The Elven King's Princess

CH. 5 - FREYA

=AEVERIE =

I watch as king Thranduil leaves, blinking my eyes rapidly, trying to clear the fog clouding them. My knees wobble and and I hold on to my bedpost to keep myself on my feet.

My maid comes in as soon as the king exits and she gave me an appraising look.

'Oh my..' she says quietly. 'We had best get to work if you're to be ready in time.'

I wanted to protest. To say that I don't wish to go anyway. But I still feel too weak and instead I just let her wrap an arm around me and lead me to the adjoining bathroom.

I eyed the elven maid closely. She was beautiful, she seem to be the same age as me. 'What's your name?'

'Freya.' She answers while trying to get me perched on the edge of a stool once we are in the bathroom.

Freya sets to work, drawing a bath, adding scented oils and flower petals to the water as the copper tub fills. I looked on with amazement at how lavish this bath is becoming. I have just realized that this section of the kingdom has direct access to a flowing hot spring just beneath us. These elves are more lavish than mortal royalties.

'Will you be needing help?' Freya asks.

'Uh, no I can do it.'

I start by trying to untie the lacing on my leather bodice but my fingers fumble and shake making it almost impossible.

Freya places her hands over mine.

'There is no shame in needing assistance, princess.'

I look into her eyes and upon finding nothing but care and understanding in their dark hue, I smiled and nodded, dropping my own hands to the side.

She helped me out of my soiled clothes and supports my elbow as I climb into the bath.

'I'll have these cleaned.' Freya says as she picks up my garments. 'Or...burned..' she adds quietly, wrinkling her nose.

I find myself blushing as I felt a bit embarrassed to be standing naked with someone else present. She seem to notice my uneasiness and she gave out a cute laugh.

'Don't worry princess, nudity is not a big deal for us elves, it's actually natural.' Freya says.

I gave out a sigh and a gentle laugh as I sit down on the tub. The warm water is so soothing on my tired muscles and the lilac scent so refreshing, that I find myself lifting from the fog. With my blood pumping and my mind restarting, my thoughts drift once more to memories of my family. The tears fall freely and silently, streaming down my face and dripping into the bath water.

'Oh sweet princess..' Freya says, softly.

The stool creaks loudly as Freya drags it across the floor, positioning it behind the head of the tub and takes a seat. She begins humming softly as she sets to work, washing my hair. The tune she sings is old, yet familiar. After a few more strains, I recognize it as a lullabye, one that my mother used to sing to me when I was little. It made my heart long for her even more.

My eyes drift close and I try to block out everything except the gentle tug of fingers working through my hair.

When Freya was done, she instructed me to clean myself and then slips out of the bathroom to find me a change of clothes.

I did what I was told and somehow feeling lighter than when I first climbed into the tub.
===

I get out and towel off, but my mind drifts again. The fog rolling back in. I was aware of the clothes given to me, being helped putting it on and Freya helping me lace up.

I felt my hair being brushed and braided but I did nothing to help ready myself. Then the next thing I know, i'm being led to meet the king by the guard outside my door.

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