Dark Reality (MCU Book 2)

Chapter 7: Calm Before an Unseen Storm

She had no idea how much time had passed, but it felt like ages to her. She turned to hear the knock at her door, and when she answered, she saw Frigga.

"I'm assuming I know why you're here." Zima says.

"You wanted to see him." Frigga responds, "This is your chance."

Zima nodded in response and followed the queen to the throne room, standing to one side as she waited nervously. Soon, Loki was brought into the room, chained up and escorted by her father and other guards.

"Loki." Frigga says quietly.

"Hello, Mother. Zima." Loki responds, "Have I made you both proud?"

"Please, don't make things worse." Zima says.

"Define worse." Loki says.

"Enough." Odin interjects, "I will speak to the prisoner alone."

Frigga gave Loki one more look before she turned and left, but Zima stayed behind.

"No." She says, "I didn't come here to see him for two seconds."

"Zima." Her father says in a stern tone, "Go."

She gave him a stern look and shook her head before turning and walking away. But, as soon as she was out of the line of sight of everyone in the room, she used her magic to hide herself and eavesdrop on the conversation. What she heard made her heart sink: Loki would be sentenced to life in prison. Despite her previous conversation with him back on the Hellicarrier, something still didn't feel right about it with her, even though she was just glad he wouldn't be dead for what he did. She shook her head and quickly walked way before anyone caught on she was still there.

When she was far enough away, she made herself visible again and started wandering around with no specific destination in mind. She eventually found herself wandering into the training arena, where her friends and other soldiers noticed her.

Sif was the first to approach. "We heard what happened," She says, "Are you alright?"

"I'm not sure." Zima responds, "I guess it could have been worse. I just wish it were better."

Sif nods in response, "Well, you know we're all here for you. You can always talk to us if you need to."

"Thank you." Zima says.

Fandral and Volstagg soon joined in on the conversation.

"Come to spar again, or just walking by?" Volstagg asked.

"The second one, although I could use a round or two. Need a distraction." Zima responds before she notices one of the Warriors Three is not present. "Where's Hogun? I thought he'd be with you guys."

"He's in Vanaheim. Choosing to stay there for a while." Fandral responds.

"I see. That must be nice." Zima says, "Now, who will I be fighting first?"

The others smirked as they spent a short time sparring with each other. When they were done, the boys headed their separate ways, leaving just the girls.

"There's going to be a party tonight." Sif says, "You should come."

"I'm not sure if a party is what I need at the moment." Zima tells her.

"I believe you promised that you would at least try to be more social again." Sif reminds her.

"Is training with you guys not social enough?" Zima asks.

"Yes and no." Sif responds, "You haven't normally been this invested in it. It's not that we don't appreciate you sparring with us, it's just odd that you suddenly want to do it so much. And you have also been spending a lot of time locked in your room when you aren't with us. We're just worried about you."

"Sif, I appreciate it, I really do, but I'm fine." Zima says, "Or at least I will be."

"Then come to the party tonight. Or I can drag you there myself."

"You won't need to do that. I'll be there. Come find me when you're ready and we can go together, like we used to."

"I'll see you tonight then."

The girls then went their separate ways, and Zima wasted no time going through her dresses for the party. Sure, she had plenty of time, but still wanted to go through her options. She paused for a moment on her blue dress, the one she used to wear before everything she knew had changed, debating on if she would wear it. She finally decided not to, and settled on another green one, this one a more dark forest green then emerald, with a silky feel and a single long sleeve. She didn't do much with her hair, simply adding light curls and a gold headband before waiting for Sif.

When her friend finally arrived, the two headed to the party. It was a nice night, with what appeared to be a light snowfall. They casually talked with each other for a bit, and even talking with some of the other Asgardians, until Sif stepped away to talk with Thor. Zima then wandered off to a more open area with a small crowd, looking out at the stars. She stood there for a moment when she heard a voice behind her.

"It's almost surprising to see you here." Fandral says, as Zima turned to face him.

"You can thank Sif. She threatened to drag me out if I didn't show." She responds, "And what, none of your usual flirty remarks?"

"Were you hoping for one?" Fandral asks.

"I'm just saying, you usually always have something like that to say, and you know how I always respond." Zima laughs.

"I know, but no harm in trying. But for tonight, I won't."

"So why are you here, and not with the others?"

"You look like you have a lot on your mind. Is it safe for me to assume why?"

"Is it that obvious?"

Fandral laughs, "I guess I know you well enough. Although, I still don't understand what you still see in him, especially with what you've told us lately."

"It's... complicated." Zima responds, "He gets me in ways I don't think anyone else can. It's hard to explain, and not entirely my place to tell."

"Well, I think you can do so much better. You deserve someone who can actually treat you like the amazing person you are."

"And are you supposed to be that person?"

"I didn't say that, but I'm sure anyone would be better."

"I appreciate your thoughts, but I would like to decide for myself who I think is best for me. I think it's getting late. I'm going to call it a night."

"Just please think about it, okay?"

"I will."

After the conversation, Zima spent a few more hours at the party before she returned to her room for the night.