Redemption

Far From Home

I held my head high as I stepped into the grand hall of Asgard's castle. There was a big feast today. For one reason or another, there always seemed to be a feast going on.

I was wearing a glittering maroon dress, my hair was tied in an elaborate style, half up and half down. My eyes roamed around the hall as I entered, hearing music slowly wafting from one far corner of the room. The other corner had a buffet of food, and over a hundred people were milling in all spaces of the room, while a smaller group were dancing in the center.

From my spot just inside the door, I could see Odin and Frigga sitting at their thrones at the end of the room, but the two seats beside them were empty. I suddenly heard Thor's loud laugh to my right, and my gaze snapped that way.

I could see him standing above the others, his mess of blonde hair bright against the fires burning around him. Women encircled him, but there was a slight part by Thor's side, and I saw the golden horns of Loki.

As a Valkryie, it was accepting that we come to these feasts. They happened purely for Thor's benefit, but also to celebrate another victory. I plastered a smile to my face and headed the prince's way. I knew Thor quite well, as we spared together often, but his brother Loki was another story. He seemed so distant, except for Thor.

As I stepped up, squeezing my way through the crowd to make my way in front of Thor and Loki, I managed to trip over someone's shoe and crashed straight into Loki's chest.

Rough hands grabbed me by the elbows, and I looked up, eyes clashing with Loki's. The gasps and Thor asking if I was all right faded. My eyes locked on Loki's, and my breath hitched.

My face heated and I straightened up, my hands resting against the cold metal of his armor. "My apologies, Your Highness," I muttered, correcting myself.

"It's quite all right," he replied, slowly letting go of my elbows. "Are you okay?" He tilted his head slightly, eyes roaming across my face. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and nodded, giving him a slight bow.

"Yes, Your Highness. Thank you."

"Gracefulness was never your specialty, Friala!" Thor teased, clapping me on the shoulder. I shifted greatly under his weight but held firm as I pulled my gaze from Loki. I smiled big up at the blonde, laughing.

"You know it, Thor. Always eager to trip over something," I was prone to being a bit clumsy off the battlefield. It conflicted with the way I fought, a brilliant, battle-worthy Valkryie.

Thor shook his head, and above the soft chatter in the group, we heard Frigga call to Thor from afar, and he gave me a nod before turning towards the thrones, leaving Loki.

I turned back to the prince, giving him another bow. "I really do apologize, Prince Loki. I really can be clumsy sometimes," I blushed, standing straight again.

"I told you, it's quite all right." He reached a hand out towards me, palm up. "How about you make it up to me with a dance?" He smiled and my breath caught in my throat at the sight. I felt like I was drowning as I looked into his eyes. The calmness, the mystery.

No one ever seemed as interested in the darker-haired prince, and I always wondered why but was too ashamed to ask. I feared the others would tease, so I kept my thoughts to myself.

I gave him a smile and took his hand, lifting my dress with the other just slightly. "Of course, Your Highness."

With my hand in his, we stepped over to the dance floor, which essentially was just one side of the vast room. One hand was in mine, and his other went to my waist. My body was instantly covered in goosebumps, and I gently placed my free hand on his shoulder.