Servant of Jotunheim

Introduction

I would be dishonest if I said that all of the other guests staring at me this way, while whispering to one another was not filling me an absolute sense of unease.

The King takes my hand as he greets more guests and gives it a gentle reassuring squeeze every time he senses my discomfort to remind me that he is by my side.

Loki: "Would you care for another drink, my love?" he asks, noticing my glass is now empty.

Me: "Yes, thank you".

He leaves me alone and many women soon approach me to comment on how lovely my dress is and how beautiful I looked this evening. I thank them politely, but I could hardly wait for the King to return.

A tall, muscular, well dressed older man walks brazenly in my direction, but for some reason his mere presence alone gives me an odd feeling of dismay.

Naris: "I thought it would be terribly rude of me not to come over here and introduce myself. I am King Naris of Svartalfheim" he smiles.

Me: "You must be Princess Dahlia's father?"

Naris: "You two have met?"

Me: "No, but the King had spoken fondly of her and yourself".

Naris: "That is always pleasing to hear. So how is your courtship of the King progressing? Will we soon be receiving a wedding invitation?"

Me: "We were nothing more than friends in the beginning, but now we are taking it day by day and getting to know one another better".

Naris: "The Allfather would have to be a fool not to claim a prize such as yourself".

Me: "You believe that women are little more than prizes to be won?" I question sternly.

Naris: "Of course not, princess. Women have far greater uses to a man than simply being an object for us to look at" he states while looking me up and down.

Me: "Please, feel free to enlighten me as to what you believe woman are useful for".

Naris: "I am certain you will find out all in good time" he whispers in my ear before walking away.

The King finally returns to my side, having clearly noticed that King Naris had briefly spoken with me.

Loki: "What did he say to you?"

Me: "Nothing, he was simply being friendly" I choose to lie, not wishing to create any unnecessary tension between the two Kings.

Loki: "I would avoid any further conversation with that particular King. You know of their cruel reputation on Svartalfheim?"

Me: "Yes, I have heard".

Loki: "I have missed you today" he smiles sweetly.

Me: "As have I, especially after last night".

Loki: "I have not been able to refrain from thinking about that all day. May I perhaps speak with you alone for a moment?"

He takes my hand, quickly leading me away from the ball and into the throne room before sealing the doors behind us.

Loki: "I could not bare to be without your kiss for another moment".

His kiss is deep and lustful and my entire body tingles while his fingers trace down the exposed skin of my back before his kisses move down to my neck.

Upon him realises that I am not currently wearing the necklace, he halts suddenly and glances out of the window to see the sunset quickly approaching.

Loki: "You forgot the necklace. I will send Ruth or Sara to retrieve it for you".

This was the moment I had feared all evening, but when he attempts to leave I hold his hand to stop him.

Me: "Wait".

Loki: "What is the matter?"

Me: "Wait...please?"

The sun sets over the realm and the King appears confused when his eyes return to me.

Loki: "What is this?"

Me: "I can explain".

Loki: "Valanya, what have you done?"

Me: "I made a choice".

Loki: "Who did this to you? My mother?"

Me: "I asked for her help, but this decision was mine to make. I chose this".

His expression quickly changes from confusion to that of anger and disappointment.

Loki: "How long is it that you two have been conspiring to do this behind my back, lying to the man you claim to love?"

Me: "I do love you, Loki. You once said that if I were to ever make this decision then I should do it for myself. This is what I wanted".

Loki: "Then why keep it a secret from me?"

Me: "I knew you would believe that I was only doing this for us, but that is not true. It was for me. You would have attempted to convince me not to do this".

Loki: "I would never have allowed it!"

Me: "It was my decision to make. I was tired of hiding and I did not want to live in fear that one day I would run out of potion or the necklace may break. I wanted to be more than my appearance dictated and to leave Jotunheim behind forever".

Loki: "So you desired to be rid yourself of everything Jotun? Clearly you are done with me then if that is the case".

Me: "I did not mean it like that, Loki. Why do you twist my words?" I cry.

Loki: "I thought you were different from everyone else, but you are exactly the same!"

Me: "What are you saying?"

Loki: "You disgust me you lying, conniving, vane, selfish girl. I cannot bare to look at you for a moment longer. Now get out of my sight before I have you locked in the dungeons!"

Me: "Loki, please..."

Loki: "You dare to address me so formally? I am your King and nothing more from this moment forward" he states as he opens the doors, leaving me there alone.

How had this happened?

We were happy mere moments ago and now I had been cruelly rejected. I exit the throne room and take a longer, alternative route back to my chambers as to avoid being seen by anyone.

I quickly shed myself of all that finery and wash away my makeup, leaving no trace behind of the princess I was believed to be earlier in the evening.

I felt an emptiness inside of me like never before, fighting back the urge to sob uncontrollably while I lie on my bed completely alone.