Cosmic

~Chapter Seven~

The guards led Analia through the palace. She knew exactly where they were going.  For an official talk with the Allfather, although she didn't seem hopeful as there appeared to be no reasoning with him. Frankly, there was never much reasoning with him but he'd apparently already agreed with her father that this marriage should go ahead.

She began to turn towards the doors of the throne room, trying to pluck up the courage to speak for herself as it was clear no one else would. But the guards continued walking along the large corridor, their grasp still tight on the arms secured behind her back, pulling her along with them

"Am I not going to speak with the Allfather?"
She questioned to the guards, looking up at both guards beside her. She twisted her shoulders and leaned back in an attempt to come to a stop.

They didn't answer. Of course, and carried on walking.

As they walked further and further past the throne room. All she could hear were echoing footsteps and the clanging of the metal chains that were restraining her hands behind her back, as if she was some sort of criminal. But her conversation with Loki was replaying in her mind. And the kiss...

The kiss! She completely forgot. How could she be so foolish? She allowed herself to finally admit her adoration towards him, only for her to be betrayed.

As they approached two immense steel doors, they immediately swung open, revealing a large staircase.

"The dungeons." Analia muttered to herself under her breath. Eyes widening at the thought of her father actually throwing her in a cell. Surely he wouldn't. This was theatrical even for him.

As they descended down the stairs, she began to see the cells. She could see the prisoners behind the large golden screens, who all turned their attention to her as the guards brought her in. She seemed to be the only woman here by the looks of it. Perfect.

As Analia's eyes rapidly searched around the dungeons, hoping to not see what she feared the worst. Her brows furrowed, as that's exactly what she saw. 

An empty cell. Clearly for her.

Her lip trembled at the sight of it. She immediately looked to the ceiling to stop tears forming. Trying to distract herself, she thought of her mother. And the stories she used to tell her of Midgard. The realm always fascinated her after hearing her mother speak so highly of it. Her mother was always reading a Midgardian book, she said they were the most interesting of all. That they provided an escape to all sorts of magical places, her favourite being the tale of three wizards attending a magical school. These places were what Analia dreamed of as a child.

But when her mother died. She realised those dreams were foolish. The dreams of discovering a magical forest in a wardrobe or falling in love with a prince and living happily ever after. Analia quickly learned that she needed to be her own prince. No one was going to come to save her. She especially remembered that now. 

Her thoughts were interrupted with the clank of the chains being removed from her wrists. She quickly returned her hands in front of her, rubbing her wrist from where the chain had been secured firmly. The guards ushered her inside the empty cell, and the golden screen fell. She watched as the guards departed and walked over to the small mattress on the ground and sat down, bringing her knees to her chest and hugging them tightly.

She felt tears welling up in her eyes. This time she let them fall, not caring anymore about who saw. She rested her head on top of her arms that hugged her knees. Trying to think of a way out of this but she simply could not.

She raised her head quickly when she sensed someone outside her cell. It was Frigga. Relieved that it wasn't her father, more tears fell from her eyes and down her cheeks.

"My dear Analia." She spoke softly. Her voice was comforting, after all she was like a mother to Analia.

"All mother.... W-Why did he do this?"
Analia sniffled, wiping a tear from her face.

Frigga gave her a reassuring smile. Her heart breaking to see the girl so upset. "Who my dear child? Loki? Or your father?"

She inhaled deeply. "Both. I knew my father was keen on this but.. a cell?" She paused, shutting her eyes to prevent more tears from falling. She opened them once more and inhaled to compose herself. "And Loki. I trusted him."

"Dear, your father does love you very much. He believes this is for your own good. And my son. He did what he thought to be right, I've seen how he cares for you. The way he looks at you, he was afraid to lose you."

Analia scoffed, her gaze falling to the floor. Tears began to fill her eyes once more as she looked up at Frigga. "I want my mother." She uttered, her voice trembling.

"I know my child, this will pass. For now, I recommend sleep."
She spoke softly once again, giving Analia a warm smile before disappearing.

Analia inhaled deeply. She hated to admit it but she was exhausted. She rolled over to sleep, trying to distract herself from the day's events with the stories her mother would tell her as a child.

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I updated twice! I also made a new story cover which I'm so excited about!