A Tale From The Past

~Chapter XVII~

❄️Iduna's Point Of View❄️

Walking into the castle with Agnarr by my side, I smile softly to myself.

"What are you thinking about?" Agnarr asks as he intertwined his hand with mine while looking towards me

"Oh just how I've never really experienced these types of events before and how I can't wait for the next festival"

Softly chuckling, Agnarr replies "I'm afraid you'll have to wait another 3 months"

"I hope time goes faster then" I smile as we both enter the dining room finding Queen Rita sitting at the long table.

"Good evening you two, how was the festival?"

"It was very enjoyable Mother" Agnarr says as he pulls out a seat for me to sit down. Such a gentleman.

Sitting down Rita smiles towards me before speaking again.

"It's lovely to see you again Iduna, I hope you also enjoyed the festival"

"You as well your Majesty. The festival was lovely, I enjoyed the games the most"

"Oh darling, there's no need for formalities, remember. Please just call me Rita. Did you win any games against Agnarr"

Chuckling softly, I hear a small groan come from Agnarr "I won at a game called Kubb, it was very enjoyable"

Laughing herself, Rita looks at Agnarr with a smirk. "Looks like someone was able to beat you for once"

"I let her win" He defends

"You keep telling yourself that" I smirk from across the table as he just sticks his tongue out at me.

Hearing the doors open, three staff walk out from the kitchen with plates of food.

"Dinner is served," Kai says bowing his head as the staff place the plates in front of us before walking back into the kitchen.

"Smells delicious" I compliment as the smell of chicken fills my nose.

"Indeed"

"Mmm... my favourite" Agnarr smiles

As we were eating the delicious roasted chicken, Rita looks towards me and softly smiles before speaking,

"Iduna, would you like to stay for games night?"

Looking up from my food, I look towards Agnarr who nodded his head before going back and enjoying his food.

"I'd love to, you'll probably have to teach me how to play though as I've never really played games before"

"Wonderful! And don't worry, it's pretty easy once you understand the rules"

Nodding my head we ate the rest of our dinner and staff began to take our empty plates away before Rita stood up from her seat.

"I just need to finish signing some papers, but will join you two soon. Agnarr can teach you how to play before I come join" She says before walking out the dining room.

"Shall we head to the library?" Agnarr asks as he gets up from his seat holding out his hand.

"Lead the way" I smile as we walk down the many hallways and stairs to the castles library.

As we enter I look around at the beautifully decorated room. Stopping, my eyes settle on two paintings next to each other. The first one I recognised instantly who it was. But had to control myself so Agnarr wouldn't notice.

"That's my father, King Runeard. And the portrait next to him is Lieutenant Mattias"

"What were they like?" I ask trying not to seem like I already knew exactly what the previous King was like.

"Well.. Father wasn't the most loving person. He was always strict and busy running the Kingdom. When I was little he showed little affection but sometimes he would pat the bottom of my chin to get my attention. He did smile but it was very rare if he did" He speaks softly gazing at the painting

Looking at him, I feel sad for him. His father didn't seem to care about his family but more his duty as a King. Before I could speak, he continued.

"Lieutenant Mattias on the other hand was the best official guard. He was more like a father figure to me than my actual father. He taught me how to hold a sword, ride a horse and even how to fish. But what saddens me most is that he was lost to the Enchanted Forest and that I could never thank him for what he has done for me"

Placing my hand on Agnarr's shoulder I gently walk in front of him.

"I'm sure they would be proud of the man you've become today" Wrapping my arms around him, I hug him tightly as he wraps his arms around my waist.

Pulling away, Agnarr grabs my hand and sits us down on the long brown and red couch.

"I know you might not be ready to tell me but what were your parents like?" He asks, rubbing his thumbs over my wrists.

"Well... my Mother's name was Elsa (A/N ~ I wanted Elsa's name to come from Iduna's family) she had dark brown hair and blue eyes. She was very skilled at sewing and even hunting. That's how she met my Father, Isak, he had black hair and brown eyes. He was one of the best hunters. They both were very loving and my father loved to tell me stories before I went to bed" I softly smile at the memory of my parents as I feel tears brim my eyes but I stop them from falling.

"I can imagine you looking a lot like your Mother" Agnarr says with a comforting smile.

Nodding my head, I lean my head on Agnarr's shoulder as we just sit in silence. Before Agnarr speaks up again.

"Oh I forgot, I better teach you how to play some of the games before Mother gets here"

Laughing softly I nod my head before looking up at him, "Alright, teach me so I can beat you once again and be better than you"

That comment earned a glare as he smirks "This time I won't be so easy on you"

"We shall see your Majesty"