East Kingdom, 4 years earlier
Camilly looked around curiously the main hall of the ice castle was packed with children and soldiers. She almost felt pity for all those kids. They were trembling with fear, some even crying, and the soldiers only scared and intimidated them more. Unlike her, those little beings had never known the true evil of this world, not until that moment.
— Silence! — Freya ordered in a loud tone, causing all the noise in the hall to cease.
The little girl stared at the woman beside her. Yes, unlike the other children in the hall courtyard, Camilly was on the throne altar, next to the queen. All she could think about at that moment was what she was doing with her life.
Would it be like this from now on? Would she stay by the queen's side like a guard dog?
A sigh escaped her lips. No one needed to give her the answers to those questions, she already knew very well what the answer was. Yes, that would be her life from now on. She had made her choice when she entered that castle, now she couldn't turn back, and even if she could, she wouldn't.
— I'll be direct with all of you... — Freya began, pulling Camilly from her thoughts — I know you're scared, wanting to go back to your families, but I'll tell you right now, that won't happen.
As soon as the queen finished speaking, the murmuring in the hall returned. The younger children began to cry, others whimpered saying they wanted their parents. Camilly wrinkled her nose, uncomfortable. She knew what those children were feeling. She had felt that way when she lost her family the feeling of loneliness, of helplessness. She had been through all that too.
— Silence! — Megan shouted, planting her sword on the floor.
Instantly, the entire hall fell silent.
— Silence... — Camilly whispered, mimicking the general's voice in a mocking tone.
Megan shot her a look of pure hatred, which the girl completely ignored. Camilly didn't like that self-centered, grumpy general one bit, and she certainly wasn't afraid of her.
Freya smiled inwardly at the scene. That girl's brash and bold way really amused her, and it was definitely funny to see someone get under her general's skin like that.
— Continuing. — Freya focused on the children staring at her attentively — You are here for a purpose. You will train and become my elite, you will become my soldiers, my hunters. — she said, her tone serious and authoritative.
— But we're just children. — said a small girl with blonde hair and blue eyes.
Freya looked at her with contempt. It was almost scary how cold and emotionless the queen was, or at least what she appeared to be.
— You won't enter real battles now. First you will be trained, and then, when you're ready, you will be sent to war. — Freya said, looking directly at her.
— But... — the little girl was interrupted by Megan.
— What's your name? — the general inquired, approaching the girl who was already shrinking from fear.
— Madson. — the girl said, almost in a whisper.
— So, Madson... — the general opened a macabre smile — If you don't want to turn to ashes like your village... — she grabbed the hair at the back of the girl's head and pulled hard — I suggest you shut up and don't interrupt the queen again. — Megan said.
Before anyone could realize, a little blonde boy with green eyes pushed the general, making her step back from the girl and release her hair. He placed himself in front of Madson.
— Leave her alone. — he said, his voice trembling.
Megan stared at the boy with a murderous look. He had really gotten to her.
— How dare you, you worm. — Megan said, her voice laden with hatred as she prepared to draw her sword and tear that boy apart right there.
Camilly, who had been watching everything, saw what was about to happen. She looked at the queen, expecting a sign that she would interfere in that situation. No, Freya gave no sign, she didn't even seem to care about what would happen. The girl rolled her eyes, annoyed at having to act so soon. Quickly she descended from the altar and went to where the general and the children were. She grabbed Megan's arm before she could draw her sword. The woman stared at her, even more irritated.
— What do you think you're doing, you stupid brat? — said the general, through her teeth.
— The stupid brat here... — the girl began sarcastically — Is stopping you from causing a panic attack in all these children. — she turned to the blonde boy and the girl — You were brave today... — Camilly paused, waiting for the boy to tell her his name.
— Sam. — said the boy, still intimidated.
— You were brave, Sam. — Camilly said, sincerely — Now take your friend to the back of the line. Stay there and don't cause any more trouble. I can't guarantee I'll save your lives next time. — she said seriously, looking at the two of them.
Sam stared at her and nodded. He wasn't bold enough to face the general again, he just turned to Madson and took her hand. Sam led her to the back of the lines forming in the hall.
— Um, thank you for saving me. — Madson said, looking down shyly. She felt her heart race, that boy made her nervous.
The blonde boy looked at her, somewhat amused by the girl's shyness. He smiled kindly.
— No need to thank me, I'd do that for anyone. — he said sincerely.
Madson felt a strange sense of disappointment hearing him say that. She decided to ignore that feeling and stay quiet in her own corner. She certainly didn't want to cause more trouble, or come so close to death again.
— Never interfere in my business again, brat. — Megan said loudly, pointing her index finger in Camilly's face.
— If you killed those two, it would cause panic in everyone here. Then they really wouldn't listen to what the queen has to say. — the girl justified herself.
Before Megan could retort or lunge at Camilly, Freya interrupted them.
— You two, that's enough! — the queen said, raising her voice.
Camilly quickly turned her gaze to Freya and fell silent. Megan stared at the girl angrily. Who was she trying to fool with this obedient soldier act?
"That girl will only bring problems to the Kingdom," thought the general.
— Alright... — the queen began, as soon as she noticed everyone's silence — I've already said everything you need to know. Oh yes, there's one more thing. — Freya hardened her expression and looked at everyone in the hall, lingering a little longer on one girl in particular — Anyone here who falls in love or shows anything related to love — she said the word with disgust — will be judged as a traitor and receive their due punishment: death. — she said coldly, leaving everyone there even more frightened.
Freya didn't wait for anyone to say anything else. She turned her back on everyone and left the hall. It had been a day with many emotions for the queen. She needed to be alone and think a little about everything that had happened, or rather, think about why she had spared Camilly's life and accepted her into her kingdom.
Camilly frowned, confused by the queen's last words. After all, why did she hate such a pure and beautiful feeling as love so much? That was something she would definitely try to find out.
— You'd better get ready for your life from now on, Camilly. — Megan began, pulling her from her thoughts — Because I'll make sure to make it a living hell. — she said, opening a sadistic smile.
Camilly stared at her, irritated, but decided not to retort. This woman would never leave her alone, she knew that.
Megan smiled provocatively when she saw the girl didn't answer back.
— You may have been Queen Freya's favorite little pet among all these, but soon she'll get tired of you and then you'll be as despicable and useless as the rest. — Megan said, looking at her with disgust and contempt.
Camilly felt a tightness in her chest hearing that, but didn't think too much about it. She opened a carefree smile.
— The only one here who cares about getting scraps from the queen is you, General. — the girl said, letting out a nasal laugh before leaving, bumping into Megan's shoulder.
She followed along with the other children to where the soldiers were guiding them.
Megan followed Camilly with her eyes until she left the main hall. Her jaw was clenched and her hands were balled into fists. All she could think was that it might not be today, or tomorrow, but she would make that girl swallow all that boldness and audacity.
Castle Dining Area
The next day, the children were gathered in the area where they would receive their food. There were soldiers all around the hall to ensure there was no commotion during the meal.
Madson was carrying her plate of food with difficulty because of the cold inside the castle, her hands shaking uncontrollably. The little blonde girl was insecure and afraid. Everything in that place was scary and lifeless. She hadn't even been able to close her eyes on her first night there. Madson let her eyes wander around the courtyard. The tables were almost all full of children. Her gaze fell on the table at the very back. At it was only the brave girl she remembered saving her life the day before. Madson frowned, wondering why no one approached that girl. Indeed, she really seemed close to the woman who kidnapped them, but why should she pay for the Queen's mistakes?
Just as Madson was about to walk to the table where Camilly was eating, she tripped on a raised part of the ice floor in the courtyard, causing some of her food to accidentally fall to the ground. She cursed herself mentally and then felt her body being turned roughly by someone.
— Well, well... — a sarcastic laugh escaped — Look who's already making trouble again. — Megan said in a mocking tone.
Automatically, Madson felt her legs give way.
— S-Sorry, I didn't mean to, I... — the girl stammered from fear.
Megan laughed at the girl's desperation and gripped her arm tightly, making her drop the entire plate on the floor.
— Looks like I'll have to teach you manners right here. — said the general, opening a wicked smile.
— No! Sorry, please. — the girl begged, trying to break free from the woman's grip.
Noticing the unusual movement in the courtyard, Camilly raised her gaze toward where everything was happening. She almost rolled her eyes when she realized who the people involved were. The girl even thought about letting it go and continuing her meal, but something inside her that damn feeling of compassion wouldn't let her ignore the desperate girl in the hands of that cruel general. Camilly huffed, annoyed with herself, and dropped her fork on the plate. She got up from the table and headed toward the two protagonists of that scene in the courtyard. She approached them silently and quickly. Once close enough, Camilly pulled Madson's arm from the general's grasp and placed herself in front of her.
— Don't you get tired of tormenting others? — the girl asked.
Megan huffed, irritated. That meddlesome girl was already getting on her nerves.
— I already told you to stop interfering where you're not called. — said the general in a low, intimidating tone.
— Sorry, General... — the girl mocked — But I only take orders from one person here, and that's not you. — Camilly said, opening a petulant smile.
— You stupid child. — Megan practically growled.
At that moment, Camilly straightened her posture and focused on any movement Megan would make next, like a lioness using her instincts during a hunt. The general looked curiously at the girl. The irises of the girl's eyes, light brown, began to turn a reddish brown. Her pupils dilated too. Her posture was erect and she seemed focused on any movement Megan made. Like a feline preparing to attack.
Indeed, that girl was not like the other children. Megan was sure of it at that exact second.
— Do you really think you can stand up to me, girl? — Megan began, walking slowly around the girl — I'll show you the price you pay for challenging me! — shouted the general, once she was behind the girl.
Megan stretched out her arm, aiming to grab the girl from behind in a chokehold. In a quick and unexpected move, Camilly dodged her blow and turned to face her, landing a punch. Megan staggered back and brought her hands to her nose, which Camilly had already hurt the day before. The woman grunted in pain and stared angrily at the girl, then lunged at her with bloodlust.
Megan tried to hit the girl, who almost always managed to dodge. And when she was hit by any of the general's blows, she didn't even show she felt pain, she just kept fighting. Megan tried to hit her with a right, but Camilly grabbed her arm and kicked her in the abdomen, making her step back a few paces. Megan let out a groan of pain and took a deep breath. The general opened a wicked smile as she had an idea. She recomposed herself and took a knife from the back of her pants. That made Camilly lose concentration and step back.
Megan took advantage of the girl's distraction and punched her in the face. Then, she pulled the girl by the nape and punched her abdomen, making her spit blood and fall to her knees on the floor.
— You think you can beat me? — Megan shouted, kicking the girl in the side and making her fall to the floor.
Camilly took a deep breath and tried to refocus on the fight, but the general began to kick her body, causing her intense pain. Madson watched that scene paralyzed. That girl had really risked herself for her. The blonde wanted to go there and help Camilly, but her fear and insecurity kept her feet glued to the floor.
Then the sound of the hall doors opening took over that place. Almost everyone directed their attention to the queen entering the hall. Everyone except Megan, who was still focused on beating the girl with all her fury.
Freya found the commotion in that place strange. Her gaze fell on her general. Apparently she was teaching a lesson to some disobedient child. The queen was about to turn her back and leave when Megan decided to take a step to the side, giving her a view of who was receiving the "punishment."
Camilly seemed to feel the queen's gaze on her. She opened her eyes, which had closed from the pain, and stared at her. Freya didn't look away from hers. The icy woman was astonished by the various feelings running through her. She usually didn't care when her general punished someone or not, but seeing her do that to Camilly bothered her. Freya scolded herself. She decided to test her newest soldier. The queen shook her head while looking at the girl. She moved her lips in a way that said "fight" without making a sound.
Upon deciphering the word Freya said to her, Camilly felt as if her strength had returned. She should obey her queen no matter what. The girl grabbed Megan's leg before she could land another kick.
Freya opened a small smile seeing the girl push the general away and get up. She quickly noticed the change in color in the girl's eyes. There was that reddish brown again. Camilly lunged at Megan, trying to land a punch, but she wasn't very willing after that beating. Megan dodged the punch and grabbed the girl's arm. Then, she hit her face with her right hand. Camilly didn't let it faze her and tried another clumsy blow. Again, the general easily dodged and punched her in the stomach. The girl let out a groan of pain and knelt on the floor. She supported her body with one hand and the other pressed her injured abdomen.
Freya thought the girl would give up there, but to her surprise, Camilly began to rise from the floor with difficulty. Megan let out a sarcastic laugh seeing the girl on her feet.
– You're more persistent than I expected, but that doesn't change the fact that you're pathetic. — said the general.
— Go to hell! — shouted the girl, going after Megan again.
More punches, more bruises. Nothing could keep Camilly on the floor. Her muscles couldn't take another movement, but she kept fighting anyway. All that went through her mind was the image of Freya telling her to fight.
The queen watched the whole scene with genuine surprise. The girl was already beaten, so why didn't she stop and give up once and for all? Freya couldn't understand.
After getting up from the floor for the tenth time, Camilly grunted in pain feeling the bruises all over her body, but the girl didn't stop. She raised her head and looked at Megan without any fear. That irritated the general, who drew the knife again and pointed it at the girl.
— Last chance, brat. Kneel and admit defeat, or I'll end your miserable life right now. — Megan said in a frightening tone.
Camilly let out a small laugh and gave a petulant smile.
— Go. To. Hell. — the girl said, pausing between each word.
Megan growled, irritated, and lunged at the girl, ready to plunge the knife into her heart. Camilly closed her eyes, ready to feel the cold metal pierce her chest. Then, just inches from her body, the knife stopped. Camilly opened her eyes, confused. She stared at Megan who was almost glued to her, then looked at her arm. A large chunk of ice pinned Megan's arm to the floor by the wrist.
— That's enough. — declared the queen, walking toward them.
Megan broke the ice holding her arm and took a few steps back.
— Your Majesty... — Freya interrupted her and placed herself between them, standing face to face with the general.
— I don't want to hear a single word from you, Megan. I'll say this only once, and it applies to everyone here! — she shouted so everyone could hear — Camilly's life belongs to me. She is my future right hand, and only I — I'll repeat so no one forgets — only I have the right to decide about her life or death. That includes punishments. — Freya finished, looking directly at Megan.
— As you wish, Majesty. — said the general before turning her back on everyone and leaving the hall.
— The show's over. Go back to what you were doing before. — the queen ordered everyone around.
As the crowd dispersed, Freya turned to the girl who now allowed herself to breathe deeply. The queen analyzed the girl carefully. Camilly had some superficial cuts on her face. Her hands pressed her abdomen, which seemed to be the place causing her the most discomfort. Camilly stared back at her.
— Why didn't you let her kill me? — the girl asked.
Freya thought about that. In her mind, she had prevented the girl's death because she was a prodigy and would be a good asset to her army, or at least that's what the queen tried to convince herself.
— I already said. You gave your life to me, so only I have the right to take it or not. — Freya said indifferently.
Camilly smiled and nodded, indicating she understood. The girl tried to walk a few steps but stopped as soon as she felt the intense pain in her abdomen.
— What is it? — Freya inquired, raising an eyebrow.
— Ah, it's just the effect of your general's kicks. I'll be fine soon, it's nothing. — the girl shrugged it off, holding back a grimace of pain. She couldn't help but let out a quiet "ow."
Freya was amused by the girl's brash way of not wanting to admit the general had left good bruises on her.
— Lift your shirt. — ordered the queen, standing face to face with her.
— What? — she frowned — What for? — Camilly asked, tilting her head a little to the side like a curious puppy.
Freya rolled her eyes at the girl's inability to follow her orders without questioning everything.
— Let me see your bruises. Come on. — the queen demanded again.
— Relax, Queen, I'm fine, really. — Camilly insisted.
Freya crossed her arms and stared at the girl with an intimidating look.
— Lift your shirt. Now. — she commanded authoritatively.
Camilly rolled her eyes, reluctantly, and lifted her shirt until her abdomen was completely exposed. The queen looked at that area and immediately noticed many purple and red bruises all over the girl's belly. That didn't please her one bit.
— With these bruises you won't be able to start your training today. — said the queen, still analyzing the area.
Freya brought her hands together and concentrated on using her powers. Soon a bit of glowing snow appeared in her hand. She leaned toward Camilly and spread some of the snow on her bruises.
— Hey, that's cold. — Camilly complained, pulling away.
Freya pulled her back and told her to be quiet. The girl rolled her eyes but stayed still, allowing the queen to finish spreading the snow on all her bruises. When she was done, Freya composed herself and watched as the snow slowly melted on the girl's skin, making her injuries disappear.
— Wow! — she exclaimed, surprised — That's amazing! Will my abdomen get superpowers or something now? — Camilly asked excitedly, looking at the queen.
Freya almost allowed herself to laugh at the girl's innocence. Almost. She just shook her head and turned her back on the girl.
— Hey, wait! — Camilly called, making the queen stop in her tracks and turn to her — Thank you, Majesty. — the girl thanked, offering a wide smile to the woman.
Freya felt a strange sensation inside her upon hearing that. According to her memories, that had been the most sincere thank you directed at her since she became what everyone judged to be a monster.
— Don't thank me. I just don't want you to waste time and start your training soon. — Freya said coldly before turning her back on the girl and leaving the hall. Her mind was too messy. Maybe she'd look for Megan later to distract herself.
Yes, she would definitely do that.
When Freya left the hall, Camilly sighed. Indeed, the queen was an ice cube, but something inside the girl told her she had helped her with the bruises for another reason. Camilly shook her head and decided to go back to her meal. As she walked to her more isolated table, she felt all the other children's eyes on her. Many whispered things about her being the queen's favorite and "being one of them."
She just huffed impatiently and sat at her table. Camilly picked up the fork from her plate and directed it to her mouth, but before she could eat anything, she felt someone sit at the table next to her. Camilly rolled her eyes and dropped the fork on the plate again. She had already accepted the idea that she wouldn't be able to finish her meal in peace.
— What do you want? — Camilly asked dryly, staring at the blonde girl beside her.
— Sorry to bother you. — Madson began, embarrassed — I just wanted to thank you for... — Camilly interrupted her.
— Look, you don't need to thank me, Madson. I can't stand that arrogant general. — she said, shrugging disdainfully.
— You remember my name. — Madson said, surprised.
— Of course I do. I've saved your life twice just this week. — the other girl replied, amused.
Madson smiled awkwardly.
— Sorry about that. — she said nervously.
— No problem. — Camilly said nonchalantly.
Camilly thought after that the girl would get up and leave her alone, but Madson just started eating right there, next to her.
— Are you really going to stay by my side? — the girl asked, raising an eyebrow.
Madson kept eating and just shrugged.
— Yes, I'm going to be your friend now. I don't care what the others are saying. You saved me, I want to be your friend. — Madson said.
Camilly even thought about questioning it, but figured it was better not to try. She just let the girl stay there with her. Having a friend in that place wasn't so bad. She sighed. She really would have to get used to many things now.
This was her new life.