All your insides felt as though they were twisting as soon as your body was thrust through the deep portal.

You were unable to open your eyes or move your arms due to the strong gravitational force that pulled you. And as you were teleported further away from Midgard, the density of your surroundings compressed your chest, sucking all the air from your lungs.

The pain that spread around your body was unlike any other, but the torture of suffocating while experiencing that agony made the mere minute of your whole ordeal feel like eternity.

You gasped and choked as panic flooded your senses. But just before your eyes rolled to the back of your head, you landed on something cold, and hard.

Immediately the after effect of being thrust through space sent crippling pain through your body. And you would think the first thing you'd do having regained oxygen in your lungs would be to gasp for a breath. But the intensity of the agonising pain you now felt made you scream out instead. Your long ear-splitting shrill showing your deep suffering.

You collapsed down, your cheek hitting the solid cold floor, but although your eyes were now open, you were unable to make sense of anything around you.

Your mind shut down all other senses as a coping mechanism, forcing you to focus entirely on breathing. You breathed in and out, releasing slow sharp breaths as your body became accustomed to the pain.

You lost all sense of time, unaware of how long your listless body lay frozen in place. It was only when you began to shiver—your bodies natural response to warm up, did you finally start to become aware. Your eyes slowly began moving from side to side, absorbing what you see around you.

In the darkness you saw metal walls, no windows, and only a small bed that looked as hard as the steel floor you lay on. With a grimace on your face, you slowly start to pull yourself up, feeling the pain spread with each motion.

You finally manage to sit up, and as you twist yourself around to stare at the other side of the room, you see metal bars in place of a wall. You eye roll, feeling irritated, but not surprised to learn this was a cell. The cold steeliness you felt when laying on the floor made it obvious this wasn't a place of comfort.

Beyond the bars was more darkness, yet you could see the closed door of the room, it was also the only exit.

You squint your eyes, desperately trying to decider if the shapes on the wall were windows. They resembled glass, yet outside was more blackness. It confused you. You wondered if they were painted black, purposely blocking out all light.

Blinking buttons that resembled a control centre was the only light source. It reminded you of an aviation cockpit, yet you felt no vibration of the engine as you'd come to expect in flight.

Still shivering and weak, you decide to slide across the floor, directing yourself towards the bed. Once your back touched the metal frame, you hoisted yourself up onto the mattress and slumped your back against the wall for support. This small act draining you of a lot of energy.

You wanted to sleep, needed to sleep. But you knew should you lay down, it could be days before you get up again. And you couldn't allow yourself to be vulnerable for that long.

You pull the thin blanket over you and raise your knees against your chest. Battling with the defiant voice in your head that yells at you to sleep.

You stare at the many blinking lights, zoning out until all the colours blur together. But as you gaze into the nothingness, your lids slowly close, and your head flops down onto your knees.

You lay in wait... remaining deathly still.

In the eerie silence of the room, you hear the lock to your cell unlatch and immediately your heart rate increased.

But you knew he'd make a move.

The shadow figure that lurked in the darkness, watching you all along.

You sensed straight away you wasn't alone as soon as you landed in the cell. The ominous presence that loomed couldn't be disguised, even if his body could.

You had purposely moved away from the floor, pretending to be too weak to get up. All in preparation for the fight that was soon to come.

Your head remained rested against your knees, giving him the false misconception that you were asleep. You listened intently, analysing his heavy footsteps as he approached. The thumps revealing he was large. It meant you needed to jump high enough when you ambushed him in a surprise attack.

You wait, anxiously holding in your nervous response to breathe heavy. The moment needed to be right, he had to be close enough. And now your drumming heart hurt as adrenaline coursed through you.

He got closer, so close you could smell his scent. Metallic, a bitter smokey metallic.

He slowly reached for you, but you pounced before he touched you, wrapping your body around the top half of his torso, fighting against him and the agonising pain that shot through your body.

You struggle against his grip, but your determination and force spun him around, crashing both of you against the metal bars.

"I knew you were there!" you yell, striking another blow to his body.

You clenched your jaw tight, holding back a yelp as searing pain flowed through your hand. His tough exterior was as hard as nails.

You hear a low grunt, yet it was a noise of annoyance rather than pain. Which made you realise you needed to be more forceful. Whoever he was, he was strong. Resilient.

You ball your fists and pound into him repetitively, unaware of which body part you hit. The bleak darkness hid him well.

Another groan escaped him but this time it showed he'd finally had enough of entertaining your little ambush. He gripped your small body and held you outwards. Holding you under your armpits as though you were a small child, ripped away from their playful antics.

"Enough!" he said sternly, and the deepness of his voice paralysed you. Causing you to stop your flailing and calm down.

He slowly walked over to the bed, your body dangling in the air, and placed you down gently. You watch in confusion as the shadowy figure tugged the blanket from underneath you and wrapped it around your shoulders.

"Sleep" he ordered. Before turning around and walking out of the cell, closing the gates harshly behind him.

He resumed his hidden position within the large chair, camouflaged by darkness once again. But this time he didn't try to remain inconspicuous. You heard clearly his heavy breaths, and although you couldn't see his eyes, you felt them burn into you, not once breaking contact.

Your eyes trailed your surroundings once again, searching in vain for another way of escape. You may have lost the fight but the battle wasn't over. And you wasn't about to lay down and die.

Your eyes had now adjusted enough to see better in the dark, that when you looked back at the painted windows you realised they were not painted black at all. The outside merely displayed the same colour as tar, fooling you. And as you look closely, peering into the distance, you saw tiny twinkling dots.

You gasp out loud when you realised those little orbs were in-fact stars.

"I'm in outta space" you whisper to yourself, completely gobsmacked... "This is a fucking spaceship!" you say in surprise, your voice raised slightly louder.

"Has it taken you until now to realise that Ekeri?"

His sudden voice startled you, but you remained silent.

"If you do not wish to talk, then at least sleep. Your body needs rest"

You scoff "yeh, so that you can slit my throat. I will not go to my end easily"

"Hm.."

You furrow your brow annoyed "hm?....a simple hm!... at least admit it. Admit that is what you intended to do!"

"I do not have to admit anything. You're my prisoner, I don't need to confirm or deny my actions"

You huff in irritation, leaning your head back against the wall.

"You're just a coward" you whisper.

A low snarl resonated from his position, and you had to admit. The sound was frightening. You gulped, but didn't avert your eyes to anywhere but the dark outline of his figure. Showing your bravery, or foolishness. You wasn't quite sure.

"I am anything but a coward" he growled.

Your nagging mind told you to just shut up, to purse your lips and be quiet, but your stubbornness simply couldn't.

"Oh, is that why you hide in the shadows, waiting for a girl to sleep before creeping into her cell and attacking?"

He resumed the silence, yet now you could see his hand, or more specifically his elongated fingers dig into the arm of his chair. Indicating he was anxious.

He hesitantly spoke. But hearing his words drew out all the hope inside you and crushed them.

"You would have felt no pain when asleep. I tried to show mercy. It was not cowardice"

You stuttered a breath hearing him admit it. Your optimistic mood now shattered. You lean back again, this time in silent thought, and he just watched your actions, observing how you react to the knowledge you were going to die.

You took a deep breath and spoke confidently, making sure your voice didn't quaver.

"I require no mercy. I wish to see the murderous face of my capture before I meet my end"

"I don't think you'd want to see my face. Even those who are Ekeri like you, fear the face of those like me"

"Ekeri?" you repeat confused. Having heard him refer to you as such a few times now.

"It means brave one. Given only to the strong willed. Your tactile action against me, took me by surprise.  That very rarely happens. You are indeed an Ekeri"

"I've faced more than my fare share of evil doers. I will not die afraid. Show yourself" you demand.

You hear his heavy breathing as he contemplates your request, your order.

"Very well"

You shift nervously on the bed as he stands up, walking towards the panel with the many flickering lights. He slowly positions his finger over a blinking button, hesitant to press it.

"Do not say I didn't warn you"

His last words before pressing the button made you gulp. You imagined a terrible abomination about to appear before you.

He pressed his finger all the way down and immediately you heard a low whirring noise start up and within a few seconds the lights above you and all around the room flickered on, illuminating the entire surrounds.

Your heart beat fast in your chest as you observed his now fully lit form, yet his back was still turned.

You gazed over his back seeing old scars, yet his hair was a feature that stood out. His long black hair, speckled with wisps of fine grey was plaited. The braid reaching well past his waist.

"Turn around" you say, nervously. Eager to see his front.

"I'm giving you one last chance of mercy. I beg of you, take it"

"Turn around!" you yell, angry.

Slowly he turned, until his full frontal form was revealed. Yet he kept his head lowered, not yet revealing his face.

You nervously chewed your lip as your eyes scanned his body starting from below, working your way up until you came to his bowed head.

He was mighty big that was for sure, his toned body just a mass of pure muscle. Yet his skin looked thicker, and more rougher than old boot leather. It wasn't smooth but uneven, and textured with a mixed colour of moss green and copper brown. Almost resembling dirt. No wonder he hid in the darkness so well you thought.

The scars on his body showed he was well versed in combat, some wounds still healing. You wondered if his face matched the hardy and ruffian look of his giant body.

"Look at me" you demand, and without needing to ask again, he lifted his head. His onyx eyes immediately widening at seeing you for the first time.

He expected you to gasp in shock at the sight of him, but it was he who took a short gasping breath at the first sight of you. Not expecting to see a pale, blue eyed beauty within the cell.

You raised your brows, surprised that his face resembled human features. Sure it was very masculine and rugged, a little beat up around the edges too. But so were many great boxers who fought often. It all added to their charm. Yet, the two small tusks that protruded past his lower lip were a dead giveaway he was in no way human.

You understood why he would think you'd fear him, any person not not aware of frost giants, cruel sorceresses, redeemed ravens, and snarling mythical beasts would of course gasp at first sight. But not you. You were well seasoned by now, so it wasn't hard to maintain your composure. Showing no fear.

"Thank you" you reply, your voice only slightly shaky.

He stared at you with confusion on his face as you continued to keep eye contact with him. Your unfazed reaction was not what he expected.

"Do you need to step closer? perhaps you can't see me well" he said, convincing himself you have poor eyesight.

You stand from the bed, and walk towards the cell bars, his piercing gaze following your every footstep.

You pressed your body up against the confinements and saw his eyes trail the full length of your form, his lips parting slightly. Yet he snapped them closed when he realised he was slowly gaping his mouth open.

"I can see just fine" you reply.

He gulped hard, his mouth suddenly dry. Without turning his gaze away he fumbled towards his chair where his glass of water sat, he picked it up and swallowed the entire contents in one quick swig, tilting his head back as he did so.

You watch him curiously as he moved, and stifled your need to laugh when his giant feet stumbled his footing. You heard a mumble of what you assume were cuss words in his native language followed by the obvious embarrassment on his face. But immediately he straightened himself, resuming his towering posture.

"I've given you what you wanted. You've seen me. Is there any other requests... before.." he trailed off, not finishing his sentence. But you knew what he meant.

Before he killed you.

You look him in the eyes, giving him a pleading look and realise you've never seen such a deep black. He was your assigned murderer, yet his orbs were in a way, hauntingly beautiful.

"Yes...I have another request"

He waited patiently as you thought about your answer. You tried hard to think of something to buy you time, but complicated plans were not going to succeed in deep space. You decided to stick to simplicity. Begging.

You took a deep breath. Before lowering yourself to grovelling.

"Please, don't kill me"

He lowered his gaze for the first time since the lights flickered on and slumped back into his chair.

"I know you beg not from fear, but because the memory of someone important in your life makes you want to live. But have comfort in their memory, and just accept your fate. It will be easier, for both of us"

You fight back the urge to cry, seeing the vivid image of William and Loki in your mind.

"You don't need to kill me. Leave me go. Please"

He sighed unable to look into your sorrow filled eyes.

"Do you know what I am?" he asks, his tone kept low, and his eyes still averted.

"No" you answer honestly.

"You've never seen such a creature before, yet you display not one ounce of fear......you are an odd Ekeri"

"I have been called many things, but out of all. Odd has never been more accurate"

He finally turned to you and stared at your genuine smile, wondering how you could offer a beautiful smile to the person who intends to kill you. He looked even more guilt ridden as he forced a sad grin back.

"I believe it is my right to know about the person who plans to cut my life short. I'd like to learn who you are"

He sighed again at the reminder, sinking into his chair further, his thick legs spread wide apart. Quickly you look away, seeing a very visible large appendage flop against his thigh.

He saw your cheeks flush and your face suddenly turn away from him.

"What is it? Have you had enough of my appearance now? I knew it was only a matter of time" he said, feeling rejected.

"It's more the fact that your loin cloth recedes upwards when you sit. Exposing your, um...dangly bit"

You look back at him. Making sure to keep your eyes upwards.

He looked down at his legs and noticed his mishap, but smirked, amused at your obvious struggle to not stare.

"Do Asgardian women not like their men showing whats on offer?...for my kind, it is a good way of attracting a female mate" he states.

"Oh..." you say, going a brighter shade of red but then you realised what he said.

"I'm not Asgardian" you correct.

He leaned forward now intrigued.

"Hmm... I assumed you were, he never said you were from a different realm"

"He... I assume is Odin?..."

He paused, hesitant to admit it.

"Oh come on, no need for secrets between us. I will be dead soon enough. It's not as if I can expose him from beyond the grave right?"

"Stop reminding me of your imminent demise" he said firmly. Sadly.

You look at him confused "why? ... clearly you have no heart if you, a hired hit man can kill me so easily"

"Who said it is easy? It never is... and you" he paused, staring at the features of your face "you're too pretty to die"

"Then let me live!" you yell.

"I cannot!" he shouts back, standing from his seated position and strutting to you. He saw your fingers wrapped around the bars and gently placed his hands over yours. Immediately you feel the roughness of his textured skin.

You lean your forehead on the dividing cell bars, lost of all hope once again. His warm breath fanned your skin as he too leaned onto the metal bars.

"I am an Orc" he whispered. Deciding to grant you your wish. The knowledge of who your murderer is.

"And I am a human from Midgard" you reply back.

The two of you release a breath in-sync, both equally in turmoil for what is next to come.

"What's your name?" you ask.

"I've never introduced myself to my ..."

He hesitated on what to call you but you interjected.

"To your prisoner, to your mark, to your kill subject?..."

"Hmm" he hummed sad, before turning silent.

"There's no point tiptoeing around the inevitable. You plan to kill me, and I wish to know who you are before that happens. So please, continue the introductions" you instruct.

"As you wish Ekeri, it is the least I could do. My name is Rovi"

"Rovi" you whisper, and immediately he pulled back.

You look at him puzzled "What is it?"

"My name has never sounded so good said out loud before.....until it passed your lips" he smiled, and you observed his exposed tusks as he grinned.

He saw you looking curiously at his features and hesitantly he took your hand through the bars and positioned your fingers on the tip of his tusk. You felt the hard enamel of his tooth, before willingly moving your hand to his face.

His beating heart pounded in his chest when he felt you trace your fingertips along his rugged cheek bones, and around the curve of his jawline. You continued to explore his face, gliding ever so gently around his rough skin. His eyes slowly closed and his head rocked back at your gentle touch. You could tell he wasn't used to such tenderness. 

You pull your hand back nervously, leaving the proximity of the bars and walk towards your small hard bed, taking a seat on the firm mattress.

"Come back" he called out.

"My legs ache. I wish to sit" you lie.

You simply didn't want to evoke arousal. Worried he may take it too far. You knew you'd never be able to fight him off.

"That's because you're too small. You need to eat more, and become round and plump. You're beautiful now, but with rolls on your body. You'd be truly irresistible"

"Well, allow me to live and I'll get to eat more" you snap back.

He let out an irritated huff and frowned. You watch him curiously as he pounded his heavy feet towards his chair and lifted it effortlessly in the air. Placing it down right next to the bars opposite your bed, simply wanting to be closer to you.

"There. I see you better from here"

The mixed emotions you got from him made you believe he didn't really want to kill you. But as a hired hit man, he was compelled to.

You look down to the floor, and to your surprise you see your sword Hofund, partially hidden under a piece of furniture. You hadn't realised it teleported with you.

You get up abruptly and walk towards it. But fear suddenly overwhelmed you as you neared. The haunting memories of the agonising pain it put your body through left a traumatising mark.

With your foot you kicked it, exposing the sword into the open.

Rovi stood from his chair and waited to see what you'd do with the weapon. You immediately swiped it again, kicking it far away from your body. It slid under the cell bars and into Rovi's side of the room.

You looked at Rovi's stunned expression "Destroy it" you order "but do not touch it, it's cursed"

"He said you'd appear here one day. That an object would teleport you within my vessel. He never told me about you, only that someone threatening needed disposing off"

"And are you now confirming it is Odin?" you ask.

He paused, but this time you think you see him nod. Yet he still didn't completely confirm it.

You balled your fists so hard your nails dug into your palm.

Loki was right, Odin did have a last gambit to play. The sword wasn't a gift, but a cursed object. Laying dormant until you used it. This was his last big move to rid you from the realms.

Anger boiled your blood knowing Odin purposely set this plan in motion. Your fury stirred your emotions causing you to well up, and as you blink a tear rolled down your cheek, and splashed onto the metal floor.

You sniffle and look up at Rovi, who looked at you intently. But you hated looking weak, you quickly wiped away the evidence of your tears and averted your eyes.

"I um..I think I have space dust in my eye. I'm not crying. I don't cry. Im just not used to outta space"

You lied so confidently, Loki would be impressed.

"Mm-hmm...space dust gets everywhere" he says sympathetically, yet fully aware you lie.

You look up, and get caught in his warm gaze and his now softer voice.

"I often look like I'm crying too. But it's just space dust. The drawbacks of living in space" he replies.

"But at least you're living" you murmur, sadness evident in your low tone.

His guilt filled eyes follow the fresh tears that rolled down your cheek "I suppose" he said lowly.

You saunter back to your bed and sit down, facing his direction "Tell me Rovi, tell me about your people, and how you came to be in space" you asked genuinely interested to know before you die.

He saw your sincere interest and smiled. No one other than Orcs has ever wanted to listen to Orc history. He was happy to oblige.

"Sit comfortably Ekeri, for the story of how I came to be is both sad and triumphant"

You sat back and listened attentively, and from the very beginning, his story gripped you.

"Long ago Orcs were the core force in many armies, for most realms. We made up the bulk of the battlefield and were often forced to fight against each other, as each served different masters. Orcs were the first to be thrust into battle as the species were not considered a worthy race. Yet in large numbers we were powerful, ruthless. Hence why our numbers were purposely monitored, the Orc men prevented from breeding"

You scooted forward on the bed, fully invested in his story and he leaned closer to the bars of your confined cell, excited by your enthusiasm.

"As soon as the realms became peaceful, the need for Orcs dwindled, but now they were considered a menace to modern society. You see, more often then not, Orcs squabbled amongst themselves, just as much as they troubled the citizens of any place they took residence" he leaned in and lowered his voice to a whisper "My ancestors were a lot more brutish" he grins.

You smile at his need to whisper the last part, not wanting to offend his dead ancestors.

"A sweeping movement of disgruntled noble citizens branched out from all the realms, demanding Orcs be permanently placed on a small plot of land away from modern man. But the realms Kings argued profusely, none wanting to give up land to accommodate an outdated and unworthy race. They plotted to eradicate and remove us from existence instead, on the guise that they were giving Orcs a home of their own. But a leader rose up amongst the thousands. An orc who showed more wisdom and self control than the rest. He told all that would listen, begging his people not to believe the lies from the Kings. He knew it was a trap, that no realm would house Orcs willingly"

"So what happened?!" you ask, eager to know.

He grinned seeing your impatience.

"Well, Ekeri. The thousands of Orcs became divided, half following the realms leaders with false hope in their hearts, and stupidity in their head. While the other half left and hid away, concealing themself under barren ground. They waited, hoping and praying they would be proved wrong"

"And, were they? Please say they were.." you plead anxiously.

Rovi sighed "My father said he remembered the day well. He came out of his unground hole, hearing celebrations and the joyous laughter of his people, of the young children only just beginning to walk. His heart lifted, truly so happy that he was proved wrong. But those joyful sounds soon turned to deafening screams as the mass of innocent Orcs were bombarded from all sides, and brutally slain"

"Nooo" you whine, saddened, and another fresh tear escaped your eye.

Rovi saw your sincere sorrow and stood from his seat. He walked to the cell and unlocked it. Leaving it open as he sauntered inside. He sat next to you and gently wiped away the tear with his large thumb.

"My father was that Orc who rose up against the injustice. He died a while ago, but even on his deathbed he told me he could still hear the shrills of his people, and the smell of the warm blood as it travelled with the wind. His whole life he hated himself for being right, and suffered deep rooted remorse for not trying harder to convince them"

"I'm sorry Rovi. But your father was a hero. He saved so many, and clearly you being here means Orcs live on"

"Hmm" he replied, but you sensed he wasn't telling you something.

"How did he escape? surely the Kings would see only half of the Orcs had turned up"

"Well that is the great unsolved mystery. A realm took pity on the Orcs. Dropping off a large ship in the dead of the night, giving them a chance to escape before being captured. Allowing them a chance of life. Over the years Orcs stopped at many planets, staying clear of the realms, but even they didn't want us. So my father decided to keep upgrading the ship instead, expanding our knowledge of space travel, and of engineering. We've become a bit of a whiz at it. Unmatched and unparalleled by others in our skill to navigate the dark skies of space. It is our flying home. Yet..."

He looked downcast, his sorrow now showing clearly.

"What is it?" you ask.

"Our numbers dwindled away over the thousands of years, successful breeding has been a problem. And it's only got worse. Our numbers are so small we fear extinction"

You gasp, stunned "I'm so sorry"

"But we are still feared, the realms know we survived and evolved. No longer just a band of brutes. We are smart and strong. And so now they employ us to dispose of their dirty secrets, but at least this time we're not thrust at the front of the battle. We choose what we want. And we receive hefty coin in return"

"And I'm guessing I'm one of the dirty secrets that needs disposing of. Odin employed you to get rid of me once and for all"

Rovi stared at you but the silence as you waited for a verbal answer was more piercing than his eyes.

"Yes"

"That sly bastard"

Both of you sat in cold silence, but your mind whirred, a burning question firing in your mind.

"Which realm was it that helped you escape?"

"We never knew. It's the unknown mystery. It is the main reason we do not take revenge. We have the capacity to blast each and every realm, rendering it to rubble. But we do not want to harm those that helped us. And I like to think my people have evolved from our past grievances"

You looked around the large cell and peered at the fine details of its build, wondering what realm made the ship. But Rovi continued his intoxicating stare on you.

"It's a fancy dwelling for a prison" you say.

"I suspect the realm that built this ship has taste, and empathy. Even to those needing confined punishment. And to be perfectly honest, you're our first prisoner to use these confines. Usually we go to the problem, and deal with it there. We do not like our ship, our home, to be.." he paused, hesitating his next words.

"To be the murder scene?" you say.

He averted his eyes, and sighed.

"I do not wish to kill you. But I can not refuse this contract. Odin offers something we need. I am sorry"

"Is my blood on your hands worth what he offers?.. is destroying a family worth what you seek? I am warning you now, and do not take this as a threat, it is a warning from sincere intentions. If you end my life, and my King finds out. You and all your race might as well of died all those years ago"

"And is that why Odin wants you dead. Because you do not follow him as your King. You've denounced him and and have taken to following a different leader?"

You chuckle seeing his serious face "do you really not know anything about me?"

"I prefer not to find out the details of who I'm hired to kill"

"And you want to know now?"

"What can I say. You've peaked my interest"

You half smile.

"Well" he says inpatient "Or would you prefer we get on with the killing?" he said sarcastically.

"I'd rather you take me home. I miss my son dearly"

"You're a mother?!" he exclaimed, surprised.

"I've barely had a chance to be. My son is only a few weeks old"

"I see" he said low. "So you are Odin's mistress. He wants to hide you from his Queen"

Your felt the bile rise up in your throat. The fact he actually thinks you and Odin could be a thing, made you want to end your own life.

"That is the most disturbing statement anyone has ever said to me. Kindly kill me already!" you mock, scrunching up your face in disgust.

You heard Rovi chuckle, finding your animated expressions amusing.

"For a Midgardian, you are truly beautiful"

You blush hearing his compliment, and he smiles, seeing you clearly turn red.

"So Odin isn't your king. And he isn't your lover" your face grimaced again, and he quickly apologised. "But you have a king. And that King is the father of your child. Where does Odin fit into this?"

You took a deep breath and exhaled "It's a complicated story. But I will give you the shortened version. I am married to Odin's son"

"Im not clued up on current royals. But on our travels around Asgard, my crew heard the name Thor"

"No. Not that son. His adopted son, Loki"

"Loki?...now that's a name l've heard rattled around the rig... but it cannot be the same Loki"

"I've never met another named Loki. Why wouldn't it be the same?"

"Because. This Loki, is King of Jotunheim. Not a prince of Asgard. As soon as he was King, he spread a statement far and wide. So far it reached the outta most galaxy. It's made a name for himself. Which I expect, is exactly what he wanted"

"Oh. And what did he say"

"The devil does not live in fire. But amongst ice. Fear me, for I am eternal fire and bone chilling ice. I am King Loki, of Jotunheim"

You giggle amused "yes. That's certainly something he would say to establish his new authority"

Rovi looked at you incredulously, now scrunching his brows.

"You're married to the King of Jotunheim?"

"Does that surprise you?"

He stood up and paced the cell.

"I understand now...why you do not fear me. Fear monsters......because you're married to one"

You shot him a glacial stare. And he widened his eyes in surprise not once seeing you display any form of anger towards him.

"You have lived through the trialing times and demoralisation of your people, who were also branded monsters. I expected more from you than to brand an entire race. The Jotnar people are some of the most sincere people I've ever met. They welcomed me, an outsider from Midgard, and accepted me as their Queen. Go ahead, label yourself as a monster, you're technically a hired hitman, that itself is rather monstrous. But as Queen of Jotunheim, I can wholeheartedly tell you, my people are not monsters"

"I see you display defensiveness when it comes to your realm Ekeri"

"No" you snap back "when it comes to the people I love"

"Then Queen suits you earthling" he smiles. "I'm sorry for angering you. Loki is a lucky Jotun. To have won the heart of someone who can look past their unpleasant and tough exterior, and from the savage past of their race. I have to admit, my interests into why Odin wants you dead has hit peak"

You sighed "I imagine it's because he knows alone Loki is strong. But when am I with him, we're unbreakable. He fears us. Scared Asgard will be demoted under the boot of Jotunheim. When in reality, we merely wish to live in peace, for our love to be accepted, and for our son to grow without fear of prejudice. I suppose, we fight for what you fought for. Except, we have no other realm to give us our safety ship"

Only the creaks of the vessel as it floated through the blackness of space was heard. But your mind flooded with the face of your son. And tears began to roll.

"I can't die Rovi. I have too many people that depend on me. My son needs me. My King needs me" your eyes became glassy thinking about your son growing up without you "I knew Odin was depraved, I've been the main one to receive the brunt of it. But after my son was born, his grandson, I thought. I hoped, that he would have a change of heart" you say looking downcast, another tear falling down your cheek.

"More space dust?" Rovi asks, noticing the tears.

"Not this time" you reply, allowing him full view of your teary eyes.

He sighed a deep breath, and took a seat next to you. His hand hesitatingly hovered over yours, fearful of your rejection should he touch you.

"I lied" he said, lowering his hand on top of yours. Waiting for you to squirm away.

But you never did.

"Lied?"

"Mm-hmm. It isn't space dust that makes me weep. I do in fact cry. Sometimes because I'm sad. But most times it's because it makes me feel, in a sense...human. Like I am more than just the discarded race no one wanted. If I feel emotion, I can't be a monster....right?"

You saw his eyes fill with tears but he was happy to feel the wetness pool between his lashes.

You speak with with truth in hopes it eases him.

"All the evil monsters I've met eventually cry. But only when they beg me for their life. Only then do they show emotion. They selfishly shed tears for themself, having never shed a tear for the ones they hurt. Those are the real monsters" you declare.

"Am I a monster?"

"I've always been inquisitive. I read people quite well. And the moment our eyes met, I did not look away because behind your eyes I saw a deep sadness. Evil does not show remorse. You're not a monster"

He moved his hand to your face, and caressed your cheek with his thumb. "Thank you Ekeri"

He suddenly stood up, his large form towering over you, and offered you his hand. You peek up from your lowered position and stare confused, but warily accept it. He pulled you up, sincerely smiling back at you.

"You will not die by my hand or any Orc"

"Really?!.... you mean it!" you exclaim relieved.

He grinned keeping a tight grip on your hand "I suppose now you're destined to live, I can fatten you up, and work on making those extra rolls" he chuckles.

Immediately your mind rang the alarm bells.

Shit, he wants to keep me!

"Rovi... I'm truly grateful you're not going ahead with your plan to kill me. But-"

"I told you, you're too beautiful to simply cease to exist" he stared in besotted infatuation.

Oh gods...

"Don't do that Rovi"

"Do what?"

"Look at me like I'm your dream girl...because I'm no dream. I am that unnerving feeling you have when you hear an unexplainable sound when alone. That cold creeping sensation that crawls along your spine"

"But Loki... he doesn't seem to mind it" he replies.

"That's because Loki is that unexplainable sound. He is the bitter cold, and the eternal dark, but also the warmest light" you pause, gazing at Rovi warmly "but I am his, and his alone"

He sighed, lifting your hand to his lips. "I envy him" he said lowly "yet, I respect your loyalty"

"Welcome to our OC, Rovi"