Servant of Jotunheim

Queen Mother

Still alone in the library, I roam around for a short while before returning the books to their proper place when suddenly, I hear the guards granting someone else entry.

I turn around only to catch sight of the Queen Mother herself selecting a book and taking a seat on a nearby bench.

I attempt to leave quietly, trying my hardest not to disturb her. She must see me out of the corner of her eye and I startle her, which causes her to drop the book on the floor.

Me: "My sincerest apologies, Queen Mother!"

Frigga: "It is quite alright dear you just gave me a fright, that is all. Not many servants come in the library at this hour".

Me: "I was returning some books for the King".

Frigga: "My son always does have his head in one book or another" she chuckles.

Me: "A King of such intellect is surely one to be envied, Queen Mother. You must be very proud".

Frigga: "That I am, my dear. What is your name, if you do not mind my asking?"

Me: "Anya, it is short for Valanya".

Frigga: "Such a beautiful name. Did your mother chose that name for you?"

Me: "I believe she once told me that it was also my grandmother's name".

Frigga: "Come, sit" she instructs me, patting the empty space on the bench next to her.

I do not dare argue with her, so I pick up the book she had dropped and hand it back to her.

I attempt not to look directly into her eyes as a sign of respect, but she places her hands on my face, guiding my eyes to hers.

Frigga: "Did you know that your eyes are a very rare shade of blue indeed? I take it your mother's eyes were the same?"

Me: "Yes they were" I reply softly as I feel a single tear roll down my cheek.

Frigga: "Is your mother still on Jotunheim?"

Me: "No, Queen Mother. I am afraid she perished some time ago".

I do not understand why, but it is almost as though I feel compelled to tell this woman the truth even though we had only just met.

Frigga: "May I ask how she died?"

Me: "My father he...he took her life".

Frigga: "The frost giant who brought you here Lord Surt, he is your father is he not?"

Me: "He is. Not to be disrespectful of my father, but he was not a father in any way that mattered".

Frigga: "How was it that he came to cross paths with your mother?"

Me: "If I remember correctly, she was found on Jotunheim and taken as a prisoner. King Laufey intended on returning her to her own realm and my father was tasked with keeping watch over her, but he broke Jotun law and forced himself upon her one night. I believe that returning her home after what my father did was out of the question".

Frigga: "Your mother was clearly a very brave woman".

Me: "She was. Once it was discovered my mother was carrying his child, my father's true Jotun mate abandoned him and King Laufey punished him by making him responsible for my mother and I".

Frigga: "What lead him to take her life?"

Me: "I angered him with my presence one night and he attempted to end my life. His rage got out of hand and he killed her in my place".

Frigga: "Monsters like your father are the reason that frost giants have such a bad name. You are here now among a much kinder people, so we must be grateful for these small mercies".

Me: "Thank you, Queen Mother, you are too kind".