As you linger on the palace steps, still holding out hope that the mysterious gentleman may reappear, you hear your father's hasty footsteps approaching from behind you.

"Daughter, are you star gazing now? Honestly, you'd think you were not wanting to attend this ball. Wait, is this another stall to avoid meeting Prince Caspian?"

Your father mentioning the Elf prince jerked you out of your starry-eyed daze, and you whirled around to join arms with him.

"No father, it is not. I just happened to have met someone fascinating."

"I did too," he exclaimed, "but you go first, who is this fascinating person?" He curiously asked.

"Oh, well, he didn't mention his name," you regrettably remark, "and then he hurried away."

"Hmm, who races away from a royal ball?" King Hoyd mused. "Perhaps he was only a worker dropping off supplies." He quickly discounted your interaction and began to walk away, but your disappointed sigh clued him in to the fact that the individual you spoke with had left an impression on you.

He gazed at your sad face, and immediately understood that he was too ready to disregard someone of inferior standing. "I apologise, Eden; I shouldn't have written off your encounter with that person just because they struck me as lower in status. It's conceited of me, but it's always helpful to be reminded that we Embrodi don't pass judgement."

"I appreciate that, Father, and I do hope to cross paths with him again. Even if only to continue our discussion on plants."

"Well no wonder he captivated you, he stuck around long enough to discuss your calling of plants. He must be someone special. Or perhaps that's the reason he raced off." Your father chuckled.

You stared at him in shock, jaw agape: "Father! How impolite, my horticulture lectures can't be so dull that one would dart away, surely?" You start to have second thoughts.

"And from a ball no less." He continued his teasing one last time. "I'm merely playing with you dear girl, you could talk of politics or the weather and you'd make it riveting."

You laugh, embracing your father's humour despite the lingering doubt it instilled in you— maybe the mysterious visitor really did tire of me and my talk on the Galanthus frost flower.

You didn't like the plaguing thoughts that ran through your mind, and quickly remembered your mother's wise words. "Doubt in oneself is a remedy for nothing. But self assurance is a fix for everything." You brush off your intrusive perceptions and replace it with thoughts of the raven haired man's handsome features instead.

"He certainly caused a ruckus in my chest." You admit aloud.

King Hoyd tilted his head your way and gazed at you curiously. "You felt the flutters?"

You draw your father towards the main hall with a broad grin, neither confirming nor denying his assumptions. Now it was you who taunted him with unknowing. However, as you neared the grand hall, a woman stood lurking beside the doorway, talking intimately with another man. Her voice was instantly recognisable as the one your father had been speaking with earlier.

As he got closer, your father straightened up his posture as though he was expecting her to be there. "Daughter, this is Lady Magritte, the new princess of Asgard, she is eager to meet you."

"Well, not eager, merely curious," she corrected. "It's not everyday a royally born princess gets added to the RSVP."

"The only one to currently exist, I should add." King Hoyd boasted proudly, eager to impress Lady Magritte.

"Hmm...indeed," she grumbled, slightly envious. "The realms do have too many princes and not enough princesses, but then, a noble woman turned princess like myself could be seen as superior in some ways. Having the experience of nobility first and then royalty." She smiled smugly, and lightly touched your father's arm, seemingly convinced of her own assumption. Yet, the silent man next to her, did not appear to be persuaded, judging by the peculiar look he gave.

You saw your father warm almost instantly to Lady Magritte, apparently charmed by her offered attention. Yet you found her to be rather pretentious, and the white of her make up was far too over the top. But you were an Embrodi, and you didn't judge.

"You have been naughty King Hoyd, keeping such a pretty little thing from all the realms, and from me and my close knit circle of royals no less. Such a beauty would be a welcome addition to my elite crowd."

Your father beamed, "That would be wonderful, my daughter has lacked social interaction over the years, and her skills may not be to the standard expected. It is my fault really, I kept her confined within the palace. But with your help I'm sure she will bloom into a fine young lady."

You look at your father with a mixture of disbelief and annoyance, and as soon as he noticed your reaction, he quickly retracted his statement. "I mean Finer young lady, she is of course already a remarkable woman."

You give your father the evil eye, and he gulps anxiously.

Understanding that he will never hear the end of his error, King Hoyd immediately began budgeting in the expense of additional plants and flowers to make up for his mistake.

"She is a hidden gem, King Hoyd, I see why he is so smitten." Lady Magritte added.

You look away from your father and raise an eyebrow at Magritte, perplexed. "He?"

"Prince Caspian of course." The quiet male who was yet to be introduced, spoke up unexpectedly. He saw your curious gaze and acquainted himself.

"I am Lord Judd," he reached for your hand and brought it to his lips. "What an honour to meet a real princess." Magritte scowled at his chosen words. "I was not expecting the rumours to be true." He placed a kiss to your knuckles and kept it there for longer than usual while you wondered what rumours he spoke of.

Feeling Magritte's intense gaze on his lips that was still attached to your hand, you swiftly withdrew.

"And what rumour is that?" You nervously ask.

He ogled you suggestively, "There are claims that Embrodi women are specially crafted by the ancient gods, granted not just beauty, but curves in all the right places." You felt uneasy and somewhat exposed as his eyes traced the contours of your body.

"Well, nice to meet you Lady Magritte, and Lord Judd." You swiftly curtsy, offering a bowed head as a sign of respect. You hoped to avoid further interaction and exit their company as soon as possible, but for some reason they started laughing and continued the conversation.

"I prefer to be referred to by my higher title of Princess, if you please." Magritte was quick to add. You look up to match her gaze and felt inclined to apologise. "Of course, forgive me."

She smiled conceitedly, "Oh, no need for forgiveness between friends, which I'm sure we'll become the very best of. King Hoyd tells me you have no friends."

You snap your head to your father and stare at him, feeling shocked that he would reveal such private information. It wasn't as though you couldn't make friends; in fact, the royal staff and guards counted among them. But, you were unable to expand your network because of your isolated life within the palace.

After taking pleasure from your embarrassed expression, Magritte continued, "Don't worry, dear; I'm here to help and will introduce you to my royal and noble friends. If you make the cut and join our exclusive group, you may look forward to posh brunches and lavish vacations. We truly live gloriously."

"Im sure my daughter has much to offer but also a lot to learn from your more experienced social setting." King Hoyd added.

He felt guilty for restricting you from a social life all these years and so elicited the help of Magritte when he found she was well-liked. Like a lot of people, he had been sucked into her influence and because of her popularity, he thought you'd be able to make friends and feel less isolated. He was doing it for honest reasons, with your best intentions in his heart.

"It matters not what Princess Eden has to offer," Lord Judd added, "She will make the cut regardless, Prince Caspian is an elite member of our circle and has made it known he wants you a part of it."

Magritte rolls her eyes in irritation and annoyance, "Well, shall we enter the hall? You were expected a while ago. Being fashionably late died out many centuries ago. So from now on, be on time will you Eden. I can call you Eden, can't I?"

"I Prefer my higher title of Princess. But future Queen of Embrodi works well too." You snidely remark, already having a distaste for her and her so called circle of elites.

"Daughter, come now. When do you ever like such royal titles applied to your name."

Again, you turned your blazing eyes on your father and he immediately pursed his lips. You walked ahead, hoping that blending into the crowds of people would make you invisible and out of Magritte's direct sight; escaping her company.

As you first entered the elaborately furnished hall, you were taken aback by the sheer number of people inside and the commotion of voices that could be heard above the pleasant music. You stopped in your tracks, feeling a little daunted by the flurry of activity around you. But your father quickly moved to stand beside you, and when he saw that you were nervous, he put a firm grip on your arm.

"Don't be scared Eden, I know you are not used to such crowds, but hold your head high. You represent all that is Embrodi, show them that our little realm can stand out amongst the mass."

"Is that why you want me to gain the favour of the elite group? You wish me to change my timid nature and loudly represent Embrodi as someone I am not?"

You were clearly still angered from earlier.

"I realise that by protecting you from the outside world, I have kept you removed from the most recent trends. I just want you to be capable of fitting in. It could be beneficial to pick up some of the habits of other royal families."

"I will not change who I am in order to get the approval of others, father."

King Hoyd sighed, "You are stubborn, daughter."

"Stubborn, or confident?" You argue. "Your intentions are good father, but I have to find my own way. I do not want to be moulded into being something I am not, otherwise, I will not be happy, and Embrodi will experience the negative impact of having an unhappy ruler."

King Hoyd couldn't argue, you spoke truth. "Your mother always said that a happy ruler brings prosperity and joy to it's people. So I will not intervene again. I know you'll act big for small Embrodi, and do it as you." He kissed your forehead and smiled at you lovingly.

You offer him a grateful smile, "Thank you."

You look into the crowd and see Magritte has ventured off to alert her circle of your arrival, but before she had a chance to call you over, you took off into the opposite direction.

"Father, I will get us some refreshments." You speak over the noise, while already moving away.

"I will find you later, I see our host, King Odin just ahead." He replied.

You nod and blend into the crowd, looking for a less congested area. But you can't escape the curious stares of the many as the buzz around who you are starts attracting unwanted attention.

Your anxiety levels spike as you approach the table laden with various dishes. Your nervous habit was that you always turned to food as a comfort when you were anxious, the delicious flavours served as a nice diversion. And lucky for you, most of the food was still untouched—odd, you thought, considering this was a ball—but you were pleased to have an abundance readily available to eat. You grab whatever is within reach and slam it in your mouth, only to be instantly repulsed by the taste. It had a truly unpleasant flavour.

Oh, Gods, it's no surprise no one was eating this tripe! The voice inside your head screams.

Holding the food in your mouth and being unable to swallow, rendered you immobile. You covered your mouth with your hand and repressed the urge to gag.

You knew at any moment you were going to vomit everywhere, embarrassing yourself at your first royal ball. You look around desperately for an exit, but the crowd around you has suddenly grown thicker, leaving you nowhere to go without the high probability of accidentally bumping into someone and starting a conversation.

With each passing second, the bile rose higher in your throat and the urge to throw up became more intense. Now your stomach was doing flips and you found yourself making those goofy faces people do when they try to stifle a retch.

Don't be sick... don't be sick... don't be sick!

"Would you like a tissue, dear?" A soft female voice from the side of you spoke out. You glanced in her direction and saw a beautiful elder woman with the beginnings of fine wrinkles, holding a tissue. "Go on, take it. I will cover you while you spit up that awful food." She smiled, positioning her body around you so you could discreetly empty the contents of your mouth into the white tissue.

"Feel better now?" She asked.

"I.... I.."

"Oh, don't be embarrassed dear girl, I've done it many a times this evening. These new trendy foods may look appealing, but the taste is god awful. Don't you agree?" She proceeded to wave her hand over the tissue that you had scrunched up in your hand, and it promptly disappeared in a glow of white magic.

You gasp, and immediately realise who stands before you. "Queen Frigga, I apologise." You curtsy as low as you could go, showing the highest sign of respect. But your action brought about stares and whispers from the less mature crowd.

You rose up, perplexed as to why your repeated curtsies were drawing such scrutiny. Frigga shot them a glare, and they quickly averted their gaze.

"The trouble with the younger generation of royalty and those of nobility, is that they no longer know how to show respect. They believe to perform such a curtsy is beneath them."

Your mouth dropped open in shock, but now you understood and were grateful for the clarification.

"My mother taught me that when meeting an elder, you push aside your own title and show your humble grace, for they came before us and shaped the worlds we live in."

"You mother is wise, and has brought you up well. Is she here? I'd very much like to give my appreciation for raising such a wonderful daughter."

"My mother passed away some time ago, it is just me and my father now." You reply, your head lowered to hide your sadness.

Queen Frigga placed her finger under your chin and lifted your lowered head. She looked into your tearful stare, "The fact that you turned out to be a magnificent woman despite losing your mother at such a tender age is proof that even the brief time you spent with her had a profound effect on you. She was obviously an extraordinary person. And your father's doing a fantastic job in his parental duties." She softly dabbed at the tear that had trickled down your cheek.

You smiled, thankful for her warm words.

She quickly attempted to lighten the situation and added, "It is I who seeks forgiveness, I am the host of this ball yet the food is awful. However, I want you to know that the pretty yet revolting spread here is not the fault of myself or my culinary crew. My...." She paused, obviously uncomfortable, "my daughter in law, Magritte, had insisted on handling the menu planning. She sourced it from outside of Asgard."

"Oh, yes, I met Princess Magritte already, she is, um.." you hesitated.

"Quite the character." Frigga added.

"Indeed. Though, I won't hold her lack of tastebuds against her, I suppose she has other redeeming qualities if she can attract a prince of Asgard." You hold back a chuckle. "I've yet to meet your son." You look around to where Magritte stood and see her still conversing in loud chitchat. You peer at the males that surround her and wonder which one could be Frigga's son.

"You won't find my son within her circle." Frigga replied, noticing that you are looking for someone. "I have two sons... Thor, my first born," she pointed towards a group of what looked like warriors, which to your surprise included a broad female soldier. "The one with yellow hair, and a loud mouth that can go on for days, is Thor." She laughed. "His wife, Lady Sif is beside him."

You were surprised to learn that the strong-looking girl in the group was Thor's wife, but upon closer inspection, you witness her delicate touches on his body, her affection for him very evident. You smile warmly when you observe her unconsciously dabbing his mouth with a serviette after he slurps from a goblet of ale.

"He resembles you, and Lady Sif is very pretty." You say.

"He may look like me, but he embodies his father. And Sif is indeed a dark haired beauty, yet she lacks the grace of a princess, but that is because she is first and foremost a warrior. However, that is what makes her the best match for my son. Thor needs direction and guidance, and she provides just that. She will make a wonderful future Queen of Asgard."

Not only did Frigga exude the air of a respectable goddess, but she was also a quintessential source of knowledge, the kind of person to whom one would turn to for wise advice.

You smile when you spot your father approach Thor, with King Odin close beside him.

"Ah, I see my father is being introduced to Thor, and Lady Sif."

"Frigga squinted and upon seeing King Hoyd, she displayed the look of surprise on her face. "You are King Hoyd's daughter? The princess he has been discreetly hiding away all these years!" She exclaimed. "I should have known, you resemble  your mother." 

"You knew my mother?" Surprise and intrigue on your face.

"Oh, yes. But sadly as young girls only. Many friendships were severed as a result of the wars that broke out between the realms. Kingdoms remained to themselves, and despite my attempts to contact her before she passed, I never received a response. I suppose I now know why, she had you to keep a secret. There have not been a princess born of royalty for thousands of years. I would have done the same had I birthed a daughter."

"Sometimes I am thankful for the seclusion, especially now at seeing the vast difference between myself and others my age. But, admittedly, at times, it was a lonely existence. However, having a mix of the sun and the rain shaped me to how I am. I'm grateful for my parents and my upbringing."

Frigga gazed at you for some time, soaking in your words that sounded all too familiar. Instantly, the image of Loki popped into her head, bringing to mind how he only experiences the rain and never the sun. In that moment, it was as though a bright aura beamed around you. She recognised your uniqueness and knew that you were destined to cross paths today.

"I wish for you to meet my son, Loki. I have a feeling you'd have a lot in common." She smiled.

"I've been trying to figure out which one is him, I am looking for someone who resembles you or Odin, but I'm not drawn to anyone in particular." You say, still gazing around the open room.

"My Loki has his own unique look. You see, he was adopted as a baby, and so has the features of his birth realm... Jotunheim." Frigga stared intently at your face as she revealed her sons heritage, waiting to see your reaction.

"Wow, I don't believe I've ever met anyone from the Jotnar race. But then, I've hardly met anyone outside of Embrodi." You chuckle, "I admit, I've always been fascinated by Jotunheim, did you know that even in their subzero climate, a hardy plant can bloom. It's blue petals freezes over and mimics the form of a snowflake. I've only seen it in horticultural books, but I'd love to view it in real life."

Frigga's smile grew wide as all her feelings about you rang true. You showed no animosity towards the fact that she raised a Jotun child, and even brought up the fact that you wish to visit Jotunheim one day.

"You really must meet my son, Eden." She said with eagerness, looking around for any sign of Loki.

"Looking for someone, Queen Frigga?" Magritte suddenly appeared.

"Loki, have you seen him." She replied.

"My dear husband has left to Jotunheim, I do believe it will be another few months before his next visit." Magritte put on a fake pout, but smirked on the inside at seeing Frigga's dejected expression. "Princess Eden, I've been looking everywhere for you. You really have no need to hang around with the elderly, they have caregivers to aid them should they need feeding, or assistance to the restroom." She chuckled and gripped your arm, forcefully dragging you away.

You look back and observe Queen Frigga's disappointed expression as you leave. But the sight of her soon faded as you were swept deeper into the crowd.

Magritte abruptly stopped and immediately a group gathered around you. The faces of the new rulers who had already took over their father's, or were soon going to be, peered at you. Suddenly you felt an ominous presence step up behind your back and a cold hand clasp onto your bare shoulder.

"My dearest, Eden." Your stomach immediately lurched.

Prince Caspian's slender arm snaked around your waist and he gently pulled you against his body. "I've missed you." He audibly whispered, rendering the people observing to whine as though it was a romantic gesture.

You step out of his hold and turn around to face him, "Nice to see you again, Prince Caspian." Your tone curt.

You see his eyes widen as he drinks in your full form, and at that moment you felt as though you were naked, vulnerable to his undressing gaze. You instinctively drape your arms around your body in an effort to conceal any exposed skin.

"Finally, your father allowed you to wander further than the garden." The crowd laughed at his ridicule.

Not accepting of your posture, he humiliated you even more by forcefully unwrapping your arms and setting them at your side. The group snickered even louder as they watch you resemble a child scorned and properly put in her place. Yet, when Prince Caspian saw your ashamed visage, he abruptly changed his cruel ways and put on a false mask of concern.

He shot the onlookers a hardened glare and the silence was instant. His status as the group's most prominent elite member was undeniable at that point.

"No one laughs at my future queen," his declaration was full of confidence. He grasps your chin and lifts your gaze, forcing you to look at him. "Have you missed me too, Eden?" The circle listened intently.

You nervously pick at your fingernails, feeling small, you didn't miss his controlling demeanour, or his unannounced visits. And each time he did drop in, you made sure to remain in the company of your father or Sanfil at all times. You were grateful that the hall was consumed with hordes of people, as the idea of being alone with him sent chills down your spine.

"Perhaps she is shy in front of so many people." Magritte said, "A more secluded area of the palace is just through those doors, maybe a private setting will ease the nerves of the little mouse." The lips of the peering faces curved up into a sinister smile, and you felt a deep dread in the pit of your stomach.

You suddenly felt a hand seize your arm, and before you knew it, you were being forcibly moved against your will by Prince Caspian. You heard snickers coming from Magritte's crowd, and the words, "He will make her his." A line that only served to unnerve and confuse you more, ... how will he make me his?

You were so very innocent.

You try to plant your feet and prevent his motion, but he was too strong and persistent in his pursuit of leading you through the fast approaching doors and into the darkened and secluded hallway.

"Stop Caspian, I don't want to go."

Your pleas go unheard, and you can feel the tears welling up in your eyes as your greatest fear of being alone with Caspian begins to come a reality.

But Caspian's forceful actions were halted by a loud voice calling out his name. He felt a grip on his arm, and as he looked down, he saw a female hand holding him in place.

While still holding you tightly, he whirled around, and to your relief, you saw Lady Sif standing there.

"Princess Eden, an audience with Queen Frigga is requested."

"The audience can wait!" Caspian growled as he yanked his arm out of Sif's grasp and continued to drag a resisting you.

"The Queen of Asgard does not wait for anyone!" The hall fell silent at her yell, and all eyes were focused on the hostile exchange.

The attention on him caused Prince Caspian to feel too exposed, he snarled at Sif and reluctantly released his grip on you. You quickly rushed forward, almost colliding with her arms, and clung to her body. When she sensed your fear, she instinctively wrapped a protective arm around you.

"I will catch you later, Eden." He smirked, glaring at Sif as he brushed past her shoulder and joined back with his click of royals.

"Are you alright, Princess Eden?" Sif asked.

"Please, take me to my father." Your voice was clearly shaken.

"The queen was right, she sensed your fear." You gazed up at Sif upon hearing her words. "Frigga sent you to my aid?" You hold back a sob.

"The Queen of Asgard is all inquisitive, and I'd happily act as her muscle to pry you away from a predators grip." Sif replied.

"You came just in time, I don't know what was intended for me once he got me through those doors, but I fear it was nothing good." You shudder.

"I have an idea of what his intentions were, Eden. My time as a female warrior serving in the Asgardian army has put me up against such... men. Never find yourself alone with him, okay?" Sif gazed into your eyes with all seriousness, and behind her brown eyes you sensed her own turmoiled past.

"Okay" you murmur, "and thank you." You shakily add.

Sif kept holding you as she led you through the packed room, avoiding both Magritte and Prince Caspian. You evaded looking at them, but you could feel the intensity of their scrutiny as you walked.

As you drew close to the smaller gathering that comprised of Frigga, Thor and Odin, a strong voice bellowed out, "There she is, the princess of Embrodi." Odin boomed with a jovial grin on his face; your father proudly stood next to him.

But as soon as Sif let go of you, you bolted for your father's arms and clung to him tightly. You've never felt so small and helpless as you did in that moment, you were back to being a child, seeking the comfort and protection of your father.

Frigga looked to Sif, and saw the venom in her eyes as she stared at Caspian, it confirmed that this was no small matter.

The gentle hands of your father rubbed your back, and you heard his comforting voice whisper in your ear. "What's wrong, Eden?"

You bury your head in his chest, your words muffled, "I wish to go home, father."

He frowned, perplexed by your sudden change in demeanour. He looked up towards Odin and then saw the saddened faces of Lady Sif and Frigga. He was confused.

"My Lady, I heard this is your first ball. It makes sense you would feel overwhelmed. My younger brother, Loki, still behaves the same way on occasion. He has the same timid personality as you. May I suggest sticking with my wife and mother, and perhaps go together to get some refreshments." You sneak a peak at Thor whilst still hiding within your father's chest, Thor's large intimidating frame did not match his sympathetic voice. Though, you sensed his sincerity immediately. He was good people.

You felt the tender hand of Frigga pull you from your father's safety, and although you wanted nothing more than to stay in his protection, you remembered his words: "Be big for small embrodi." You put on a brave face, and hid your feelings of vulnerability behind a mask.

"Come dear, the good food is in the kitchens." Frigga said warmly, and you allowed both Queen Frigga and Lady Sif to guide you away.

While everyone was in the main hall, you found the long hallways of Asgard Palace to be silent and empty. Yet, the closer you got to the kitchens, the louder the clattering behind the thick steel doors became. Sif pulled open the doors, and the three of you walked inside, where the aroma of freshly cooked dishes caused your stomach to rumble.

A huge number of palace employees and guards who had finished their shifts were found around a large table, all eating a meal together. You thought the palace workers would be astonished to see their queen in the backrooms of the palace, where the real work gets done, and would stop what they were doing to bow until commanded. Yet when the queen stepped through the doors, they continued eating and talking, unphased by her appearance.

Frigga and Sif saw the perplexed expression on your face and chuckled amusedly.

"These parts of the palace are the homes and work stations of my staff. It is I visiting them, and thus we have no need for silly etiquettes." Frigga proceeded to pull up her own chair and sit down. "Come, join us, dear." She pointed to the seat next to her.

You smiled and sat down, while Sif already began going around the table, busily helping herself to a variety of dishes.

The mood was so humble and welcoming, it was like being surrounded by a big happy family. It also immediately calmed your previously heightened anxiety.

While chowing down on a mountain of tasty fare, you listened to the tales being told around the table. Even though you were squished between people, and your delicate dress exposed to the smells of food, you laughed till your stomach hurt, and you secretly wished the moment would go on forever.

"Which is your favourite food, Eden?" An older cook named Shelly asked.

"Oh, now that is a hard question to answer, I've not found any dish I didn't like. You're all true artisans in your culinary skills."

Proud eyes looked back at you, but you weren't trying to stroke their egos. You spoke truth. Each bite stimulated your taste receptors and satisfied your craving for hearty food, a vast difference to Magritte's chosen menu.

"But, I suppose, this dish, which is now long gone, was my favourite." You smile.

The mass muttered amongst themself and grinned, "We knew it, everyone loves this particular grain."

"Such a shame our harvest this year has spoiled, we have lost more than half our yearly stock." Frigga proclaimed, and the room instantly fell silent, the happy mood changed. "I hope next year we are able to have a better harvest, for our stored rations are already dwindling."

"And if you do not have a good harvest next year?" You asked with concern in your tone.

Frigga looked solemn, and the air now turned tense. "Well, we would have no rations left by that point. And have none to replenish it. Asgard would be declared in a state of famine, and we would need to rely on the aid of other kingdoms. But such generosity is never offered for free, a debt owed always comes at a heavy cost."

Sif reassuringly placed her hand on Frigga's back and gently rubbed. Frigga smiled meekly, appreciating Sif's comforting action.

"Perhaps I could be of use?" You make an audible proclamation and all ears turn to listen. "You see, I was fortunate to be blessed with Aesir magic as soon as I reached adulthood, and the magic bestowed to me was that of a Gaia."

As the surprised gasps filled the room, Frigga's eyes widened.

"You're a root healer?" Frigga exclaimed.

You chuckled, "I've never heard that term before. But I like it."

"Forgive my ignorance, but I am not familiar with the many different varieties of Aesir magic. What is a Gaia or root healer?" Sif enquired.

Frigga spoke up, "A Gaia is Mother Nature, Eden's magic is directly connected to the earth. It is an old blessing bestowed, and one we sorely miss having." Frigga turned to you, "What does your magic entail, dear? Would you be able to sense why our harvest is declining?"

"I can not sense the plants" you answer, and Frigga sighed. "But I can simply ask them what ailments are causing their stunted growth." You add.

Frigga snapped her eyes to you with a look of shock on her face. "You can speak to them?" She gasped. "Do they hear you? Do they answer back?" She leapt at the chance to ask you a barrage of inquisitive and awestruck inquiries.

"Yes, once they trust me of course. Like us people, the plants all have difference traits and personalities. One can be shy and refuse to talk, they need more time and care to coax them to bloom. Others are more confident and hardy, and can not stop talking." You chuckle to yourself. "My father says I have no friends, and that I tend to the garden all the time. But that's because I have a rather large blossom tree that adores to talk. She's lived on the palace grounds longer than I have, and hearing her recount the events that she has seen throughout the years fascinates me. It's difficult to be apart from her." You flash a happy grin.

"You speak to an elder tree? What a rare treat. Seldom does an elder tree open up to anyone, not even those who are gifted as a Gaia.... Eden, you are exceptional." Frigga marvelled.

"So our dwindling grain can be saved?" Shelly asked, hopeful.

"I don't see why not, but I would need more time than just an evening in Asgard. A week or so perhaps." You state.

Frigga reached out and grasped your hand, "If you could accomplish this for Asgard, you would have my undying gratitude. A debt with you is much more preferable than with the greedy monarchs of other realms."

"It's the least I can do to express my sincere thanks for your and Lady Sif's assistance earlier, and I'd be truly honoured, my queen." You reply.

Frigga beamed before offering you more sage advice.

"Never trust an Elf dear, they have the delicate beauty of a rose, but the sharp grasp of a thorn. Should you try to oppose them, they will not hesitate to prick you. And sadly, my young gifted root healer, the main one in power has caught sight of you."

You sigh, "Except he is no rose, I've always been able to see through his fake visage, and see him for what he truly is; a prickly bush of brambles."

"I promise to protect you should you stay in Asgard, Eden." Lady Sif declared.

"I will make sure no other person will enter the palace from any other realm during your stay. You will be safe here." Frigga asserted.

"Then I shall speak with my father, he is protective of me, but should I say that this is a matter of urgency—"

"And on the request of the Queen." Frigga added.

"Then he should allow my short stay." You smile, convinced.

"Well, this calls for a celebration!" Shelly held up a bottle of champagne and popped the cork. And as the foam spilled from the neck of the bottle, everyone laughed and cheered.

After spending a significant amount of time in the kitchens, which seemed to pass in the blink of an eye, Frigga and Sif led you back through the hallways. Yet as you got closer to the grand hall, your attention was drawn to a faint shimmer.

As you dropped down on your hands and knees and crept underneath a side table that was displaying a colourful vase, Frigga and Sif regarded you with a mixture of amusement and curiosity.

You awkwardly felt around the floor until you located the source of the gleam, a hard object that lured you to it with its glint. You stood up and walked back to Frigga and opened your hand.

The three of you peered into your palm and saw what looked like a broken piece of jewellery. You held it up and inspected it, "It's beautiful," you whisper, "Look how detailed the head of the snake is, and those green gems for eyes, it's so delicate, yet intricate."

"A snake you say." Frigga curiously asked, looking at  it more closely.

"What a shame it's missing the other half." You frown, offering it to Frigga.

She held it in her hand, "It looks to be half of what used to be a brooch." She handed it to Sif to inspect. But upon Sif touching it, a small static charge formed and she jolted back from the sudden spark.

"Curious" Frigga mused.

"Keep that away from me, I experience enough electric shocks with Thor." Sif joked.

Frigga placed it back in your palm and closed your hand around it. "I somehow sense that you were meant to find this, Eden."

"A partygoer must have dropped her pin, I can't keep it. It looks far too sentimental." You argue, trying to hand it back.

"I tell you what," Frigga asserted, "hold onto it, and I will inquire around. But should you find the other half during your time in Asgard, then it proves it was meant for you, and you must keep it. Agreed?"

You smiled at Frigga while placing it safely in your pocket, "Agreed"