The sunlight hitting your eyelids gently awoke you, but as soon as you opened your eyes, the blinding light carried with it the excruciating pain in your temple, your head heavy from the alcohol's aftereffects.

You rise slowly from bed, attempting to recall how you even entered your chambers last night. You had no recollection of the last half of the evening, and you curse ingesting such wicked liquid because of it.

You glance around the room before noticing that you're not wearing the dress you wore last night. Instead, you're wearing an emerald silk slip, which you immediately recognise as something Loki would choose; he enjoyed the finer things in life.

"I was disrobed?" You murmur incredulously to yourself. "But surely with magic?"

Pondering on it for just a brief moment, you eventually convince yourself that everything was benign and that Loki would never take advantage of your intoxication. You felt his sincerity and consequently moved the thought to the back of your mind.

You open the compartment next to your bed and retrieve the small wooden figurine you began carving with the intention of giving it to Ovahh. He had stated in previous conversations that he enjoyed exploring through Loki's displayed possessions, and you had witnessed him doing so on multiple occasions. One in particular belonging that he always seemed to go back to, much to Loki's annoyance; was two faceless figures embracing.

You were fascinated by how tenderly he regarded it, as if he pined for a simple hug. And during your limited time with him, you noticed that he was vastly different from other guards or Jotun's.

Hugging was nonexistent; affection between Jotuns was expressed through formal handshakes, and even lovers preferred to touch foreheads as a sign of devotion over a full-body embrace. It prompted the question: Did Loki choose Ovahh from the guard house to be his personal guard because he perceived that he, too, was unique?

Shortly after completing your carved ornament, you return it to your bedside drawer, preferring to wait until the appropriate time to present it to Ovahh.

And now, your stomach rumbling indicated that it was later than early morning. You walk to the balcony doors and gaze out the window to see the sun firmly set in the sky; you estimate that it was past noon and that you slept in.

"Why didn't no one wake me?" You exclaim and immediately run to your wardrobe to change.

You sweep your cloak over your shoulders before opening the door and taking a quick peek into the hallway. The corridor appeared vacant to the left, but a sudden movement to the right causes you to jump in surprise. You spot Ovahh idly reclining against the wall, arms folded, with a smirk on his face.

"Well good afternoon, sleepy head. I see the potent pinia got to you too?" He quipped.

"So it is afternoon then? Why did none rouse me?" You criticise as you exit your chamber and close the door.

"I've just awoken myself, I too, am surprised that Loki didn't alert me. It is odd, he tends to like morning conversation."

"So you were just passing through and decided to wait by my door?" You query.

"I did knock a few times, but I didn't think you were inside so I peered in. I must say, you look as cute as a button when you are sleeping." He grinned." I didn't want to disturb you personally, so I opened the drapes, knowing that the sun's annoyance would eventually rouse you."

"Have you resorted to watching me sleep now? That's not creepy at all."

Ovahh chuckled. "Creepy would be the sounds you make. Who would have thought it, a small princess, flawless in every aspect, snores. You sound like a Lassim beast."

You raise an eyebrow, intrigued more by the mystery of the Lassim beast than insulted, and Ovahh noticed your curious stare.

"It is a medium-sized mammal that belongs to the rodent family. It resides near Jotunheim's icy lakes. They are small, but their sounds emulate those of larger animals in order to ward off predators."

You had a look of surprise on your face. "I really must read up on Jotunheims animal inhabitants, it is so very fascinating... but... don't tell Loki that I snore. It's severely embarrassing."

Ovahh smirked. "Doth thee careth what thy king thinkest of thee?"

"Clearly, you've spent too much time with Loki, as you've mastered his old English dialect quite well."

Ovahh shrugged his shoulders. "I find it amusing; I cannot conceive why such a whimsical dialect would become obsolete. The Midgardian mortals are peculiar beings. Only marginally less peculiar than you, my dear virgin, Birdy."

Your visage changed; no longer did it convey amusement.

"Really? Did you have to start the taunting when I already have a splitting headache? Is it so incomprehensible that someone stays chaste?" You turn away and head in the direction of Loki's residence.

"Absolutely, but only because it is so rare to find someone who shares the same values as Jotun's"

You cease your stroll and turn to Ovahh with a curious and bewildered look. "What does that even mean?"

"Well, birdy, Jotuns don't mate with just anyone; we believe in connecting with the one individual who ignites our hearts. Our desires do not emerge until we meet someone who does that. Perhaps that's why my king is still so pure" Ovahh gave you a small grin and walked away.

You regarded him with incredulity as he marched ahead.

"Wait... explain more!" You called out, but he carried on.

You stood in stunned silence as you absorbed his words. Was Loki truly as inexperienced as you?

In addition to the headache you felt, you had a persistent voice in your head yelling at you to remember something as you leisurely strolled through the hallways. Something significant. However, despite your efforts, it remained obscure and on the tip of your tongue.

You knew you'd remember it eventually, but you needed to eat in order to absorb the potent pinia that was still in your system. You hoped Ovahh would be kind enough to leave you a honey pastry, as for some reason you have a strong craving for one.

You rounded a corner and encountered Ovahh standing with his back to you outside Loki's suite. As you drew closer, you questioned why he was not yet inside.

"You waited for me, how considerate of you! I thought I'd be left with nothing but scraps for breakfast." You chuckle.

However, as you approached and Ovahh turned to face you, he revealed another individual that his massive body had been concealing, causing you to exclaim in astonishment.

"Javier?" You mutter in disbelief.

Javier gave you a small smile. "Princess Eden, I'm so glad that you arrived safely."

You rushed forward and gave him a hug without delay, much to his delight. His body relaxed and he dissolved into your embrace after initially being tense.

Ovahh observed your warm greeting to Javier and felt a constriction in his chest as a result. He was resentful of his inability to receive such a comforting embrace. 

"I'm delighted to see you. But I am startled by how soon it is. Did you even have time to recover in Asgard prior to resuming your journey?" You step back to examine his exhausted features.

He grasped both of your hands and smiled meekly. "Please believe me when I say that this time, Eden, my travel here was not voluntary."

You frown, unsure by what he meant.

When he observed your confused expression, he reinforced his grip on your hands, anticipating that you will soon pull away. "I did not come alone, Eden. I'm sorry." His eyes displayed remorse, heightening your anxiety.

The door to Loki's chambers opened abruptly, and upon observing that your hands were locked with Javier's, Loki glared at them with disdain. His demeanour was obviously strained, but you could tell it wasn't just because Javier was holding your hands.

"Loki," you give him a smile.

The moment he saw your affectionate expression towards him, his frown disappeared.

"Eden," his eyes conveyed a tenderness despite the fact that his body appeared rigid.

Your attention was suddenly drawn to movement within Loki's chambers. Upon recognising a familiar face gazing at you, your heart plummeted and your expression grew horrified.

Magritte approached the back of Loki, he grimaced as she placed an intimate hand on his shoulder.

"Princess Eden, it is a delight to have you in my kingdom; my husband and I extend our warmest greetings."

You immediately felt the sting of her words. Hearing the term husband was like a lash to your heart and you had to resist the urge to burst into angry and bitter tears.

You stare at Javier and now understand why he had the look of shame on his face. Your disappointment and anger at his decision to bring Magritte to Jotunheim made you rip your hands from his. Saddened by your reaction, he shrank back.

"You must be ravenous, Eden, since it appears you slept in. Join me in my royal quarters, but disregard my husband's decor; I will shortly have it redesigned to my liking, and it will be considerably more contemporary." Magritte affirmed, pushing past Loki and seizing your hand before you could come up with a reason not to accompany her.

As you pass Loki, he peers at you with sad eyes, but you turn away, unwilling to look at him or even touch him. Loki observed your deliberate effort to avoid even the slightest bit of contact. Yet, as you pass, he lightly touches your fingers, and he turns to observe Magritte dragging you inside.

"Do you see what I mean? All these nonsensical books on display, and the vomit inducing hues of greens! I mean, it is so last century." Magritte took a seat at the table and gestures for you to join.

You quietly sit down, still in denial that this is actually occurring.

"You're awfully withdrawn, has the dreary climate already made you as dull as this realm and it's inhabitants?" She laughs while you regard her with disgust. 

You hear a low growl emanating from the doorway and turn to see Ovahh staring at Magritte. But Magritte pays no attention. She didn't even notice. In Asgard, it was beneath her to look at the help, and it appears that nothing has changed in Jotunheim.

You sensed Loki's intense gaze upon you, but you continue to look away from him. You lacked the mental strength to face him given your current emotional state.

Magritte utilised her authority immediately and began demanding. "Javier, attempt to communicate with the frost giants of the palace and request that they deliver food to their queen. I want grains harvested before this pandemic. God forbid I injest something recently cultivated and become sick."

She noticed that Javier, Ovahh, and Loki were still staring straight ahead, their gaze on you instead of paying her any attention.

"Well, chop, chop!" She rudely motions for him to hasten by waving her hand in his direction.

"Ovahh, take Magritte's guard—"

"I am not Magritte's guard!" Javier interrupted Loki, and both men glared at one another.

Loki scowled. "Take the guard that brought Magritte here to the kitchens." Loki spoke through clenched teeth; he was already enraged by the presence of Magritte, he did not require disrespect from an overly affectionate guard.

Already, you could detect hostility between them.

After Ovahh and Javier had departed the room, Loki sat down at the table, selecting a seat directly next to you.

Magritte observed him glued intently to you, but noted that you continued to disregard his concentrated stare. She found it curious. Humorous even. She rather enjoyed the way you were treating him, and thought perhaps there was hope for you yet.

"I assume you've both become acquainted. Has he taken you to tend the crops yet?" Magritte inquired inquisitively. You wondered why she asked; she had no remorse or interest in Asgard's crop problem, so you pondered why she was pretending to care about Jotunheim.

"Only briefly have King Loki and I spent time together. I have not yet been able to venture past the palace. The weather has been problematic." You spoke robotically.

When you addressed Loki with formal titles, you caught sight of his nails dig into the wood from the corner of your eye. Royal titles were something he despised hearing from you because it indicated that all his efforts to become close with you had failed.

"Ah, the god-awful weather. I believe this barron realm was created from the scraps of other kingdoms. I have no idea why the discarded cut offs were allowed to band together and call themselves a realm."

Her words made you nauseated, and your contempt grew as you witnessed her repulsive superiority and prejudice. How Loki enjoyed the company of such a woman was beyond your comprehension.

"If you do not like living amongst the cuts offs Magritte, why are you here?" You restrained your wrath and spoke calmly.

"Well, to pay a visit to my husband of course. We both have needs that need to be met." She regarded you with keen attention and delicately caressed your hand. "Im sure you can imagine what those needs entail."  You pull your hand from her touch and position them in your lap, finding her touch revolting.

She had no intention of interacting with Loki during her stay, but considered it wise to improve his standing with Embrodi by feigning an intimate relationship. She was simply doing her duty as stipulated in odin's contract.

You stood up abruptly. "I think it's best I leave you to both catch up then. Needs must be met as you say, and I hope you both find satisfaction with your reunion." You turn around to leave, but the sounding of a chair scraping harshly along the floor alerted you that someone else had stood up as soon as you had.

Your hand was firmly grasped, and Loki quickly appeared in front of you, but you continued to avert your gaze.

"Don't go, Eden."

"Let me go, Loki." You lower your voice to a whisper, knowing that Magritte's nosy focus will be exclusively on the unusual exchange between you and Loki.

"I can never.... Never ever.."

You finally glance up and are taken aback to see the desperation in his eyes. But your emotional disarray prevents you from truly considering why he looked so torn.

"Your queen sits alone at the table, you should go and be with her." You pull from his grip and proceed out of Magritte's hearing range, but a strong pull on your arm prevents you from exiting the door, causing you to collide with Loki's chest.

"My queen stands before me!" He cries out, his eyes smeared with tears as he looks at you. "It is you I want, Eden."

You wipe away your heartbreak, putting on a false mask of resilience and tenderly cup his face. "No Loki, I am not your queen. Her name on your marriage certificate proves that. I refuse to be a mistress to a king who desires both a queen and a lover."

You jerk your hand away and walk out of the room, but not before hearing his agonised declaration.

"You broke your promise!"

You paused midway down the corridor and turned slowly to face him. As he peered at you with longing and misery, his cheeks were stained with tears. His head dropped as he sensed Magritte's approach, and she smirked at you as she shut the door to their quarters.

Magritte was impressed by your blatant disregard for him. Unaware of the affection you had for Loki, she merely believed you shared her disgust for Jotunheim.

You run to your room and storm through the door, furious at everyone and everything. You scream into the air, oblivious to the fact that palace personnel outside your door can hear you.

You rip off your cloak and collapse onto your bed, finding yourself once again weeping into the covers. A knock rapped at your door and fuming with resentment, you unleashed your rage by yelling.

"Whomever resides at my door, please leave. Go now or lest you fear my indignant wrath." 

You are jolted upwards as the door is suddenly swung open and you see Ovahh towering in the doorway.

"Indignant wrath?" He grins amused. "I've been curious to see the fearsome Embrodi women in action, as it is difficult to believe the rumours that they are ferocious given their diminutive size."

"Ovahh, your wit is wasted on my rage right now. I have no patience for it." You slump back down on the bed and bury your head under a pillow.

You hear another voice in the room say your name timidly, and you growl when you recognise that it belongs to Javier. You look up and shoot him a glare.

"You brought her here.... Her!... That awful, terrible, pale faced, woman!" You yell, enraged. "Why javier?"

"I'm sorry, I had no choice, I was commanded."

"Commanded by whom? I told you that you always have a choice, always! But you prioritised your professional obligation over the loyalty of your friend. You know I loath her, and you have the same contempt for her as I, yet you transport her to Jotunheim!"

"I am sorry. Truly Eden. You are right, I could have said no. But..."

"But what? Javier"

Javier glanced at you with anxiousness coursing through his body.

"Tell me!"

"I missed you!" He yelled out his admittance. "I needed to see you again, Eden. It didn't sit right with me to have simply left you within the snow and in the company of a strange Jotun, but I also realised I longed to see you again."

You exhale in exasperation and slump back onto your bed, gazing up at the canopy in a trance, lost in your overwhelming frustration.

You heard movement and then feel the mattress compress twice as Ovahh and Javier took seats on either side of you. You peered at their remorseful expressions before resuming your mindless stare into nothingness.

"I am aware that you do not feel for me as I do for you, Eden. But I cannot help who my heart loves," Javier expressed regretfully.

You turn your head towards Javier, recognising how he felt. He desires you but can never have you. You are in the same predicament, you want Loki, but you won't ever acquire him.

"I'm sorry Javier, I truly am. But... but my heart belongs to another."

Javier sighed and looked downcast. "I get it, Eden. He surpasses me in every way imaginable."

You observe him with curiosity. Was your love for the king evident to even him?

Javier looked at Ovahh. "The better man gained her affections, Ovahh. If I could shake your hand right now I would. But perhaps a nod of acceptance instead."

You suddenly sit up and gaze bewilderedly at Javier, while Ovahh burst out laughing.

"You think I am in love with, Ovahh?"

Javier's face contorted into confusion.

"You imbecile, I am aware that Eden shares love for me, because let's face facts, I am adorable, but it is merely a platonic friendship. It is my king that has stolen her heart." Ovahh asserts.

Javier abruptly stood up. "A married man! You have given yourself to a King who is already wedded. Why have you sunk so low and turned into a disgraceful mistress, Eden? You possess more worth than that."

You leapt from the bed. "Who I love is my business, and don't you dare boldly assume that I have given myself freely to anyone. I am no harlot. I will never be anyone's mistress." You shouted in anger. "I have every intention of leaving as soon as I resolve the issue with Jotunheim. The further removed I am from Loki, the better, and I am confident that my heart will mend in time." You fib to yourself.

"Leaving?" Ovahh exclaimed with a heavy heart. He wore the same expression of despondency the last time he sat on your bed.

"It was inevitable that I should I leave, Ovahh," you say in a subdued voice.

"I don't wish for you to leave Birdy." He gazed at your little frame. "For someone so small, you leave a huge impact on those you meet. Even on the biggest of Jotun's as me."

Javier regarded Ovahh with intrigue. Recognising the look in his eyes as he spoke.

"I will visit you, and you can also visit me." You state, yet knew in your heart that it would never occur. As a member of the royal guard, his place is by the king, and as a Jotun, travel outside of his realm is perilous for him.

Ovahh was silent, but his mind was racing.

He now understood what Loki meant when he stated that if he ever had the misfortune to encounter Magritte, he would immediately realise how terrible she was. He never envisaged that someone could be so repulsive, but he was once again proven wrong: Magritte exemplified a monster. She was not the queen that Jotunheim required, and Ovahh knew that you were destined for such a position. He had the same intense sensation as Loki; neither Jotun could let you go.

He smiled and gazed up at you with an idea in mind. "So I'm assuming the potent pinia really did wipe your memory last night"

You furrowed your brow. "Yes, I recall very little."

"Hmm... a shame." Ovahh remarked.

"Why? Am I really at a great loss by not remembering what we ate or conversed about? The last I recall we spoke of your callous feet, and how it is imperative that Jotun's have regular pedicures. It was really nothing that should be safely locked in the memory vault."

Ovahh playfully grasped at his heart, pretending to be wounded by your harsh words. "I confided in you about my feet. I hope you take that secret to the grave." He teased.

You rolled your eyes. "You tell everyone about your feet. I overheard you complaining to Loki long before you told me!"

Ovahh smiled, having been captured in a lie.

"Fine. But the promise you made to Loki was certainly a memory you should have remembered."

"What is this promise? Loki mentioned something of a promise broken, and I woke up knowing that I should remember something of importance but I... I can't recall."

"Well, birdy, allow me to revive your memory." He said with a grin. "I was suppose to be asleep on the sofa. Passed out due to an excess of pinia. But what neither you nor my king realised was that I barely touched a drop of pinia. Certainly not enough to make me more than moderately merry. I simply chose to lie down because watching you hand-feed Loki honeyed pastries and him licking your fingers clean was... well, it was just a little too much."

Your expression was utter astonishment. "You're lying... I would never, I wou—..."

Suddenly, flashes of Loki sucking your fingers, and licking his seductive glazed lips replayed in your mind. Your heart began to rapidly beat faster and harder in your chest, and as your blood rushed through your body, so did all your forgotten memories.

The stones you used to construct a wall and shield your heart after seeing Magritte, suddenly crumbled when you recalled his declaration of love to you.

You detect your cheeks intensifying to a blood-red hue as you cover your face with your hands, but are are filled with both shock and excitement.

"Oh my gods... I did do that..." Your voice was muffled as you spoke through your hands.

You saw Ovahh beaming at you as you peered through your open fingers.

"Do you recall the conversation about his marriage to Magritte?"

You reflect on the intimate and emotional encounter that occurred just hours ago and recount every word vividly. But now you had to work hard to keep your voice from shaking as you responded.

"Yes... I do..."

"And do you remember your promise."

You lower your hands and reveal your teary eyes.

"I remember." You whisper.

You look at Ovahh with a face of uncertainty. "Did I dream that he confessed that he loved me, or did that really happen?"

Ovahh smiled. "I recall he said something along the lines of: If I were to combine every grain of sand and every star in the sky, it wouldn't be enough to equal how much I love you. Sound about right?"

Ovahh's repeating of Loki's precise words proved that you weren't imagining things, and it made you smile broadly.

"I must kiss him, I promised!" You exclaim while standing in elated anticipation.

Javier quickly reminded you of your own words. "But you said you'll never be a kings mistress!"

You grinned even wider. "But I'm not his mistress...I am his queen"

You dash towards the door and swing it open. But Javier quickly grabs your hand and pulls you back.

"Eden, are you sure that this is what you want?"

As he held both of your hands, you could see concern in his eyes.

"I'm aware that you believe you love me, but what you're actually experiencing is infatuation with someone who has shown you kindness when no one else has. You respect me, Javier, and that is a form of affection, but it is not love. Do you understand?"

"You are right, I just fear losing the only person I admire." He sighed. "Ovahh is right, you impact positively on everyone you meet, Eden. If anyone deserves love, it is you. I wish you luck with king Loki."

"Thank you!" You give him a chaste kiss on the cheek and then take off. But another bothersome summons of your name prevented you from moving forward.

"Oh, birdyyyy..." Ovahh sang your name and it was clear that he was considerably more happy now.

"Yes, my dear, Ovahh," you grin as you turn around to face him.

"What? No kiss for me?" Ovahh slanted his head to the side and pointed to his blue cheek, gesturing for a kiss.

"How is that giant glove coming along, ovahh?"

He grinned broadly... "My genius creation is in the works."

"Well, until then, this will have to do..." you blew him an air kiss and he playfully pretended to capture it. He kept his eyes on you as you hurriedly exited the door.

Again, Javier observed Ovahh inquisitively, but this time he knew precisely what he recognised behind his humorous look. Ovahh, detecting his focus, returned it.

"Platonic friendship?" Javier scoffed. "She has no idea you love her too, does she?"

Ovahh arose from the bed and turned to Javier, his face void of all humour. "Every Jotun loves their reigning king, they respectfully love their queen too. I just happen to love her more."