Shattered Reflection

Chapter Eight

You might want to go back and re-read the last chapter. Just to remember what is going on. Just a suggestion!
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Natalia's POV

I feel someone behind me and I turn to see Loki looking at me worriedly. I scramble up, brushing my skirt off.

"I-I'm sorry. I s-shouldn't be here. I wasn't invited," I apologize quickly, worried he'll be angry.

"It's quite alright. I believe she would want you to know over anyone," He says. I realize he's right, I would want Reuka to know.

"Thank you," I say and he smiles softly.

"Anytime," He says.

I hesitate for a moment before saying, "You should stay with us in Talahgard for a while. Get away from the sadness in the air. I'm sure... my sister... would have loved for you to experience the beauty."

He looks at me, "Are you certain?"

"Yes. My people would understand. I would love to have you as our guest," I say.

"In light of that, I would be honored," Loki smiles faintly.  

"I will have it planned," I say and leave, a faint smile on my lips.

Loki's POV

Reaka leaves and I sigh. She's so much in her sisters likeness it is comforting at times and it pains me at others.

A guard approaches me and kneels.

"Any leads as to finding us the Princess's killer?" I ask.

"I'm afraid not you majesty. No one knows anything in the towns. It appears to have been someone outside of Asgard," He says.

"Thank you," I say and dismiss him.

A servant approaches me and bows.

"Hiemdall has requested your presence," He says. I nod and teleport to the BiFrost.

"Yes?" I ask him. He turns to me.

"Something is not right with the royal family of Talahgard," He says.

"They just lost their daughter. Of course they wouldn't be alright," I say, confused as to what he means.

"No. Something strange. Something dark," Hiemdall says and turns back to the stars.

"Well, I am accompanying Princess Reuka to Talahgard for some time. Thor will be taking responsibility. If something is array, I'll be able to deal with it," I explain.

"Thank you, my king." He bows and I teleport back to the castle.

I walk into her room and look around. I see magic books sitting on her desk, the bookshelves full, and the curtains wide open. I walk to the windows and pull the shades. I feel tears but I stop them and hold my head up.

I need to be strong, for my darling. My Natalia. She will be looking down from Valhalla, watching me. I've had a sense that she is next to me a time and again.

I sigh and walk from the shades, and a gleam catches my eyes. I look over to see her crown. I smile sadly as I remember she never wore it much for fear of breaking it. It was her only sense of closure at the time.

I almost laugh as I remember the shocked look on her face when she placed it upon her head. Even then, she looked absolutely beautiful. A drop of water hits my boot and I lift a hand to my face to find tears yet again. It hurts, it hurts so much. My beautiful queen has been ripped from my side in the worst of ways. Why couldn't they have taken my life instead?

I should have been with her. I should have been there to protect her. I failed her. I feel my anger and despair rising to the surface and I try to bite it back down. I turn away from the crown and freeze at her vanity. Where a single, white rose lays. It's petals bright and soft.

With a scream of agony, the flower turns to ash.

Natalia's POV

"You did WHAT?!" My mother roars at me.

"I invited Loki to stay in Talahgard as a royal guest for a few weeks," I say cooly, not showing any emotion to the monster in front of me.

"You foolish child. You think he'll save you, do you not?" She laughs, "Your oaf of a king will never see past this illusion."

She gasps as a crack sounds throughout the air. My mother goes to touch her cheek to feel the imprint of my hand already beginning to show.

"Don't you ever speak of Loki in that regard again, or you will pay in blood."

"You bitch! I could have him killed if I wish!" She spits at me.

I turn, fire blazing in my eyes, "If you think I'll ever allow my love to be harmed by the likes of you, you would be very wrong. The second you think of even laying an ill-intentioned finger on him, I will not hesitate to slit your throat. I will smile as you blood stains the floors and I'll laugh as you beg for help."

Her face pales dramatically, "If you kill me, you'll never see your normal self again. And you would be thrown in prison and killed for murdering the queen!"

I smirk devilishly, "If it keeps Loki safe, I'll do anything. And as to murder," I begin to cry, "Oh help me! Someone has attacked my dear mother! She's not breathing! Help me! Please!"

I immediately stop the tears and wipe them from my cheeks, "I court the God of Lies. I have many tricks up my sleeve. Oh no! My dear sister's killer has slain my dear mother as well! I'll have this entire kingdom fooled. You may hold this... problem over my head, but I hold death over yours."

"You're an evil child."

"I'm not the monster in the room, mother." I spit.

"I'll make your life a living Hel!" She yells furiously.

"And I'll take the devils throne. Be prepared when you go to war with an angry and desperate creature if your are not ready to have blood spilled."

"Now, if you'll excuse me. I must see to Loki's preparation to leave."

I head to the door and open it. Without looking back I say, "You will pay, I promise."

The door slams.

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HELLO EVERYONE!!!

I'm baaaaaaack!

Yay?

Anyway I want to thank anyone who has read and waited for my story. I'm sorry for such a long pause, but it was necessary. You are all amazing people and I wish you the best.

THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH!!!!!

I will be updating on Wednesdays from now on (hopefully) 😋.