"Are you sure you want to go? I can apologise on your behalf to queen Frigga."

"Father, please, do not worry. I will be absolutely safe in Asgard, Frigga has assured us many times of that."

King Hoyd observed as you repeatedly move items of clothing between your wardrobe and trunk, in preparation for your short trip to Asgard. But you stop midway when you sense his growing anxiety.

"It is a brief stay, a week or two at most." You take his hand in yours. "Act big for small Embrodi, remember. Just think of the recognition your realm will have."

With a sigh, he cups your cheek. "Our realm, daughter," he corrects. "It is more yours, for you are the torchbearer and the future of Embrodi."

He draws you into a hug and squeezes you tight. "We knew you were destined for great things, Eden. Your mother and I, we are so very proud of you."

"I hope she is, " you murmur.

"The presence of her is ever present in my senses. Even now, her phantom voice advises me on the best way to rule the land and raise you. That's why I know she is beaming with pride."

You sniffle back a sob and pull back to peer into your father's aging features. "I miss her so very much, but I am so grateful to have you in my life, father."

"You are a radiance that glistens and lifts the spirits of everyone you come in contact with, Eden. And my only wish is that one day, a person truly worthy of you comes along to recognise your shine and returns the love you exude to everyone you let in. You deserve to be as happy as your mother and I were."

You collapse back into his arms, sobbing. "I can only wish for such a lovestory."

"Oh my child, my sweet, sweet girl. I will miss you greatly." He held the back of your head, his large hand gently stroking your hair.

Your heart pained as soon as you detected a tremble in your father's voice, but you suppress your sobs and put on a strong demeanour. You knew the more self-assured you come across, the easier his emotional detachment would be.

"It's true that I, too, will miss you." You draw back and sniffle up. "But I am an Embrodi, our Kingdom is small, but we are mighty." You smile proudly. "And I'll be back in no time to listen to your regular marriage lectures, I promise."

***

You take one last look out of the carriage window and wave frantically at your father, who stands with a worried look on his face. "Farewell father, see you in two weeks! Don't forget to water my garden, and remember to eat a banana everyday for your low potassium."

In typical fashion, he yells the usual response each time you urge him to eat the delicious yellow fruit, "I do not love bananas!"

Your carriage began to move away but he waited, expecting the same customary reply that he normally got from you.

"But they love you!" You bellow back, leaning your upper torso out of the window.

You see your father's beaming grin, and you smile wider as he continued to wave you off. Your long hair whipped back in the wind as the carriage picked up pace, yet you lingered until you could no longer see him.

As soon as the palace walls disappeared from view, you sagged back into your seat, your hair an unravelled mess. And now, as the experience of living in Asgard among Sif and Frigga became very real, exhilaration coursed through your body.

The journey seemed to take no time at all, and before you knew it, you were pulling up once more to the magnificent steps of Asgard's imposing palace. As you stood up to leave the carriage, the door suddenly flung open, and an excited squeal could be heard.

"Eden!" Sif boomed, enthusiastically dragging you out with her strong arms and embracing you. "We are so happy to see you!"

"We?" Your voice was muffled as she squeezed you against her.

Thor suddenly appeared with Queen Frigga and both gave you welcoming smiles.

"Welcome back to Asgard, Princess Eden." Thor said sincerely, "I trust your journey went well."

"Thank you Prince Thor, it was a smooth and enjoyable ride," you reply.

"Please, just call me, Thor."

"Or thunder-pants" Sif quickly added, eliciting a strong flush to burn on her husbands cheeks.

You broke into giggles as Thor gave chase to Sif, and  easily caught her in his muscular arms. You couldn't help but fall in love with their adorable, lighthearted antics. They were the epitome of true lovebirds, and you admired their relationship.

"Asgard has missed you, Eden," Queen Frigga spoke softly as Thor and Sif were engrossed in a passionate embrace.

"Well, I have two weeks to leave a lasting impression, so that the lands will remember me fondly even after I'm gone." You say in a comical tone.

Frigga approached you and took your hand. "Believe me dear, your short time here has already made an impact. I just wish I had met you many moons ago," she sighed. "You are the sun to his rain."

You gazed at her in puzzlement for a brief moment, unsure of her meaning.

"Just the one trunk, Princess?" Thor asked.

"Please, call me Eden, and yes, just the one." You reply.

"Well then, I like you even more, Eden. A girl who travels light suggests she is not high maintenance." His smile soon faded when he attempted to lift the trunk. "By the gods! I spoke too soon, what have you got in here, half of Embrodi?"

You chuckled, "I enjoy to read, so I brought my library of course."

Thor strained to speak as he hoisted the heavy trunk. "Reading; another trait of Loki, mother."

Frigga chuckled to herself as she realised that whenever you were in Thor's presence, he unconsciously brought up Loki, just as she often did when you were around her. The difference being, Thor didn't yet realise he did so. She was thrilled to learn that she wasn't alone in sensing a link between you and Loki.

"You keep saying I have much in common with King Loki, which only makes me more curious to meet him."

"I've requested that he come for breakfast," Frigga smiled. "If he isn't too busy with his royal duties in Jotunheim, he'll hopefully be able to join us in Asgard before you leave."

"That would be nice, as I'm very late in congratulating him on his recent marriage to Magritte."

Thor scoffed in response to your wish to congratulate Loki, while enlisting the help of Sif to carry the heavy case. Sif shot him a heated glare, as Loki's sham marriage was supposed to be kept a secret, but Thor, who was too focused on trying to lift his end of your hefty luggage, continued with his unwitting retorts.

"Condolences would be more appropriate." He huffed.

You had no chance to ponder his unusual remark, because Sif inadvertently dropped her end of the trunk, which caused Thor to lose control of the unbalanced chest. A sharp cry of pain bellowed out as his toes took the brunt of the impact.

Frigga rolled her eyes, then hurried to her son's aid, hovering a palm over his bruised foot until the pain subsided.

"My son, if it's not the ale, then it is your big mouth that always gets you into trouble." Frigga spoke in a low voice that only Thor could pick up.

"It's not my fault the gods cursed my wife with clumsy hands!" He tried to match his mother's quiet tone, but he was naturally loud, and whispering was a skill he was yet to master.

Sif overheard Thor's arrogant proclamation, and now her expression betrayed obvious annoyance as she lingered angrily in front of him, her hands on her waist.

Thor grinned nervously, glad her hands rested on her hips and not his throat. "Kidding, I'm kidding...but if I were not, I want you to know that I adore your graceless, clumsy hands." He sheepishly took hold of her hand and kissed it. She instantly softened her hard expression.

"Are you alright, Thor? I'm terribly sorry, perhaps you're right, such a weighty trunk is unnecessary." You say with remorse.

"No harm done, my lady." Thor stood up, now fully healed, which settled your worries.

He attempted to reconcile further with Sif by placing his arm around her waist. She tried to brush him away, but his touch was persistent, and in the end her defences broke down and she gave in. You saw a smug grin on Thor's face at winning her over, before you turned back around to link arms with Frigga.

Frigga escorted you inside the palace and to your private quarters. As you step into your room, you're struck by its grandeur, and feel grateful that you were provided with such a lavish place to stay for the duration of your time in Asgard.

"It's truly beautiful Queen Frigga," you gaze around the room, awed by its vibrant colours mixed with leafy greens, it almost felt like you were in a garden.

"I thought you'd appreciate this room, I tried to implement a garden theme. A sense of the outside being inside, does it exude as such?"

"Oh it really does. You have done a fantastic job. I physically know I am inside a room, yet it feels so freeing, as though I am on my own little plot of land." You marvel.

"And should you open the balcony doors, the garden below will give you a sweet floral scent." Frigga led you towards the large glass doors and magically waved them open.

Immediately you were hit with a mixture of familiar scents.

"Can you recall what flowers the aromas come from?" Frigga smiled, challenging your abilities as a Gaia.

You chuckle, and breathe in through your nose. "I smell a mix of Gardenia's, honeysuckle and the faint scent of rose, which I assume is planted furthest back to catch the sun?"

Frigga beamed with pride, "I am impressed, truly, your gift is impeccable."

"Thank y—"

Something heavy falling to the floor with a loud thud shocked you, and you jerked your head towards the direction of the noise. Thor had finally arrived but had dropped the weighty chest.

"Now who is the clumsy one?" Sif proclaimed. Eye rolling a flushed Thor, who was breathless with exertion.

"I'm starting to believe Loki was right, the Ale does hinder my body shape and strength, perhaps I should listen to my brother's wise counsel." Thor stated aloud.

"Ale is known to widen the gut, and make you a sleepy mutt." You unconsciously declare.

Everyone stared at you with grins on their faces, however, when you realised that you had uttered the rhyme aloud, your face flushed with humiliation.

"Sorry, it was just a saying I made up as a child. My mother was amused by it so much that she repeated it often to my father." You twiddled your thumbs nervously.

"A comical jingle that is not untrue." Sif smiled.

"Loki would like such a rhyme, wouldn't he mother?" Thor mused.

Frigga took hold of your nervous hand, curbing your anxious movement. "My Loki used to create such wonderful ditty's too, short poems that always provided us joy. Hearing your's has brought back such sweet memories." She smiled tenderly, "Thank you."

"Perhaps when you meet my brother, he will be inspired by you to create more. He lacks motivation these days ... well, years. But maybe upon meeting you, Eden, the creativity you exude will bring back his clever talent of rhyme." Thor again, unwittingly spoke of Loki, and Frigga smiled warmly.

"Maybe we would serve to inspire each other, I admit, my creativity has never fully recovered after my mother's passing." You confess.

"Then all the more reason to meet my son, Loki." Frigga beamed. "Now come all, Eden is in need of rest. We shall leave you to settle in. But do not be afraid to venture around the palace, it is perfectly safe."

You look at Frigga in surprise, "I can leave my room?"

She chuckled, "Well of course dear, you are our guest, not a prisoner."

"Though, I have shackles should you wish to use them." An unfamiliar voice spoke up.

You look up to see a dapper man with blonde hair hovering in the doorway, his grin a mile wide.

"Fandral, your brazen bravado never fails to offend." Queen Frigga frowned.

"My apologise queen Frigga, my words are never intended to offend, tis merely a jest, ... or a suggestion." He winked directly at you.

Sif promptly moved to Fandral's side and began shoving him out, "Hey, hey, wait a minute, I've not been formally introduced." He argued, rooting himself in place while being roughly manhandled by a slightly stronger Sif.

"Perhaps when you attain some manners—" Sif curtly vocalised.

"Now, now Sif, let us introduce Fandral to Eden, we know very well he will likely skulk back here and just annoy Eden if we do not." Thor cut in.

"Yes, hence why I was going to lock him up in the tower."

Fandral laughed, but his face fell when he saw Sif showing no sigh of humour, she was deadly serious.

"You can't be serious!" He rebuked, still struggling.

"She's not, and she wouldn't" Thor replied. But even he began to have doubts when she continued her harsh glare and unrelenting grip.

You quickly step forward and offer your hand, "I am Princess Eden, of Embrodi." You introduce yourself, trying to diffuse the heated situation. It was clear that this well groomed man, was more trouble than his innocent visage claimed.

"A princess! And an Embrodi! ... Wow, you have indeed graced my eyes, and flustered my heart, for I have not observed someone so beautiful." He took your hand, and lingered a kiss. "I am Fandral, Asgards most trusted, most loyal, and most experienced warrior; experienced in more than just warfare" he smirked, "and not forgetting, the most handsome member of the warriors three." He kissed your hand again. "A pleasure to meet you, Eden."

"Your overly confident, self obsessed assurance is such an ugly trait, Fandral." Sif retorted, continuing to budge him out of the door.

"Ugly?" Fandral's expression showed he was appalled. "I assure you there is nothing unsightly about me!" He was clearly offended. "I hope to bump into you around the palace, dear Eden." Fandral yelled out, now pushed halfway down the corridor.

Thor offered you a half smile, "He's harmless, bold, a tad bit shameless and very aware of his striking looks, but harmless."

You grin, and watch as Thor leaves, hurrying down the halls to catch up with Sif.

"I hope you will enjoy your time here in Asgard, Eden. And remember, even after your stay here, you are welcome anytime in Asgard, treat us as your second home." Frigga gently squeezed your hands, and then departed.

You closed the door to your room and leant back against it. A wind from the open balcony sent the sweet smell of flowers to your nose. You followed it until you reached the edge of the balcony, where you gazed out at the stunning view of the garden below.

Immediately your mental cogs whirred and you repeated a poem that came to your mind.

"Come does the warmth that spreads through my veins, and seizes part of my mind, this special place now rooted within the deep crevice of my heart—Asgard"

***

At first venturing out of your room alone felt daunting. Not having Sanfil or Embrodi guards following close behind felt alien to you. But it was a welcome experience, and one you would argue to continue when back home, as admittedly, independence felt good.

The next several days in Asgard flew by, and you were relieved to find that you were getting along well with everyone you met. Even Frandral and his constant efforts to gain your affection was more amusing than annoying, and surprisingly, although you missed your father dearly, the thought of going back home to Embrodi weighed heavy on your heart.

You would undoubtedly miss being around the people you have come to know and love, the genuine friends you have made. With each hectic day that passed, you stayed awake long after you'd said goodnight, twisting in your covers because the thought of leaving Frigga, Thor, and Sif hurt. Sleep was no easy feat, no matter how shattered you were after tending to the sick harvest.

A full week has now passed, and the packed itinerary you kept in Asgard ensured that you would leave with plenty of wonderful memories.

The day would start early as you worked to remedy the harvest, but come mid afternoon, a flurry of excitement was pushed upon you by Thor and Sif, your schedule filled with copious amounts of warrior-like training.

Sparring, jousting, horse riding, and sword play, were just some of the activities that you surprisingly enjoyed. However, some evenings you were glad to wind down with less physical undertaking when Frigga chose to learn you simple magic.

By day seven, she had taught you to master the act of creating fire. With a steady hand and focussed mind, you could materialise a real burning flame within your palm. You were unsure why Frigga had chosen to teach you that particular skill, but she insisted that it would come in use one day, and with her wisdom, you daren't oppose.

Throughout your work of root healing and addressing the source of the slow crop, Sif and Frigga were always there to observe and gain insight from your abilities, and wisdom.

After a day spent working outdoors, you dined with Frigga and Odin in the great hall before heading to the palace lounge, where you were supposedly meant to unwind. However, after spending a considerable amount of time in the company of the warriors three, and engaging in continuous bouts of belly-aching laughter, your stomach muscles eventually ached.

You rise to your feet and spread your arms wide while genuinely yawning. "Well, my aching body needs rest, I regretfully have to wish you all a goodnight."

Sif pulled on your arm and urged you to sit down as she continued her routine attempt to convince you to remain. Nobody within your new circle of friends wanted you to leave the common room, they enjoyed your company immensely and wanted to savour it until the very early hours of the morning.

Fandral and Hogarth, both members of the warriors three, moaned in protest and immediately tried to offer you more sweet treats in exchange for you to stay longer.

"I can't stay, I have an early rise, and coaxing me with sweet desserts won't work this time. I have to go to the meadow and finish my duties as root healer. I'm almost finished healing the spoiled harvest." You declare.

"All the more reason to stay! You have finished an entire week early! You can resume the healing in a few days." Sif argues.

"The healing must be consecutive, I can't take breaks and it's already 2am, so goodnight!" You smile, walking to the door.

You hear the whines and whimpers of your friends as they try to guilt you to remain, and it wasn't working until you heard Sif yell out, "Fine, Fine, if you stay for one more hour, I will tell you my soppy love story, and divulge the secret romantic gesture that Thor devised, which finally won me over."

You abruptly spun around, your eyes wide. You had been itching to hear that story, and was desperate to know the move that finally caught Sif's heart. Thor always said she was so hard to attain, but one act in particular won her heart. However, only the members of the warriors three knew about it, and were sworn to secrecy.

"Well, now I have to stay." You eagerly sit down and get comfy. Fandral and Hogarth quickly sat at each side of you.

"Welcome to the secret club, Eden." Fandral whispered into your ear.

"But should you tell a soul, the punishment for such betrayal is too heinous to repeat." Hogarth muttered in your other ear.

"Are you ready to be in the know?" Thor said with all seriousness.

Your heart raced with excitement.

"Yes!"

Sif sat next to Thor, and both of them stared directly at you.

"Then, let us begin." Sif murmured.

You gulped, the inconspicuous story was making you anxious and it hadn't even started.

"It was exactly six years ago that I finally agreed to a private dinner with Thor—"

"After many refusals I may add!" Thor cut in.

"Sssh, that's not part of the story."

"Well it should be. My hurt feelings shouldn't be discounted." Thor pouted.

You smiled, loving the tale already.

"Anyway," Sif continued, "I agreed, but Thor, not believing I would consent, had naively not planned any sort of dinner. The dinner that was merely hours away. So he sought the counsel of his not so wise warrior friends, whom shall remain unnamed." Sif glared at Fandral and Hogarth, and you chuckled, knowing exactly who helped Thor.

"While Sif only had the responsibility of looking pretty, and showing up, I had the tough task of organising a romantic dinner date, and with no time to prepare!" Thor boomed.

"And who is at fault for that?" Sif taunted, and Thor frowned.

"Well, what did you do? You must have done something amazing to win such a maiden." You say with impatience. Sif smiled.

"Oh it was blazingly amazing alright," Fandral snickered. You arched a brow, and glanced at his comical expression.

Thor loudly cleared his throat, grabbing your attention back to him.

"Hogarth had the bright idea of a candlelit picnic within the ancient part of the palace, the separate housing that was primarily frequented by my mother, who used it to worship her ancestors. It was old, and oozed gothic romance, and at the time it was my mother's favourite place to be."

"Ancient part of the palace? I don't recall seeing such a place?" You say confused.

"Yes, well, there is a reason for that." Sif sighed.

Thor continued, "You see, Hogarth, Fandral and I, meticulously lit hundreds of candles and placed them around the room, believing the warm glow of the tiny flames would be romantic, while Sif and I ate her favourite meal, handmade by myself."

You suddenly had an inkling where this story was going, and your body tensed in anticipation.

"I knew once Sif tasted the delicious meal that I made, and witnessed the intimate setting I had created, she would say yes to my planned proposal." Thor added with confidence.

"But I never got to taste your home cooked meal, did I?" She questioned.

Your heart dropped, "Oh gods... what happened?"

Fandral and Hogarth started snickering, their bodies visibly shaking against you as they tried hard to conceal their amusement.

"Well," Sif sighed deeply, "as I walked to the location of our scheduled dinner date, I smelled what I believed was a BBQ; the smokey scent was so alluring that it tickled my tastebuds, and I grew excited. Yet, as I rounded the corner to view the ancient tower of worship, it was up in flames! And all I saw were two wide-eyed idiots standing near the blaze while trying half-assedly to fan the flames away with nothing but large leaves. I mean, they were quite literally stoking the fire by supplying it with air! They didn't even notice that Thor was still inside the burning building!" Sif exclaimed.

"In our defence, we had drank far too much Asgardian whiskey, and our brains were practically mush." Fandral argued.

"I'm actually surprised I was still standing." Hogarth chuckled.

"You were not! You were on your back, waving the leaf towards the sky! Your hair was literally scorched as the fiery embers settled within it!"

Fandral burst out laughing, "That's why you have a bald patch on your head, Hogarth!"

"The mystery is solved!" Hogarth laughed full bellied.

"And what of Thor!?" Your heart was palpitating at this point.

"I ran inside and saw the hundreds of candles that they had carefully placed around the room and right next to the non fire retardant drapes. The curtains caught fire and caused the building to go up in flames, the blaze was ferocious and rampant. I just about saw Thor, passed out within the middle, after inhaling too much smoke!" Sif's tone aired concern as she relayed her story.

"I woke up tasting soot, but also the distinct cherry flavour of Sif's lip balm after she had given me life saving CPR. It was at that moment I knew. I knew one million percent that she was my Queen. And I'd fight to make her heart mine, no matter how long it took." Thor took Sif's hand and stared at her lovingly.

"When I had carried out his limp body, a little red box slipped from his pocket, and after he awoke, I presented this box back, not aware that inside was the ring he intended to give me."

Your heart bloomed with emotion as you held back tears.

"In front of Hogarth and Fandral who were hardly conscious from being drunk, and the blazing fire of Frigga's special place that was up in flames, Thor breathlessly got down on one knee, and with a face full of black ash, he asked me to marry him." Sif's eyes were now glassy.

"And seeing the pitiful state of the future king of Asgard, the warrior in her grew concerned for her realm. She knew I lacked reigning abilities and needed her guidance, so she undoubtably felt inclined to agree with my proposal." Thor chuckled.

"Do you really believe that?" Sif turned to face Thor, and cupped his face. "I said yes, because nearly losing you to a pointless fire, made me realise just how much I love you. And if I had lost you that day without truly expressing how I really felt, I'd have been unable to go on living."

A tear ran down your cheek at hearing their beginning, and their devoted declaration of love. You couldn't help but feel the slight sting of envy as they kissed one another.

"That was beautiful" you admit, wiping the evidence of your tears.

Thor and Sif gazed at your saddened face, "A beautiful hazard perhaps, but now you know our secret. It was us who was responsible for the demise of Frigga's cherished place. And until now, the culprit; us, have yet to be exposed." Sif stated.

"Well, the blame was shifted to Loki." Fandral chuckled.

"What? You let your brother take the blame?" Your face was a picture of surprise.

"No... no, we did not." Thor asserted. "It was just assumed Loki may have caused it, rumours that circulated around the palace, but he was never penalised or scorned directly. You see the palace was going through some issues at the time, Loki related, but that's another story. And to not make matters worse, mother didn't want to start any investigation into the fire, so she just moved on...."

"So you let him take the fall? You allowed the palace personnel and your parents to believe the rumours were true, because you knew your mother and father wouldn't question him as he was going through difficulty at the time?"

Thor remained quiet. But Hogarth and Fandral once again burst out laughing.

You stood up, and seated yourself away from their proximity.

"Hey, come back, sit next to us," Fandral pleaded.

"I do not sit with big meanies."

Hogarth looked down, feeling ashamed. "I'm sorry, I should not laugh."

"That's good you have admitted your error, Hogarth. Please learn from it."

He nodded.

Yet, Fandral furrowed his brow, and crossed his arms in anger. "I am not sorry, the amount of pranks Loki has subjected me to over the years, equates to more than this."

Thor laughed, "He did get you good, many times. But it was always after being provoked, you were both as bad as each other."

"I was never so devious, his tricks were as dark as his raven hair!" Fandral yelled.

Your ears pricked up, "Raven hair? ... Loki has black hair?" You enquire.

"Yes, black like his heart!" Fandral continued.

You frowned, thinking back to your mysterious stranger who disappeared too quickly from the ball. He was the only dark haired man you'd seen around Asgard palace. If he was a worker as assumed by your father, you'd surely have seen him by now. Could he be Loki? King Loki of Jotunheim? Frigga's son?

Your heart leaped at the thought, excitement coursing through you. But then Magritte popped into your thoughts.

Loki is married to Margritte...

Your heart dropped like a ton of bricks into your stomach, and now you hoped against all hope, that your puzzling stranger was not Loki. For you could not feel something for someone off limits, the forbidden passion would be too tortuous.

You stood up, feeling slightly dejected, not wanting to ask anymore questions incase your fear was confirmed. You decided to let fate take its course, if you were meant to meet again, you knew the gods would bring you together. And you had faith that they would never match you with someone unavailable, no god would be so cruel.

"Well, I bid you all a farewell, and goodnight." You looked at Sif and Thor. "Your secret is safe with me, thank you for the wonderful love-story. I hope to one day share my own with you both."

They gave you warm looks and wished you goodnight, and as you walked towards the door to leave, a soft hand gripped your elbow.

"You know, I kinda think our first encounter was quite romantic. The talk of shackles rather erotic." Fandral grins.

"It's certainly no love story, Fandral." You chuckle.

"I do believe, the ruins of Frigga's special place still stands, I could set out some candles and throw a few drapes on top, and poof, a romantic fire just for you, my dear Eden." He grinned wider.

You couldn't help but giggle at his perseverance to charm you.

"Can I walk you to your chambers?" For the first time you sensed he was shy. Could it be, behind his facade of confidence he was actually a little timid?

"How about we compromise, you can walk me to the end of the hall?"

"Deal!" He boomed, expecting a flat refusal.

Fandral remained respectful during your slow walk and didn't attempt to kiss you anywhere other than your hand when it came time to leave you. You again said goodnight, and he watched you as you turned the corner in the direction of your private chambers.

As you walked down the long corridor, you saw two darkened figures pressed up against the wall. At first, you stopped, hesitant to continue that way, but when you heard a recognisable high-pitched moan, you decided to carry on ahead.

As you drew closer, the clearer view confirmed your suspicions that it was Magritte, and you wondered when she'd returned from her vacation. You discreetly tiptoed past so not to disturb their heavy petting, but curiosity to peek at the colour of what you assumed was Loki's hair got the better of you. You quickly glanced and sighed in relief when you saw it was a light shade of brown.

My raven stranger is not Loki ...

You grinned wide and felt so overjoyed with relief that when you hastily passed them, you blurted out, "Nice to meet you, Loki."

But a loud scoff of disgust made you stop in your tracks. You turned around to face them and saw his hands underneath her dress and her breasts almost entirely exposed.

You bashfully lowered your head.

"I am clearly not Loki." A deep voice said aloud.

As you continue to look at the ground, you could see his feet moving closer towards you. However, when you do force yourself to look up, his ogling eyes greet you.

His hot breath was felt against your skin as he closed the gap between you. "Care to join us, my lady? You are a sight for sore eyes, and we have room for one more in our bed." You instantly felt disgusted and instinctively stepped back.

Magritte scowled at you before marching forward and tugging on his arm. "Come along Pickard, my sheets grow cold."

You were in utter shock at Magritte's words, she didn't even attempt to hide her unfaithfulness.

"Make her come to our bed, Magritte, I want her." He demanded, his eyes ablaze with lust.

"She is no servant, Pickard, that is Eden." Her mention of your name was venomous. However, when he appeared to recognise your name, you witnessed his amorous fixation on you immediately transform into dread.

He gripped Magritte's arm tight and scorned her, "Why didn't you tell me she was Caspians! I very nearly touched her!" His voice was clearly trembling as he yelled aggressively.

"Forgive me for my impertinence, future Queen of Alfheim, the dark hall renders me short sighted. Please, do not expose my actions to Prince Caspian." He addressed you more softly as he pleaded.

"Alfheim is not my future!" You angrily snap.

Magritte scoffed, withdrawing her hand from his grip. "Grovelling is such a turn off. You may leave—immediately. I will take a guard to my bed instead."

He didn't seem to mind her dismissal and quickly nodded to you before scurrying off, leaving you facing Magritte's intense glare.

"I do hope you will be less of a cock block when you are finally broken in by Caspian. I'm unsure if it's your unused virtuous hole that makes you quite irritating or if it's just you." She smirked at your shocked expression, then idly turned around and walked off.

You watched as she grabbed a guard on duty and pulled him towards her chamber door. He protested at first, but her firm orders to supply protection were loud and clear, and feeling obligated to obey them as part of his security duty, the guard entered her room.

You left in a hurry, your thoughts racing with the sight of Magritte, a newlywed, fondling her lover. It made you sick. And you couldn't help but wonder if Loki knew his wife behaved in such a deceitful manner. A new princess of Asgard bringing lovers into the palace, right under the king and queens nose, it was monstrous and so distrustful.

As your thoughts surged, you set off on the path you've taken everyday since arriving into the palace. Yet, a glimmering object that shined in the centre of the corridor interrupted your mindless dash through the halls. You found it odd, that in the absence of any other source of illumination, it still glowed brightly, drawing your attention to it like a beacon. You approach it and glance at the ground below with a shocked expression on your face.  "It can't be?" You whisper aloud.

You stoop to pick it up, and your grin widens when you see it's the missing piece to the brooch you had found at the ball. No one had claimed the other half, and despite sprinting through this hallway countless times per day, you had never encountered it. You found it odd, that now, as your mind was filled with thoughts of Magritte and Loki did it appear. You quickly pull out the original half which you keep in your pocket, and align them together.

"It's an infinity serpent" you gasp, in awe of the beautiful design and uniqueness of it. The idea of getting it mended so you could wear it with pride popped into your head, but then so did Magritte.

"Perhaps it belongs to her?" You murmur to yourself. "Why else would it suddenly appear now, and the reason the other half was not claimed was because she was away." You sighed as your assumptions made sense, and although you were reluctant to give it back, you were an Embrodi, known for your honesty.

As you were uncertain as to when you would see her again, as she was always on lavish getaways, you reluctantly retreated back towards her chamber.  

You took a deep breath and delicately knocked on her door while holding the two broken pieces of the brooch in your free hand.

Angry huffs and shuffling feet could be heard on the other side before the door angrily swung open.

"What!" Magritte yelled in annoyance, she wore less clothes than before and had no shame in opening her door while indisposed. "Why are you knocking on my door at this hour? Can't you see I am busy!"

She rotated to show the guard standing next to the bed. A cursory glance in his direction revealed that his helmet was removed, and that the area of his face where he and Magritte had been intimately kissing was covered in the white residue of her makeup. But he appeared unnerved, and his eyes seemed to beg for your assistance as they met yours.

"I have found your brooch, you must have lost the first half of it at the ball, and then just now while in the hallway."

She gave you a puzzled face, as if she had no idea what you were talking about.

You extended your hand and unfolded your palm. Her eyes lit up at the sight of something so beautiful; the gemstones embedded in the gleaming metal were undeniably genuine, and she was attracted to its apparent value. 

"Ah, yes, I'm so glad you found it, because it's a priceless piece." She proceeded to snatch it from your hand, but upon doing so, the pieces sent a shockwave through her body so strong that the static caused the ends of her hair to frizz. She screamed and hurled it to the ground.

"How dare you play such an evil prank on me! Did Loki put you up to this?" She hissed. "Get out of my sight, and take your static jewellery with you."

She began to close the door but your promptly put your foot in the way.

"Wait, but you said it belonged to you?"

"I lied, I assumed it was an expensive piece, but clearly it's a gimmick. Now leave me be, Eden."

She forcefully kicked your foot away and slammed the door closed. You picked up the two pieces and smiled, "Well I guess Frigga was right, you belong to me." You place it back into your pocket, already thinking of the best artisans who were experts in metal soldering to get it mended. But as you began to walk away, the screech of a male voice tugged on your heart.

You spun back around and hammered hard on Magritte's door. "Open up!" You yell.

Magritte flung open the door and scowled at you once more. "Didnt I say leave me be!"

"You did, and I will, just as soon as I get my guard." You proclaim.

She arched a brow, "Your guard?" She grumbled.

"Yes, he guards the hallways at night, and I require his escort to my room. I feel unsafe and need his protection."

Before Magritte could argue, the guard shot past her, carrying the armour she had torn off his body. She glared at him as he stood to attention and waited for you to begin the walk back in the opposite direction.

"Goodnight Maggy, I can call you Maggy, can't I?" You smirk, giving her your back before she could protest.

As you began to walk alongside the soldier you had just rescued, you heard Magritte yell, "I hate my name shortened!" Then her door slammed shut with force.

After a brief stroll getting acquainted with the guard you had come to know as Javier, you arrived at your quarters, and he opened the door for you with a grateful expression.

"Princess Eden, thank you for your aid, and assistance from, Lady Magritte." His gratitude was genuine.

"The fact that she is a Princess of Asgard does not mean that she can compel you to submit, Javier. Remember you always have a choice." You gently remove the remaining remnants of Magritte's makeup from his young looking face, and he reddened with embarrassment.

"Your kind heart matches the beauty of your face, Princess. It is a rare trait that, in my opinion, distinguishes a genuine princess from a fake." He bowed deeply to show you the utmost respect, and you bid him farewell before entering your quarters.

Feeling exhausted, you slump onto your bed, and curl up. But the thought of Loki, Frigga's son, falling for a person so repulsive caused you to question what he was really like if he found Magritte to be permissible for a queen.

"Has no one any loyalty for marital vows anymore?What an awful woman!" You mutter to yourself as you stare up at the bed canopy. "Perhaps they are both as bad as each other?"

You ponder the thought, now slightly hesitant to meet Loki, whom everyone says you have common traits with. You formerly believed what they said without question, but now you had doubts.

You brushed aside your negative notions and instead of dwelling on your misgivings, you focused on the perplexing man with the black hair. The enigmatic being who continues to fascinate you and, on a few occasions, freezes you in place as you become lost in reveries of your previous encounter.

His image popped into your head, just as it had everyday since the ball. You think back on that meeting and regret why you didn't get his name, and now your heart grew heavy with longing as you sigh for the hundredth time, wondering if you will ever see him again.

"I wish I asked for your name." You whisper, closing your eyes and drifting to sleep to the vision of your raven haired man.