Frost & Fire

Chapter 2 (Abigail)

I waited until we were in my chambers to say anything else. I knew that we had to stay strong and as one, but I had hoped we could still work something out with our people and do better by them. I sat on our bed, which luckily was not made of ice like everything else, brushing my hair. I suddenly took notice that it was much longer than I usually kept it, but it seemed much more fitting and at this point it was a little passed my ass.

"Daddy?" I asked softly, turning to face him.

"Yes, Kitten?"

"What if we tried to help mend the tensions by putting together some kind of court of those we can trust? Ones that have knowledge not only about the military but those willing to do what it takes to keep the peace without war?"

He thought for a moment and nodded. "That's a good idea, Kitten. How do you suppose we do that?"

"Not only should we trust them, but so should the people. Hear me out: I know that it sounds way more democratic but I think it'll work. We are still in charge but we have a small group to help sort out some of the smaller issues that arise." I could tell by the look on his face that he was debating it, but also wondering how it'll work out without more crimes being committed against us. "Nydr can still stay in his position if you choose while we aren't here, but the court will only have certain abilities. For example, they have limits on what kind of punishments they can give. I also think we should think more on the time we are here."

"Kitten, I worry about the four months out of the year you'd be here. How can we risk it longer?"

"Everyone knows I'm not even part Jotun so if I need to I can go back home once in a while. But I will stay as long as possible with you. They need to see us stand and trust us and we can't do that if we're never here. We can reconsider time spent between homes as things calm down, but right now we are needed here much more."

We talked almost all night, already revising our original plan. Given, I was not a huge fan of keeping my unit on as long as I would have to and when the time came, I wouldn't be able to be here during a pregnancy, but we would cross that bridge when we got to it. May the gods help us, we were not going to be able to fix this as easily as I had hoped we could and my family was not going to be pleased about me spending more time on Jotunnheim. One way or another, though, we would figure it out.

I was needed on earth and my home there was just where I still felt more safe and more comfortable because I didn't have to be anything but me. I didn't have to be a Queen or princess, I was just normal, human me. I needed earth more than earth needed me so if I had to reduce my time there, I would.

We stayed for almost a full month before I got word that my father needed to speak to me so I had to excuse myself from our work. Loki would stay behind for now, especially when we were no closer to finding out where the rogue members had gone and taken so many of our people. We also still didn't know what was happening or why so there was no way both of us could leave at once. I did hope that by the time I returned there would be some progress.

Once I was back on earth, I turned off my unit and breathed in the scent of spring. I could tell rain was going to fall again and I hoped to be able to enjoy it.

"Abby!" Pepper called from the doorway, all smiles. "Come on, don't be a stranger."

I smiled at her and walked into my father's home. "Hey, Pep! How have you been?"

"Not too bad. You'll have to forgive your father, but he's working still. We didn't expect you to be able to come so fast. How are things on Asgard?"

"Not bad. Jotunnheim is a completely different story though." I said with a sigh as we sat at the kitchen nook. "Daddy has been amazing falling into his role as king there, but sometimes I worry that I'm not fit to rule with him."