungry. Which is pretty weird, since I'm always hungry. — Camilly said, furrowing her brows.
— You must have eaten a lot last night, since you didn't sleep in your room. — Madson let out a teasing laugh.
— Madson!
Camilly's cheeks were already tinged with purple.
— What did Camilly eat last night?
Sam had arrived a short while ago and only caught part of the conversation between the two. Camilly jumped in place.
— Oh, heavens, nothing! — Camilly exclaimed, covering her own cheeks, which had turned even redder with Sam's comment.
Madson laughed at her best friend's expression, Camilly rolled her eyes and turned her back on the couple, leaving the dining area in clumsy steps. Sam furrowed his brow, not understanding absolutely anything that had happened, his girlfriend still laughing beside him.
_
On the other side of the castle, Freya and Ravenna were discussing matters that greatly troubled the ice queen.
— This is too risky, Ravenna. — Freya repeated again, trying to be patient.
— And since when are you afraid of taking risks? Losing the edge it took me so long to give you, little sister? — Ravenna inquired, sarcastic.
She stopped in front of Freya and slowly raised one of her eyebrows, silently challenging her to admit it, Ravenna wanted to hear that confession, wanted to see the queen squirm as she said she had grown weak over time. Freya recoiled before Ravenna's gaze, she hated it when she looked at her like that, like she was the most pathetic being she'd ever seen, it made the icy woman feel small and mediocre.
— This hesitation of yours isn't because of that insolent girl, is it? — the accusatory tone made Freya swallow hard — Are you really going to let some random soldier tell you what to do, Freya? A soldier who at any moment could stab you in the back? — Ravenna inquired, with disgust.
— You don't know her. — Freya defended herself — Camilly would do anything for me.
— Of that I have no doubt. That's why I know that when you accept my proposal, she won't question your decision. — she smiled — Have you seen the way she looks at you? You're her world, Freya, she looks at you like you're the most precious thing on Earth. — Ravenna let out a scornful laugh — She's clearly in love. Oh no, even better, she loves you. That's no news here, especially not to you, but the real question is... — their eyes met and Freya became even more tense — Are you loving her too?
Freya felt as if those words had hit her like a punch, her biggest worry since the previous day was that Ravenna wouldn't find out about Camilly's feelings for her. Now, that had happened, and even worse, she had questioned Freya about her feelings for the young woman.
— Have you lost your mind, Ravenna? Of course not! — Freya shouted, shaken.
Internally, the queen trembled at that question, after all, it was the first time someone had put her against the wall like that. Questioning her relationship with Camilly was a great way to make her back down and, hell, Ravenna had discovered that damn fast.
— I should hope so. — she murmured, with some distrust — I don't think I need to remind you what happened the last time you gave your heart to someone, do I, little sister? — Ravenna inquired, venomous. A sadistic smile played on her well-defined lips.
Freya felt as if someone had touched her deepest wound, which had barely healed. Her sister had played dirty by using that against her, the queen's pain was still very present and intense, she could almost smell the smoke expelled from her daughter's cradle when she entered that tower years ago. It was as if Ravenna was forcing her to relive that moment every time she threw those accusations in her face, reminding her how foolish she had been to trust her own heart. That was too cruel, even for Freya.
— Alright. — she whispered, defeated — I'll support you in your revenge plan, we'll invade Snow White's kingdom, but... — her posture became firmer — we'll do it in my time. I need to have a very good strategy so this plan doesn't become almost suicidal, so you'll have to be patient. — Freya said, seriously.
Inside, the queen lamented that, certainly, this would cause problems between her and Camilly. But, it was too late to go back, and Ravenna had that damn power to persuade her to do all her bidding. There was nothing Freya could do to change that, she wasn't ready, not yet.
— Whenever you want, sister. — she smiled — I'll leave you here to start planning your strategy, I'm sure it won't be long before your favorite pet comes here. I'd even like to stay and see her reaction when she finds out you agreed to invade Snow's kingdom. — she laughed maliciously — But, I'll take the day to get to know this castle, after all, I have to see if you're doing a good job, don't I? — Ravenna taunted.
She passed by the younger one and placed a hand on her shoulder, giving a firm squeeze, Ravenna brought her mouth close to the icy woman's ear, her fingers pressing into Freya's skin, causing uncomfortable pain.
— Don't disappoint me, Freya.
The queen could still feel the pressure of Ravenna's fingers on her skin when the door to the room closed. A crushing silence filled the place and Freya let a deep sigh escape, that had been draining, though certainly not as much as her discussion with Camilly was going to be. Surely, the young woman wouldn't like the news the queen was going to tell her at all, not even Freya liked it, the idea of having to enter a war with a considerably larger kingdom than hers meant more battles, more investment and more deaths.
Thus, it was hard for the thought that Camilly was one of the front-line soldiers not to torment Freya's mind. That would be very risky, so much so that, for seconds, the queen considered the idea of not involving Camilly in this war.
But, after all, what nonsense was that? What was she thinking? Freya asked herself, realizing what she was doing. Since when would she think about removing her best weapon from the field? After all, that's what Camilly was, wasn't she? Her ace in the hole, the thing that made other kingdoms think twice before getting in her way, that's what she had trained her for since she was 14. So, she had to stop these stupid thoughts and do what she had to. Freya agreed, mentally.
It was then that, like a low blow from the universe, the image of Camilly's serene face sleeping while her body was embraced with hers, invaded Freya's mind. Her heart lurched. The queen nervously ran her hands through her white hair strands and sighed, this was so confusing for her, she hadn't felt like this in a long time, she even worried about Camilly for a moment. No, no, that certainly wasn't like her.
Freya rested her elbows on the table and hid her face in her hands, she had to stop, had to remember her main rule, not to feel love, had to remember who she was and what her priority was. Had to remember the damage love was capable of causing.
Power, power was her priority. Freya reminded herself.
She could no longer let Camilly sink so deep inside her as she was doing, but, at the same time, she knew it was already too late to take her out of her life. Freya needed her love, it warmed her and made her feel unique, the queen didn't know how to live without it, not anymore.
— Oh god. — Freya groaned in frustration.
The queen took a deep breath and composed herself, the best thing to do would be to leave everything as it was, and she knew Camilly wouldn't refuse to help her win this war, after all, she was her right arm. And Freya was aware that the young woman would never leave her alone in a battle, she'd be there to protect her, as she had promised she would. Yes, that's exactly what she would do. Freya smiled, confident.
Even though, at that moment, she was thinking about how she felt when she imagined Camilly on the front line of a war that was already lost.
_
Ravenna walked through one of the castle's long corridors, she sought to observe every detail of that place which, in her view, would soon become hers. The older woman was aware of the power she exercised over her younger sister, it had always been that way, and she didn't mind using it when necessary. Ravenna's malice and greed were immeasurable, nothing made her give up on what she wanted, no matter the price she'd have to pay.
A smile loaded with bad intentions opened on Ravenna's face when, by irony of fate or sheer bad luck on the other's part, she crossed paths with Camilly in that same corridor. The young woman stopped in her tracks as soon as she realized who was walking toward her, the curse that escaped her lips in a whisper full of frustration was inevitable, here came more headache for her.
— Well, well, if it isn't the insolent girl again. — Ravenna taunted, stopping in front of the brown-eyed young woman.
Camilly took a deep breath, seeking all the patience that existed inside her. She had promised herself she'd have more patience with Ravenna, for Freya, she would be more patient.
— Hello, Ravenna.
Ravenna arched one of her eyebrows, curious about the change in the young woman's temperament compared to the previous night. She quickly pieced things together when she realized Camilly was being polite to her out of consideration for her sister, soon Freya's words came back to her mind. The icy woman had said Camilly would do anything for her, indeed, her younger sister's trust in the young warrior's loyalty had made her curious.
An eager and at the same time malicious smile lit up Ravenna's face, it would be fun to test some of Camilly's loyalty. Just to see if the trust her sister had in her was really pertinent.
— Got polite overnight? — she inquired, sarcastic — What happened? Did Freya finally put you in your place as her pet? — malice shone in Ravenna's green eyes.
Camilly clenched her hands into fists and tightened her jaw, trying to control her strong personality which Ravenna was directly poking at.
— Don't call me that.
Ravenna advanced a few steps toward her, forcing Camilly to step back and press against the corridor wall, she positioned herself in front of the young woman and placed her hand on the wall right beside her head. Camilly didn't look away, her eyes becoming increasingly redder as they glared at Ravenna.
— Call you what? Pet? — she smiled, provocative — Oh child, that's what you are, no use denying it to yourself. You are Freya's property, she uses you as she sees fit and you obey her, a true little pet, loyal to its owner. — Ravenna mocked, bringing her face very close to the young woman's.
— You don't know anything about us. — Camilly retorted, not lowering her guard nor being intimidated by Ravenna's proximity.
— That's where you're wrong... — Ravenna whispered, she slid one of her hands under Camilly's shirt and dug her nails into the skin of her waist. She smiled, seeing the discomfort on the young woman's face, that's what she wanted, to make the warrior feel disgusted and uncomfortable, like an object for personal use — I know exactly what's happening, you're in love with her, completely, and you're hopeful that Freya will return your foolish and fragile feelings someday. — she made a fake pity expression before smiling again — Let me tell you a little secret. — she dragged her lips along the young woman's collarbone, up the side of her neck until her mouth was close to her ear — She's never going to love you. — Ravenna whispered slowly into Camilly's ear, before returning to her previous position.
— I don't care about that. — Camilly tried to be firm.
— So that's the lie you've been telling yourself?
Camilly fell silent, having no answer to that question, over the past few years, she had been telling herself she wouldn't mind if Freya never loved her back, in a failed attempt to make her subconscious, from hearing the same lie so much, end up believing it. Deep down, she herself knew that the mere idea that the queen would never love her already made a searing pain consume her inside. Camilly knew that, if Freya never returned her feelings someday, that would destroy her.
But, Camilly had never promised Freya she would end up whole. The only promise she made was that she would love her unconditionally and take her out of the darkness, and she would keep that promise, no matter the cost.
— Freya is what matters. — Camilly said, without any hesitation.
Her words were secure and sincere, that was something that carried no lie. Freya really was what mattered to her, she loved her, and wouldn't let Ravenna change her mind about that. Love wasn't a bargaining chip that would lose its meaning, even if it wasn't reciprocated, still, it would continue being love.
— You'll still see what this love will do to you. — Ravenna said, letting out a nasal laugh. She pulled away and continued walking down the corridor.
— Whatever it is, it will certainly be much better than becoming someone like you, empty of any feeling. — Camilly retorted loudly, so Ravenna could hear.
Hearing what Camilly said, Ravenna stopped her steps and turned her face to the side, allowing the young woman to see only her profile. Her lips curved with scorn.
— Let's see how long you still think that way.
Camilly watched her until her figure disappeared from sight among the corridors, a heavy sigh escaped her mouth, heavens, how tense that had been. The young woman tilted her head back, letting it touch the wall. She couldn't let Ravenna's words affect her so much, no, she wouldn't, no way.
Camilly composed herself and decided to go talk to Freya, she knew that, from Ravenna's good mood, no good news was coming. Either way, she would stand firm, Camilly would handle it, whatever was about to happen, she would handle it.
_
Already in front of the strategy room, Camilly concentrated so there would be nothing in her body language that would indicate to Freya that something had happened. After she felt confident enough, she knocked three times on the door before opening it and entering the room.
— Hey. — she greeted, approaching Freya timidly.
Hearing Camilly's voice, Freya felt her body relax, it was good to know it wasn't Ravenna who had entered the room. That relaxation lasted a short while, remembering the news she'd have to tell the young woman.
— Hello. — she returned the greeting, turning to Camilly — I thought you'd come later. — Freya commented, looking at her curiously.
— Ah — she shrugged — I wasn't hungry, so I decided to come see you. — Camilly said, giving a warm smile.
Freya furrowed her brow, she placed her hand on the young woman's forehead, then did the same on her face.
— Are you sick? — Freya asked, staring at her.
— What? — she inquired, confused — Of course not. Why?
— You're not hungry, and the only plausible explanation is that you're sick. — Freya said, ready to put her hand on Camilly's forehead again.
The young woman stopped her, holding her hand.
— I'm not sick. — she rolled her eyes — Why does everyone get surprised when I say I'm not hungry? — Camilly seemed incredulous.
— Because you're always hungry. — Freya answered, genuinely.
— That's not true.
— Of course it is. — the queen crossed her arms, Camilly could swear she was being playful — Did you forget why I nicknamed you little lioness? — Freya inquired, arching an eyebrow inquisitively.
Camilly shrugged and sat on the table while watching Freya position herself in front of her, standing between her legs.
— Because I'm very beautiful, like a lioness? — she joked, hugging the queen around the shoulders.
— No. — Freya let out a short laugh at the indignant expression Camilly made — It was because I asked you if...
— If I was raising lions inside my stomach.
Camilly gave a small smile at the memory of one of the first interactions the two had when she arrived in the kingdom. Freya returned her smile and Camilly watched that smile with all the attention she had. She wanted to keep that image in her head forever, that was the third genuine, spontaneous smile the queen let slip in her direction without realizing it. Yes, she had counted how many there were. Freya wasn't one to smile often, but when she did, Camilly felt her world stop, as if the only thing that really mattered at that moment was that smile.
The queen brought one of her hands to the side of Camilly's face and caressed it, making the young woman close her eyes and enjoy the contact. Freya brought her face closer and pressed her forehead to hers, Camilly opened her eyes and allowed herself to dive into the blue of the woman's eyes in front of her, they stared intensely at each other, all the unspoken words, untold truths and hidden feelings dissipated at that moment. There was only them. Not the ice queen or the East's red lioness, but them. Camilly and Freya.
It was then that the memory of the news she had to tell Camilly invaded Freya's mind, automatically reality came crashing back down on both of them, the queen pulled away. The brown-eyed young woman sighed, seeing the hesitation inside the blue eyes she loved so much.
— You accepted your sister's proposal, didn't you?
There was a certain disappointment in her voice. Freya sighed.
— Yes. — Freya answered, direct, there was no point in trying to escape that conversation.
— I imagined as much, judging by your sister's happiness just now. — Camilly said, sarcastic, removing her arms from Freya's shoulders and bracing her hands on the table.
— You talked to my sister?
Camilly paused for a few seconds to think about what she would say, then decided it was better not to tell about her friendly conversation with Ravenna.
— No. — she lied — I saw her passing through the corridors and noticed she seemed quite pleased, so it was easy to deduce the reason for her sudden happiness. — Camilly said, with disgust.
She gave a slight push, hopping off the table. Freya took a deep breath and took a few steps back, allowing the younger one to get down from the table. When Camilly was on the floor, she crossed her arms and stared at the queen again, this time with a serious expression.
— I don't agree with what you did and you know that, I think it's an irresponsible and reckless decision made thanks to the psychological pressure Ravenna must have put on your head. — she said, without any fear. That was one of the characteristics she'd had since she was 14, she wasn't afraid to speak her mind — I also know you'll regret this decision in the future, your majesty should know better than anyone that taking your sister's war upon yourself is a very bad decision. — she sighed, running one of her hands through her brown locks — But I also know you won't go back on it, so I need you to at least promise me you'll give me the necessary time to come up with a decent strategy. — Camilly said, staring at Freya.
— I'd forgotten how irritating this boldness of yours is. — Freya muttered.
— Deep down I know you like it, you just won't admit it. — she risked teasing — Now I need you to promise, Freya. — Camilly said, a bit more seriously.
— I promise. — the blue eyes fixed on hers — I'll give you whatever time you need. — Freya said. Camilly knew she kept her promises.
— Alright. — the young woman took a deep breath and closed her eyes, to allow her mind to work better — I'll study this kingdom, I'll find out about every legend, battle, conquest and defeat it has, I need to know every detail about it to find a strategy that brings us victory. — Camilly opened her eyes and stared at Freya, her gaze held that flame that made her the best soldier in the entire East Kingdom — I won't let this kingdom fall to ruin, over a war that isn't even ours. — she said, confident and determined.
Freya felt a flash of regret as she realized the weight she had placed on Camilly's shoulders, she didn't want that, to take her sister's war upon herself. But, what could she do? Despite everything, Ravenna was all that was left of her family. Guilt plagued Freya's heart, there she was, throwing Camilly into the fire again, she had done that so many times, but the young warrior was still there, by her side. That was so unusual for Freya, having someone who didn't abandon her when she was being difficult to deal with, she didn't feel deserving of that, deserving of Camilly. And the idea that the young woman would do anything for her, made her feel even worse, she wanted Camilly to worry a little more about herself.
Freya was pulled from her thoughts when she felt someone hold her hand and pull her body into what seemed like a hug.
— Don't worry. — the young woman said, her face resting on Freya's chest — Everything will be okay, I promise. — Camilly hugged her affectionately, the way no one ever had.
As if she was trying to protect Freya from whatever might want to hurt her. The queen hugged her back while stroking her hair and resting her chin on top of Camilly's head.
— Why... why are you so sure of that? — Freya asked, insecure.
— Because I'm here. — the young woman lifted her head and looked into the older woman's blue eyes — I'm here for you, Freya. — Camilly said, smiling subtly.
Freya felt her heart race under the gaze the young woman gave her at that moment. That gaze burned her completely and that smile slowly made the ice around her heart melt.
— I'll always be here.