Servant of Jotunheim

Work

The next morning, after I have gotten ready for the day ahead, I go to leave my room for breakfast and find a book unexpectedly laying on the ground outside of my door.

Upon further inspection, I realise that this is the very same book I had begun to read the previous morning so I place it next to my bed. Had the King himself sent this to me?

I honestly had no idea, but I was very grateful if not equally confused as no one else could have possibly known that I had been inside the library at all.

Sara runs over in my direction when she sees me approaching and wraps her arms around my waist, squeezing me tightly.

Sara: "I am so glad you are alright. I will never be able to repay you!"

Me: "You can repay me by never knocking over another vase?" I jest.

Sara: "Done and done!" she smiles innocently.

Ruth: "You are to report to the King's chambers this morning and act as his personal servant for the day".

Me: "What will my duties entail?"

Ruth: "Do whatever he asks of you and stay close by in case he has need of you. He has requested you personally".

Sara: "He is not going to cause her any harm is he?" her voice trembles with fear.

Me: "I will be just fine, I promise" I smile reassuringly.

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I arrive early at his chambers and knock hesitantly, but soon hear noises coming from the other side. I do not get any response and am now aware that there is a female guest in there with him so I take a seat and wait patiently.

I cannot help but notice that whatever he is doing in there with that maiden, she seems to be enjoying. At least as his personal servant I will not have to clean up the mess today.

Another servant arrives and takes a seat across from me.

Kiara: "Are you Anya?"

Me: "I am".

Kiara: "You are my hero. I was there on the day you defied the King".

Me: "Oh...thank you".

Kiara: "Does he always take this long?"

Me: "We are a little early".

Kiara: "Oh, right. I am still fairly new to the palace. My name is Kiara".

Me: "It is a pleasure to meet you".

The young maiden exits the King's chambers and I allow Kiara to enter first, as I know that the King prefers his bedding changed immediately in the mornings.

Kiara smiles at me as she leaves and I announce myself upon entering his chambers. I find him seated at his desk wearing only his black robe.

Loki: "Good to see you, Anya".

Me: "How may I serve you, my King?"

Loki: "I would like you to draw me a bath and prepare my clothes for the day".

While the bath water runs, I return to his chambers and look through his wardrobe.

Me: "Do you have any preference?"

Loki: "Surprise me" he smiles.

I select an outfit consisting mainly of dark green leather, fairly casual, but I believe he will approve of my choices if matched with the boots I have also chosen.

I finish running the bath after adding the most exquisite smelling oils I have ever smelt. He enters the bathroom as I step back to disrobe him and look away as he relaxes into the water.

I can only assume that his regular night time companions do not allow him much opportunity to sleep, as I have often noticed that he sometimes appears exhausted in the mornings.

Me: "Would you like me to order your breakfast?"

Loki: "Please" he says, with his head resting back and eyes now closed.

When I return shortly after with his breakfast on a silver tray, I place it on the table in front of the window while I stop for a brief moment to admire the view outside.

I have yet to see the kingdom from outside the palace walls, but I can only imagine my Jotun appearance would strike fear into the hearts of the civilians.

It would appear that the King has fallen asleep, but he seems so peaceful. I gently nudge his shoulder in an attempt to wake him from his slumber, yet he barely stirs.

Me: "My King" I whisper to him.

Loki: "Hmm?" his eyes flutter open.

Me: "Your breakfast is here".

Loki: "How long was I asleep?"

Me: "Not long. Come now, you need to eat".

I help him dry off and dress, but I remain respectful, never looking at him directly in his bare state.

He sits at the table, eating like a ravenous hound and I can only assume that he must burn a lot of energy giving the young maidens of Asgard his attentions.

Loki: "Did you approve of the gift, the book?" he confirms my earlier suspicions.

Me: "Yes, of course. It was quite a surprise indeed and I am very grateful".

Loki: "I am glad you liked it" he smiles.

Me: "So what is on the agenda for today, my King?"

Loki: "What would you like to do today, Anya?"

Me: "I do not understand?"

Loki: "I have often seen you looking outside at the kingdom. Would you like to see it?"

Me: "I cannot venture out there among the people. I would frighten them".

Loki: "Then where would you wish to go, if you had to choose?"

Me: "I hear that the gardens are particularly beautiful and I have yet to go there".

Loki: "To the gardens it is".