Servant of Jotunheim

The Vault

Once we are both dressed for the day, we do not utter another word to one another. There is a peculiar tension between us that had not been there before.

Perhaps it was a desire that had gone unfulfilled? I can barely bring myself to look at him now for fear that I would once again become desperate for his touch.

We arrive at the vault shortly after lunch.

The doors are thick and clearly designed so that it would be difficult for anyone to break through in an attempt to steal the vaults valuable contents.

There are many remarkable treasures inside, but the very last one catches my attention and our silence finally breaks.

Me: "Is that...?"

Loki: "The Casket of Ancient Winters".

Me: "I have read books of this, but always believed it to be a myth".

Loki: "I can assure you that it is very much real".

Me: "It is said to be a formidable weapon".

Loki: "Only in the hands of a frost giant. Would you like to touch it?"

Me: "It was also said that this was a weapon often used for acts of great evil so that would probably be unwise" I laugh.

Loki: "You could never be evil, Valanya".

Me: "What makes you so certain?"

Loki: "I have seen the face of true evil and you are far from it".

The King appears saddened when he looks back towards the Casket, but I do not understand why. He seems burdened with his own thoughts as I direct my attention towards a large golden basin filled with fire.

Me: "Is this the eternal flame?"

He does not reply to my question so I move closer to him, only to see his eyes now filled with tears before they begin to fall.

Me: "Loki, what is wrong?"

Loki: "You deserve far better than this".

Me: "Loki?"

Loki: "You are quite possibly the one person in this entire realm that I could truly be honest with".

Me: "Tell me what burdens you?"

Loki: "You would hate me forever" he cries.

Me: "I could never hate you, Loki".

I attempt to wipe away the tears from his cheek when he grabs my wrist and forcefully pushes my hand away from him.

Loki: "And what am I to you?" he questions me sternly.

Me: "You are my King".

Loki: "And what more than that?"

Me: "My saviour and my friend".

Loki: "Like your precious King Laufey?"

He turns away and walks back up the stone steps, leaving me there alone. I soon feel an anger building inside which causes me to march through the palace and go to his chambers.

I angrily walk in without knocking.

Me: "Do not walk away from me, Loki!"

Loki: "You dare to command your King!?"

We stand there for a moment while we calm ourselves before I decide it is best to return to my chambers. Although, I do not truly wish to leave at all.

Loki: "I am King Laufey's son" he says quietly when my hand reaches for the door.

Me: "What did you say?" I question and turn back to face him.

Loki: "I am King Laufey's first born son and the true heir to the throne of Jotunheim".

Me: "Why are you saying these things?"

Loki: "It is the truth, Valanya. Odin found me abandoned an left to die. He took me from that world and brought me here to Asgard to raise as his own".

Me: "But you are not Jotun?"

Loki: "Touching the casket reveals my true heritage".

Me: "That would mean that Helbindi is your brother?"

Loki: "He is and that also makes me the very same monster that parents tell their children about at night. I have had you lashed even though you had done nothing wrong. That means I am no better than those brutish monsters that tortured you every day on Jotunheim".

Me: "You are not a monster".

Loki: "How could you possibly believe that after what I have just told you!?"

Me: "Because I could never love a monster the way that I love you!"

We both pause as soon as those words escape my lips. What have I done?

Loki: "You...you love me?"

Before I have thought about what course of action to take next, I abruptly flee from his chambers, running towards the gardens and putting as much distance between us as possible.

Why did I ever say such a foolish thing?

Upon reaching the gardens, I attempt to catch my breath when I am startled by the Queen Mother, who is peacefully tending to the flowers before she turns to see me there.

Frigga: "Hello, Anya".