Chapter 120

Chapter 120
VALTOR

“I’ll go to my chambers to wash. See you later at dinner,” Winter said as we reached the great hall of the castle.

I nodded, offering a smile, and we parted ways. Yet my gaze lingered on her retreating figure as she ascended the staircase. 

To anyone else, she looked perfectly fine. But I can feel the quiet weight pressing on her thoughts, something has troubled her since we returned from our walk. But if I asked, she would smile and deflect, insisting everything was fine.

The day itself had been good. More than good. She had laughed beside me as I handled affairs of the realm at the orphanage; her joy had been unmistakable. Even later, when I fucked her roughly, she had been warm and responsive, lost in me as she always was. She moaned my name and cum countlessly beneath me.

So why did her mood change so suddenly?

“Welcome back, my King. How was your day?”
Freya’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. 

I turned to find her standing a few paces away, hands folded neatly before her, her expression bright and attentive. “I hope you enjoyed every moment you spent with the Queen.”

Since the wedding, she had made a point of standing by Winter’s side; offering guidance, companionship, and, by all appearances, loyalty. It pleased me to see it.

“It was good,” I replied.

I headed toward my study, and Freya fell into step beside me without being invited. Normally I would have dismissed her, but she spoke as we walked, recounting how quickly Winter had adapted to life in the castle, how easily she had earned the affection of my people.

“She’s even been very kind to Lady Rosentine and Cressida too,” Freya added, clearly impressed.

We stopped before the doors to my office. 

I turned to face her fully. “Thank you for helping my wife feel at home. You will be rewarded for this.”

“Oh no no!" she said quickly, shaking her head. “There’s no need for that, my King. I’ve done nothing more than my duty as your subject. I only wish to be a friend to Queen Winter cause i understand how heavy her responsibilities are now. If she faced it alone it'll be even harder for her."

She hesitated only a moment before continuing. “If I may ask something instead, allow me to stay close to her each day. To watch over her. If there’s anything amiss, I’ll report it to you.”

There was nothing forced in her expression. But the abruptness of her change lingered in my mind. Freya had once been wary of Winter, if not openly skeptical. 

Yet Winter had never once complained of her presence, never hinted at discomfort. If there were any ill intent, surely my mate would have sensed it and told me.

“You may,” I said. “And I want you to tell me if my Queen faces any difficulties, especially the kind she might hesitate to bring to me herself.”

Her face lit up. “I will, my King. I promise.”

Satisfied, I reached for the door handle.

Then she spoke again.

“I’ve summoned some of the most gifted healers in all Nytheris to arrive tonight. Women often require such care after marriage. They can examine Her Majesty, help strengthen her body, and improve her fertility.”

My hand stilled.

She smiled, “I know what the kingdom expects from you. From both of you. I only hope this will ease the burden.”

“Thank you, Freya,” I said after a pause.

It was true, I hadn’t given the matter enough thought. And whether Winter voiced it or not, such expectations would weigh heavily on her. Freya’s initiative, for once, felt necessary.

Inside my study, Loran was already waiting.

“I have some not-so-good news,” he said as soon as I entered, his expression grim. 

I crossed the room and took my seat behind the desk, eyeing the stack of documents awaiting me. “Go on.”

“It's about Kallias Thorn,” Loran continued. “He’s been waiting outside our border since yesterday. Demanding an audience with you.”

My head snapped up. “I’m not receiving guests.”

No one entered my territory without my explicit consent. And of all people, Kallias Thorn, Winter’s former mate, was the last I wanted anywhere near my lands.

“Send him away,” I said sharply. Even the thought of his presence grated on my nerves.

Loran sat opposite me, folding his hands together. His voice lowered, “He said his Luna has fled, Valtor. And you know what? He’s convinced she’s hiding here, within your territory.”