Ice Goddess Luna

Episode 5

She stood before the two men, feeling the weight of their gaze pressing on her chest.

"So, Miss Hadley, care to explain why you've found yourself trespassing on our land?" one of them inquired.

"I-I honestly didn't realize I was stepping onto your property," she confessed, unsure of where exactly their land boundaries lay within the dense woods.

"Is that right, young lady? What brings you out here in the dead of night? You do know these woods aren't the safest place to wander around after dark, don't you?" the man continued, his tone laced with a hint of skepticism.

Should she tell the truth? What if they decided to send her back to the Master? Would they see through her lies?

She took a moment to gather her thoughts, closing her eyes briefly before responding.

"I-I was just out looking for my lost dog," she blurted out suddenly, surprising even herself. The older man chuckled at her explanation.

"A lost dog, eh? Your appearance tells a different story, young lady. Those scars and dirty clothes suggest otherwise," he remarked plainly, causing her to bite her lip nervously. She had forgotten the consequences of lying in front of the King, a punishable offense.

"It's a grave offense to deceive the King. Such actions could cost you your life," the other man interjected sternly, his voice carrying a weight that sent a shiver down her spine.

Could it be? Was the man before her truly a king?

"I'm waiting to hear your explanation, Miss Hadley," the King spoke up, his tone demanding yet composed.

Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself before speaking again.

"I apologize for intruding on your territory. I simply sought refuge and was fleeing from those who have harmed me," she confessed, her voice trembling with emotion.

"Who are these individuals who've caused you harm? Are they responsible for your injuries?" the King inquired, his tone softening slightly with empathy.

"S-sir, it's Captain Jack and the folks from the fair," she choked out, tears welling up in her eyes as painful memories flooded back. Bowing her head to conceal her tears, she felt her hands shaking uncontrollably.

"Ah, Jack. The traitor rogue," the King mused, his words sending a chill down her spine. Did he know of the Master as well? Her heart constricted with fear.

"P-please, Your Highness, don't send me back to him. I beg for your mercy. I can't endure his cruelty any longer," she pleaded desperately, her tears flowing freely now.

"If returning you to him means subjecting you to further suffering, then we must find another solution," the King declared, his voice carrying a sense of determination.

The two men remained silent, lost in contemplation, while she could only hear the sound of her own gasping breaths.

Suddenly, the massive door behind her creaked open, but she remained crouched, averting her gaze from it.

Footsteps approached, and she felt someone stop beside her. A hand gently lifted her chin, prompting her to look up. Before her stood a woman who seemed to embody grace and beauty—a goddess in human form.

Clad in an elegant gown, her hair meticulously styled, she exuded an aura of regal elegance. The other three figures with her were equally striking, but one amongst them, radiated a beauty that captured attention—the princess among them.

"What happened to you, young lady? Why are you in such haste?" the woman inquired with genuine concern evident on her face as she assessed the newcomer's condition.

"She's a prisoner, Mother," the king's companion interjected firmly.

The beautiful woman released her hold on the newcomer's chin and turned to the king, her voice laced with surprise. "A prisoner?" she echoed.

"She trespassed into our territory in the South. Our guards apprehended her," the king explained.

"And you allowed them to throw her into the dungeon?" Her tone conveyed her disapproval.

"Luna, she entered our territory after midnight. We were asleep at the time, so they deemed it necessary to detain her. What if she was an enemy?" the king reasoned, addressing the woman named Luna.

The woman turned her attention back to the newcomer. "Are you an enemy, young lady?" she inquired gently, her gaze searching for the truth.

Confused, Hadley shook her head, unable to comprehend the situation fully.

"She's not an enemy, Jhon. As an Alpha, you should be able to discern an enemy with a single glance," Luna chided gently, prompting the king to fall silent.

"Release the woman. Fetch the chief physician immediately," Luna commanded, prompting the two men to release their hold on the newcomer.

"As you wish, Luna," they intoned in unison before departing. Initially able to stand on her own, the newcomer soon faltered, prompting Luna to swiftly offer her support.

"Take her upstairs, Maria. You know what to do," Luna instructed the most beautiful of the trio, who nodded in acknowledgment.

The two men approached to assist in supporting the newcomer, following Luna's orders without question.

As we turned to leave the room, led by the girl named Maria, I could still feel the weight of the stares from those left behind.

Once the imposing door was shut behind us, I finally felt the tension in my muscles ease, allowing me to breathe more freely.

Ascending the broad staircase in silence, none of us seemed inclined to engage in conversation.

Passing through several doors, we eventually halted in front of one.

Maria turned the handle and ushered us into the room, which revealed itself to be a spacious bath chamber.

After the door was closed, I was gently guided to a chair by two women whose names remained unknown to me.

Taking in the surroundings, I noted the centerpiece—a large wooden bathtub flanked by a generously sized mirror adorned with delicate floral motifs.

Adjacent to it stood an assortment of bottles, likely containing body perfumes and soaps, while a container filled with white towels occupied the opposite side of the room. The air was suffused with the soft glow of flickering white candles.

"Prepare her bathing essentials," Maria instructed with her characteristic modesty.

Observing the two women nod in acknowledgment, I remained seated, silently watching their movements.

"Don't assume Luna's concern for you implies a change in your status. Remember, you're still just a prisoner," Maria interjected suddenly, catching me off guard.

"I haven't forgotten," I replied evenly.

"Good. It's best to remain certain," she affirmed before turning to leave, pausing briefly to address the two women. "You will attend to her," she instructed before departing.

The three of us exchanged glances, and they offered me gentle smiles, momentarily easing my apprehension.

Approaching me, they spoke in unison. "Come, young lady. Your bath awaits."

Supporting me, they guided me towards the bath, where crimson petals floated serenely upon the surface.

As we drew near, they began to undress me, but I hesitated, feeling self-conscious.

"I-I can manage on my own. You may leave," I offered shyly.

They chuckled softly in response. "In your current condition, you shouldn't bathe alone. Allow us to assist you," one insisted gently, proceeding to remove my garments completely.

Feeling exposed and vulnerable, I instinctively bowed my head, overcome with embarrassment as a chill ran through me.

"Don't worry. Your bath will be warm. We must proceed, as the chief healer awaits your treatment," one reassured me with a warm smile, helping me into the inviting warmth of the bath.