Servant of Jotunheim

Reunion

I eagerly await my father's return at the end of the rainbow bridge and watch as he arrives on horseback. He was every bit the majestic King, but I could not contain my own excitement.

Me: "Father!" I run into his arms, not caring about what is considered proper and ladylike. Fortunately, neither does he.

Agnarr: "It is wonderful to be back. Have you been keeping well?"

Me: "I have. How was your return to Alfheim?"

Agnarr: "Rather stressful I am afraid. I had little choice but to inform the royal council of the situation here on Asgard".

Me: "What did they say?"

Agnarr: "It seems that many of them do not believe it. Over the years we have had many women travel to Alfheim claiming to be the long lost Princess Azalea, all in some desperate attempt to take her crown through deception".

Me: "How awful".

Agnarr: "As I have yet to meet with her in person while she is still recovering, they believe that she may be one of a long line of imposters".

Now seems like the perfect moment to share the good news with him.

Me: "About that..."

Agnarr: "Is something wrong?"

Me: "Quite the opposite actually. Mother wishes to meet with you shortly".

Agnarr: "Truly?"

Me: "Truly. You will be taking tea with her in the gardens. I thought perhaps it would be a rather pleasant and quiet setting for you to get reacquainted with one another".

Agnarr: "You will not be joining us?"

He appears nervous, but I suppose if there were a reason for him to be so then this would be the one.

Me: "Not at first, but I will remain close by. I am certain you must have many things to discuss that you would perhaps prefer to speak of privately before I join you".

Agnarr: "Before I meet with your mother there is something I wish to say to you, before everything changes that is".

Me: "Go on".

Agnarr: "Thank you, Valanya, for everything you have done and for being the daughter I had always dreamed of. I truly regret that I never experienced the joy of watching you grow up into such a wonderful young woman".

Me: "We have many years ahead of us yet. I am proud to call you my father, no matter the circumstances".

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A small drop of sweat beads on my father's brow the longer we wait for my mother. I am certain she will wish to look her best for him.

Agnarr: "What if she does not come?" he asks me while pacing back and forth near the table that had been set up for them.

Me: "She will" I reassure him.

Agnarr: "It has been so long since we last saw one another" he sighs.

Me: "All will be well".

I am quite surprised that I am the one who is able to maintain a calm exterior, especially when he is a King who must be far more accustomed to stressful circumstances.

Footsteps approach so we both look in the direction of the source, only to see my mother being escorted this way by Ruth and Sara. She looks positively radiant today with her hair up, displaying her natural beauty.

Their eyes finally meet, and I swear that my father's previously nervous heartbeat which was so loud moments ago, ceases beating entirely.

Agnarr: "Azalea?" he questions, almost in disbelief as if this were a dream.

Azalea: "Agnarr".

Agnarr: "You are still just as breathtaking as I remember".

Azalea: "And you are still as charming".

Without hesitation or care, they run into each other's arms. It was so truly perfect and heartwarming that I could not help but shed tears of joy.

Me: "We will leave you to speak privately" I say, trying to compose myself.

My mother smiles and nods. They have much to discuss and I had already told her earlier this morning that I would go with Ruth and Sara.

The only thing that could make this day more perfect is if the King were here, but he is currently in a meeting with the royal council and making arrangements to send labourers and aid to Svartalfheim.

As King Naris's only heir, Dahlia is now the Queen just as she had wanted, but without any help from Asgard her realm would surely fall into further ruin.