Servant of Jotunheim

Gossip

After I am escorted back to the servants quarters by two guards, I lie back on my bed reminiscing about the wonderful day I had just experienced.

I did not particularly enjoy the excruciating pain of transforming back into my true self, but it was worth it to have felt comfortable outside among the people of Asgard.

A sudden gentle knocking on my door startles me as I have never received visitors this late. Perhaps the King has need of me so I must answer.

The second I open the door, I am greeted by Ruth and Sara who quickly enter my chambers and close the door behind them.

Sara: "Tell us everything and spare no detail!"

A panic sets in as I fear they may know something they should not. How could they possibly know?

Me: "About what?"

Ruth: "The mystery princess, silly?"

Me: "What exactly have you heard?"

Sara: "Rumour has it that she is the most beautiful princess ever to travel to Asgard".

Ruth: "And that the King was smitten with her. He even took her arm as they walked together".

Me: "Is that not custom? I am certain that the King has had many princesses coming here, competing for his affections before".

I feel positively awful for deceiving them this way, but I must follow the King's orders and keep the truth to myself.

Sara: "Yes, but he barely ever looks at them and normally rejects them quite quickly".

Ruth: "From what we hear, they were deep in conversation and she even made him laugh. Is it true Anya?"

Me: "I honestly would not know. I was instructed to keep my distance and grant them their privacy so I did not see or hear anything".

Sara: "She must be truly special for the King to have had her secretly enter Asgard?"

Me: "What leads you to believe that?"

Ruth: "Her arrival was never officially announced. That means she must have arrived through one of the King's secret Bifrost portals in disguise. He requested that fine gowns be brought to his chambers this very morning".

Sara: "The servants who dressed her say she was a true beauty and that the King never took his eyes off of her".

Me: "I will certainly keep my ear to the ground and inform you if I should see this mysterious princess with the King again".

Ruth: "I would love to serve at a royal wedding at least once. It would be such a wonderful day".

Sara: "I hope she is as radiant as they say she is".

I am struck suddenly with that same cold, familiar pain in my chest once more as I fall to the floor, clutching at my heart and praying for it to end.

Ruth: "Anya, what is wrong?" she asks with worry in her voice and fear in her eyes.

I find myself unable to speak and can barely catch my breath when I see Sara quickly running for the door.

Sara: "Do not worry, I will fetch the guards!"

My eyes become heavy and I can keep them open no longer while everything around me slowly fades into darkness.