Servant of Jotunheim

Of Age

Since the evening I had rebuffed the King's attentions, he has barely spoken or even looked in my direction other than to give me brief instructions pertaining to my duties.

It hurts to know that he no longer views me as a friend and now treats me as he would any other servant. I also know that he would have regretted that kiss and our friendship would have been lost regardless.

There is currently a private meeting in the council room as myself and another servant wait outside. The King bursts through the doors, seemingly enraged at whatever matter had just been under discussion.

Following him out appears a tall, blonde, muscular man who makes conversation with me while I follow behind the King.

Thor: "You must be Anya?"

Me: "I am".

Thor: "I am Prince Thor. Loki's far more handsome older brother".

Me: "It is an honour to finally meet you, my Prince".

Upon reaching the throne room, the King seems more agitated. We enter the throne and the guards close the doors behind us, leaving us entirely alone.

Loki: "Anya, may I speak with you?"

Me: "Yes, my King".

Loki: "Do you enjoy living here on Asgard, Anya?" he asks with a cold tone.

Me: "Of course".

Loki: "So given the choice you would choose to stay?"

Me: "I would".

Loki: "Anya, we have received word of your father from Jotunheim and he has requested an audience with me today".

Me: "I see".

Loki: "As your King I give you strict orders not to leave your chambers while he is here on Asgard, do you understand?"

Me: "I understand".

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Later in the day, Lord Surt arrives through the Bifrost and is immediately escorted to the palace where he is brought to the throne room to meet with the Loki, Thor and Frigga.

Loki: "Back so soon, Lord Surt?"

Surt: "I requested an audience with my daughter. Where is she?"

Loki: "Your daughter is a servant in my kingdom now and as such she is going about her duties".

Thor: "What is it you want with her?"

Surt: "Prince Helbindi has come of age and is to become King of Jotunheim soon enough".

Frigga: "How does that concern Anya? She is of Asgard now".

Surt: "Helbindi is also of mating age".

Loki: "As you said before, she is of no use for breeding. Why need Anya concern herself with these matters?"

Surt: "Helbindi has not found a suitable mate on all of Jotunheim. As per Jotun tradition, the heir to the throne has the right to have his choice of any and all Jotun females when he comes of breeding age, no matter which realm she dwells upon. As part of the peace treaty between the nine realms, you may not intervene when it comes to our traditions".

Frigga: "Is this true, my son?"

Loki: "It is, mother. We have no choice in the matter".

Thor: "To go against the peace treaty could broker a war between our two realms".

Surt: "So understandably, I will be taking my daughter back to Jotunheim today".

Loki: "Absolutely not. You may leave here and return to Asgard with Helbindi tomorrow".

Surt: "Be warned, Allfather. If he deems her a suitable match and makes a claim on her they will mate immediately and she must return to Jotunheim".

Thor: "What if he does not find her suitable?"

Surt: "If he does not pick up her scent then he will simply leave this realm and have no choice but to wait for more females to come of breeding age".

Loki: "So be it".

As Surt leaves, they appear worried, especially Loki who paces back and forth, attempting to come up with a solution to this.

Frigga: "Surely there must be a way to spare the poor girl from all of this?"

Loki: "There is no possible way, mother".

Thor: "Perhaps he will not desire her and he will simply leave?"

Loki: "That is not a risk I am willing to take".

Frigga: "We could offer her a potion to transform her?"

Loki: "That would not work".

Frigga: "Perhaps it could if we stripped her of her Jotun traits permanently rather than temporarily?'

Loki: "She would never accept that!"

He knew this to be a fact as Anya had previously confirmed this in a conversation they had.

Thor: "I could take her to Midgard and hide her there?"

Loki: "That would still be breaking the peace treaty".

Frigga: "What if she were to reject him?"

Loki: "I do not know if that is possible".

Frigga: "Surely if a male lays claim to her, that does not mean she must accept it?"

Loki: "I am going to the library to further research this matter".

Loki knew very little of Helbindi, but the very thought of him laying his hands on Anya caused him a great deal of concern.