The Lady of Midgard [Book 1]

Chapter 17

Waking up late, the sun streaming in through the open curtains, you realised that maybe you couldn't do this.

It was the day of the ball and no doubt the palace would be busy getting everything ready for tonight, you on the other hand wanted to grab Áedán and curl back under the blankets and hide till it was all over.

He was going to be there.

And right now you wanted to never see him again. You were glad he didn't kiss you that day in the forest because it would have made finding his lie out even worse. It didn't help that you refused to even acknowledge his presence the last few days; not like he cared, happily letting Helena drape herself across him every time you saw them both together.

Your mind decided to not be helpful either and supplied that maybe Helena didn't put out that week, it would explain why he was extra attentive and had ignored you since. You'd heard enough talk and seen him in action during your time here. You needed to stop daydreaming, you were just a stupid mortal; as if a god would like you.

Stiorra said she was going to be busy this morning but would come by later to help you get ready. You had tried to tell her it was fine hoping you could stay in your room and avoid going however she insisted, reminding you that royals were visiting so you had to make some effort. There had to be some way out of this.

Sick? Yeah maybe you could be sick...but Eir would give you that horrible medicine again and you would be sick for real. Nope that wouldn't work.

Groaning when you couldn't think of anything you got out of bed waking Áedán up and getting him and yourself dressed. Deciding to grab some breakfast and find somewhere that wasn't your room to hide away from the crowds before dropping Áedán off to Hilde for the evening, hoping the garden was empty. The cold seemed to keep everyone inside.

— — — —

Loki had tried to talk to you since he had spoken with his mother but you refused to even be in his presence, not helped by Helena somehow knowing you weren't talking and refusing to leave him alone; he didn't blame you one bit.

He should have told you the truth in the beginning, before...before he got to know the person you were, after that it became harder, he didn't want to lose you.

Watching from the shadows as you finally left your room with Áedán he realised that now was his chance.

Making sure no one else was around he entered your room.

— — — —

After spending most of the day in the gardens you took Áedán to Hilde and helped get him settled for the night, thanking her so much for watching him. She very kindly explained that the Allmother had requested she watch Áedán till the morning so you didn't need to worry and could enjoy your evening. It was going to be weird not having Áedán with you tonight, maybe you could take the opportunity to excuse yourself early and relax away from everyone.

On the way back to your room you realised you were running late and still needed to find something to wear for tonight, now wishing you hadn't turned down Sif's offer to borrow one of hers. Opening the door and walking to the closet you wondered if Stiorra had added anything different, you doubted it but wondered if there was a dress you could make suitable for tonight, maybe the blue one? It was the only ostentatious dress in your possession. Before you could even open the cupboard something caught your eye and you looked towards it, letting out a gasp of surprise.

On your bed lay a beautiful black dress that seemed to sparkle in the light.

That definitely wasn't there when you left earlier!