The Lady of Midgard [Book 1]

Chapter 7

A few weeks passed since you were at the training grounds too embarrassed to go back. Of all the people who had grabbed your attention it was Loki, the guy who had barely said anything nice to you since you had been here. You often wondered as you sat at dinner ignoring his stares if he regretted saving you. You wouldn't put it past him, most of the court seemed to have a stick up their backsides at your presence in Asgard.

A knock resounded at your door while you were getting Áedán dressed for the day.

"Stiorra I've told you, you don't need to knock, just come in," you exclaimed with a laugh while opening the door only to find Thor standing there with a broad smile on his face.

"Good morning my lady, unfortunately it is just I. My mother has requested a word with you and has sent me to be her errant messenger." He bowed with a flourish causing you to giggle.

"Oh, did she say why?" You were just a little bit apprehensive, it had been over a month since you came here and you'd yet to see the Queen. You had found out from Thor that his parents mostly took meal times away from the court, it would explain how Helena was able to do what she did. Unfortunately you did not have that luxury.

"No but it can't be that bad." Holding out his arm for you to take, he grabbed Áedán's hand while you shut the door before taking his arm.

"Did I ever tell you about the time my brother turned into a snake and stabbed me?"

"He didn't!" you gasped.

The walk there wasn't long but you found yourself in a part of the palace you had yet to explore. Once you arrived Thor didn't even bother to knock before entering the room dragging you in with him, his mother turned around in her chair as her son called out a greeting to her, rising with a smile on her face as she walked towards you both. Before you could even utter a word she enveloped you in a hug.

"Welcome, I'm so sorry I haven't had the chance to meet you yet. Oh and I see Stiorra managed to find you some clothing."

"I, uh, um, yeah? I mean thank you, Your Majesty." Attempting to be courteous. You still had no idea how to address anyone here and Thor refused to let you call him by his title instead preferring his name.

"Come sit, I have so much to ask you."

She grabbed your arm and walked you over to a set of chairs near the fireplace. As you got closer you noticed there was someone else sitting there. Loki. You bristled ready for whatever snide remark he was going to throw at you today. To your delight he kept his mouth shut instead.

"Um, if you're busy I'm happy to come back another time. I don't want to intrude."

"Nonsense. Thor, take Áedán and go play outside with him. Oh and take your brother with you," Frigga said, shooing the men away like little children, making you giggle.

"Now, tell me all about yourself." She took your hand and gestured for you to sit as Thor and Loki walked out with your son. You spent most of the morning answering every question she asked you, relaxing as the hours passed by and enjoying her company.

"Now, let us discuss why I called you here today." Frigga said once a maid had brought some lunch in for your both. You felt your stomach flip as you sat there under her stare. "The bifrost will take some time to repair, possibly years."

"So I'm stuck here?" you asked mournfully.

"For the time being." Frigga replied, pouring you both another cup of tea. "So that means..."

You took a deep shaky breath ready for what you knew was coming - finding a more permanent place in the city.

"...I would like you to be treated as any of the other Ladies here."