Beautiful Silence

Chapter 1: Consuming Darkness

A small and soft sigh escaped the young women's fragile lips as she craned her neck back to take in the full view of the majestic painting of the royal family. It took up nearly the entire wall and was filled with such exquisite detail that she could count nearly every stitch woven into her dear queens gown. Each time she had to come down this hall and carefully dust off the dedicates that graced the hallways of the palace, she always made sure there was a time in her schedule to stop and admire the works of the painter. She couldn't help but draw a sharp breath each time she noticed how swift and concise work was done to make sure that each member was portrayed exactly right.

"Sigyn," A sharp voice drew from further down the hall, "you are not being paid to gaze about. Get back to work child!" The head maid ordered, giving Sigyn a deathly glare as she strode past her.

Sigyn scoffed at the women's need to constantly be breathing down her neck. No matter where she went, that dreadful woman would follow. Once, Sigyn had dared to talk back to her mentor. Sharply snapping back at the pitiful women with words that she would dare not speak in front of her mother. Of course, later she came to regret that decision, as her pay for the month had been deducted and she was forced to work twice as hard. Never again had she dared to go against that sickeningly pale women again, never.

Of course, that was four years ago, and Sigyn knew that it would be no use to hold a grudge now. Her mother would constantly remind her of that. Repeating the same commands and rules over and over. Stating that a women of nineteen ought to know her place by now. And she did, but no one told her she had to like it.

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Four hours later and Sigyn was done with her restricted chores so she could begin to get ready. Her mother wore a giant grin on her face, frantically chattering of how proud she was that her daughter was going to be serving drinks at the royal party. Going on and on about how Sigyn was quickly moving up the social ladder, regarding maids, that is.

"Now," her mother started up again, this time in a strict tone. "You are to address everyone as a lord or a lady. If you are privileged enough to be in the presence of his and her majesty, or even the princes, you are--"

Sigyn cut her off with a wicked smirk, "Not to exist, mother?" She claimed, knowing full well that she had irritated her mother greatly when she would act sarcastically towards her.

Her mother gave her a motherly glare, warning her to stop while she was ahead and Sigyn silently agreed. Mostly because she did not want to feel the wrath of the small, yet terrifying woman.

Taking one last glance in the mirror, making sure her uniform was to code, Sigyn gave her mother a kiss goodbye and made her way towards the main hall. That was where she was to first; stay and take their kingdoms guests coats, she would then make her way to the dining hall, where the great room she had cleaned once had been transformed into an elegant area of mixed activities.

In the far left corner, people danced away gracefully. A mix of different types of extravagant tunics and flowing gowns mixing together to form beautiful colors, but seeing how the dance was in Asgard, most of what everyone wore was gold in color. In the far right corner, there were people standing around, talking with one another peacefully and seemingly debating over who lived in the best realm. Although, everyone knew it was no use in arguing, Asgard had been on top since four generations ago. Of course, each generation was challenged and each won. Hopefully this generation would be no different, but, as each does have their fair share of trouble makers, perhaps Asgard might see their downfall. Finally, what appeared as soon as anyone would arrive, the feast. Dozens of beautifully carved tables filled the empty space with more food than one could possibly imagine. Of course, Sigyn could only wish to be apart of the lucky handful that could actually sit down and enjoy it.

Hardened voices interrupted Sigyns thoughts and her eyes darted to the large staircase behind her, where the royal family had already entered and stood. Making their round of Hello's and Thank You's to everyone that approached. But what caught her eye the most were the brothers, pondering who would attain the throne. She assessed the options, one brother, his Majesty Thor, was obnoxiously loud, loved to party, and loved war more than anything. The other, his Majesty Loki, was quiet, conniving, mischievous, and loved to toy with people using illusions. Sigyn personally didn't admire either of them, but she did secretly hope that perhaps the King would come to his senses and realize that neither were fit to be king, at least currently, that is.

"Aye, aye, servant girl." A bone chillingly wicked voice appeared behind her. Causing her to spin on her heels and try her best to muster up whatever smile was her best.

"Yes my lord?" She questioned, bowing down slightly to offer a drink from a platter she was holding. Each was filled with the finest wine Asgard could produce. It was always the best and the finest when it came to parties.

The odd man shook his hand and Sigyn questioningly gave him a glance, returning to an upright position. Allowing herself to fully assess the man, she found that she was quite a bit taller than him, gazing down at his boisterous appearance. It was more than clear that he had been well fed as a child and more so as an adult. His tunic was barely buttoning up correctly, a bit of his sourly stained undershirt peeking out.

"What can I do for you, sir?" She quietly stammered out, looking around for one of the other head servants, or even a servant. Sigyn couldn't place her finger quite on it yet, but something about this man made her sick, almost to the point of throwing up.

"Hmm," The man hummed with a click of his tongue. His blackening eyes fixating on the buttons of her dress. "For a servant girl, you sure do have quite the looks. Tell me, do the guards pay you to do dirty things for them, or do you volunteer all on your own?" He smugly asked, his wrinkly hands find it's way towards her waist and slowly making its way up.

"S-sir, this is far from appropriate behavior." Sigyn stuttered, becoming more uncomfortable by the second. All she wanted was to scream and shout and demand that the dreadful man never be allowed to come into Asgard again. But at the same time, she knew her place, she knew that no such thing would happen and that she would just do as best she could to tolerate it. At least until the drunken buffoon would let go and find someone else to harass.

"What? Is this not the kind of games you enjoy playing?" He slurred his words.

"I'm sorry, but you must have the wrong person." Sigyn answered, surprising herself with how steady her voice was. "I do not participate in such vile actions." She uttered strongly and tried to squirm out of his reach once again.

He snatched her back towards him, causing her to drop the tray that had been perfectly balancing in her hand. Everyone around them stopped momentarily to see what was going on, but had decided it was simply her being an idiotic servant sure to be scolded. "Not so fast," He whispered into her ear, a shiver trailing down her spin, her mind becoming more and more foggy as he inched ever so closer.

"S-stop," Sigyn stuttered, her voice barely above a whisper. She was beginning to feel faint, as though she might pass out at any second. But the man in front of her had no intention of listening. He continued to further harass her, his hand firmly making it's mark on her bottom.

"I believe," A deep and loud voice boomed from behind them, a shadow forming over them. "That the young woman politely asked for you to stop."

Guards immediately detained him, his grip quickly lost on Sigyn's arms as she dropped to the ground. Everything became dark, cold, frightening. Sigyn didn't know what to do, didn't know how to respond. She tried to hear the voice around her, but she couldn't quite make out what they were saying. It was all mostly whispers, well, at least almost all of it was.

One voice was clear before she could no longer keep herself awake.

"Great, now look what you've done dear brother!" A deep and dark voice steadily argued with the loud one.