Servant of Jotunheim

Nerves

As I ready myself for dinner, the King tries in vane to calm my nerves. He had already gone about selecting a champagne coloured gown for me to wear which was remarkably elegant.

Loki: "You look spectacular".

Me: "I feel like I may quite possibly be sick".

Loki: "Mother already knows who you are. We merely have to deceive Thor, who is quite honestly an imbecile. Follow my lead and you will be fine" he smiles.

Me: "Promise?"

Loki: "I promise, Valanya".

We enter the grand hall together hand in hand and the Queen Mother looks rather happy to see us. I nervously take a seat next to where the King intends to be seated.

Thor: "Glad to see you have joined us, Princess Valanya".

Me: "Thank you for your hospitality".

Frigga: "You look beautiful, my dear".

Me: "As do you, Queen Mother" I smile.

Loki: "Brother, I have made all of the necessary arrangements for the ball as you requested".

Thor: "I am quite looking forward to my going away party. Princess, you must accompany my brother. There are many people waiting to catch a glimpse of you".

Loki: "Would you like to accompany me, Valanya?"

Me: "Yes, I would be delighted" I answer hesitantly.

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Once the meal is over, myself and the King head back through the gardens before sunset and I awkwardly ask him a question.

Me: "Loki, what is a ball?"

Loki: "What is a...you do not know what a ball is?"

Me: "Should I?"

Loki: "It is a truly magnificent occasion with a grand feast, music and dancing".

Me: "Dancing?"

Loki: "You have never danced before?"

Me: "I am afraid I have not".

Loki: "We do not have to dance. The pleasure of your company will be enough for me. When all the nobles from the other realms see me accompanying such a beauty, they will cease sending their daughters to Asgard as they will know they cannot compare".

Me: "You simply wish to use me is a ploy to avoid further courtship and marriage?"

Loki: "Not at all, my dear. I wish for the woman I love to be at my side".

We part ways at my chambers and I enter feeling rather relieved that this stressful day had almost come to an end.

The potion wears of at sunset, then I remove all the finery that the King had chosen for me to wear and bathe quickly before I climb into my bed.

When I roll over so that am more comfortable, I feel something unusual beneath my pillow and pull it out to discover a red box had been hidden underneath.

Upon opening it I discover a golden necklace inside, similar to the one I had worn before along with a note.

A special gift for you my love

Loki

I do not hesitate to rise from my bed and go over to the mirror, wanting to try it on immediately.

The moment I fasten the clasp, I am taken aback when my body suddenly changes into my none Jotun form. The second I remove it I immediately change back.

He had gifted me with an enchanted necklace so that I would no longer have any need to take the potion. I could not believe he had done this for me.

I put the necklace back on and leave my chambers. I hastily knock on his door and he opens it before I rush into his arms, kissing him passionately.

Me: "Thank you for the gift".

Loki: "If gifts earn me a kiss such as that one then I shall never cease giving them to you".

Me: "May I stay with you?"

Loki: "Of course, my dear".

We lie on the bed holding each other and he falls asleep while I gaze upon his perfect features. That is when a persistent, nagging thought refuses to leave my mind.

I quietly leave as to not wake him and knock upon another door, unsure if I will get an answer at this late hour.

Frigga: "Anya?"

Me: "Queen Mother, may I speak with you?"

Frigga: "Come in, my dear".

I enter her chambers and the Queen Mother notices my anxiousness and the dire sense of urgency which has lead me here this evening.

Frigga: "What troubles you, my dear?"

Me: "Is there a way for me to truly be this way, always. One without the need for any further potions or enchantments?"

Frigga: "There is. Although I must caution you, it is a terribly unpleasant process and one which must not be taken lightly".

Me: "Will you help me?"

Frigga: "May I ask, why the sudden desire to be this way? Is it for my son?"

Me: "You know?"

Frigga: "I do, Anya. His fondness for you has been quite evident for some time now. I would never dream of standing in the way of true love".

Me: "Even though I am a palace servant and of Jotunheim?"

Frigga: "You are much more than those things, Anya. Loki sees it too, otherwise you would never have captured his heart. If you are truly certain that this is the path you wish to take then I shall gladly help you. However, you must not tell Loki of this as he would undoubtedly attempt to make you reconsider".

Me: "I know that you may believe I am doing this solely for the purpose of love, but that is not so. My entire life since my mother's death, I have always had others define my worth by telling me what I am. A half breed, a runt and a servant. When I am like this, I know I can be defined by who I am and not what by I appear to be on the surface".

Frigga: "I understand wholeheartedly. I will need a few days to prepare the ritual".

Me: "Thank you".

Frigga: "My son is lucky to have found a wonderful young woman such as you".

Me: "I am truly the lucky one".