Chapter 24
Fredric, Henrik
A month later
Henrik stared out the window in the new room he shared with Fredric, which was located on the second floor of Arendelle Castle. It wasn't too far from Anna and Kristoff's rooms so they would have easy access.
Yelena and Elsa had gone back to the Enchanted Forest and Henrik was already missing them both, but since Fredric was doing so well, he had promised that he would be there soon, but at the same time warned them that he and Fredric would be spending most of that time by themselves.
"Henrik?"
He turned and found Fredric standing there, smiling.
"For the first time," Henrik said smiling back. "You look really happy. I take it the doctor gave you some good news?"
Fredric nodded. "There are a few problems that I still have to overcome, but for the most part, he told me I'm fine and that we can leave anytime we want."
"What about…."
"You mean the poison that Greta was giving me? The doctor told me I was lucky to be alive. It was what confused me on the night I left to take out my revenge and the Royal Family." He shook his head and sat down on the bed. "I never realized that the two of them were putting a small amount of poison in my food and my drink whenever they could sneak it in. The doctor explained that it won't kill you right away and that it has to be built up What was unbelievable is that Brigitta began to give the Abbott some of it as well."
"Except that the Abbott picked up on it," Henrik said, sitting down next to his brother. "They were caught doing it by Brother Jakob the day of the meeting."
Fredric looked down at the floor. "I can't believe that they're in prison."
Henrik put his hand on Fredric's thigh and then brought the same hand up to cup his chin. The other hand caressed his cheek, stopping the tears. "It's over, Fredric, all of it. The pain is gone and the punishment is over. We'll start our new life next week in the forest, where we are going to learn so much about ourselves."
Who puts poison in food and drinks, Henrik?
It was a well-known practice, Fredric and it was very popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. Lots of women used it to get rid of their husbands so they could get their money. Many of them used their own mixtures as Greta had been doing, so it really has nothing to do with any type of magic.
I had no idea that all four of them were about to turn on me. I had no idea that Francis pulled a gun on me either.
Fredric looked at his brother, stood up and walked to the window. Henrik followed him.
"The pain will pass and you will learn to trust again. You will learn to be yourself and be able to accept yourself for who you are. "
Fredric turned from the window and came face to face with Henrik. "How do you know?"
"I experienced it first hand, Fredric, believe it or not. Some people will not like or accept you no matter how hard you try and you have to remember that. It took me a long time to get where I am, but I'm more secure within myself. I am hoping that you will too."
He looked him in the eye. "I need you to trust me, Fredric."
Fredric smiled. "I trust you now, Henrik." he answered, "If I didn't, I wouldn't be here."
And the two hugged one another.
When they pulled apart, Henrik clapped him on the shoulder. He led him back to the bed where he pulled out a deck of cards.
"Now, where did we leave off last night?"
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Anna, Kristoff
"How did it go today," Anna asked, "Did you get to speak to the doctor about Fredric?"
Kristoff nodded his head. "The doctor tells me that he's much better than expected. Basically, the two of them will be able to leave here next week. I wouldn't be surprised if Henrik the two of them left earlier than that."
"They've been awfully quiet, especially Henrik," Anna said. "He seems to be spending day and night with his brother. It's almost as if he's trying to change him."
Kristoff tried not to smile, remembering how distracted Anna was with Elsa when they first started out.
"They need time to be alone with one another, Anna, that's all. It was something that Henrik insisted on, Kristoff said, sitting up. "I don't think he wants to change him as much as make him realize his potential and to give him confidence."
"Do you think he's right?"
Kristoff looked at her. "Yep, I do think he's right, especially with everything that Fredric's been through. Fredric needs someone to trust and lean on. Henrik is strong, easy to get along with and puts everyone at ease. He reminds of someone else, another extraordinary person who has those same exact qualities who I continue to love and admire."
"And I love and admire you, Kristoff. You're attentive; you're supportive and great with the kids. You are there when I need you. I don't know how I'd make without you. I have too many flaws."
"Everyone has flaws, my lady. And I love you in spite of them."