Loki's Daughter, Mortem and Mischief

Chapter Fourteen

"It's 2026."

I couldn't help but begin laughing. My mind was reeling, I couldn't wrap my head around a single thing that was going on. Absolutely nothing was making sense. And what best to do with nonsense than laugh at it? It was either that or scream in terror. 

My mother and father shared a glance at each other before looking at me like I had gone mad. 

"Are you two playing a trick on me?" my mother sighed, putting her hands on her hips, "Because I would prefer you two to quit it."

"No mischief here," my father said, putting his hands up in defense, "I'm near certain she hit her head."

"No, no," I said as I laughed, "I've already told you I didn't. I'm sorry but um, you said 2026. Right?"

My mother nodded slowly, pressing the back of her hand against my forehead.

"No fever," she commented, "Hela, dearest, please don't tell me you're mead drunk right now."

"Drunk?" I echoed in disbelief, "What? No."

"Forgive my bluntness, but if you're not drunk, sleepwalking, or talking to spirits, what's wrong with you?" my father asked with a raised brow. The two of them looked at me with great anticipation, waiting for my reply.

I realized I couldn't possibly tell the truth and explain that I had just killed a Goddess and somehow traveled a decade forward in time. If I even tried to tell them all of that, I was near certain I would land myself in the infirmary for madness. I had to lie and blend into this new world I found myself in. 

"I'm fine," I insisted with a small laugh, "Just playing a trick is all."

"Well it wasn't funny," my mother replied, "I prefer my daughter have her sanity. Please leave the madness to your father."

My father opened his mouth to speak before realizing what she had said.

"That wasn't very kind," he pouted as his shoulders dropped.

"Still love you," my mother said, smiling sweetly at him before kissing his cheek. Instantly, my father seemed far happier.

"You're forgiven," he replied, taking her arm in his he asked, "Shall we go down for breakfast, my loves?"

"Yes, I believe all of us are in dire need of coffee," my mother said as she lead my father down the stairs. I dutifully followed behind them, choosing just to stay quiet. I figured I should say as little as possible in an attempt to not be harshly gaslit. Besides, I needed to wrap my head around all of this. I still didn't understand. Somehow I was in Asgard, in 2026. My mother was alive and well with my father by her side. Everything seemed perfect but eerily so. 

As we entered the great hall, servants and maids alike smiled brightly at us. "Good mornings" echoed throughout the mess hall as they all greeted us. Politely, I said my hellos and returned smiles before sitting down at the main table. I couldn't deny how nice it all was. In New Asgard, it was rare if anyone was truly happy to see my father and me. I felt truly welcomed despite my current circumstance.

As soon as I sat down, at least three maids provided me with silverware, plates of food, and a cup filled with hot coffee. It was like I was being ambushed by breakfast. However, my parents acted as if all of this was completely normal. They hardly bat an eye, just saying their thank you's as per usual. I went along with all of it, trying not to seem suspicious. 

"Busy day," my mother chimed as she sipped her coffee, "I'll be in the village today with your aunties, gathering supplies for your birthday. I thought it'd be best if I went without you so that it can all be a bit of a surprise. Of course, you'll be fitted for your gown today. But asides from that, I'm sure Hertha will entangle me in some drama of hers which is sure to be the longest part of my day."