CHAPTER NINE: FOR THE GOOD OF THE MANY

(IDUNA'S POV)

I took off running with tears running down my cheeks. I ran past other workers out of the palace and ran straight to the one place I could ever truly feel safe. Home. There it was. On the outskirts of Arendelle by the main street where my parents left me long ago to fight a war. I ran inside, away from my fears, seeking sanctuary in the one place I was happiest when I was a child and slammed the door shut on the world outside.

My eyes fluttered open and realized I had passed out in my parents' large bed. Slowly, I rose of the soft mattress and stepped out into the living room, letting my eyes taking in the surroundings and recall happy memories, ones of happiness and love. For a split second, I tried to reach out for my parents that stood before me but was reminded by reality they weren't really there. I teared up and choked back my tears.

Iduna. What have I told you to do when you feel like this?

Iduna recalled that memory of her father. She was only eight. "Stop my balling. Get up. Hold my head high. Clench my angry fists and hit back harder," I replied, reciting what he always told me.

That's my girl!

I smiled and wiped away my tears, comforted by my father's words. I inhaled and a serious expression came across my face as I bound my loose hair into a pony tail and got to work. My habit of cleaning under Gerda took over my body as I dusted the house, swept and mopped the wooden floors, cleaned my parents' bed, and reorganized the entire household according to my new life. What I didn't need anymore, I threw away. At the end of it all, I felt better. I held onto some of Mother's dresses, seeing what would fit me. A few were too old to wear nowadays, but I kept a few.

I finally looked at a mirror and grabbed a pair of scissors and shortened my hair to shoulder length. Now that you are no longer a prisoner of his Majesty, what will you do now that you are free? Gerda's question from earlier reminded me that I was indeed free. What do free people do? They get jobs and work to take care of themselves.

I entered town hesitantly, because I stole from these people. The worry of someone recognizing me plagued me so I tried not to look people in the face for too long as I went job searching. According to Agnarr, my real name wasn't released to the public, so I didn't hesitate to use my real name as I introduced myself to various shop owners. "Good evening. My name is Iduna and I am looking for a job. I was wondering if you had any positions available."

The answers were different but all amounted to a no. Either there were no positions available, the owner couldn't afford another worker, or just because I was a woman. I grinned and bared the disappointing replies and just headed for home. What am I going to do? I could go back to stealing. That was easy. No! I'm not that woman anymore. I couldn't go home without a job. There had to be one in Arendelle somewhere. I wasn't picky. Just about anything would do. A rude man bumped my shoulder, making my whole body turned from the momentum. "Hey," I shouted.

"Watch it, twirp," the large man threatened before walking off.

I turned to see I was in front of the public display board in the market square. It was where decrees were hanged, job openings, and other things were hanged. One caught my eye. Hudson's Hearth? I felt drawn to it and went to investigate the job position. I froze when I saw the owner. "Halima?"

Halima turned and froze. She came over to me and smiled, "Iduna." I instantly hugged her. Halima and Mattias were close friends of my parents, so they were as good as family. She quickly guided me to the back so we could reconnect without interruptions. "It's been so long since I last saw you," Halima began with a laugh.

"Seven years," I nodded, "Almost. So…a former shield maiden turned bartender. What happened?"

Halima smirked at my jab, "After the battle years ago, I decided I had enough of war. I love my home, but Arendelle's military just wasn't for me anymore. My husband, Mattias, on the other hand was born in a military family so he remained and was made a General by King Agnarr."

"A General? He went from- what? A lieutenant straight to general?" I asked.

"My husband is close with King Agnarr since he was little and is a very knowledgeable strategical asset. He's currently away right now checking outposts on Arendelle's borders, but will return at the end of the month," Halima explained, "What brings you here? Your visit is quite a surprise."

I showed her the job position flier. Halima was in need of a bouncer to settle violent customers. Halima stared at me, either with shock or confused amusement.

"I know my father told you how he trained me since I was eight," I smiled. "If there's one thing I'm good at, it's kicking a guy's butt."

"Iduna, I don't know-" Halima was saying with worry. She was always a second mother to me. Before I could say anything, a loud commotion up front seized her attention. I followed Halima. Halima had a strict policy not to serve alcohol before noon, but that didn't mean she wouldn't be spared the occasional skirmish between two hot headed men.

I followed Halima to the two men who were at each other's throats. She was trying desperately to handle this peacefully, but they weren't listening. When one was about to turn on Halima, I quickly intervened, punching him in the stomach to make him hunch over and then slammed his head against the table to knock him out. The other guy stared at her with shock and quickly left. I smiled smugly down at the unconscious man and turned to Halima who was still shocked. Finally, she smiled, "I could use an extra hand here. If you wouldn't mind occasionally serving customers and helping with inventory, the job is yours. How soon can you start?"

I smiled and rolled up my sleeves, "I just started."

(AGNARR'S POV)

I headed for the front door of the Royal Palace that led out to the courtyard in my favorite cloak. Occasionally, I needed to walk amongst my people to get away from my royal duties for a brief while. "I'm heading out, Gerda. If Kai asks, let him know," I instructed.

Gerda bowed, "Yes, Your Majesty. Are you going to find Iduna?"

Her question made me freeze before I stepped out the opened door. My mind was suddenly filled with Iduna, especially her last outburst, which angered me and made me leave without answering. I wasn't angry with what she said, but with the cause for such mistrust. I was getting so close to her, I could feel it, but the memory of Oscar's betrayal and all the abuse she endured since a young age had broken her so much that she could receive anything good that entered her life. She was very guarded and paranoid of everyone that got too close to her.

I can't blame her at all. All her life she was faced with one heartbreaking hardship after the other. At the age of twelve she loses her parents. She is mistreated and sexually abused in the orphanage. No one cared for the orphans, so they turned to theft to take care of themselves. Iduna is then betrayed by someone very close to her, someone she clearly loved deep down. She is mistreated by the Council…and by me. It's no wonder she so quick to fight, so guarded and so defiant against those of authority. She hasn't had one person care for her or truly love her since the deaths of her parents. I come along and start acting nice and expect to earn her trust right away? What were you thinking, Agnarr? I guess I was just hoping to show her that there was at least one person in all of Arendelle who did care about her.

I paid no head to the people as I walked deep in thought under my cloak to avoid being recognized. I couldn't think of anything else besides Iduna and how badly I failed her. I stopped, feeling a rise in my spirit. I became even more determined to help Iduna. I couldn't let one more day go without earning her trust and convincing her I mean her no harm. I returned inside the royal palace, ignoring Gerda and Kai as I marched to that dreaded room in the dungeons. When I reached the bottom of the stairs, I froze with fear as painful memories flooded my head, but I forced myself to keep stepping closer.

You ungrateful brat! I'll teach you to talk back to me, boy!

Father, I'm sorry, please don't - !

I'm going to teach you some discipline, even if I have to beat that rebellion out of you!

ARGH! Father, please!

Silence!

I froze feeling my back ache with a phantom pain as though it could still feel the sting of his father's horsewhip and the blunt trauma of the Scepter of Aren he struck him with. I opened the door and lit the torch to look at the harness his father strapped him to before beating him. He looked at all the various tools of torture. Anger filled me as I ripped each tool off and threw it on the stony floor outside the torture chamber. Kai and Gerda arrived and watched me curiously. "Your Majesty?"

"Kai, summon the blacksmith. I want all these melted," I instructed and Kai bowed his head. I walked past him to find Lord Peterssen. Weeks have passed since then. With the help of Lord Peterssen and the new members of the Royal Council, I turned my attention to my kingdom and my people.

Arendelle was greatest when my mother stood by my father's side. Her influence made a difference in Arendelle, but after her mysterious disappearance, the Kingdom suffered under King Runeard's cruel reign. The rich horded their wealth at the expense of commoners and feasted on the spirit of Arendelle, growing fat from gluttonous sloth and greed. I was going to make sure that was going to change. The Council was hesitant to do what I was pushing, even Lord Peterssen, but the older advisor smiled and accepted my wishes and supported my plans for Arendelle's future.

My chosen individuals to help make that happen consisted of my friends, except Emil, who all visited not too long ago. I was the head of the Council as King, with Lord Peterssen at my right hand. Present was Jacob, whose job was to provide medical attention to the injured and sick amongst the poor in a new clinic in the city. Lucas was to help spread the word of my plans for the kingdom to make it better to help clarify his intentions to those he neglected for too long. Noah was to be present in important meetings regarding trade partners. The most important individual in my plans was Oliver and his family's peace corps. Lord Peterssen was surprised with my choices but was impressed by me taking a serious step as King.

I took another stroll through my kingdom and smiled seeing everyone happy, but still I felt sad. Iduna. I wish you were still here to see Arendelle as the kingdom you could proudly call home. A place where you could feel safe and happy.

As I kept walking, my ears overheard two people walking past me. "That Iduna!" one laughed, "She cracks me up!"

Another agreed, "So strong for such a small young woman. I'd hate to get on her bad side."

My eyes widened and I rushed to them, startling them when I turned one, "That name. Did you just say Iduna?"

"Yes," he quickly replied, nervous in my presence.

"Where is she? Where did you last see her?" I asked urgently. My entire demeanor was regal and demanding, making him sweat more.

"She works at Hudson's Hearth," the man replied and I rushed off before I heard a thud behind me.

"Dude, wake up. Are you okay?"

I noticed a commotion at Hudson's Hearth and rushed over in my cloak, desperate to see her one more time. People were cheering, "IDUNA! IDUNA! IDUNA!"

I pushed through the crowd at the entrance to get a better look and saw her take on a small group of rude men. She used to have some weight on her from all the chocolate she enjoyed in the palace but was now leaner, stronger. Her hair was shorter, but I'd recognize her bold, defiant face anywhere. The people were watching the entertainment, blown away by a small woman wiping the floor with the bigger, cocky men. I couldn't help but smile at her. The mere sight of her made my heart flutter. The incredible urge to walk right up to her and talk again became too great and I stepped forward but her final words rushed through my head. Of course. It makes so much sense. First, you send Gerda to sneak me better meals and change how I'm strung up in my cell. You have her give me a pillow and blanket so I can sleep better. You tell her to share the truth that you're actually a good man. Second, you act like you like me by saving me from the council, kissing me and now this? Was that story of your father beating you when you were little actually true or was it all a ploy to get me to feel sorry for you?! I'm not going to let you into my heart so you can break it like Oscar! Do you hear me?! I won't let you!

I stepped back and lowered my head sadly. She looked so happy not being around me. I didn't want to take that away from her so I left.

(IDUNA'S POV)

I was having the time of my life and smiled at the crowd cheering me on. I felt someone's gaze on me and looked to my left to see a cloaked man with his head lowered. The hood he wore concealed his face well as he turned and left. I didn't recognize him, but something felt strange in my heart.

"Iduna, why don't you take the rest of the day off? I don't think my business can handle much of your…feminine charms," Halima smiled, eyeing the broken tables.

I smiled innocently, "Sorry, Halima. I got too carried away."

"That's okay. I'll just take it out of your next few paychecks," Halima replied.

I smiled, "Yeah, you do that." I turned to the crowd, "Sorry, folks. Looks like the show is over."

The entire crowd groaned with disappointment. "I'm sorry. Maybe those GIRLS on the floor can bring back up next time." The crowd laughed as I headed out. The fresh air was pleasant as it bathed my face. I inhaled deeply with a happy smile. My life was turning around and I didn't feel so broken anymore. I was about to head home when I noticed the same cloaked man from before sitting on the bench across from Hudson's Hearth. He looked troubled, sitting forward burying his hooded face in his hands. I felt compelled to go see what was wrong. Everyone around her was happy, yet this one troubled individual stood out like a sore thumb.

I stood by his side and made him tense up as soon as my hand touched his shoulder. He glanced up too briefly for me to see his face. As soon as he saw mine, he quickly turned away, "I'm sorry, miss. I'll leave so you can have the bench."

I grabbed his arm, "Wait. The bench has enough space for two. Please, stay. You don't have to leave."

The cloaked man was hesitant, but humored me and sat back down, sitting as far away as he could on the bench and keeping the hood over his face, which I found odd, but didn't press and sat down on my side. I smiled and tried to be sociable with him since it was clear he was feeling down. "Nice day we are having," I casually started and cringed, feeling so embarrassed by such a cliché topic. Nice, Iduna!

The figure looked up at the clear blue sky, "I suppose so." His response was a good sign so I kept the conversation going. "I still can't believe this is Arendelle. Everyone is happy and thriving. Elite and Commoner," my face went sad. "I'm so ashamed of myself."

The figure turned his head to look at me and asked, "Why?"

"The man responsible for all this…never mind. You'd probably think it's stupid," I said.

The cloaked man turned towards me, showing he was willing to listen. "Why don't you let me be the judge of that?"

"I used to be close with the King. Kind of an ASSISTANT," I went on, almost choking on that word.

"Really? I heard terrible stories about him. Isn't he cruel?"

"Not really. More like a good man trying to be someone he's not. He acts scary at times but his bark is worse than his bite," I replied, remembering all the times I got to see a warmer side to him. "He's kind. He's considerate. However, he can be so cocky and incredibly frustrating. Most of the time, I just wanted to knock out all his perfect teeth!"

"Sounds like a complicated relationship," the man chuckled.

"Relationship?! Just hold on there, buster! That little boy and I are NOT-" I froze when I took a longer look at his face when he finally allowed me to see it. I quickly ripped off his hood and stood with shock, "AGNARR?!"

Agnarr just smiled up at me, "Hey, Iduna. You look nice. I never dreamed it possible, but you are even more beautiful than ever."

I recoiled slightly with an intense blush. I tried to walk away but he quickly stood and took my hand and I flinched from a sudden flare of pain in my knuckles.

He came around my front. "What's wrong?"

"My hand just hurts from that big guy in the bar. Don't worry about it," I insisted, but felt him gently rubbing my red knuckles and couldn't speak. I just stood there and stared at him as he stared at my hand and gently rubbed it in his hands with a concerned look on his face. "Ag- Agnarr?"

He looked up at me, "Hmm?"

"I-" It was all I could manage to get out. He smiled and gave my hurt hand a tender peck before speaking softly, "How dare that behemoth hurt my Iduna?"

Whatever trance I was stuck in, I was instantly snapped out of it and I pulled my hand away from his, "Okay, that's enough." My cheeks were red as I looked to the side to avoid his intense and caring eyes.

He chuckled.

"Shut up, Whiskers!" I retorted.

Agnarr 's mood brightened from my little outburst. "I'm glad I found you. I was afraid I'd never see you again." The tone in his words was so sincere and full of relief. His words filled me with warmth and a sense of belonging. I looked up slightly, daring to look him in the eyes again and I melted when he smiled more.

"Halima gave me the rest of the day off. I should- I should head back to my parents'- my home," I said, walking past him while looking down. Deep down, I didn't want to leave him again and froze in my tracks. "Would you- Would you like to come see it?"

Agnarr looked at me with surprise then a mischievous grin came across his face, "Iduna. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were trying to seduce your king."

I scowled and walked away, "Forget it. My mistake."

"Iduna, wait. I'd love to see your home…if the offer is still good," Agnarr replied.

I looked at him over my shoulder and saw his smile. I gestured with my head to my place and he followed. I peeked again over my shoulder as I opened the front door to my family home and watched as he examined his surroundings with a look that I thought was shock. "I'm sorry it's not as grand and lavish as what you are used to, but-"

"No," Agnarr quickly interrupted, "No, it's nice. I've never been in a home like this before. I've spent most of my childhood in the royal palace or a noble's mansion. It was so-"

"Perfect? Spacious?" I offered with sass.

"Lonely," he replied, "I had such a big, extravagant home yet too few people. Yours is simple, roomy and kind of cozy." He smiled slightly at the last part.

"I'm glad my SIMPLE, LITTLE NEST meets your approval KING OF ARENDELLE," I replied with a hint of offense as I walked in the next room to change.

"No need to be offended, my pet. It was a compliment," Agnarr said in the other room. I froze, containing my anger at Agnarr's nickname for me. I continued getting into something more comfortable. I wasn't going to stay in a dress just because the king was in my home. "Keep talking, Agnarr."

I entered and casually sat on the couch, grabbing an apple from the bowl on the small table in front of me before biting into it. I froze mid-bite seeing Agnarr stare at me. "What?" I demanded with my mouth full of apple. Agnarr looked away with an embarrassed smile. I looked down at the night gown I casually wore around my home for comfort and immediately turned red from embarrassment. It was a habit. I silently cursed myself and covered my front with my couch pillow, forcing more bites of my apple to bury my embarrassment.

Agnarr's attention turned to what used to be my bedroom before I converted it into a guest room. "That used to be my room. I sleep in my parents' room now. I figured I'd convert it into a space I can rent out."

"Sounds like a plan," Agnarr complimented, "Do you have a screening process? You shouldn't let just anyone under your roof?"

"I let you in," I pointed out.

"But I'm not like other men. I just don't want someone hurting you. You've been through enough," Agnarr said seriously. No smile. Just a firm, regal tone. The last part he muttered as he turned away, but I heard it. His concern made me feel safe.

I inhaled deeply, "Would you like to sit?"

Agnarr turned back to me and asked, "Excuse me?"

I repeated, "Would you like to sit next to me on the couch?" His smile irritated me, but I held my tongue. I grabbed another apple and tossed it to him, hoping he would focus on eating the apple instead of smiling at me. I looked away with anger so I could just ignore him.

"How are thing's going with Halima?" Agnarr casually asked which caught me off guard.

"Fine, I guess. I enjoy working with her since she's practically family. She pays well," I replied awkwardly.

"That's good to hear," he replied before taking the last bite of his apple and sat the inedible core on the table in front of us.

I began to stare at him more, examining his handsome face, his chiseled jawline. I recalled his muscular physique from the day he allowed me to watch him train with the soldiers. I also recalled some of the torture tools hanging on that room's wall and what Gerda shared with me. I then returned to reality, seeing Agnarr facing me more with a smile, resting his head on a fist. I turned red from embarrassment.

"What is it, Iduna?" he asked.

"Can I see them? Your scars," I requested.

His face faded to a somber expression before he unbuttoned his blue uniform shirt that was decorated with royal medals and exposed his upper body again. That day was bright so I didn't notice them, but in this lighting, the faded white scars tainted his flawless skin. He turned and showed his back.

My fingers grazed his scared skin, tracing multiple scars gently. How can someone do this to their own child?! I teared up, but was filled with anger. A stray tear fell from my eye and fell onto his back which prompted him to turn and see me crying.

"Iduna?" Agnarr asked with concern.

"I'm so sorry, Agnarr," my voice was breaking, "I was so wrapped in myself and my pain that I didn't- I wasn't thinking-! You were being hurt too and I just-!"

His soft tender lips kissed mine and filled with warmth. I recoiled slightly, "Agnarr…I can't-" His lips kissed mine deeper, remaining soft and gentle. His hand caressed my arm and traveled just underneath my ear, making me tremble from his gentle touch. I became more comfortable in his arms and pressed closer, kissing him more deeply yet it quickly began to escalate as my lips became hungrier for him and grew in intensity. Agnarr matched my pace with his and pulled me onto his lap.

My hands traveled through his hair, down the sides of his neck to his chest and shoulders. His hands traveled down my back and held my hips firmly as I rocked back and forth, following the motion of our lips. Agnarr held me firmly with one arm as he stood and carried me to my bed and placed himself over me.

As he drew close to me, memories of the sexual abuse I was forced to endure came rushing through my mind, making me jumpy and push Agnarr away. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"I told you. I can't. Not without remembering-" I looked to the side and shook with fear. Agnarr immediately understood, seeing me react just like when Emil touched me. He slid his arms under my back, pulling me close as he switched places with me. I was sitting on his lap and he was sitting up and holding me. "I should've done more to protect the orphans. To protect you. You all suffered because I didn't get involved. What happened to you…never should have happened, but it did and there is nothing either of us can do to change that. How long will you live in fear because of the men who hurt you in that place or Oscar's greed and selfishness?"

I sat there quietly, thinking about his question. Agnarr waited patiently, gently grazing my arms softly with his hands. I met his eyes and placed my hands gently against his firm chest and gently pushed him back down on the mattress. Slowly I drew close to his lips and kissed them again softly. My body wanted more, but I was still holding back. Slowly, I lost myself in him and enjoyed his warm body against mine, slowly escalating with our lips again. His arms wrapped themselves around me gently, yet I felt completely safe. I wasn't broken. I wasn't afraid.

(A/N: I felt it was time to move their relationship along. Don't you agree?)