Servant of Jotunheim

Joy

Ruth, Sara and I keep watch over my mother and father from a more than respectable distance, not wishing to disturb them while they are deep in conversation.

Ruth: "They seem to be comfortable" she comments.

Me: "In all honesty, it is quite a relief. My father was initially far more nervous than I had anticipated" I respond.

Sara: "Can you imagine being reunited with your one true love after spending a lifetime believing that you would never see them again?"

Those four years spent on Midgard away from the man I love were long enough. Still, it appears as though their long period of separation had not extinguished their affections.

There is a slight gasp from all three of us at the very moment we witness my father taking my mother's hand to place a delicate kiss upon it.

Ruth: "Anya, have you put into consideration what may happen if they were to rekindle their courtship?"

Me: "What is there to consider?"

Ruth: "Asgard may have been her refuge since her rescue from Svartalfheim, but what if she wishes to return home with your father?"

Sara: "She is the rightful Queen of Alfheim after all".

I suppose in my heart I always knew that it was a strong possibility, but I rather hoped it would not happen too quickly.

Ruth: "Would you desire to go with them and meet your people?"

Me: "Someday soon perhaps".

The fact remains that I am a princess and I may be expected to travel there one day. It is my duty, and I do not want to disappoint the people of that realm.

Me: "I would only want to go if both of you came with me".

Ruth: "Would the King allow it?"

Sara: "I have never heard of a King allowing his servants to leave and go off to serve in another realm before?"

Me: "You would not be going there to serve anyone. You would travel with me solely as my friends of course".

Ruth: "It would be an honour" she smiles.

We look back towards my parents, when we notice my father appears to be beckoning me over to join them much sooner than I thought.

My mother embraces me tightly once I have joined them at the table and my father kindly pulls out my chair so that I may take a seat.

Me: "Are you certain you do not wish for more time alone first?"

Agnarr: "Of course not. We want nothing more than for you to join us".

Azalea: "It is long overdue that we spent time together as a family".

My mother is a vision of joy throughout our time seated there, with her and father telling me many tales from their youth. It was as perfect as I had hoped it would be.

While they are in such high spirits, I believe that now is the time I should share the joyous news.

Me: "Now that we are finally all here together, there is something I should tell you".

Azalea: "What is it, Valanya?" there is a hint of worry in her voice.

Me: "As you know, the Allfather and I visited Midgard recently. While we were there he asked me a rather important question".

There is a moment of silence and I cannot read their expressions, but I believe they may already suspect what I am about to tell them.

Me: "The King has asked me for my hand, and I have accepted" I confirm.

My father is the first to speak once the initial surprise had ceased.

Agnarr: "Daughter, this is wonderful news".

I can finally breathe a sigh of relief at my father's words of approval, although my mother is yet to say anything.

Azalea: "I am beyond grateful that I will bare witness to our beautiful daughter becoming a truly wonderful Queen" she says with tears of joy in her eyes once she takes my hand.

Me: "I am sorry I could not tell you sooner. The King and I thought it best if we waited so that I may tell you both together".

After much further discussion, and finally unveiling the ring on my finger so that they may see it, I decide it is finally time to also tell Ruth and Sara.

I take my leave and join my friends once more. Much to my delight, I discover that Princess Milea has also joined them and I may now inform them all together.

Sara: "How was it?"

Me: "It was everything I hoped it would be and much more".

Ruth: "We are so happy for you".

Milea: "I hope you do not mind me joining, but I would not wish to miss out on this joyous occasion".

Me: "I am rather glad you are here actually. There is something I have been wanting to tell you all for some time".

Ruth: "What is it?"

Now that it is visible for all to see, I hold out my hand with the ring proudly displayed upon it before they all squeal with delight at the sight of it.

My three best friends take turns hugging and congratulating me, then assuring me that they will gladly help with any preparations needed for the wedding.

Any apprehensions I once had about becoming the Queen have completely faded away, knowing that I have the love and support of those that mean the most to me.

I could not possibly be any happier.