Servant of Jotunheim

Bad Idea

For the next hour, we stand across from one another on our respective balconies, deep in conversation. I often see him eyeing me hungrily due to the revealing dress that the King had chosen for me.

Naris: "You should have visited Svartalfheim on your travels, Princess Valanya".

Me: "And what would I have done to entertain myself there?"

Naris: "You would have been more than welcome to stay in my palace and kept this old man company" he laughs.

Me: "You are hardly what one would consider to be old".

Naris: "Am I not? I certainly feel as though I am at times".

Me: "Nonsense. I believe you are still young and spritely enough to leap across from your balcony to mine" I jest.

Naris: "And why would I do something so foolish?"

Me: "So that this lonely princess could enjoy the pleasure of your company properly".

He stands up, clearly having drank too much and measures the distance between our two balconies. It is not too far, but one false step and it is rather a long way down to the ground.

Perhaps after what I had previously witnessed in my dreams that fall would possibly be a blessing in disguise?

Me: "Is the King of Svartalfheim too afraid?"

King Naris leaps over to my balcony effortlessly and without spilling a drop of his wine. The sudden realisation of our much closer proximity fills me with dread.

Naris: "This King fears nothing",

Me: "Everyone fears something".

I back away from him ever so slightly.

Naris: "What is it that you fear, Princess Valanya?"

Me: "Being here alone with you at this very moment" I tell him honestly.

Naris: "You fear what the Allfather may do if he were to discover me here with you? I imagine he would be positively enraged".

Me: "He does not approve of other men speaking with me, especially when he dresses me this way".

Naris: "It would be difficult for any man's attentions to be elsewhere when he parades you around in such revealing gowns for all to see".

I notice he looks down at my chest.

Me: "Do you not approve?" I ask, slowly spinning so he can take in every detail.

Naris: "A dress such as that was designed to make a man curious as to what forbidden treasures are hidden beneath it".

Me: "I do not need to know what other men think. Only you".

He approaches me slowly and leans into me which causes my heart to race, but I know that I must maintain my confident exterior.

Naris: "I very much desire to know what lies beneath this dress, but I also value keeping my head upon my shoulders".

Me: "So you do fear something, the Allfather's wrath it seems" I laugh.

Naris: "Believe me when I tell you there was a time, not so long ago that I would have gladly risked my life for such a temptation".

Me: "Do I tempt you, King Naris?"

Naris: "I have a kingdom to think of. To lay even one hand upon you would certainly be a death sentence".

I finish closing the gap between us, sensing that he is vulnerable at this moment in time, so I place my hand upon his chest and hold it there briefly.

Me: "In another lifetime perhaps?"

I place a kiss on the corner of his mouth, letting it linger for a second as my fingertips slowly caress down his chest.

Naris: "Perhaps if your courtship with the Allfather does not work in your favour, you could travel to Svartalfheim?"

Me: "For what purpose?"

Naris: "Such a beauty does not deserve to be any King's second choice. On my realm you would be a Queen".

Me: "And what would you ask of your Queen?"

Naris: "That she obey me and no one else. In return, I would worship her every night and give her everything her heart desires".

Me: "Love cannot be bought, Naris" I declare while mimicking the same words that my mother had used towards him in my dream.

He suddenly appears nervous and he backs away slightly.

Me: "Is something wrong?"

Naris: "You remind me of her".

Me: "Of who?"

Naris: "A princess that I knew in my youth. It may sound odd, but you resemble her even down to the very colour of your eyes".

Me: "Does that upset you?"

Naris: "It brings back many memories".

Me: "Were you in love with her?"

Naris: "I was, very much so in fact, but unfortunately she loved another".

Me: "Then she was a fool" I lie as to appear sympathetic.

Naris: "You truly believe that?"

Me: "What woman with even an ounce of sense would chose another when she could have had you?"

Without warning, he pushes me back against the wall nearby, our bodies far too close. He grabs both of my wrists and pins them above my head while I resist the strong urge to call out for help.

Me: "I thought you valued your head?"

Naris: "Perhaps you are worth the risk after all".