My Best Friend's Brother

Chapter 2

"I'm not going," I announced as I walked backwards, my hands covering my face.
"Yes, you are." Thor and I were walking through the gardens the morning after my arrival. He was adamant that I go this afternoon with the rest of the family, and I was adamantly positive I did not want to go. While strolling arm-in-arm, my eldest brother gave mine a squeeze "Come on, Will. You know that I can't show up without you; not now that everyone knows you're back in Asgard."
"Stupid Lady Boylen," if I ever get my hands on them, I'll... shove a vine where the sun doesn't shine. Thor grinned down at me kindly.
"And no you can't destroy LadyBolen," Thor nudged me with his shoulder. Did he just read my mind? "Besides, it'd be mortifying not to show up with you on my arm. Who else am I supposed to take to the winter social if not my beloved, beautiful best friend?" Thor wrapped an arm around me.
"If you don't stop with that talk people will think there is something between us," I rolled my eyes. I smirked back "You could always take Sage,"
"Haha, that is very funny. Perhaps you should have been a comedian instead of a doctor. I would rather chew my own arm off than take Sage to the dance. And I am pretty sure Sage would as well," Thor mocked "Look, all you need to do is show up, smile, make small talk with the right people, and act grateful for the opportunity to be there. We can leave after an hour. It's a real privilege to attend the winter social at the Palace, Willow. A million girls would kill for an opportunity like this." Thor beamed.
"An opportunity to go to the party or go with you?" I tilted my head. Thor had a small blush on his cheeks.
"Both?" Thor muttered. Again, I rolled my eyes. This conversation is not going to be an easy win
"Then the other million girls can go and I can stay home." I crossed my arms. Thor walked ahead of me, grinning like an idiot.
"I'm afraid that is not happening. You're going to the ball, end of story. For your return to Asgard, what better way to celebrate? And besides, You might meet some eligible husband material there too." My feet came to a freezing halt giving me the chance to shoot my brother a stare.
"Oh, now don't start all that marriage again! I still have four more months of my degree left to go."
"I thought you wanted to start applying for PhD positions next fall." My gaze lowered a bit.
"Well, I won't be able to unless..." My hands balled into fists; I always got really tense whenever we talked about this. Thor and I looked at each other again "Perhaps there's still time, Thor. We can change the will." I stopped walking.
"Willow..." He sighed but I wouldn't stop.
"I can petition Odin... Surely he can stop this whole thing."
"This is what your father would have wanted, Willow. He set up the will how he thought was best; it's not our place to question his judgment."
"But I am the only that is not benefitting from it! It's not right; what about my sisters? Are they expected to marry when they are of age?" Thor watched me for a moment before gently easing me to walk forward by tugging my arm, still linked with his.
"I am all for you achieving your dreams. What kind of best friend would I be if I didn't bolster you?" Thor sighed "I know it's not perfect but when has any type of inheritance ever been perfect? You may not like it, but your father knew what he was doing when he planned out his will. Mother said as the oldest daughter, you will get the most while Alder gets the rest. That money you're sitting on makes you the most eligible out of all your siblings. According to my father, It was his last wish that you marry well, and to do so you need money. Money equals titles, in this realm," Thor glanced forward while saying this last part. I eyed him, not saying anything right away. What could I say? I knew he was right. My father was a very traditional man, after all, titles and prestige were everything to him. I guess it didn't help that he was the Grandson of a Queen. My lips eventually parted, taking in a silent breath.
"Thor, I don't want a title. I don't even want a husband! I want to get a PhD with no strings attached. Can't we at least change that part of the will?" I stopped walking again. Thor walked on a little, staring at the rivers that flowed around Asgard.
"You know we can't. Believe me when I have said that I have tried. It has been set up that you get your trust fund for PhD when you get married, otherwise, you'll have to wait until you're a thousand years old." Thor sighed heavily.
"But I'm almost done now! Please, Thor; I'm begging you. I don't want to get married. Please change the will so I can go into PhD next year." Thor's eyes glossed all over me. He wasn't smiling but he kept holding my arm very near him. My heart sank right out of me when he sighed gravely.
"This isn't Midgard, Willow, You can't just contest your father's will just because you don't think it is fair. It would be seen as a public criticism to your father if we tried to amend it, and we can't insult his memory like that; not in the society we live in."
"But Thor..." I tried to beg but he simply shook his head.
"And look, I like the clause your father put in for you, Willow. We both want someone to take care of you." My eyes couldn't have rolled harder. See what I meant about the men in my family acting as if we were living three centuries ago?
"Like I have been doing, I can take care of myself." I frowned.
"With everything mental, yes. But there are some things men are just better at than women. A man can protect you and keep you from harm. that's his job."
"You don't think I can protect myself?" I gave an upset smirk. I held my hand out and made vines appear.
"Willow, Even with your power, You weigh less than a hundred and thirty pounds and can barely lift thirty pounds. Plus I don't like you living alone in your condition. Speaking of which, it's been an hour. Here, have some water," Thor checked his watch before reaching into his bag and pulling out a water bottle. I rolled my eyes again and took it from him.
"You don't have to keep track of the time. I can feel when I need something," I took a few sips. Thor shook his head.
"I don't care. It's been an hour and you're supposed to have a drink. I won't have you fainting at the social this afternoon."
"I've told you before. I've never actually fainted," the back of my hand wiped my mouth. I have been close.
"But you lost your vision for three seconds a couple of months ago. It's getting worse." I looked at him but didn't reply. He's right again; my vision did go completely white last winter for up to three seconds... or was it five? And while it has never happened to me before. And yes, it was admittedly scary. But I do think Thor panicked more than I did though.