Loki's Daughter, Mortem and Mischief

Chapter Forty Six

Another month went by, Asgard was simply amazing. Is winter now, though temperatures rarely plummeted below forty degrees. Everything was truly just dandy. Villagers were well fed, palace staff was as happy as can be, there was not a single threat of war-I was doing quite well as Queen. But more than fifty percent of the time, I hardly had a clue what I was doing. I was lost in trade numbers, my only experience with economy was in New Asgard where we barely had a treasury and had little more to offer than fish. Now, I was grappling numbers that soared over the millions, billions even. I was contemplating trade with galaxies far from my own, with planets I didn't even know existed. Not only that, but I was now head of an entire army. Soldiers were at my call and I hardly knew how to direct them.

But, I was learning. Each day got just a bit easier as I balanced every piece of paper work that came flying towards me. I never once missed a deadline, or a hearing, or anything really. At the very least, I was organized and truly trying my best. I was dutifully focused on my work, doing everything I could to serve my people and to make this timeline better than the one I had come from. It was difficult, everyday was a challenge with seldom to no breaks in the stress. I wanted to ask for help, truly I did. I wanted to turn to my father, receive his guidance but every time I sought him out-he was busy doting after my mother. He was seldom found apart from her side, enjoying the simple life of clipping flowers and riding through the country. I didn't want to interrupt that, certainly not when he had fought so hard to get to that point. So, I turned elsewhere.

"I'm meeting with Laufey today," I explained as I sat across from Grimnir. His face was stern, colder than when he had first entered the dungeons. I had stopped plaguing him as heavily, decided it was too dramatic and frankly too much work. But nevertheless, Grimnir had that constant look of terror in his eyes as if he was afraid that at minute I might change my mind about torturing him.

"Why's that?" He asked, watching me as I set down a plate of breakfast before him along with a goblet of wine. It was nothing much, simply a bit of fresh fruit and pastries. I wanted him lively if I ever decided to resume my tricks, it certainly wouldn't be fun if he didn't have enough energy to scream.

"Trade, open borders, meeting my true grandfather," I listed off with a shrug, trying to maintain a careless attitude. But truth be told, I was more than nervous. Out of everything I had done and was yet to do as Queen, this meeting was arguably the most important. Maintaining a friendly relationship with Jotunheim was essential to Asgardian perseverance, the -wave we had between us was weak-bound to fail. My advisors had believed I might be able to bridge the gap between our worlds and I had no choice but to believe they were right.

"I see," Grimnir said as he eyed the food. I could nearly hear his stomach growl. I pushed the plate closer to him and said, "I haven't done anything to it, I swear." He raised a brow before he cautiously grabbed an apple, taking a bite. He waited for a moment, stopping to see if I had poisoned the food or enchanted it in some way. "Just eat. You truly think I have enough time to mess with you anymore?" I asked. Grimnir huffed in reply before taking another bite.

"I'm to meet with him at dinner. My father will be in attendance, my mother too," I said, sitting back in my chair as Grimnir ate. As soon as he had some food in his belly, he was much calmer. He looked so at peace, so casual, that you might have guessed he wasn't imprisoned. He looked as if he was just lounging about in his home, not a care in the world.

"What does your father have to say about it? He's Laufey's bastard, Im sure this will be more emotional than diplomatic for him," Grimnir said before he began to pick at a pastry. I nodded, truthfully-I had hardly spoken a word to my father about the meeting. I had done more than tell him it had been scheduled. I regrettably hadn't taken the time to ask his opinion on the matter.

"Let me guess," Grimnir said with a soft laugh, "You haven't spoken to him about it." I glared at him as I pursed my lips. I could already feel the blush of embarrassment flood my cheeks. "It seems as though you've been almost afraid to talk to him as of late. Why's that?" he asked before stuffing his face with a cookie.

"Im not afraid," I sighed as I sunk into my seat. Grimnir raised an expectant brow as if to say, what is it then? "My father's the happiest I have ever seen him. He's practically bursting at the seams with joy. I don't want to burden him with talk about finances or diplomacy when he's out tending the damn garden with my mother," I explained.

"So you come to me for help?" Grimnir asked as he raised a brow. I glared at him, with a flick of magic I knocked over his wine goblet-sending it to spill all over him. He narrowed his eyes and pursed his lips. "I stand corrected, you're come to make a fool of me."

I smiled at Grimnir, my grin wide and bright as he attempted to dry himself with a napkin. I liked keeping him in check, reminding Grimnir that he was still at my will.

Looking at the clock, I saw it was nearly two hours before I had to meet with Laufey. I was sure that my nursemaids were searching for me to get me all dressed and polished. I stood from my seat and made my way to the door.

"Wish me good luck?" I asked, looking over my shoulder to Grim as I unlocked the door. He smiled a bit. "Good luck, your highness. Visit me again soon?" he said.

I simply scoffed as I left, locking the door behind me. I could feel his eyes on me the entire time I  walked through the dungeons.