Utter Devotion

Siblings

"Summon Frigga to me."

Njord snapped his fingers at Ciannait as she stood by watching him eat his breakfast the next morning.

She stepped just outside and issued the orders before stepping back into the room.

Ciannait took her place standing just behind Njord shoulder as his guard while they waited and Njord ate slowly savouring the stolen goods he'd plundered from Asgard.

Frigga strode in the room with all the grace and dignity of a queen, her head held high.

Njord immediately got to his feet, sweeping his arms open wide to her.

"Ah dear sister, come let us embrace as siblings once more."

Frigga was dwarfed by Njord as he forced her into his arms.

As he pulled away, Njord waved Ciannait to step forward.

"Have you met my daughter Ciannait? Tragic case, Ciannait and her sisters were orphaned, just a few short years after you married Odin. Ciannait, Ratana, and Sagira, such special girls I couldn't help but welcome them to our family. Ciannait, greet your aunt!"

Ciannait couldn't face the shame she felt looking at Frigga, she bent her head in acknowledgement letting her hair fall across her face.

"Aunt Frigga."

Njord clapped his hands in false gaiety and beckoned Frigga to the table, seating her to the side, while Ciannait resumed her position behind him.

"Now that we are all caught up on the family news," Njord placed his elbows on the table, leaning forward in what he meant to be an earnest and forthright manner,"I must confess I must share with you the most grievous news, Odin has been preparing to invade Vanahiem to dethrone me and place one of your sons on the throne. Which is why I am here."

Ciannait sparred a glance at Frigga, she was frowning at Njord.

"As his wife, I can assure you this is not the case. I would have known had he planned to begin a war. You have always been our allies."

Smoothly, Njord spoke like a spider weaving his web of lies around Frigga, "Dear sister, he lies to you, as he knows you would have of course tried to warn your family. I cannot allow his mad quest to destroy the peace if this realm. You and the princes shall be returning with us for a visit for an... unspecified amount of time."

Friggas shoulders stiffened, "Call a spade a spade brother, you are taking us hostage to keep Odin from coming after you for attacking Asgard."

"Sister your imagination is running away with you, years of living with the old codger has rubbed off on you. Now let us set all that nastiness aside, I have a proposal to set to you."

"A proposal?"

Njord took a hardy gulp from his goblet before he acknowledged her.

"Ah yes, both the princes are of age to marry so I propose two marriages to foster a continued feeling of peace between our realms. Ciannait my dearest girl come here."

Blushing red, she knew what Njord wanted from her, several times in the past he had had her test out potential bonds, she came around his chair and knelt on the floor offering her hand to him as she stared at the ground.

"Ciannait is very special, she has a gift. Tell me, I think Thor and Sagira would be well matched, do you agree?"

He took her hand in both of his, and she felt his will press into her gift, now that she had touched Thor she could already feel possible connections for him.